Focus on Africa

Kenyans protest proposed US Ebola facility 01.06.2026 22Min.

Protests erupted on June 1 near a military airfield in Central Kenya where the US government is planning to establish an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens. Construction on the site was paused last week by a Kenyan court pending a hearing into a lawsuit lodged by campaigners to block the move. However local media has reported that two US military aircraft have already delivered medical personnel and equipment to the base. The proposed quarantine facility has proven controversial with medics and the public in Kenya opposing it. Also, Nigerian Singer, Tiwa Savage speaks about legacy and her role in helping women find their space in technical and executive roles in the music industry. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba lliya Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Gigantomastia: Living with my oversized breasts 29.05.2026 22Min.

For many women, having larger breasts may be down to genetics. But for some, breast growth is extreme, painful and life-altering. The condition is called 'gigantomastia'. A condition that causes excessive breast tissue growth, leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and emotional distress.Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 25-year-old South African content creator Michelle Sekwena, who has been sharing her journey with gigantomastia and her experience undergoing breast reduction surgery.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Kenya's toxic masculinity influencers 28.05.2026 22Min.

BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield has spent a year examining the rise of two of the most influential manosphere figures. In Kenya, she met Andrew Kibe who has millions of followers online and offline. We hear how these individuals have built massive online audiences and the lucrative business behind it all. And a look at how the political fallout between Senegal's former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye means for the West African country. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Helen Oyibo Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Ethiopia votes amid press freedom concerns 27.05.2026 22Min.

Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently ranked 148th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, we look at what's it like for journalists covering the election. And in Uganda, we hear how therapy dogs are helping survivors of abuse and trauma. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Carolyne Kiambo and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Ebola and burial traditions in DRC 26.05.2026 22Min.

The World Health Organisations says Ebola is spreading faster than originally thought and has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda, where there have been seven confirmed cases. In the last week, there have been incidents where angry crowds attempted to reclaim bodies of loved ones from Ebola treatment centres in Mongwalu and Rwampara. We take a look at how burial traditions are being impacted by the virus and what the recommended procedures look like. Also, Burkina Faso's livestock export ban has a direct impact on Eid celebrations in Ivory Coast. What are the alternatives?Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What does it mean to be African? 25.05.2026 22Min.

May 25 is Africa Day, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity - now known as the African Union (AU). We spoke to three Africans, a generation X, a millennial and a Gen Z about the dreams and aspirations Africans today. And South African activists on the Gaza bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home. The activists were on board the flotilla taking aid to Gaza before being intercepted and detailed by Israeli soldiers. We heard from some of them, who claimed that Israeli security forces subjected them to torture but Israel denies this. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Are billionaires good for Africa? 22.05.2026 22Min.

About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars. At the same time, many people on the continent are living in poverty, and their number has also grown. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga has been speaking to the youngest billionaire in Africa, Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji, about how he made his billions and the responsibility of billionaires to reduce the widening inequality gap. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer:Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali? 21.05.2026 22Min.

In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel.And, some lawmakers in Ghana are considering a bill to introduce compulsory DNA testing to combat the increase in paternity fraud cases in the country.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

How Arsenal built a loyal African fan base 20.05.2026 22Min.

After 22 years, Arsenal has won another English Premier League title. The team is one of the most popular European football clubs in Africa, and had been running a multi-million sponsorship deal with the government of Rwanda which concluded at the end of the 2025–26 season. We speak to fans across the continent to hear what this win means for them. And with rising fuel prices in most parts of the world due to the Middle East conflict, we get insight into how fuel prices are determined in some African countries. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Ebola: how does contact tracing work? 19.05.2026 22Min.

The Democratic Republic of Congo says the death toll linked to its latest Ebola outbreak has risen to 131, with 513 suspected contacts now being monitored across six health zones, as the government races to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of the virus. And, with global fuel supply shortages, there are renewed calls for African investments in energy and infrastructure. We speak to Nigerian investor, Tony Elumelu. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who is in charge in Somalia? 18.05.2026 22Min.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's four-year tenure came to an end on May 15th. However, a contentious constitutional amendment has extended it by a year. The country had failed to hold elections over controversy regarding electoral reforms. We hear how Somalia got here, and what is next for the country. Also, Zimbabwe plans to return commercial farms to white farmers more than two decades after it was seized. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Is African fashion redefining global style? 15.05.2026 22Min.

Africa’s booming fashion industry took centre stage at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where bold African designs dominated online conversations and red-carpet highlights.Host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks with Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo and Nigerian designer Mohammed Abbas about the rise of African luxury fashion, the stories behind their headline-making looks, and how African creativity is redefining global style.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal? 14.05.2026 22Min.

