Focus on Africa

BBC

Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the news from Africa. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

  • 32 minutes 23 seconds
    RSF takeover Zamzam camp in Darfur

    The UN says more than 100 civilians, among them at least 20 children and a medical team, have been killed in a series of attacks in Sudan's western Darfur region. The attacks, on the city of el-Fasher and two nearby camps, Zamzam and Abu Shouk, have been blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They say they've taken control of Zamzam, but denied reports of atrocities.

    Also, what's it like working in the uninhabited continent of Antartica?

    And what everyone should know about menopause.

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Pat Sissions Producers: Patricia Whitenorne and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    14 April 2025, 2:35 pm
  • 32 minutes 28 seconds
    Rwanda asks UK to extradite genocide suspects

    More than 30 years after the genocide in Rwanda, the country has asked Britain to extradite six suspects on UK soil. Can the suspects face trial in UK for the alleged crimes?

    As Gabon seeks to transition to a democratic system, could the coup’s mastermind General Brice Oligui Nguema win a presidential election?

    And why migratory birds that flock to Uganda maybe endangered.

    Presenter : Audrey Brown Producers : Charles Gitonga and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Victor Sylver and Tom Kavanagh in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    11 April 2025, 2:22 pm
  • 30 minutes 41 seconds
    Former Gambian soldier trialled in the US

    A former Gambian soldier, Michael Sang Correa, is standing trial in a US federal court in Denver, Colorado. Correa faces charges of torture and conspiracy to commit torture. Who is he and why is he being trialled in a US court?

    Also, what to do about the widespread use of artificial intelligence among university students in South Africa?

    And as Ghana's Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey steps into her role as Commonwealth Secretary-General, we explore the legacy of the past leader and the role of the organisation

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Bella Hassan, Daniel Dadzie and Patricia Whitehorne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp

    10 April 2025, 2:34 pm
  • 29 minutes 49 seconds
    Can Tanzania benefit from US-China tariff wars ?

    With US-China tariff wars escalating- how could Tanzania benefit?

    Is South Sudan on the verge of a return to civil war?

    And why a TV dating show in Ethiopia is causing controversy.

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:  Frenny Jowi in Nairobi, Tom Kavanagh, Nyasha Michelle and Patricia Whitehorne in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    9 April 2025, 2:16 pm
  • 25 minutes 45 seconds
    US cancels visas for South Sudanese nationals

    The US this week announced that it would revoke the visas of all South Sudanese passport holders. This was in reaction, to the refusal by immigration authorities at Juba international airport to accept a deported individual. Who is the man at the heart of the dispute and what options does South Sudan have?

    Also, why campaigners in South Africa are concerned over the use of hazardous pesticides and worker safety on farms

    And the Ivorian beauty pageant that has banned wigs and hair extensions. Is this a good idea or not?

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Patricia Whitehorn and Bella Hassan in London. Daniel Dadzie in Ghana. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    8 April 2025, 1:52 pm
  • 28 minutes 16 seconds
    Who is Trump's envoy to Africa?

    Who is Massad Boulos the man steering the US and the DR Congo towards a mineral deal?

    What's Uganda's role in the DR Congo crisis?

    And are African youth more resilient than their western peers?

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Frenny Jowi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi, Blessing Aderogba in Lagos with Tom Kavanagh and Amie Leibowitz in London. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    7 April 2025, 2:06 pm
  • 32 minutes 8 seconds
    How will new US tariffs affect Lesotho?

    We take a closer look at the impact of the newly imposed US tariffs and hear from Lesotho - at 50% it is one of the hardest hit countries. Does the small landlocked country have a backup plan for its industries?

    Algeria says it shot down a military drone near the border with Mali, while Mali says one of its unmanned aircraft crashed. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Algeria and its southern neighbour. So why have the two countries grown apart?

    And why are so few wildlife safaris owned and run by black people on the continent? We hear from one Ugandan man who went from being a tour guide, to setting up his own successful safari business.

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Amie Liebowitz and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    4 April 2025, 3:14 pm
  • 28 minutes 16 seconds
    Will Trump's tariffs hurt Africa?

    Are benefits from the African Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa)  dead in the water after steep US tariffs on Africa are announced? Senegal's parliament approves revisions to a controversial amnesty law And raising awareness of autism in Somali culture

    Presenter : Audrey Brown Producers: Daniel Dadzie,  Bella Hassan, Ash Mohamed and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer : Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

    3 April 2025, 3:06 pm
  • 34 minutes 53 seconds
    A conversation with AfDB president, Akinwumi Adesina

    The president of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, will soon be stepping down from the role after serving the maximum two terms. In an interview with podcast host Audrey Brown, he reflects on the achievements and challenges of the past 10 years in office.

    A new study reveals the pitfalls and barriers limiting women entrepreneurs from growing their businesses online - so how can these issues be addressed?

    And some of Britain's prestigious boarding schools are setting up campuses in Nigeria. Who will benefit?

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz here in London. Frenny Jowie in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    2 April 2025, 3:23 pm
  • 25 minutes 1 second
    Somalia offers US control of port

    Somalia offers the US full control over the airbase and port of Berbera in Somaliland

    The juntas in West Africa impose tariffs on imported goods from Ecowas countries - what effect will this have.

    Can music cheer up Sierra Leone - reportedly one of the most unhappy places on the globe? Rapper Drizilik thinks so.

    Presenter: Wahiga Mwaura Producers: Bella Hassan, Daniel Dadzie and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    1 April 2025, 2:37 pm
  • 27 minutes 55 seconds
    Stranded: Exposing the UK’s immigration scammers

    A BBC investigation has found the UK visa system is being undermined by scammers who are swindling migrants out of thousands of pounds, by promising them jobs in Britain which often do not exist. We hear more from the BBC Africa Eye reporter.

    Why is Kenya risking the wrath of Serbia, considered to be an ally, by recognising Kosovo and its claim to independence from Serbia?

    And why is Ghana's Chief Justice facing renewed efforts to remove her from office?

    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Amie Liebowitz and Nyasha Michelle in London. Daniel Dadzie in Accra, and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    31 March 2025, 2:30 pm
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