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BBC World Service

Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Focus on Africa

In this episode, we explore two important stories from Africa. First, Algeria’s parliament has passed a revised law criminalising French colonial rule. The amendments remove earlier demands for an official apology and reparations after the Senate requested the changes. The law still includes demands for compensation for victims of French nuclear tests in Algeria.

We then turn to Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing involuntary tics that affects millions worldwide. In Africa, the condition is often misunderstood leading to stigma. Advocates are pushing for awareness, early diagnosis and support. We hear from someone in Nigeria about what it’s like to live with Tourette syndrome.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Algeria revises law on French colonialism

In this episode, we look at the impact of the ongoing US–Israel war with Iran on neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. Africans in the region are caught in the crossfire, some have been evacuated by their governments, while others remain stranded. We speak to a young Ghanaian still in Bahrain and a Ugandan who has just returned home.

We also explore Lesotho’s annual three-day Moshoeshoe Walk, where thousands retrace King Moshoeshoe I’s historic route. What began as a tribute to his legacy has grown into a heritage-tourism event celebrating history, wellness and community, while raising funds to support girls’ education.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Africans caught up in Middle East war

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.

And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Women’s Month: Leadership and Africa’s Economy

As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected.
 
We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film maker and the founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians. Priscilla grew up in Iran to an Iranian mother and Congolese father, she speaks to us from South Africa where she is currently living.
 
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Afro-Iranian community grapples with new war

As the US-Israel war with Iran escalates, its global effects are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in the petroleum products supply chain.
The situation follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route between Iran and Oman that handles the transit of more than 20 million barrels of crude oil daily.
We take a closer look at how African countries are responding and how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting the continent.
 
And ahead of Ghana’s 69th Independence Day on Friday, hip-hop artist Sarkodie shares insights on the country’s music scene and the push for greater female representation.
 
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

US‑Israel war with Iran hits oil in Africa

On this episode, we examine the future of the US-brokered peace deal after Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Kigali calls the move is unfair and accuses the DRC of failing to meet its own commitments. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has opened its first unmanned police station in Addis Ababa, letting citizens report crimes digitally. The pilot is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to modernize public services, but is raising questions about adoption and data protection.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba, Daniel Dadzie and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

US sanctions Rwandan army

At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump’s new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it gives governments more control over their health systems, but critics question accountability, data protection and continued US influence. We unpack what the deal means and why it’s dividing opinion across the continent.

And as the world marks World Hearing Day, we turn to the 40 million people across Africa living with hearing loss. With sign language officially recognised in only four countries- South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe, we head to Nairobi, where a young tech startup is using AI to translate spoken and written English into sign language in real time.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Dingindaba Buyoya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

US health deal sparks debate in Africa

As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, concerns grow over its effects on Africa, including the security and economic impacts. Thousands of Africans working or traveling in Gulf cities like Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar, are already facing disruptions, with some reportedly stranded at airports. Meanwhile, several African countries have called for urgent de-escalation to prevent the crisis from worsening.

At the same time, Ghana has removed Kotoka’s name from its airport, restoring it to Accra International Airport. The government says national monuments should reflect democracy, not coups. The decision has sparked debate among Ghanaians, coming sixty years after a military coup that reshaped the country’s political history.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba and Godwin Asediba
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

What's the Impact of US-Israel-Iran War on Africa

Around the world, one in six people will experience infertility in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation. In Africa, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds infertility, but now, more people are starting to speak out about their struggles on social media. 

Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, sat down for a chat with Matshepo Segole, from Johannesburg, South Africa who has built a community on TikTok for women navigating infertility, and Jonathan Luwagga, who is British-Ugandan. He has been sharing his story on social media to encourage more men to speak out about this issue. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

'Owning my infertility story'

The president of Israel Isaac Herzog has just concluded an official state visit in Ethiopia. We look at the historic ties between the two countries, and what the visit means for the horn of Africa region. 
Also, a report by the Alliance for Malaria Prevention warns that progress made in containing the disease could be stalling due to global aid funding cuts. The report predicts that a reduction of financing by 30 percent could see an additional 146 million malaria cases by 2030. We speak to the Executive Director of the Alliance. 

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Albert Kirui 
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Israel's influence in the horn of Africa

In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.

We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Tunisia prominent critic released from prison

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