Focus on Africa

Uganda’s election campaign enters its final days ahead of voting on January 15th, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his four decades in power. His main challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine, has rallied younger voters amid concerns raised by the UN about the political climate. We hear from voters and from the BBC in Kampala on the mood in the country. Then, we travel to Benin’s coastal city of Ouidah, where thousands gathered for Vodun Days, celebrating a spiritual tradition and its growing global appeal. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In his first interview since taking office on 1 Jan, the new head of the UN refugee agency, Dr Barham Salih, speaks to the BBC about US concerns over the organisation’s effectiveness and his push for reform. Speaking during his first working visit to Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, he stresses the continuing scale of global civilian displacement and the need for more efficient humanitarian responses. We also look at how social media platforms are helping young people across Africa use running to build community, connection and wellbeing in cities including Abuja and Nairobi.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Priya Sippy Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Now, despite a start-up boom happening in Africa, a recent study showed that many of Africa’s start-up founders say their jobs have negatively impacted their mental well-being.60% of founders reported experiencing anxiety, 58% high stress, 52% exhaustion, and 20% depression. Key stressors include fundraising, inflation and economic instability. Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna had a discussion with Jihan Abass, founder of Lami Insurance Technology - a Kenya-based fintech - and Mawano Kambeu, founder of Zambia-based digital company, Dot Com Zambia, to discuss burnout, mental health and navigating Africa’s complex start-up scene.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Weldye Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Heavy fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has intensified in the central region of Kordofan, forcing tens of thousands of civilians from their homes. The UN says entire communities were displaced late last year, as residents describe horrific abuses, fleeing attacks and searching for safety.We then turn to AFCON in Morocco, where one DR Congo supporter has captured attention by posing as a living statue of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. Beyond the viral moments, we explore why history, identity and politics are finding a place inside the football stadium.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Chigozie Ohaka, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Burkina Faso’s military government says it has stopped an attempt to assassinate junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, just hours after soldiers allegedly plotted to remove him and other senior officials. The latest plot follows years of coups and instability in the West African nation.We then turn to Africa’s digital frontier, where disinformation is evolving fast. Generative AI and deepfakes are being used to manipulate videos and images, especially during elections. In Uganda, authorities are warning political actors to campaign ethically, while experts demonstrate how to spot fake content. The episode explores both the fragility of power and the fragility of truth.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

African governments are weighing in after Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was arrested and flown to New York following a US operation in Caracas. Ghana and South Africa have criticised the move, while the African Union says it is watching events with great concern. We also hear how ordinary people in Accra, Ghana, view the unfolding crisis.Plus, we then turn to AFCON in Morocco, where excitement on the pitch contrasts with frustration off it. Many fans say high flight costs and poor travel connectivity are making it difficult to follow their teams in person.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

New tax laws in Nigeria are drawing criticism just days after taking effect, with many citizens worried about rising costs, shrinking incomes and pressure on small businesses. The government insists the reforms are designed to make the system fairer and more efficient, but scepticism remains over how the money will be used. We unpack what the new laws actually change and hear from officials defending the policy.We also turn to health, as experts warn that stress-induced overeating is becoming a major problem across Africa, driven by economic pressure, urban life and uncertainty.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Makuochi Okafor, Keikantse Shumba, Priya Sippy, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

How many hours a day do you spend on your smartphone? Smartphones have become essential to daily life - but concerns about overuse are growing. Research has linked smartphone addiction to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Focus on Africa host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to 27-year-old Dion Rapakgadi from Johannesburg about his past struggles with phone addiction, and to Kenyan musician Nviiri the Storyteller, who recently swapped his smartphone for a basic “dumb phone.” We also hear from Dr Ethel Obeng-Treve, a Clinical Psychologist from Ghana, who shares insights on how to have a healthier relationship with your smartphone. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Weldye Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

January 1 isn’t just the start of a new year. For a significant number of Africans, it’s also the birthday written on official documents, often by default, not fact. This episode explores how missing birth records, colonial systems and migration shaped identity on paper, through voices from Somalia, France and Morocco.We then turn to Mali, where new US travel restrictions have taken effect, affecting several African countries. We hear reactions from the streets of Bamako and unpack what the bans mean for diplomacy, mobility and power in the Sahel.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the year draws to a close, this episode looks ahead to some of the stories and events that could likely shape 2026. We ask which warning signs are already flashing, and what might still catch the world off guard. We also examine new research suggesting AI chatbots may carry built-in bias against Africa, raising fresh questions about technology, power and representation.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

