AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
Just how much is activism in Africa under threat?
Across Africa, governments are tightening free speech, as activists face harassment, arrests, and digital surveillance. At the Third Annual Activist Symposium in Johannesburg, advocates are pushing back, calling for stronger protections. At a time when human rights defenders face unprecedented threats, how do activists across Africa continue to resist, rebuild,…
Cameroon decides 2025 - or does it?
Cameroon is heading into a pivotal election on October 12, though separatists in anglophone regions have called for a month-long lockdown to sabotage the polls. Many anglophone voters are scared for their lives, as separatists threaten those who vote with abduction, torture, and murder. DW correspondents in Yaoundé, Moki Kindzeka,…
Africans are aging rapidly, but there are few resources to support older people
Africa is the world’s youngest continent — but it’s ageing faster than ever. By 2050, nearly 200 million Africans will be over 60. What will this mean for families, economies and the future of care? DW’s Josey Mahachi speaks with Frank Yiga and Wanjiku Joyce Kairu, founder of the Purity…
What impact did the 9/11 attacks have in Africa?
24 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, Africa still feels the impact. In this AfricaLink podcast, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Fidele Amakye Owusu, a security analyst in Ghana, and DW's Zainabu Aziz, who closely followed the attacks in New York, to understand the global shockwaves from…
Tinubu revenue boast: Is Nigeria done with borrowing?
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu says the country has hit its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule and won't need to borrow to fund its budget. Is this a genuine economic breakthrough or political spin? In this episode, DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed, an economist, and DW's Ben…
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,…