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Lyt når som helst, hvor som helst 

BBC World Service

Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the news from Africa. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna.

Focus on Africa

Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, affects an estimated 160 million people worldwide. Some forms of the condition disproportionately affect black women, due to a combination of factors including hairstyles that place tension on the hair, as well as genetic and hormonal influences. Now, some dermatologists are also saying they're seeing more cases, particularly among younger people. Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have hinted at potential new treatments for hair loss. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to 23-year-old Sharon Chepkoech, known online as Kechi, from Kenya, and 47-old-year Mpume Dlamini from South Africa about their experience of living with alopecia and how they are using social media to raise awareness of the condition.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse Shumba
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine 
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

"I'm 23 and losing my hair"

A compliant submitted by ​the Nigerian Press Organisation, which represents newspaper owners, journalists’ unions, ⁠broadcasters and online publishers, has prompted the country's President Bola Tinubu to issue an investigation by the country's competition regulator into major technology companies over alleged anti-competitive practices and unauthorised use of news content. Growing influence of big-tech companies in Africa has sparked concerns over dominance in digital advertising, the use of news content without fair compensation, algorithms that control what people see, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and copyright.

Also, we take a look at a new Malawian National Action Plan that seeks to improve the rights of people with albinism in the workplace. We hear from Malawi's Bonface Massah, head of the Africa Albinism Network, who also lives with albinism.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Ayuba Illya, Helen Oyibo and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria investigates AI and tech firms

The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Denis Brown has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's besieged city of El-Obeid is worsening as fighting and a blockade by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue. He says repeated drone strikes have hit power stations and water facilities, leaving civilians without essential services. The UN Human Rights Council has also ordered an urgent investigation into alleged crimes committed during the fighting in Sudan’s El-Obeid amid growing fears that violence in the city could escalate into mass atrocities.

Also, at least 400 dogs have been killed in the Ethiopian town of Hossana after rabies related complications killed three children and left dozens of others in hospital, sparking outrage among dog owners. We hear from those impacted.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Illya and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

UN warns of Sudan's El-Obeid siege

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Senate adopted a constitutional revision bill in June, which has raised fierce controversy as it would effectively reset presidential term limits. The legislation paves the way for a public vote on a new constitution. Under this proposal, President Félix Tshisekedi's previous terms in office would be discounted, essentially allowing him to seek a third term as if it were his first. A planned demonstration against the constitutional changes has now been postponed until July 22nd following a mediation led by Burundian President and African Union Chairperson, Évariste Ndayishimiye. 

Also, what does the growing trend of AI use mean for Africa's animation film? We speak to creative director and animator, Chief David Nyamyweya.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

DRC: Tshisekedi's third term bid contested

All but two African teams have been eliminated from the World Cup. Out of the 10 African teams participating when the tournament kicked off in the US, Canada and Mexico, Egypt is at the round of 16, preparing to face Argentina. Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals having defeated Canada. 

And it's the rainy season in West Africa, and recent flooding has caused more than 78 deaths in cities in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. We explore the impact of climate disasters on mental health. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Africa's last teams standing at the World Cup

Have you heard of solo-maxxing, or "by yourself maxxing"? It's a social media trend in which young people are embracing single life by opting out of dating and choosing to spend more time on their own. Instead, they're prioritising personal wealth, career growth and emotional independence. So, what's driving this trend? Is it a new kind of freedom, or are young people giving up on dating altogether? BBC Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Kenyan content creator Chantelle Petit and British Somali podcaster Ahmendur Hirad about their solo-maxxing journeys, the motivations behind their choices, and the challenges they've faced along the way.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shuma, Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Priya Sippy
Technical Producers: David Kinyanjui
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Solo-maxxing: are people opting out of dating?

Rights group, Amnesty International, says it documented the use of ethnic slurs during attacks on non-Arab communities, which the organisation says points to ethnic persecution. The report says the crimes were committed by paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces - RSF - during the group's offensive on the city of El Fasher in Sudan's North Darfur region last year. The report shows children were among the hardest hit and that hundreds of thousands have been displaced, many repeatedly exposed to attacks while fleeing, and others orphaned, abducted or forcibly recruited. 

And, what investments are urgently needed to unlock the full potential of Africa's entertainment industry? We speak to creative entertainment couple Darey Art Alade and Deola Art Alade.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Rights group accuses RSF of crimes against humanity in Sudan

South Africa on June 30 saw protests across different parts of the country. The demonstrators called for undocumented migrants to return to their home countries. While several African countries have repatriated their nationals from the country, many more are believed to still be residing in South Africa. We look at what's next for them and the country. 

And, in Tanzania, an indigenous tribe called the Hadzabe, one of Africa's oldest hunter-gatherer communities are preserving their knowledge using a CyberTracker app. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

What next after South Africa anti-migrant protests?

As neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo battle the Ebola outbreak, Tanzanian authorities say they're taking no chances. From screening travellers at border crossings to training frontline health workers, officials insist they're ready if the virus crosses into the country. But along the vast Lake Tanganyika shoreline, concerns remain over unofficial border crossings. 

And, at the 2026 World Cup, only eight of the 48 teams have squads made up entirely of home-born players. We explore how migration, identity and family ties are reshaping international football.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui 
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Tanzania strengthens border surveillance against Ebola

Tuesday, June 30, is the unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant protestors for unregistered African nationals to leave South Africa. March and March movement, a group opposed to illegal migration, is expected to stage what they call “a national shutdown” following its demand for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Ahead of the nationwide protests, we hear from African nationals at a temporary camp in Durban waiting to be repatriated to their home countries. 

Also, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announce plans for a regional news agency. We look into what the move means for information control and accountability. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Illya
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui 
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Inside the temporary immigrant camps in South Africa

Niger has set strict conditions for reopening its border with Benin closed since the July 2023 military takeover. Among them are a new defence agreement, greater transparency over foreign military activities near the border, and the creation of a joint intelligence unit. The conditions were outlined during talks in Cotonou, Benin's commercial capital between a Niger delegation led by Maj Gen Mohamed Toumba, a member of the ruling military junta, and Beninese officials.

In The Gambia, the country is grappling with rising temperatures, coastal erosion, erratic rainfall, and growing pressure on communities that depend on agriculture and fisheries all due to climate change

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Benin and Niger push toward border reopening

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