Africa Today
Africa news and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast contains the day's top stories from African news - available to download Monday to Friday from 1630 GMT.
Can South Africa's national dialogue help solve its problems?
South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a national dialogue called “uniting voices, shaping the nation". It's an ambitious plan to confront its most pressing challenges and unite a nation still wrestling with the legacy of apartheid, deep inequality, and mounting political tension. Critics say it's been rushed. So, will…
Nigeria negotiates $346m arms deal with US
The US government has approved a $346m arms deal with Nigeria which would include munitions, precision bombs and precision rockets. What is behind the change in a decade-long US policy about selling certain kinds of weapons to Nigeria? The mining of gold has been a key factor of Sudan's economy,…
The Gambia: Why was a baby girl cut?
There's been outrage in The Gambia following the death of a one-month-old baby girl. Reports suggest she was a victim of female genital mutilation (FGM). Although FGM is outlawed in the country, it's a deeply rooted cultural practice that authorities are battling. Three women have been arrested in connection with…
Sudan's conflict: The impact on children
The ongoing war in Sudan and limited access to humanitarian aid has led to starvation amongst those left behind. The United Nations says children are being "reduced to skin and bones." We'll hear from people within the country. Also, are Kenya's dreams of becoming a footballing superpower in jeopardy? And…
Mali: Another alleged attempted coup
Dozens of soldiers have been arrested in Mali accused of plotting to topple the country's military leaders, sources say. The wave of arrests reflect tension within the military government. The authorities have not yet commented on the arrests. We'll hear analysis. Also, more than 400 people have died and over…
Activists block foreigners from South African hospitals
Doctors Without Borders and other NGOs have raised concerns about anti-migrant groups preventing non-South Africans from accessing healthcare services. The South African government has called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity. So why are activists blocking health clinics and hospitals? The African Union sends…
How safe are Zambians at site of toxic spill?
The Zambian government has dismissed claims of dangerous pollution in the Copperbelt mining region, following safety concerns raised by the US embassy. On Wednesday, the US issued a health alert, ordering the immediate withdrawal of its personnel due to concerns of "widespread contamination of water and soil", linked to a…
Deadly clash at Uganda- South Sudan border
What's behind deadly clashes at Uganda’s border with South Sudan? Why are heatwaves happening more often on the African continent And plans by Somalia to revive its airline after three decades Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Tom Kavanagh in London, Blessing Aderogba with Makuochi Okafor in Lagos and Richard Kagoe in…
Rwanda agrees migrant deal with the US
Rwanda has confirmed it will accept up to 250 migrants from the US, in a deal agreed with President Donald Trump's administration. Under the scheme the deportees would be given "workforce training, health care, and accommodation to jump start their lives in Rwanda", according to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo…
Ghana: resurgence of violence in Bawku
Ghana: Hundreds of soldiers deployed to Bawku town in the Upper East Region, after attacks on two schools killed several students. What is behind the resurgence of violence? Why has Tanzania barred foreign nationals from owning and operating small-scale businesses? What does Kenya stand to gain following proposed plan to…
The women luring girls into sex trade in Kenya
Two undercover investigators, posing as sex workers spent months infiltrating the sex trade in the town of Maai Mahiu. The expose by BBC Africa Eye shows how women, known as "madams" have involved children as young as 13 in prostitution in Kenya. Hear reporter, Njeri Mwangi, narrate the details of…
DR Congo's football deal with FC Barcelona
DR Congo have agreed a multi-million kit deal with Spanish football club Barcelona, rasing many questions. We hear from Dr Congo's Sports Minister, Didier Budimbu. Also, Northern Nigeria is facing food insecurity with the UN warning that aid cuts will push Nigerians into the arms of Boko Haram jihadists. And…
What is fuelling Angola's fuel protests?
What began as a three-day strike by taxi drivers against rising petrol prices in Angola, has escalated into one of the most widespread and disruptive waves of protest the country has seen in recent years. What has life been like in the capital Luanda, against the background of the unrest?…
Nigeria: Why kidnappers killed 35 hostages despite paid ransoms
Kidnappers in Nigeria have killed at least 35 people from Zamfara state despite ransoms being paid for their release. Why is the kidnapping menace in Nigeria not only growing but changing as well ? Why fibroids are particularly a problem for black women And Ghanaian students abroad facing deportation because…
Who is behind a church attack in DR Congo?
More than 40 people including women and children were killed in an attack by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), in the town of Komanda, east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The militia group is linked to the so-called Islamic state, a jihadi militant group. Majority of those killed were worshippers…
Somalia: The “hole” at the heart of a seized arms ship
A stand off as Somalia demands release of a cargo ship carrying military equipment that was seized by semi-autonomous Puntland. The ship was reportedly transporting military equipment to Turkey’s military base in Mogadishu. Why indigenous plants are making a comeback in African diets? And after Nigeria's Super Falcons historic victory…
Who are the CAR commanders jailed for war crimes?
This week the International Criminal Court sentenced two commanders of a civilian militia in the Central African Republic to a total of 27 years in prison. One of them, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, had formerly been the head of the country’s football federation. What was the conflict that engulfed CAR a decade…
Ghana’s special clinic for cleft lip patients
Good news about the state-of-the-art treatment facility in Ghana for cleft lip patients And as the number of billionaires on the continent rises, we ask - are billionaires good or bad for Africa? Why are violence and insecurity on the increase in Haiti despite the presence of an international force?…
How has Goma changed under M23 fighters?
The city of Goma in the conflict-hit east of the Democratic Republic of Congo was seized by the M23 armed group earlier this year after intense fighting with government forces. How has the city changed after six months under the group’s control? After retired police officers in Nigeria held demonstrations…
Can solar power fix South Africa's electricity problems?
How young people in South Africa are navigating the lack of consistent power supplies Who are the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and why are Uganda and the DR Congo governments struggling to defeat them? And the taxes, charges and fees paralyzing air travel in Africa Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette…