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BBC World Service

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

Focus on Africa

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington this week as Senegal seeks a new IMF programme. Earlier, the government introduced measures aimed at easing the cost of living and reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on a new $2.2 billion, three-year lending programme to support economic and financial reforms. However, the deal still requires approval from the IMF Executive Board.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Dakar, protesters are calling for lower prices on essential goods and services, including food, fuel, electricity and rent. We examine the impact of Senegal's hidden debt crisis of more than $11 billion on ordinary citizens, how the country reached this point and what plans are in place to address the challenges.

And we hear from a Ugandan designer whose creativity captured global attention at the recently concluded Miss World pageant in Vietnam. Her striking design, worn by Miss World Uganda, brought to life the seven anatomical layers involved in a Caesarean section, earning international recognition and sparking conversations far beyond the world of fashion.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

IMF talks amid Senegal debt crisis

Earlier this year, a young Nigerian went viral after saying he would rather be a donkey in Malawi than a graduate in Nigeria. And he wasn't alone. Another young man made headlines after taking to the streets of Abuja with a placard declaring that he had a BA, MSc and PhD - but still couldn't find a job. 

Young Nigerians account for the largest share of the country's unemployed population and for many graduates earning a degree has not translated into finding a job. A recent report by ActionAid and Plan International put the number of unemployed young people at 80million, many of which have received formal education to the tertiary level. 

So, why are so many young Nigerian graduates struggling to find work? Is the problem with Nigeria's education system, the economy, or something else?

Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, travelled to Lagos to hear from people on different sides of the issue: Olamide Adeyeye, who works with a job-search platform; 23-year-old Titilayo Nwosu, a botany graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University; and Dr Suraj, a lecturer at the University of Lagos. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba,Carolyne Jotham and Faith Oshoko 
Technical producer: David Kinyanjui
Senior producers: Blessing Aderogba and Priya Sippy
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla.

Was my university degree worth it?

A succession battle is intensifying in Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom ahead of the late king’s burial. Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma has been named the next monarch, but the decision is being challenged by members of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s immediate family, raising questions about the kingdom’s future leadership.

And Ethiopia is preparing to welcome the year 2019 on September 11. On New Year's Eve, Ethiopians at home and across the world will celebrate Enkutatash, the start of a new year in the Ethiopian calendar. We explore the traditions and how the occasion is marked.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Fana Negash
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

Controversy Over Ugandan Kingdom's Royal Succession

The recent killing of eight women across Cameroon in a single week has sparked outrage and renewed calls for specific legislation to tackle gender-based violence. The country has been grappling with femicide in recent years, with human rights organisations accusing the government of not doing enough to protect women. We explore what's behind the violence and why activists are pushing for stronger protections for women. 

And a conversation about the challenges facing African and African-American talent in the global film industry, from stereotypes and typecasting to pay disparities and limited opportunities for career growth.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

Is Cameroon doing enough on femicide?

Undocumented foreign traders in Kenya have 90 days to legalise their status. This follows a directive from President William Ruto that they should not compete with Kenyans in small businesses. The trade ministry said some foreigners exploit visa rules to work in the country without the required permits. And in Sudan, we hear from a photographer who fled the violence in El-Fasher, a key city in Darfur, that is now under control by the Rapid Support Forces. He now lives in Tawila camp about 60km north of Darfur. For years, he documented the war. Now, his camera is chasing smiles despite the conflict. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui 
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba 
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Kenya gives foreign traders 90-day ultimatum

The United Nations has endorsed a new map projection that more accurately represents Africa’s true size. The "Correct the Map" resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by African Union (AU) member states, was adopted with the support of 164 countries, including France and the United Kingdom. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six nations abstained. On this episode, we explore why this new map matters and what it reveals about Africa’s true scale.

And Nigeria has one of the world's highest numbers of out-of-school children, with the UN estimating that 19 million are missing out on education. Insecurity remains a major barrier. BBC Eye follows two young girls in Zamfara State who are rebuilding their futures through education after violence forced them out of school.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Bella Twine
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui 
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba 
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

Why maps make Africa smaller

From selling charcoal, firewood and a popular West Africa staple food locally known as garri, to making waves on the global music scene. Liberian superstar JZyNO has come a long way. He started making music in Liberia before moving to Ghana to pursue his dreams, where he found a more developed music industry. In 2023, he broke onto the international scene with his hit single, Butta My Bread, which has amassed over 300 million views.
 
He sat down with Focus on Africa to reflect on life since his breakout hit, his humble beginnings in Liberia, and what the country needs to do to produce more globally successful artists.
 
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Godwin Asediba, Keikantse Shumba, Carolyne Jotham and Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producers: Charles Gitonga and Priya Sippy
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

JZyNO on taking Liberia’s sound global

From devastating floods in Nepal to growing weather concerns across Africa, extreme weather is once again putting communities at risk. The United Nations warns that up to 162 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa live in areas exposed to the impending El Niño weather event. Experts say it could be the strongest El Niño in more than 70 years, bringing the risk of intensifying drought, extreme heat and flooding.

And we hear from a macro photographer who captures tiny insects in remarkable detail, in the environments they call home, to inspire people to care about their vital role in our ecosystems.

Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

Is Africa ready for a stronger El Niño?

The senior adviser to US President Donald Trump on African and Arab Affairs, Massad Boulos, speaks exclusively to the BBC about why the US is asking the UN Security Council to approve a nationwide arms embargo on Sudan, a move Washington says could help end the war which has been ongoing for more than 3 years. A nationwide embargo would ban the sale, transfer or supply of weapons and military equipment to all sides of the conflict, including the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

And, despite affecting millions of people worldwide, dyslexia remains widely misunderstood in Africa. The neurodevelopmental learning difference can affect reading, spelling and language processing.

We hear from someone living with dyslexia about her experience and the stigma surrounding it.

Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Bella Twine and Chiamaka Dike
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

US pushes for Sudan arms embargo

Guinea-Bissau awaits the results of Sunday's referendum on a proposed new constitution which aims to increase presidential powers. The vote is seen as an important step ahead of December's general election, which is expected to return the country to civilian rule after last year's military coup. The proposed constitution would give more powers to the president and reduce the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65. The military government says the changes would make parliament more effective and help reduce tensions between the president and prime minister.

And we enter the world of dressing as your favourite anime or video game character. This, known as Cosplay, is giving young people new ways to bring characters from animation, comics and video games to life, especially from Japanese animation, better known as Anime.

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

Guinea-Bissau votes to reshape presidency

The World Bank estimates that Africa's working age population could grow by as much as 450 million by 2035. So how can African countries create the millions of jobs needed to accommodate these people? This special episode of the Africa Today podcast hears from experts and innovators from across the continent.

Jobs jobs jobs

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