There were celebrations on the streets of breakaway region Somaliland after Israel became the first country to formally recognise it as an independent state. Leaders in the self-declared republic hailed the move as historic, saying it could open the door to wider international recognition after decades of diplomatic isolation.The announcement has also triggered a demonstration in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and condemnation from regional bodies including the African Union and the Arab League, who warn it could destabilise the region. Also in the episode: Sudan’s national football team competes in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite a devastating war at home.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

BBC reporters travel under tight security to villages near the site of Christmas Day airstrikes in north-west Nigeria, targeting camps linked to Lakurawa, a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State. Locals describe life under threat, with farmers accusing militants of seizing livestock, enforcing levies and embedding themselves in border communities where state presence is minimal.We also turn to AFCON 2025, where belief and football often collide. From pre-match rituals to deeply rooted ideas about luck and destiny, we explore how superstition continues to shape African football, with players reflecting on why these practices persist at the continent’s biggest tournaments.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Well-known influencer and entrepreneur, Nancy Umeh, has spent the past year sharing her experience of welcoming her third child through surrogacy. While the practice remains legally unrecognised in many African countries - and is often surrounded by stigma - Nancy has spoken openly about her journey on social media. In this episode of Focus on Africa: The Conversation, host Charles Gitonga spoke with Nancy Umeh about why she chose surrogacy and how the journey has been for her. We also heard from family lawyer, Eliud Ngugi on what laws are needed in Africa to protect both the surrogate and the commissioning parents.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Carolyne Kiambo, Ly Truong and Makouchi Okafor Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Christmas is often imagined as a season of homecoming, but for millions of people around the world, that idea of home doesn’t exist. In this episode, we meet Gopolang, one of an estimated 300 million people experiencing homelessness globally. He lives on the streets of Johannesburg, surviving through plastic recycling. Our reporter Mpho Lakaje spends time with him during the festive season, revealing what Christmas looks like when daily survival comes first.The episode also looks at how Christmas traditions are changing in Nigeria. Many people remember a time of open doors and shared food, but rising costs and urban life have pushed some traditional dishes off the table. At a food festival in Lagos, chefs and organisers are working to revive those meals and the memories attached to them.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Investigations continue following the death of 20-year-old Karen Lojore at Afrobeats artiste Asake's concert in Nairobi. Karen died following a crowd crush as fans tried to access the show. Concerns about safety and crowd control at large entertainment events have been raised. We hear from Karen’s aunt as the family prepares to lay her to rest, and from a Kenyan journalist who was inside the venue and describes the moments as the situation escalated.Then, we turn to West Africa’s end-of-year cultural phenomenon, Detty December. In Lagos and Accra, December is now synonymous with packed concerts and booming nightlife. But as the season grows more expensive, some locals are questioning who it’s really for. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya’s marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline, motivation and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on pressure, purpose and life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya’s marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

AFCON is back, and Morocco is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988. The tournament itself began with big news on a change in calendar. We tell you about it and take you to the heart of the action, exploring the atmosphere, ticketing and visa changes, and the teams to watch.You will also hear from Mahad Mohamud, an Uber driver deported from Minneapolis in the US to Somalia, who talks about militant threats to his life and the challenge of starting over. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Traveling within Africa on an African passport remains a challenge, according to the African Development Bank Group. Their research shows that Africans can travel without a visa for only 28% of intra-African trips, while 51% of Africans need a visa before crossing borders within the continent.In this episode, we speak to Ras Mubarak, a former Ghanaian MP, who is currently on an epic road trip across Africa. His mission? To highlight the difficulties of African visa systems and advocate for freer and faster movement across the continent.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The county government of Kenya's capital Nairobi is joining the growing movement which recognizes menstrual pain as a legitimate reason for paid time off. Women working for the city authorities will now be allowed to take two days of menstrual leave per month. Also, Namibia's first female President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah speaks to the BBC about her country's new oil discoveries, and the fight against gender-based violence and inequality. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla