Focus on Africa

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.
And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.
Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected.

We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film maker and the founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians. Priscilla grew up in Iran to an Iranian mother and Congolese father, she speaks to us from South Africa where she is currently living.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the US-Israel war with Iran escalates, its global effects are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in the petroleum products supply chain.
The situation follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route between Iran and Oman that handles the transit of more than 20 million barrels of crude oil daily.
We take a closer look at how African countries are responding and how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting the continent.

And ahead of Ghana’s 69th Independence Day on Friday, hip-hop artist Sarkodie shares insights on the country’s music scene and the push for greater female representation.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

On this episode, we examine the future of the US-brokered peace deal after Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Kigali calls the move is unfair and accuses the DRC of failing to meet its own commitments. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has opened its first unmanned police station in Addis Ababa, letting citizens report crimes digitally. The pilot is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to modernize public services, but is raising questions about adoption and data protection.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba, Daniel Dadzie and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump’s new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it gives governments more control over their health systems, but critics question accountability, data protection and continued US influence. We unpack what the deal means and why it’s dividing opinion across the continent.
And as the world marks World Hearing Day, we turn to the 40 million people across Africa living with hearing loss. With sign language officially recognised in only four countries- South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe, we head to Nairobi, where a young tech startup is using AI to translate spoken and written English into sign language in real time.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Dingindaba Buyoya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla