Africa Daily

1. How is Zambia dealing with lead contamination?

“It has made nearly every person, every mother, to have their child contaminated, because the lead levels are so rampant,” says Cornelius Katiti, a father from Kabwe, Zambia, whose three children are affected by lead poisoning. For decades, the town has struggled with remediating 6.4 million tonnes of toxic lead waste left behind by a former mine. A Human Rights Watch report shows 95% of children in Kabwe have dangerously high lead levels. Cornelius, along with many others in the community, is

Apr 03,2025 21:01

2. What does Africa’s urban population boom mean for its major cities?

Africa’s cities are expanding at an unprecedented rate.A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Sahel and West Africa Club says the urban population will double to 1.4 billion by 2050.But are these cities prepared to handle the growing demand for housing, transport and services? And as urban areas evolve, who truly stands to benefit from this transformation?BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja explores this with Patrick Analo Akivaga, Chief Officer f

Apr 02,2025 17:28

3. Why don’t we know more about Lupus and autoimmune diseases?

Lupus is a condition where someone’s immune system attacks their own body, including healthy tissue and cells, leaving them with debilitating conditions like exhaustion, extreme weight gain, organ failure and pain. It can lead to death. It disproportionately affects black women but very little is known about the condition in Africa and statistics are hard to come by. In today's episode, Alan Kasujja speaks to two women in South Africa who are determined to change this. GUESTS: Palesa Ramakat

Apr 01,2025 20:40

4. Why does southern Africa experience so many devastating cyclones?

Have you noticed how southern Africa tends to be hit by deadly cyclones that leave a trail of destruction? Right now the people of Mozambique are trying to piece their lives together after Cyclone Jude battered the country this month. Before it, two others, Chido and Dikeledi, hit the same part of southern Africa in quick succession. All three claimed dozens of lives, leaving schools, homes and other buildings severely damaged. Today Alan Kasujja sits down with Lehlohonolo Thobela of the South A

Mar 31,2025 18:13

5. What will Kirsty Coventry’s win mean for Africa?

“A lot is expected of her. A lot of eyes are going to be on her.” A moment of sporting history. That’s how many sports fans around the world will remember it. Africa’s most decorated Olympian, swimming champion, Kirsty Coventry will become the next President of the International Olympic Committee. The first time for a woman, an African and the governing body's youngest president. In today’s Africa Daily Alan Kasujja hears reaction from Zimbabwe and speaks to two female Olympians on what this m

Mar 28,2025 18:00

6. Why are street football tournaments a Ramadan tradition in Egypt?

“You cannot feel that you’re fasting when you’re playing. No water, no food, but it’s still very exciting to finish and to score" Ramadan is a time for prayer and reflection worldwide. But in Egypt they mark it using one of their nationwide passions: football. Since the 1960s street football tournaments have spread to every town – involving everyone from professional footballers to children and old men. A woman’s tournament is in its infancy. Some footballers have even been slapped with heavy

Mar 27,2025 16:55

7. Is Morocco’s drought changing Ramadan traditions?

As Morocco faces one of its worst droughts in decades, soaring meat prices and dwindling livestock have made Eid al-Fitr sacrifices difficult. In response King Mohammed VI has urged Moroccans to forgo the tradition, echoing a similar appeal by his father in 1966.Could changing weather patterns reshape how Eid is observed? BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Moroccan journalist Basma El Atti to explore how Moroccans are adapting and what this means for the future of Eid traditions.

Mar 26,2025 12:33

8. How did the promise of work lead Africans into scam centres in Myanmar?

"It was hell. The worst seven months of my life. I was beaten, humiliated, electrocuted."Jalil Muyeke thought he was travelling to Thailand for a dream job. Instead, he was trafficked to Myanmar, imprisoned in a scam centre, and forced to commit online fraud under the threat of violence. An estimated 100,000 people fell victim to these operations run by Chinese crime groups. Jalil endured seven months of beatings and abuse before finally finding a way out. He eventually had to pay for his own fl

Mar 25,2025 21:46

9. The man bringing light to remote communities - while tackling plastic waste

“For someone seeing a light bulb for the first time, it is like a magic show from heaven. They are so happy, they are singing. That moment, it never gets old.”Six hundred million people in Africa don’t have access to electricity – meaning that for many living on a continent with a median age of 19, the future is anything but bright.But it’s a challenge that the winner of this year’s Commonwealth Young Person of the Year prize is determined to overcome. Nigeria’s Stanley Anigbogu was honoured for

Mar 24,2025 17:16

10. What are the challenges facing Namibia’s first female president?

“The emphasis now is not on Netumbo the person, the emphasis is on a woman… If anything happens, like it can happen in any administration under men, there are also those that won’t talk about Netumbo, but rather say: “look at women!””Today sees the inauguration of Namibia’s first-ever female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The 72-year-old is a former freedom fighter and veteran of the ruling South West Africa People's Organization – better known as SWAPO.In a special interview recorded in Win

Mar 21,2025 19:05

11. Why is SADC withdrawing its troops from the DRC?

“It could not by itself stop the advance of M23 without a strong Congolese army. And my sense is that it was not SADC that failed, but the Congolese army that failed.” Since December 2023, troops from SADC - the Southern African Development Community - have been taking part in a mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo tasked with supporting the Congolese army and protecting civilians and infrastructure. They included soldiers from Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa.But then in January

Mar 20,2025 19:41

12. How's Nigeria reacted to a Senator's allegations that she's been sexually harassed?

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan says Nigeria’s senate President began to sexually harass her in December 2023 and that there were multiple incidents of this nature. She’s been speaking publicly about what she says happened and filed a petition to the senate. But earlier this month Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan received a six month suspension from her job over what was described as a “breach of the rules of the Senate”. There are only four women in the senate and 109 men, so the allegations have got lo