A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all of this, China has extended a trade deal to 53 African countries. How will this deal hold? Plus, two young Nigerians are debating whether a mandatory youth service is still relevant to the country's youth. Mayowa Alawode, a preacher and content creator, and Oluwatobi Afolabi, Managing Editor at OkayAfrica join Charles Gitonga on Focus on Africa. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rukia Bulle, Makouchi Okafor, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Could President Ramaphosa be impeached? 13.05.2026 22Min.

In South Africa, a speech from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly saying he will not resign, is trending. A Constitutional Court ruling last week found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala report in 2022, where thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm. And to Lesotho, we speak to an independent writer Tseliso Monaheng about the history of Famo music and why it is tied to a history of violence in the country. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Mpho Lakaje and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What came out of the Africa–France summit? 12.05.2026 22Min.

Protestors have been arrested in Nairobi while objecting the Africa-France event and France-Africa relations, calling it rebranded "imperialism". Macron has announced investments worth $27bn (£20bn) in Africa in areas such as energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. The summit is aimed at broadening Paris's partnerships and making investment deals on the continent against a backdrop of rising anti-French sentiment and diminishing power in its former colonies, especially in West Africa.And, we turn to a not-so new but revived sound of music by South-African musician Zawadi Yamungu, who is creating music that feels both spiritual and contemporary, drawing on themes of ancestry, identity and healing.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Rukia Bulle, Godwin Asediba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Botswana President backs Africa-France relations 11.05.2026 22Min.

The president of Botswana Duma Boko in an exclusive conversation with the BBC has shared his view about the state of diplomatic ties between African countries and France, as the "Africa Forward" summit kicks off in Nairobi. And, around the world, about 100,000 seabirds are unintentionally killed each year by fishing gear, including 10,000 in South Africa. In response, the conservation charity, BirdLife set up an Albatross Task Force, and by putting bird-scaring lines on fishing boats, they’ve managed to cut the number of albatrosses accidentally killed by 90 percent. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Introducing: World of Secrets Searching for Soldier Dad 09.05.2026 34Min.

We thought you might enjoy listening to the latest season of the BBC’s global investigations podcast World of Secrets: Searching for Soldier Dad. In this first episode of the season, we meet Cathy. Cathy is 10 years old when she starts asking questions. Why don’t I have a father? The secret her mum Maggie is forced to reveal changes everything. Years later, when lawyers and a geneticist turn up in their hometown in Kenya to take DNA samples, Maggie hopes they can help her finally learn the truth. In this investigation, we follow as a team of lawyers and a leading geneticist travel to Kenya to help locate the British soldiers who fathered children then vanished. We witness the groundbreaking legal and scientific detective work used to find the missing dads.    What’s at stake is more than the reputation of the British army and the UK’s post-colonial legacy. The mixed-heritage children have in some cases been ostracised by their communities and denied a chance of British citizenship since birth – something which could transform their lives. Searching for Soldier Dad is a BBC Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service. Listen to the full series, wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Please note, the image being used is for illustrative purposes only and the child depicted is a model. Presenter: Ivana Davidovic Series Producer: Josephine Casserly Sound design: Tom Brignell Executive Producer: Matt Willis Commissioning Senior Producers: Katy Davis and Anne Dixey Commissioning Editor: Jon Manel

'Why I can't stop bleaching my skin' 08.05.2026 22Min.

We speak to South African influencer and software developer Masheane Sefuthi, who has been on a journey to ‘whiten’ his skin; public health advocate Amira Adawe, who has been campaigning against these harmful products; and Kenyan media personality Kush Tracey, who has spoken about reversing skin bleaching after years of struggling with it.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti and Layla Mahmood Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Is Ethiopia involved in Sudan war? 07.05.2026 22Min.

For a while now, Sudan's military government has been accusing Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of working with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudan war that entered its fourth year in April. Both the UAE and Addis Ababa have refuted that claim. An investigation by the Reuters news agency in January showed the presence of a secret training camp in Ethiopia allegedly used to train thousands of RSF fighters. We speak to a Horn of Africa expert.Also, bicycles are fading away in many parts of urban Nigeria, but in the northeastern rural community of Mishara, they remain a symbol of love and commitment to marriage.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Hantavirus: what you should know 06.05.2026 22Min.

As medical experts work to contain the spread of hantavirus on board a stranded cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean, we hear from a representative of the World Health Organisation in Cape Verde. What's hantavirus, how does it spread and what happens to those on board the MV Hondius luxury cruise liner? Also, seven years after the enactment of the law promoting inclusion for persons living with disability in Nigeria, advocates say implementation remains weak.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla