• 22 minutes 59 seconds
    South Africa: what realities face those fleeing xenophobia?

    Foreign nationals in South Africa are facing renewed fears following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, which have reportedly killed nine Mozambican nationals. Ghana and Mozambique have begun evacuating some of their citizens, while other countries are considering similar moves. We hear from those fleeing the tensions and how they are rebuilding life in their home countries.

    Then, we head to Lagos to meet acclaimed Nigerian musician and producer Cobhams Asuquo. Born visually impaired, he taught himself to play the piano and went on to help shape the sound of modern African music. BBC Outlook's Tommy Dixon meets him to discuss his journey, his music, and navigating life without sight.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers:Godwin Asediba, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

    4 June 2026, 3:40 pm
  • 22 minutes 59 seconds
    Nigerian teachers protest school kidnappings

    Teachers in Nigeria's Oyo, Borno and Lagos states protest kidnappings of teachers and learners. And how poor sanitation puts mothers at risk of maternal sepsis in Zambia.

    3 June 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    What's in Ghana's new anti-LGBTQ+ bill?

    Ghana’s President John Mahama has said the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo a review by the Attorney General and legal advisers at the presidency before he decides to sign it into law. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was approved by parliament last Friday. The legislation proposes a three-year prison sentence for same-sex relations and up to five years imprisonment for promoting LGBTQ+ activities. The law has attracted mixed reaction within the country. This is not the first time Ghana has come up with such a proposal. A previous bill approved in 2024 recommended stricter punishment but was never signed into law.

    Also, we hear about a controversial multi-million dollar sports event allowing participating athletes to use performance enhancing drugs, usually banned in international competitions.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Bella Twine, Priya Sippy and Ayuba lliya Technical producer: David Nzau Senior Ppoducer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

    2 June 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    Kenyans protest proposed US Ebola facility

    Protests erupted on June 1 near a military airfield in Central Kenya where the US government is planning to establish an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens. Construction on the site was paused last week by a Kenyan court pending a hearing into a lawsuit lodged by campaigners to block the move. However local media has reported that two US military aircraft have already delivered medical personnel and equipment to the base. The proposed quarantine facility has proven controversial with medics and the public in Kenya opposing it.

    Also, Nigerian Singer, Tiwa Savage speaks about legacy and her role in helping women find their space in technical and executive roles in the music industry.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba lliya Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

    1 June 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    Gigantomastia: Living with my oversized breasts

    For many women, having larger breasts may be down to genetics. But for some, breast growth is extreme, painful and life-altering. The condition is called 'gigantomastia'. A condition that causes excessive breast tissue growth, leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and emotional distress.

    Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 25-year-old South African content creator Michelle Sekwena, who has been sharing her journey with gigantomastia and her experience undergoing breast reduction surgery.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

    29 May 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 59 seconds
    Kenya's toxic masculinity influencers

    BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield has spent a year examining the rise of two of the most influential manosphere figures. In Kenya, she met Andrew Kibe who has millions of followers online and offline. We hear how these individuals have built massive online audiences and the lucrative business behind it all.

    And a look at how the political fallout between Senegal's former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye means for the West African country.

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

    28 May 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    Ethiopia votes amid press freedom concerns

    Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently ranked 148th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, we look at what's it like for journalists covering the election.

    And in Uganda, we hear how therapy dogs are helping survivors of abuse and trauma.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Carolyne Kiambo and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

    27 May 2026, 3:29 pm
  • 22 minutes 59 seconds
    Ebola and burial traditions in DRC

    The World Health Organisations says Ebola is spreading faster than originally thought and has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda, where there have been seven confirmed cases. In the last week, there have been incidents where angry crowds attempted to reclaim bodies of loved ones from Ebola treatment centres in Mongwalu and Rwampara. We take a look at how burial traditions are being impacted by the virus and what the recommended procedures look like.

    Also, Burkina Faso's livestock export ban has a direct impact on Eid celebrations in Ivory Coast. What are the alternatives?

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

    26 May 2026, 2:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    What does it mean to be African?

    May 25 is Africa Day, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity - now known as the African Union (AU). We spoke to three Africans, a generation X, a millennial and a Gen Z about the dreams and aspirations Africans today.

    And South African activists on the Gaza bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home. The activists were on board the flotilla taking aid to Gaza before being intercepted and detailed by Israeli soldiers. We heard from some of them, who claimed that Israeli security forces subjected them to torture but Israel denies this.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

    25 May 2026, 3:15 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    Are billionaires good for Africa?

    About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars. At the same time, many people on the continent are living in poverty, and their number has also grown. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga has been speaking to the youngest billionaire in Africa, Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji, about how he made his billions and the responsibility of billionaires to reduce the widening inequality gap.

    Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer:Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

    22 May 2026, 3:30 pm
  • 22 minutes 58 seconds
    Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali?

    In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel.

    And, some lawmakers in Ghana are considering a bill to introduce compulsory DNA testing to combat the increase in paternity fraud cases in the country.

    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

    21 May 2026, 3:30 pm
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