Mar 19,2025 20:14

13. Western Sahara: what is life like for the Sahrawi refugees?

The dispute over Western Sahara is one of Africa’s longest running wars – starting in 1975. It pits Morocco against the Polisario Front- an Algerian backed political movement. But while the international community has focussed on finding a diplomatic solution – the plight of the indigenous Sahrawi people, who used to live on the disputed land, is often forgotten. They have been living in difficult-to-access refugee camps in Algeria for the past 50 years, amidst allegations that they’re being use

Mar 18,2025 16:29

14. Why has Mogadishu become a safe haven for many Sudanese doctors?

“This is a payment of debt. Definitely we are trying our best to show our gratitude and also to stand by our brothers and the nation of Sudan.”After three decades of civil war in Somalia, the healthcare system in the country was a mess and many people had to travel to neighbouring countries for treatment - if they could afford it. And so, in 2014, a group of Somali businessmen founded the Somali-Sudanese Hospital in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to respond to the challenge. It followed years of

Mar 17,2025 18:22

15. Why is South Africa’s black economic empowerment policy so polarizing?

Black Economic Empowerment was initially introduced by former South African president Nelson Mandela in the 1990s, as one of his government’s policies. But in 2003, it was revised and changed to BBBEE: Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment. It's aim is to facilitate the much broader participation of black South Africans in the economy, thus addressing inequality. This section of the population was excluded during the years of white minority rule, leading to high levels of poverty. But some sect

Mar 14,2025 18:50

16. How are US mass deportations impacting African immigrants?

For African immigrants in the US, the threat of mass deportation is a constant fear. Many have built lives, found stability, and raised families but now over a million non-US citizens face the reality of potential deportation. The Trump administration now plans to create a national register for undocumented migrants over the age of 14, with those failing to sign up risking criminal prosecution. Deportees like Anwar Mohamed, sent back to Somalia in 2018 after being convicted of a felony, recall t

Mar 13,2025 21:30

17. How did Niger eliminate river blindness?

River blindness – or onchocerciasis – is a tropical disease which causes itchiness, skin damage, and eventually blindness. It affects millions of people across Africa. In Niger a staggering 70 percent of the population was once infected. But now, after a gruelling 45 year health campaign, it’s become the first African country to eliminate the disease. Alan Kasujja speaks Dr Paulin Basinga, head of the Gates Foundation in Africa who has who has played a key role in the fight against river blin

Mar 12,2025 16:56

18. How is Zimbabwe responding to persistent drought-related hunger?

“We didn’t harvest anything at all” – Zimbabwean resident Hlengiwe Moyo Today, Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje focuses on Zimbabwe, one of several southern African countries recently hit by a prolonged drought. Seven million people are now desperate for food assistance. The World Food Programme, along with several nations, partnered to donate bags of maize, pulses and cooking oil. Other countries that were hardest hit include Zambia and Malawi. Namibia even resorted to slaughtering wild animals such

Mar 11,2025 17:17

19. Why is autism still misunderstood in Africa?

Autism remains one of the most misunderstood conditions in many African countries, often leading to stigma, misdiagnosis and a lack of support.Why do so many children in Africa go undiagnosed, and what impact does this have on their futures?BBC Africa Daily’s Peter Musembi speaks with Cameroonian author Delly Singah, whose personal journey as a mother of an autistic child has shaped her advocacy. Through her book ‘Diary of a Special Mum – Kicking Autism to the Curb’, Delly challenges misconcepti

Mar 10,2025 18:21

20. Could South Sudan return to civil war?

“Sudan is on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war - and this civil war could be on a much larger scale than we’ve seen in the past.”What’s going on in South Sudan? This week alarm bells have been ringing after leading allies of the Vice President, Riek Machar, were arrested – and Machar’s own home in Juba was surrounded temporarily by troops.It follows clashes between a militia called the ‘White Army’ which fought alongside Machar during the civil war, with government troops in Upper Ni

Mar 07,2025 18:45

21. How is Uganda’s largest refugee camp changing lives through performing arts?

“I believe that when I sing things will change and we shall have a bright future. We are going to be the ambassadors of change for our country South Sudan." War and displacement leave scars that go beyond the physical. In Bidibidi, one of the world’s largest refugee settlements, many struggle with trauma, substance abuse, and uncertainty. Bidibidi is home to over 250,000 refugees but a performing arts centre is helping refugees find healing, and hope for a better future, through music, dance, an

Mar 06,2025 21:01

22. How can schools prepare for extreme weather conditions?

Schools in South Sudan could remain closed for another four weeks as a severe heat wave continues in the country. Last week the government ordered schools across the country to close for two weeks as temperatures rose above 42°C, with reports indicating that an average of 12 students had been collapsing daily due to the soaring heat. It is the second consecutive year schools have been shut down during the hottest months, disrupting the academic calendar. Floods have in the past contributed

Mar 05,2025 17:59

23. Why does the African microbiome matter?

The bacteria in our stomachs – known collectively as the microbiome - are increasingly seen by scientists as playing an important role in our overall health. According to research, it can show markers of disease as well as affect everything from digestion to mental health. Everyone has a different microbiome depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and various external factors. But data in Africa has been lacking. Now a new study of four different countries on the continent – Burkina Faso, S

Mar 04,2025 18:05

24. Can Africa build its own AI ecosystem?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world - from healthcare to finance, agriculture to education. But in Africa, the stakes are different. How do we make sure AI isn’t just another import but is something built for Africans, by Africans? With so many languages, infrastructure gaps, and the need to protect our own data, building a truly African AI comes with big challenges, but also huge opportunities. Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja speaks to Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy o

Mar 03,2025 14:53

25. Why are some people dismissive of Afcon?

“Lacking respect for Mohamed Salah and lacking respect for Egypt and for African football.”That’s how three-time Afcon winner Wael Goma sums up Jamie Carragher’s comment that the Africa Cup of Nations is ‘not a major tournament’. The former England and Liverpool defender was taking part in a TV discussion about Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’or after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday. He said because Salah hadn’t won a ‘major’ tournament like the World Cup, Eur

Feb 28,2025 14:48

26. Is Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa set for a third term?

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently told journalists that he has no interest in extending his term of office. “These terms are very definite, and I’m so democratic. When they come to an end, I will step aside and my party will elect my successor”, he said. But will the head of state really hand over the baton to someone else? Towards the end of last year, Mnangagwa’s party, Zanu PF passed a resolution to extend his term when it ends in 2028. Some in Zimbabwe believe the president is

Feb 27,2025 19:49

27. Can Sudan feed itself in the future?

Millions of people in Sudan are facing hunger and possible famine due to the war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia, which has been going on for almost two years. The country has the ability to feed itself if farmers could use the most fertile land, between the White and the Blue Nile rivers in El Gezira state. Although a massive irrigation scheme has been in place there for a century, the past choice of cash crops, along with mismanagement by the government have

Feb 26,2025 19:40

28. DRC Conflict: What happened during Goma’s prison break?

Warning: this pod contains description of violence from the beginning. “They died in the hands of the state. And to die in the hands of the state – that’s something we can’t just let pass… Without their rights they cannot rest in peace.” Nearly a month ago, M23 rebels captured the regional capital Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the time, one of the worst reported atrocities of the conflict took place – when more than 150 women prisoners and their children were killed in

Feb 25,2025 15:39

29. How has the hike in data and mobile phone call prices affected Nigerians?

Being online has become a huge part of our lives. Everywhere you look, you see people on their phones in homes, schools, work and markets.These devices are not just almost glued to our hands for fun, they are also crucial to people’s businesses and livelihoods.So earlier this year when Nigerian telecommunication companies announced they would be raising their prices, with some services increased by 50 percent, it got many Nigerians talking.These companies say they are doing this because they hav

Feb 24,2025 14:49

30. How is Muhsin Hendricks’ murder affecting queer Muslim communities across Africa?

Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead in South Africa on Saturday, leaving many in mourning. The 57-year-old was a trailblazer, known for his advocacy and for creating safe spaces for queer Muslims. From founding The Inner Circle, a support group for queer Muslims, to leading an inclusive mosque, his work gave many a sense of belonging. Alan Kasujja speaks to those who knew and were inspired by him—including activists and religious leaders—to explore the impact of hi

Feb 21,2025 21:34

31. Is it possible to run a successful business in the war-torn DRCongo?

“Our minerals, yes, are important for the advancement of the world, but they are also important for the progress of our people. We could share these minerals with the world, but our people must come first” - Shanty Tshiela Byart-Mutombo, DRC company owner On Friday, the 14th of February, the M23 rebels started entering Bukavu, having already captured another strategic city, Goma. The Rwandan-backed militants' progress comes despite international calls for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks ai

Feb 20,2025 17:59

32. Should more men train to be midwives?

Midwife or mid-husband? That’s a common question on social media posts highlighting the work of the very few men who help women to deliver babies. Midwifery is a profession that has traditionally been dominated by women. Less than 1% of people registered as midwives globally are men. According to research conducted by the University of Northampton in the UK, 19 countries have no men registered as midwives and five countries legally prohibit men from being midwives.In today’s Africa Daily podcast

Feb 19,2025 18:00

33. Why is writer Taban Lo Liyong not ready to stop working?

“The writers of our time who used to criticise the government are no longer there.”Today on the podcast, Alan has the pleasure and privilege of speaking to one of Africa’s great writers: the South Sudanese author Taban Lo Liyong.In the 1960s he rubbed shoulders with independence politicians like Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah and with giants of African literature like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong’o. He was taken to Uganda as a young child and spent his formative years there –

Feb 18,2025 15:37

34. Is Africa’s trade relationship with the United States under threat?

“This is the new reality that we are going to have to face and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to redefine our position away from the US trying to tell us who we can or cannot be, because they really don’t care about us” - Ugandan coffee farmer Robert Kabushenga In the year 2000, the United States government set up the African Growth and Opportunity Act also known as AGOA. It's aim was to give qualifying sub-Saharan African countries access to the US market, without paying import taxes, thu

Feb 17,2025 19:56

35. Can technology and urban greening cool Sierra Leone’s scorching heat?

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, is experiencing rising temperatures, with extreme heat becoming a major challenge for residents, especially those in crowded neighbourhoods and open-air markets. With limited access to cooling infrastructure, the heat affects daily life, health, food security and the economy.In response, the city recently hosted an ‘Urban Heat Hackathon’, where teams developed innovative solutions to tackle the problem.In today's Africa Daily Alan Kasujja speaks to two of t

Feb 14,2025 13:56

36. Are South Africa and the United States reaching the end of their relationship?

Earlier this year, South African lawmakers passed the Expropriation Without Compensation Act. This is part of their country’s effort to address the injustices of the past. During the years of white minority rule, black South Africans were dispossessed of their land, some even forcibly relocated to areas far from business districts. But years before the current land act was passed, a pressure group called AfriForum, composed of white Afrikaners, travelled to the United States to lobby conservativ

Feb 13,2025 22:00

37. What's fuelling the success of women's football Morocco?

The growth of women’s football in Morocco has seen more girls taking up the sport. The evidence of this can be seen in how many young girls play the beautiful game in their neighbourhoods, in the streets. It’s something which would not have happened 20 years ago. The success of women’s football there has also been reflected in the packed stadiums and the rising number of people watching the women’s national team- the Atlas Lionesses- on television. They are also the first North African and Arab

Feb 12,2025 21:09

38. How have Goma’s residents reacted to M23 takeover?

It’s now two weeks since the rebel M23 group took over Goma in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo – so what has the experience been like for the city’s inhabitants? For today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to two people who live in Goma: one woman who has stayed and says finding food is almost impossible, and an activist who has fled the city after receiving threats of abduction and death from the M23.

Feb 11,2025 16:29

39. What’s at stake for Africa if Trump shuts down USAID?

One person living with HIV has described how these cut would change their life and said "please tell the American government that this is a death trap for us. If I don’t get my tablets next month and the following month, how much longer will I have to live?”USAID—the United States Agency for International Development—has funded life-saving aid across Africa for decades. Programmes assisting with famine, disease control, and poverty are now at-risk following President Trump's decision to cut its

Feb 10,2025 20:06

40. Can South Sudan break the cycle of cholera outbreaks?

South Sudan is facing another deadly cholera outbreak, with over 24,500 suspected cases and nearly 500 deaths, according to charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Overcrowding, poor sanitation and a lack of clean water are fuelling the crisis, while political instability and logistical challenges hinder the response.With a history of recurring outbreaks and 9 million people in need of aid, experts warn the situation could worsen. Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja speaks to Juba-based journalist Nich

Feb 07,2025 18:17

41. What do plans to resume drilling for oil in Ogoniland mean for people there?

This year it will be 30 years since Nigerian author and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed by the Nigerian military government for leading protests against environmental pollution caused by oil exploration. He remains an icon of resistance against environmental degradation beyond Nigeria. The campaigns he led saw the exploration of crude oil stopped in Ogoniland, in the country’s Niger Delta region, after it became clear oil spills had extensively polluted rivers and farmland, des

Feb 06,2025 20:20

42. Why are so many countries involved in the DR Congo conflict?

“What is the problem if South African investors invest in Congo? Why should it be Rwanda complaining, not the Congolese?” – Retired SANDF Lieutenant General Maomela Motau On Sunday the 26th of January 2025, the M23 rebel group took over the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It followed intense fighting with the country’s main army. Since then, more than 700 people have been killed, with thousands more forced to seek refuge elsewhere. This comes as South Africa and Rwanda have

Feb 05,2025 19:35

43. Ethiopia: what’s at issue in the Somali region of Ogaden?

“Growing up in Ogaden, I was surrounded by war - there was massacres and abuses. At a young age, I recall seeing looting and dead bodies everywhere. At the age of 12, I was arrested by government troops and imprisoned along with my whole family.”Ogaden, or the Somali region, is a remote area of Ethiopia – little known by much of the world. But in 1970s, Ethiopia and Somalia fought a war over it, and at the start of this century a conflict was waged between rebels from the Ogaden National Liberat

Feb 04,2025 17:51

44. Can Africa get rid of rabies?

Rabies is a disease which is known across Africa, killing thousands of people each year through the bite or lick from an infected animal, usually a dog. However, we have the vaccines to protect dogs against rabies, and we also have the vaccines to protect humans against rabies. So why haven’t we eliminated rabies from Africa yet? With the help of two people who are dedicated to ending rabies, we find out what needs to be done to end this deadly disease.Presenter: Alan KasujjaGuests: Salima Kadao

Feb 03,2025 20:53

45. How did Ghana’s ‘Maths Queen’ become a global maths icon?

Ghana’s Dr. Angela Tabiri is the first African to win ‘The Big Internet Math Off’, a global competition where mathematicians make complex ideas easy to understand.Once set on studying business, she found her true passion in maths, leading to a PhD in quantum algebra. Now, she’s mentoring girls, breaking STEM stereotypes and shaping Africa’s future in quantum science.Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Dr. Tabiri about her win and the power of numbers.

Jan 31,2025 14:54

46. Has Ethiopia’s electric vehicle policy paid off?

In January 2024, Ethiopia made history as the first country in the world to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, aiming to tackle fuel dependence and pollution. A year on, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a common sight in the capital Addis Ababa, but the country still faces major hurdles. There are issues around the high costs of the electric vehicles, limited charging stations, and a shortage of repair services. Despite these challenges, the government is determined to push forwar

Jan 30,2025 20:46

47. Will the victims of apartheid violence see justice in South Africa?

“What makes this case more than difficult, what makes this case bitterly sad and bitterly frustrating, is that this didn’t have to happen” – Odette Geldenhuys, South African lawyer. In the mid 1990s, the South African government set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was aimed at looking into human rights violations and to promote dialogue between victims and perpetrators of political violence. At the end of its work in 2003, the commission recommended that 300 cases needed to be prose

Jan 29,2025 21:18

48. Does Africa need stock markets?

There are now many more stock markets in Africa than there were forty years ago. Ethiopia is the latest country to join the club after re-starting its stock market this month. But what role do they play in the economy of our countries, and how exactly do they work? The companies, the shareholders, the risks and the rewards are all explained as we look into whether stock markets are an engine of economic growth on the African continent. Presenter: Mpho Lakaje Guests: Abena Amoah, the Managing Di

Jan 28,2025 20:05

49. How can Africa’s rural population be ‘powered up’?

Life in remote villages without electricity can be challenging: it’s difficult to power phones, to run businesses, work or study at night, and to keep food fresh. Food needs to be cooked using firewood or expensive and polluting generators. Yet that is the reality for 600 million African people living south of the Sahara who make up 83% of the world’s population without access to electricity. This week in Dar Es Salaam, several heads of states will be meeting with private sector leaders and in

Jan 27,2025 19:24

50. What does President Trump’s re-election mean for Africa?

US President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office raises pressing questions about how his policies will impact Africa. From trade and aid to health programs and climate policies, Trump’s first term saw cuts to foreign aid, shifts in trade priorities and the controversial Prosper Africa initiative. With his withdrawal from the WHO and the Paris Agreement, there are growing concerns about how these decisions will affect Africa’s health systems and climate change efforts. Africa Daily's Mpho La

Jan 24,2025 19:19

51. How did Somali refugees make sambusas a hit in Minnesota?

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the United States, but for many Somali refugees finding stability and employment has been a struggle.So Mariam Mohamed, a Somali woman living in Minnesota, co-founded Hoyo in 2015. It’s a business that provides empowerment and jobs to refugee women through the shared tradition of making sambusas, a popular Somali delicacy. This savoury snack has now become a hit in school cafeterias across the state. In today's episode, Alan Kasujja speaks to

Jan 23,2025 16:49

52. Is South Africa’s Julius Malema losing his popularity?

Today Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje sits down with firebrand South African politician Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They discuss a variety of topics ranging from the party’s ideology, its policy on immigration to its stance on nation building. The EFF lost its position as South Africa’s third biggest political party, following the May 2024 election. “There was a phenomenon that arose in South Africa of MK (Umkhonto Wesizwe Party) which we underestimated and never

Jan 22,2025 25:03

53. Can chess change lives in Africa?

Robert Katende is a man with a mission to use chess to bring about social change. In his home country of Uganda he works with thousands of disadvantaged children, those with disabilities, and even prisoners, to use chess as a means to provide useful skills for life. He’s even had his story portrayed in a film made by Disney, the 'Queen of Katwe'. Alan Kasujja talks to Robert to hear how this ancient game can be a catalyst for changing lives. Guests: Robert Katende and ‘Coach’ Julius

Jan 21,2025 20:49

54. Why was journalist Amun Aduhulahi Mohamed killed?

“She was buried in the same place where she was murdered, at the field in the crops.” Today on the podcast we hear about the life and death of Swedish-Somali journalist Amun Abuhulahi Mohamed, who also worked to advocate for the advancement of women in Somalia. She was shot multiple times in the head by gunmen as she walked to her sorghum and watermelon farm in a rural part of Somalia, 40 kilometres from Mogadishu. She’d moved back to Somalia after years of threats and intimidation in Sweden bec

Jan 20,2025 17:21

55. Is Nigeria’s doubling rental market pushing tenants out?

In Lagos, some tenants are starting the year with a harsh ultimatum; pay double your rent or move out. With inflation at 34.8% and housing already consuming up to 60% of household income, many are struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, landlords report 80% of their tenants are defaulting and investors are abandoning the buy-to-let market due to poor returns. What’s driving this rental crisis and how is it impacting everyday Nigerians? BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to BBC journalist Bisi Adeba

Jan 17,2025 17:12

56. What’s behind Kenya’s increase in abductions?

It has become a worrying trend in Kenya. Out of nowhere, hooded men appear in unmarked vehicles wielding guns with the aim of kidnapping someone. Victims are then blindfolded and taken to places that are not officially recognised police stations to be interrogated. Foreign nationals have not been spared.Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai says she was abducted by armed men in Nairobi last Sunday afternoon but released hours later. She’d fled to Kenya in 2020 seeking asylum afte

Jan 16,2025 18:02

57. Is Mozambique’s political crisis threatening to destabilize southern Africa?

"I have seen presidents come and go, one after the other, but there’s no change. Poverty continues. So, I hope and pray that things change” - Armdando Sthole, Mozambican economic migrant in South Africa Today Mozambique’s president-elect Daniel Chapo will be inaugurated at a ceremony in the country’s capital, Maputo. It comes as the nation has been rocked by violence which has so far claimed the lives of more than 300 people. It all started on the 9th of October 2024, when the citizens of Mozamb

Jan 15,2025 17:20

58. What does the capture of Masisi mean for M23’s offensive in eastern DRCongo?

The latest offensive happened last week when the M23 rebels took Masisi, the administrative centre of the Masisi territory, in North Kivu. Days before, they’d captured another town Katale. Thousands of people have fled and been displaced by the fighting. The Congolese army fought back and reclaimed Masisi but the rebels have since regained control of the town. The M23 has held control over large parts of territory in the east since starting a renewed offensive late last year following the break

Jan 14,2025 15:14

59. Are snakebites a neglected health issue in Africa?

It's estimated that snakebites kill more than 30,000 people across sub-Saharan Africa every year, and leave thousands more with permanent disabilities. Yet, 70% of cases go unreported, especially in rural areas where access to treatment or antivenoms is limited. In today’s episode, Alan Kasujja speaks to Dr Blessing Kasenge, who is campaigning for better access to antivenoms, and Rudo Nalondwa, a Zambian student who shares her harrowing experience of surviving a snakebite and the challenges she

Jan 13,2025 19:40

60. Mozambique’s opposition leader returns so what’s next for the country?

On Wednesday, opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane returned to Mozambique after a two month self-imposed exile. He was greeted by thousands of his supporters at the main airport in the capital Maputo. Video shared on social media shows him kneeling with a hand on a bible declaring himself president-elect of Mozambique. This latest twist in the country’s post-election drama comes amidst heightened tensions and tight security. Deadly protests kicked off soon after the October 2024 elections which t

Jan 10,2025 19:14

61. Will US sanctions have an impact on the war in Sudan?

This week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said genocide had been committed in Darfur by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. He said the RSF was responsible for the murder of "men and boys - even infants", that it had committed brutal crimes of sexual violence against women on ethnic grounds, and that it had murdered civilians even as they tried to flee the conflict. He also announced sanctions on its leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. So will this have an im

Jan 09,2025 19:37

62. As it turns 113, what direction will South Africa’s ANC take next?

“The African National Congress right now is at a crossroads and that crossroads is as a result of one, the electoral performance in 2024 and two, some of the challenges that the country is facing” – Jamie Mighti, South African political commentator Today South Africa’s biggest political party, the African National Congress (ANC), is celebrating its 113th birthday. It comes nearly a year after it lost its parliamentary majority, for the first time since the end of apartheid. Its poor showing at t

Jan 08,2025 20:05

63. Has Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ created unity or division?

Over the past five years Ghana has seen a wave of Africans from the diaspora returning to their ancestral land. That’s because of initiatives like ‘The Year of Return’ which the government launched in 2019. Former president Nana Akufo Addo said “we believe we have a responsibility to extend a hand of welcome” and that ‘The Year of Return’ had been a “great success”. But this movement isn’t without controversy. While diasporans celebrate newfound opportunities and belonging, many local communiti

Jan 07,2025 20:21

64. What’s being done to protect vulnerable athletes in Kenya?

2024 was a phenomenal year for women’s sport in Kenya. Amongst other achievements, women athletes won three of Kenya’s four gold medals at the Paris Olympics; in November, Kenyan women were first, second and third in the New York City Marathon; and on the very last day of 2024, double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet smashed the women’s 5000 metre record with an incredible time of 13 minutes and 24 seconds.And yet the biggest news story about a sportswoman in Kenya last year was when Ugandan Oly

Jan 06,2025 19:06

65. How I became me: award winning Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga

Tsitsi Dangarembga is a critically acclaimed Zimbabwean writer. She is known for her trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels- ‘Nervous Conditions’, ‘The Book of Not’, and ‘This Mournable Body'. She’s won awards, made films, been arrested for anti-government protests in her home country and lived in Zimbabwe and abroad. For the last episode in our ‘How I became me’ series, Alan Kasujja speaks to her about the choices and moments that shaped her life and her decision to become a writer.

Jan 03,2025 22:31

66. How I became me: Cameroon mental health advocate Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong Akinboboye

In today's Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong Akinboboye.She campaigns for a better understanding of mental health in Cameroon. She founded two NGOs, Positive Youths Africa which is based on encouraging positive mental health for young people and Afrogiveness which uses art therapy, amongst other methods, to help survivors of conflict and discrimination. Her work has reached an estimated 100,000 people. These include victims of the Boko Haram insurgency which has spill

Jan 02,2025 21:35

67. What can Africa expect in 2025?

Yesterday Alan and his BBC colleagues from South, East and West Africa gathered for a reminder of the big stories of 2024 – and to discuss how they’d shaped the continent. Today they pick up and look forward to the next year: so what can we expect to see in the news in 2025? With presenter Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja), Africa Daily’s @Mpholakaje in Johannesburg, East Africa Deployments Editor @RuthNesoba in Nairobi, and BBC journalist @Chrisewokor in Abuja.NOTE: Since the recording of this discussion

Jan 01,2025 19:23

68. What were the big news stories of 2024?

Which news stories have stuck with you over the last year? Sudan? Mpox? The Gen Z protests? What about the cost of living? Alan Kasujja is joined by three BBC colleagues in South, East and West Africa to unpack the biggest issues which impacted the continent in 2024. With presenter Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja), Africa Daily’s @Mpholakaje in Johannesburg, East Africa Deployments Editor @RuthNesoba in Nairobi, and BBC journalist @Chrisewokor in Abuja.

Dec 31,2024 28:57

69. How are African festivals shaping the continent’s global influence?

"The power of live entertainment is unmatched." In today’s podcast, we explore the vibrant culture of African festivals and their growing impact on the continent's economy and global influence. Events like Flytime Fest in Lagos and Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar draw thousands of visitors annually, fuelling tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.But what does it take to organise a music festival?Alan Kasujja speaks to Keke Hammond, Chief Operating Officer of Flytime Fest, and Journey Ramadhan,

Dec 30,2024 19:34

70. How I became me: Bishop of Lesotho Dr Vicentia Kgabe

What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all. Over the festive period Alan Kasujja has been exploring this subject with people who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives. Today’s guest is the Right Reverend Dr Vicentia Kgabe, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lesotho. She grew up in Soweto in Johannesburg when there were no female priests but she says she knew from an early age knew that she wanted to become a priest.

Dec 27,2024 20:24

71. How I became me: Ethiopia’s trailblazing Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi

In 2018 Meaza Ashenafi made history when she became Ethiopia’s first female Chief Justice, transforming the country’s judicial system while breaking barriers for women. But her remarkable path began far from the courtroom, in a small town in Benishangul-Gumuz, in north west Ethiopia. In today's Africa Daily, she speaks to Alan Kasujja about her journey- her childhood, her law school days as the only woman in her class, defending human rights, being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and what sh

Dec 26,2024 18:41

72. How I became me: Dr Aminata Toure, Senegal’s ‘ambitious’ former PM

‘‘I was a very ambitious young girl, I looked at Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, and I said well, if they can do it at that level, why not me?’’ What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all. Over the festive period Alan Kasujja will be exploring this subject with people who have gone on to do amazing things in their lives. In the first interview of this special series, Alan speaks to former Senegalese Prime

Dec 25,2024 19:20

73. How a 20-Year-Old South African became the world’s youngest MasterChef

“My age was the most talked-about thing, but I turned it into my strength.” In today’s podcast, we’re serving up the ultimate recipe for success, featuring the extraordinary journey of Bridget Mangwandi, a 20-year-old South African who made history as the first black woman in her country, and the youngest in the world, to win MasterChef. Her final challenge on the show was to create a two-course meal celebrating African flavours with a modern twist – and she responded by reimagining her mother’s

Dec 24,2024 19:59

74. How will homeless people in South Africa spend Christmas?

“For people to be seeing me like this today, I feel embarrassed. I won’t lie to you. There are times when I want to go home and talk to them, but I’m thinking I might get rejected” - Brian Singh, a homeless man in Durban, South Africa Around this time of the year, Durban in South Africa attracts hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors. This is due to its warm weather, sea, theme parks, restaurants, bars and affordable accommodation. Sadly though, not everyone is walking around

Dec 23,2024 16:58

75. How did ‘The Lion King’ musician ascend from rags to riches?

In today’s episode, our presenter Alan Kasujja meets South African musician and writer Lebohang Morakeat. Popularly known as Lebo M, he co-wrote and sang the music for the Disney movie The Lion King back in 1994. 30 years later he is doing the same for the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, he was in London to attend the film’s premiere. He talks to Alan about how he went from the slums of Soweto to the red carpets of the world. “I’m born into the most racially divided society in the world, South

Dec 20,2024 21:53

76. How are African countries viewing Assad’s fall?

After 50 years of Assad family rule, Syrians are celebrating the fall of Bashar al-Assad after rebel forces captured Damascus. But his fall isn’t just Syria’s story - it’s one with global implications. In Africa, countries that rely on Russian paramilitary support from groups like Wagner, also known as the African Corps, are bracing for potential impacts. Disrupted security alliances, risks of militants returning home, and heightened instability are all major concerns. To unpack how this may res

Dec 19,2024 20:04

77. Is CCTV making Mogadishu safer?

For more than a year the Somali government has been using security cameras as a key part of its strategy for countering the violence of the Islamist group al-Shabab within the capital city. Many businesses installed CCTV as requested and according to many residents it has had a positive impact on crime and in making people feel safer. But, in response, al-Shabab has shot dead a number of businessmen, leaving the business community feeling very vulnerable and unsure whether to leave the cameras u

Dec 18,2024 14:51

78. How did the woman once described as Africa’s richest woman become so wealthy?

Isabel Dos Santos is the eldest daughter Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, the former president of Angola and she was once described as one of the richest women in Africa- with an estimated fortune of $2 billion. But over the last four years her life has changed dramatically. She’s faced lawsuits, her assets have been frozen in several countries and in 2022 global police agency Interpol issued a red notice calling for her to be arrested. Her critics say she’s used her position and influence to enrich he

Dec 17,2024 25:42

79. What’s fuelling this year's Detty December in Ghana and Nigeria despite tough times?

"It’s not your typical ‘white Christmas’ where you’re sitting around sipping hot cocoa with family. No… it’s back-to-back parties, beach parties, pool parties, concerts featuring global superstars. That's what Detty December is!" This festive season, known as Detty December, transforms Lagos and Accra into buzzing hubs of celebration. It’s a time when members of the diaspora, jokingly called IJGBs (I Just Got Back), return home to reconnect with family, indulge in the energy of West Africa, and

Dec 16,2024 20:43

80. Senegal: France finally acknowledges Thiaroye massacre

In December 1944, Senegalese troops who fought for France in World War II were killed for demanding the pay and dignity they were promised. The Thiaroye Massacre, long shrouded in silence, is now officially acknowledged by France, shedding light on a dark chapter of colonial history and its lasting impact on Senegal and beyond. BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Mamadou Faye, based in BBC’s Dakar bureau, about the massacre, the historical context behind the killings and the lasting impact

Dec 13,2024 12:14

81. Can the American dollar be replaced with a new currency?

“I’m not sure if Egypt is looking to replace the dollar at the moment. I’m not sure even BRICS wants to do that at the moment” - Wael Gamal, Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights US president-elect Donald Trump recently threatened BRICS member states with 100% tariffs, should they go against his country’s currency. “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US Dollar”, he told his social me

Dec 12,2024 18:59

82. Are attitudes towards drinking changing on the continent?

As the holiday season approaches with its parties, dinners and festive gatherings, one trend is emerging: a growing number of people are choosing to celebrate without alcohol. The “sober curious” movement is gaining traction, especially among younger generations focused on health and wellness. BBC Africa Daily’s Muthoni Muchiri sits down with Ghanaian author and entrepreneur John Asogonnde, who has not only given up alcohol but also built a business around it. He’s the founder of Eden Bar, Ghana

Dec 11,2024 16:06

83. Are Ghana’s elections a victory for democracy?

Ghana: it’s done it again. Leading the way when it comes to showing the continent how to do democracy. On Sunday, ruling party candidate and Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat even before the official result had been declared.But John Mahama, the country’s next President - who is also a former president – inherits some really tough challenges – especially finding solutions to the country’s economic woes.Alan Kasujja gets the latest from BBC presenter James Copnall, who’s been spe

Dec 10,2024 15:04

84. Why aren’t civilians in Eastern DRC being protected?

Warning: This podcast includes description of sexual violence. “I’ve worked in this situation for more than 25 years. And for me it’s not acceptable to stay in the operating room waiting for patients, and treat them, treat their children and treat their grandchildren. This is not acceptable.” Dr Dennis Mukwege set up the Panzi Clinic in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999. It was initially set up to help women in childbirth, but it quickly changed its focus to treating women raped and

