Focus on Africa Podcast
Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.
Episodes to download
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BBC Africa Eye investigates Tanzania abductions
Today
Victims link a senior police officer to the abduction and torture of government critics
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Are beauty products serving black women?
Friday
A recent study found that many products marketed for black women contain health hazards.
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Guinea-Bissau suspends US-backed hepatitis vaccine trial
Thursday
Guinea-Bissau suspends trial of hepatitis B vaccine for newborns amid ethical concerns
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Kenya, Botswana efforts against cervical cancer
Wednesday
Kenya struggles to contain cervical cancer, while Botswana has low disease burden
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Egypt, Morocco join Trump's Board of Peace
Last Tuesday
Morocco and Egypt are the only African countries invited to Trump's Board of Peace
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Ghana cocoa farmers decry delayed payments
Last Monday
Nearly 1 million farmers decry late payment from state-owned Ghana Cocoa Board
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Are more women delaying motherhood?
Fri 23 Jan 2026
Across the world the average age of mothers is rising. What’s behind the trend?
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Jihadist attacks on the rise in the Sahel
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali tri border area grapples with deadly attacks
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Who is "in charge" of Africa's AI?
Wed 21 Jan 2026
New report argues that AI self-sufficiency will be impossible for most African countries
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Global Initiative flags West Africa for cocaine trade
Tue 20 Jan 2026
Report says West Africa is a key trafficking route for cocaine destined for Europe
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AFCON's Over - what’s the main takeaway?
Mon 19 Jan 2026
AFCON ends amid drama - a look back at the tournament and lessons for African football
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"TikToking my way to millions"
Fri 16 Jan 2026
What does it take to succeed as a content creator in Africa?
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US, Russia, China influence in Africa?
Thu 15 Jan 2026
What’s driving the US, Russia and China to expand their influence in Africa?
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Somalia cancels UAE agreements over sovereignty
Wed 14 Jan 2026
Somalia ends UAE deals, including ports and defence, citing sovereignty concerns
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Uganda's Museveni seeks seventh Presidential term
Tue 13 Jan 2026
Ugandans prepare to vote as Museveni seeks another term.
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UN refugee chief responds to criticism
Mon 12 Jan 2026
New UN refugee agency head speaks on reform and funding
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“I became a founder - then burnt out"
Fri 9 Jan 2026
Many of Africa’s founders say their job has impacted their mental well-being.
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Thousands flee fighting in Sudan’s Kordofan
Thu 8 Jan 2026
Civilians flee as fighting intensifies in Sudan’s Kordofan region
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Burkina Faso says foiled assassination plot
Wed 7 Jan 2026
Burkina Faso says thwarted attempted coup against Captain Traoré
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Africa reacts to Maduro’s capture
Tue 6 Jan 2026
African governments respond to US seizure of Venezuela’s president
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Nigeria’s new taxes spark public backlash
Mon 5 Jan 2026
Nigeria’s new tax laws trigger concern about incomes and prices
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January 1: birthday for the undocumented
New Year's Day 2026
Why does January 1 appear so often on African birth records?
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What happens after Israel recognises Somaliland as independent?
Tue 30 Dec 2025
Joy in Somaliland after Israel grants recognition, as demonstration erupts elsewhere.
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Inside Nigeria’s bombed border communities
Mon 29 Dec 2025
BBC team gains rare access to villages near US Nigeria airstrikes
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"My Surrogacy Baby"
Boxing Day 2025
Influencer, Nancy Umeh, shares her journey of welcoming her third child through surrogacy
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What's Christmas without a home?
Christmas Day 2025
How are homeless people in South Africa spending Christmas?
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Crowd crush tragedy at Asake concert
Christmas Eve 2025
20-year-old Karen Lojore dies after a crowd crush at a Nairobi concert.
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Kidnapped Nigerian schoolchildren are free
Tue 23 Dec 2025
Parents speak after kidnapped Nigerian children are freed amid fresh abduction reports.
