AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
Is South Africa's auto industry hitting the brakes?
Hundreds of Ford workers in South Africa are about to lose their jobs. The company says it's about "optimising production," but behind that are bigger forces—collapsing exports to the US due to the Trump tariffs. Could this be the start of a wider jobs crisis in South Africa's auto industry?…
Why rights groups condemn Burkina Faso's ban on LGBTQ+
Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of African nations criminalizing same-sex relations. The new law has sparked outrage from human rights groups. In this podcast, AfricaLink speaks to Larissa Kojoue, a Human Rights Watch representative, and Angel Maxine, an LGBTQ+ activist from Ghana, where parliament passed a similar law…
Are visas the new battleground between Africa and Europe?
Junta-led Niger cites its own citizens' struggles in obtaining Schengen visas. It's the latest move in a dramatic shift away from the West — and toward new allies like Russia, Turkey, and China. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to security analyst Beverly Ochieng, and DW's correspondent in West Africa, Bram…
Nigeria: Fighting terror and separatism
The Nigerian army claims the country is safer, but many citizens feel less secure than ever. With armed groups active in northern and southern states, and civilians caught in the crossfire, how do the authorities distinguish between separatists and terrorists? And how does the military plan to control them? Nigeria's…
Why boat accidents have become rampant in Nigeria
From Kebbi and Niger in the north to Lagos in the south, overloaded and poorly regulated boats capsize, leaving hundreds dead each year. So, why do they keep happening, and what will it take to improve safety? Host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Captain Caleb Danladi, a seasoned maritime expert,…
What's behind Gambia's crackdown on protests?
Peaceful protests are being met with intimidation, and colonial-era laws. From rising internet costs to demands for transparency, citizens — especially youth — are taking to the streets. But why is the government clamping down? Host Eddy Micah Jr. joins human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, and DW's Sankulleh Janko in…
Are Uganda’s public sector jobs for sale?
More than 130,000 Ugandan civil servants — about 35% of the public workforce — bribed their way into government jobs, according to Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government. Many lacked the required qualifications, leading to poor service delivery. How can the state turn this around? DW's Eddy Micah Jr speaks to academic and retired civil servant…
How the Malian junta has remained in power
Mali's military rulers promised dignity and stability five years ago, but democracy has been sidelined, the economy is stagnant, and violence continues across the country. But how has the junta convinced enough Malians that they are on the right path? DW's George Okachi speaks to analyst Rida Lyammouri of the…
Is Africa's oil helping anyone but the powerful?
Africa is abundant in resources — but who is truly benefiting from them? In this episode of Under the Baobab, NJ Ayuk doesn't hold back. From oil politics to private power, we ask: Is the continent’s wealth building nations or just billionaires?
Are Ghana and Nigeria headed for more power crises?
Ghana's rising energy debt has sparked fears of a return to dumsor — the blackouts that once crippled homes and businesses. With debt projected to soar, are the country's 24-hour economy and future growth at risk? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Ben Boakye from the Africa Center for Energy Policy…
Nigeria's pay hike for officials draws backlash
Nigeria's leaders may get a pay rise, but critics say it's out of touch and dangerous amid poverty and inflation. Is this politics as usual or a tipping point for reform? DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to David Okoroafor, a professor of economics at the University of Abuja, and DW…
Japan pivots from aid to trade across Africa
In a rapidly changing international trade system, can African nations grab the initiative by striking beneficial trade deals with rich nations like Japan? DW's Cai Nebe talks to Michael Kwadwo Nketiah, an international relations analyst, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.
Nigeria: DNA tests reveal deep family secrets
A new report shows 1 in 4 Nigerian dads tested may not be the biological father of their child. DW's George Okachi unpacks the findings with Smart DNA's Oweyemi Hanifat and DW correspondent Ben Shemang.
Why northern Ghana remains on the edge
In Ghana’s northern frontier, ancient rivalries and modern threats collide. What’s fueling the violence? Could Ghana become the next frontline in West Africa's security crisis? George Okachi discusses the volatility in the region with conflict researcher and lecturer Felix Longi and DW correspondent Maxwell Suuk in Tamale.
South Africa's National Dialogue: Hope or hype?
South Africa's long-awaited National Dialogue sought to unite the country but was criticized over rushed timing and missing key voices. As poverty, inequality, and political fractures deepen, can it deliver real change, or will it become another talk shop? DW's George Okachi speaks to Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, National Dialogue Spokesperson,…
Why is Nigeria banning the establishment of new universities?
President Bola Tinubu has imposed a 7-year ban on establishing new universities in Nigeria. With nearly 300 universities already in operation, should Nigeria focus on expanding access, or prioritize raising the quality of existing institutions? George Okachi speaks to education specialist Clare Ohunayo and DW's correspondent in Abuja, Ben Shemang.
The real cost of game hunting in South Africa
A hunter's death has once again sparked a fierce debate on South Africa's controversial game hunting industry. On today's episode of the AfricaLink podcast, DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with conservation author and ecotourism operator Ian Michler and DW correspondent in South Africa Dianne Hawker about the ethics and realities…
Is accountability in Ghana reserved for the opposition?
Ghana's president John Mahama says his government is fighting corruption, but critics say it's a witch hunt targeting rivals. Is this real reform — or political spin?
Africa's aviation safety under scrutiny after crashes
Recent air crashes have claimed African leaders and medics. Are these isolated tragedies — or signs of deeper flaws in the continent's aviation systems?
Will ECOWAS meet its 2027 currency launch goal?
ECOWAS plans to launch a regional currency by 2027, despite past delays and ongoing hurdles. The pledge was made at the Sahel government forum in Gambia. Will it finally happen?