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Focus on Africa

BBC World Service
Focus on Africa
Latest episode

985 episodes

  • Focus on Africa

    Lenacapavir offering new hope for HIV prevention?

    2026/06/25 | 22 mins.
    The United Nations has warned that nearly three million children could contract HIV by 2040, with more than half at risk of dying from AIDS-related illnesses if prevention and treatment efforts are not significantly expanded. The agency says the overwhelming majority of these infections are expected to occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where young people remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Amid these concerns, a major scientific breakthrough is offering new hope. Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered just twice a year, is being hailed as a potential game-changer, particularly for young people and others who struggle to adhere to daily prevention pills.
    In United States, Minnesota , the fentanyl epidemic continues to devastate families and communities, with overdose deaths leaving a lasting toll.
    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
    Producers: Blessing Aderogba
    Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
    Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
    Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
  • Focus on Africa

    Deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa

    2026/06/24 | 22 mins.
    Police in South Africa have assured the safety of migrants and local businesses as civic organisations including the March and March anti-migrant group intensify calls for foreigners to leave. This precedes heightened tensions towards a June 30 deadline declared by the groups for migrants to leave the country.
    Meanwhile in Kuwait, the fate of domestic workers mainly from some African countries remains unknown as authorities introduce new labour laws preventing the recruitment of domestic staff from over twenty countries including Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
    Producers:  Ayuba Iliya
    Technical Producer:  Herbert Masua
    Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
    Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
  • Focus on Africa

    Benin and Niger push toward border reopening

    2026/06/23 | 22 mins.
    Niger has set strict conditions for reopening its border with Benin closed since the July 2023 military takeover. Among them are a new defence agreement, greater transparency over foreign military activities near the border, and the creation of a joint intelligence unit. The conditions were outlined during talks in Cotonou, Benin's commercial capital between a Niger delegation led by Maj Gen Mohamed Toumba, a member of the ruling military junta, and Beninese officials.
    In The Gambia, the country is grappling with rising temperatures, coastal erosion, erratic rainfall, and growing pressure on communities that depend on agriculture and fisheries all due to climate change
    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
    Producers:   Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
    Technical Producer:  Herbert Masua
    Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
    Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
  • Focus on Africa

    What UK PM's resignation means for Africans

    2026/06/22 | 22 mins.
    The UK's Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Labour leader after weeks of mounting pressure over political missteps, a slowing economy and falling support for the governing party. We examine what his departure could mean for UK-Africa relations and the estimated three million Africans living in Britain.
    And, nearly 118 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, and refugees in parts of Africa spend an average of 16 years in exile. We explore what's behind these prolonged displacements and hear one former refugee's remarkable journey.
    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
    Producers: Victor Chege, Priya Sippy and Blessing Aderogba
    Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
    Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
    Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
  • Focus on Africa

    Why I froze my eggs

    2026/06/19 | 22 mins.
    She had set herself a deadline: if she reached 30 without finding a partner, she would freeze her eggs. Her name is Amarachi Amusi, a Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur. She is among a growing number of women across Africa turning to the lengthy and costly procedure of egg freezing as a way of preserving their chances of motherhood while they wait to find a life partner.
    Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
    Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Wanjiru Jotham
    Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
    Senior Producer: Basma El Atti
    Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla
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About Focus on Africa
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.
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