AfricaLink

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120 Episodes
1 – 20

What's next after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation overhaul?

Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, sits on vast crude oil reserves, yet imports most of its fuel. Public outcry has forced the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to undergo a structural overhaul. But critics say it's too late for an institution drowning in corruption. DW's Josey Mahachi talks to DW’s Ben…
27 Nov 26 min

How can Africa address its acute surgical care crisis?

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a severe shortage of reconstructive surgical care, with 93% of the population lacking access to these vital services. Despite high rates of burns and injuries, Africa has just one reconstructive surgeon for every 10 million people. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Dr. Paa-Ekow Hoyte-Williams and Nana Bediako…
26 Nov 25 min

High hopes after Tanzania's first G20 summit appearance

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female African leader to participate in a G20 summit, which is an annual gathering of leaders from 19 of the world's largest economies including. Why is that such a big deal? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to DW's Naomi Achieng in Tanzania, business…
25 Nov 25 min

South Africa's vicious cylcle of illegal mining

A standoff between police and illegal miners at Stilfontein has forced illict mineral extraction into the spotlight. The unsafe and unregulated "zama zama" trade draws many to South Africa where the government doesn't appear to be offering any good alternatives. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Johannes Qankase, a community leader…
22 Nov 26 min

Can SADC resolve the political crisis in Mozambique?

Protests in Maputo have claimed more than 30 lives. Human rights groups report that police have used excessive force, resulting in the injuries and death among protesters. Pressure is mounting on the 16-member regional body, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to act. Eddy Micah Jnr talks to DW correspondent…
21 Nov 25 min

Can viable SMEs propel Africa’s economies? - MP3-Stereo

Africa’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential for creating jobs, broadening the tax base and growing national revenue. But there are nowhere near enough of them on the continent. Eddy Micah Jr talks to Gideon Brefo, CEO of hapaSpace Innovation Hub in Ghana, and business owner George Antwi-Boasiako of…
20 Nov 26 min

COP29: Is patience running out in Africa?

As the world gathers for another UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), a pressing question lingers: Have global climate summits lost their meaning for Africans? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Togolese negotiator Sena Alouko and sustainability and climate journalist Zeynab Wandati.
19 Nov 27 min

Solving the Bawku tribal conflict in northern Ghana

Conflict over land has gone on for decades in the border town of Bawku in northern Ghana. Experts warn that Islamist extremists fighting in neighboring Burkina Faso and Togo could take advantage of this volatile situation in Ghana. Josey Mahachi talks to Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, a conflict resolution researcher at…
18 Nov 26 min

Combating disinformation and misinformation in Africa

Disinformation campaigns in Africa have surged fourfold since 2022, threatening democracy and stability. These attacks now target 39 nations, distorting information systems for political agendas. In Ghana, a coalition of fact-checkers mobilizes to counter this threat. Josey Mahachi talks to Rabiu Alhassan of FactSpace West Africa and Roselena Ahiable of…
15 Nov 25 min

Nigeria's crackdown on protests: A threat to freedom?

Nigerian authorities have released minors facing trial for cost-of-living protests. Among the 76 arrested in August for treason, destruction of property and mutiny, at least 30 were children. The crisis has sparked mass protests, with several reported killed and hundreds arrested. Rights groups are alarmed by the crackdown. Is Nigeria…
14 Nov 26 min

Why Rwanda is proposing a tax on churches and mosques

The Rwanda Governance Board is drafting a bill to tax churches and mosques, following President Paul Kagame's call to regulate "nonsense" in religious organizations. After closing over 9,000 prayer sites for failing to meet standards, the government aims to restore order with a strict new model. But how effective will…
13 Nov 26 min

Uganda's rising cases of infant heart defects

Medical experts in Uganda are alarmed by the rise in babies born with heart defects. Out of 1.4 million newborns annually, around 16,000 have heart issues. The Uganda Heart Institute can only treat 50%, forcing many to seek help abroad. How can Uganda address this crisis? DW’s Josey Mahachi discusses…
12 Nov 25 min

What Trump's reelection means for Africa's future

Donald Trump's policies, often transactional and rooted in "America First," could trigger ripple effects across Africa, influencing everything from trade and aid to foreign policy and security. What will another four years of Trump mean for Africa’s economies, leaders and people? Would it bring more investment, or would his critical…
11 Nov 26 min

Why M-Pesa tax is a problem in Kenya

A controversial new tax on M-Pesa mobile money transfers is set to come into force in Kenya by December. The plan has many in the country where M-Pesa is woven into daily life wondering: Will it drive costs up? Who benefits? How fair is it? Josey Mahachi talks to Samora…
8 Nov 26 min

How can Malawi restore public faith in its judiciary?


The Judicial Service Commission in Malawi has launched an investigation into the country’s judiciary over allegations of corruption. Judges and court officials, among others, are accused of wrongdoing. Josey Mahachi talks to Patrick Mpaka, President of the Malawi Law Society, DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Blantyre, and Wilberforce Asare, a…
7 Nov 25 min

How relevant is the Commonwealth for African countries?

The Commonwealth of Nations is an international association with 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. But how relevant is the Commonwealth still today? And how does it benefit the its member countries? We talk to Khalifa Ali Dikwa, Professor of Social…
5 Nov 29 min

Botswana's opposition victory and its impact on democracy

Botswana's new president has taken office following October's election, ending nearly 60 years of conservative rule. Outgoing President Masisi has congratulated his successor, Duma Boko. What does this mean for Botswana and its democracy? Join Josey Mahachi as she discusses this pivotal moment with political analyst Adam Mfundisi and DW…
4 Nov 28 min

Islamist extremism — How safe is Ghana?

Ghana says media reports of a cross-border spillover of Islamist extremism Burkina Faso are untrue. Reuters had reported that the extremists have logistical bases in northern Ghana. Do they pose any threat to Ghana? Eddy Micah Jr talks to Alex Vines of Chatham House, Mutaru Mumuni Muktar of the West…
1 Nov 26 min

Can Liberia stop its kush drug menace?

Liberian youth are putting their health at risk with the intake of kush. The highly toxic synthetic drug has been linked to leg sores in some heavy users. How did kush become so popular, and what can Liberia do to stop its youth from falling into addiction? Josey Mahachi talks…
31 Oct 25 min
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