Dec 09,2024 19:31

85. Why are women often missing from African history?

“A lot of times women were the power behind the throne, so they never got documented.”Women are often missing from historical records, their voices are not heard, their roles in society reduced to the background of a story. This is something that the Women’s History Museum of Zambia is trying to re-balance. Through examining how women often took a leadership role in indigenous culture, the founders of the museum, Samba Yonga and Mulenga Kapwepwe, are re-discovering the importance and power of wo

Dec 06,2024 18:52

86. What will the first rollout of a malaria vaccine mean for Nigeria?

Malaria, a preventable mosquito-borne disease, kills 600,000 people annually in Africa, most of them are children under five. Nigeria accounts for 30% of these deaths globally. This week, the country started administering the R21 malaria vaccine to children aged 5 to 11 months, beginning in Bayelsa and Kebbi states, which have high infection rates. Developed by Oxford University and manufactured in India, the vaccine has 75% efficacy. With 1 million doses donated by Gavi, the campaign is expecte

Dec 05,2024 23:14

87. Will President Biden’s historic visit transform US-Angola relations?

In this episode, we explore President Joe Biden’s historic visit to Angola, his first and only trip to Africa during his presidency. As the first U.S. president to step foot in Angola, Biden brings an agenda aimed at strengthening economic ties and countering China’s growing influence in the region. At the centre of his efforts is the multibillion-dollar Lobito Corridor project, a revitalisation of a century-old railway linking the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to Angola’s Atlantic p

Dec 04,2024 18:56

88. Will Zimbabwe’s major land policy shift empower black farmers?

“We are encouraged by the fact that indigenous farmers will now have these land titles and may be able to find value in the land they own. It’s optimism with a lot of caution” – Zimbabwean farmer Kudakwashe Musasiwa Zimbabwe’s government recently announced that it will give black farmers permanent title to land seized from white farmers in the past two decades. In this way, the indigenous citizens will finally own these properties and be in a position to secure affordable finance from banks. Th

Dec 03,2024 19:44

89. What's at stake in Ghana's elections?

This week campaigning in Ghana comes to an end as candidates make their final arguments in an election where every vote counts. For most people, Ghana’s economic turmoil has been at the top of concerns. In 2022 the Central Bank lost $5 billion in one year. The government asked the International Monetary Fund for a bailout and there have been accusations that the economy has been mismanaged High inflation has left many unable to afford basic goods, levels of unemployment are rising and hundred

Dec 02,2024 19:54

90. What’s life like for people living with Down Syndrome in Africa?

In today's podcast, we are looking at life for people with Down Syndrome in Africa. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome; they’ll have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It alters the development of the body and brain, leading to delays in areas like speech. In Africa, people with the condition often face additional barriers, a shorter life expectancy because of limited healthcare, delayed diagnosis, and

Nov 29,2024 19:57

91. Why are civilians being tried in Uganda’s military courts?

Last week the Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, appeared before a military court in Kampala, following his arrest in Kenya. His wife said he’d been abducted and driven overnight across the border into Uganda.He denied charges including the illegal possession of firearms and negotiating to buy arms abroad, and objected to being tried in a court martial, saying that if there were any charges against him, he should be tried in a civilian court.But Dr Besigye’s case is far from unique.Over t

Nov 28,2024 21:04

92. COP29: Was a raw deal for Africa better than none?

African negotiators at the COP29 left deflated and disappointed with the $300 billion deal reached at the summit, saying it fell short of their expectations.Delegates from the continent at the summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, had called on rich nations to commit $1.3 trillion per year to help poor countries address climate change.But after two weeks of intense negotiations a deal was reached, with rich nations agreeing to pay $300 billion annually to poorer countries.But some expressed relief that a

Nov 27,2024 21:54

93. Why does South Africa want Hamas and Israeli leaders arrested?

“The warrant signals to Israel, it signals to the supporters of Netanyahu [that] you have moved out of the realm of approval of a very great number of nations” – Professor Emeritus André Thomashausen, University of South Africa On the 21st of November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Mohammed Deif, a military commander of the Islamist group, Hamas, has also been added to the ICC’s

Nov 26,2024 19:37

94. How are women being tricked into believing they are pregnant?

"I was hoping that by 9 months I will be a mother, but then they told me that I will carry the baby for at least 1 year and 5 months. So, I did not understand."A year-long investigation by the BBC's Africa Eye team has exposed how fraudsters in Nigeria are targeting women struggling with infertility with the promise of miracle babies in exchange for hundreds of dollars. Vulnerable women are tricked into believing they’re pregnant and told delivery of their baby won’t happen without payment for a

Nov 25,2024 20:57

95. What’s behind Mozambique’s post-election unrest?

Mozambique’s government has banned protests and restricted internet access amid post-election unrest that has left several people dead and injured.The unrest follows last month’s disputed presidential election, won by the long-ruling Frelimo party, which denies opposition claims of vote-rigging.Opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, went into hiding after his lawyer and aide were shot dead while preparing to challenge the results.BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke with Mozambican journalist Fe

Nov 22,2024 17:35

96. Can carbon trading save Africa’s largest rainforest?

“We don’t have clear legislation (for) the carbon market that can guarantee the rights of local communities and indigenous people.”The Congo Basin forest is known as the “lungs of Africa” because of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide – around 1.5 billion tons each year. It also provides food and income for indigenous and local populations in the six countries it spans. And this week, at the COP 29 climate conference, it’s being discussed as an example of a carbon sink which can help the world

Nov 21,2024 16:49

97. Can Namibia’s national election address its land reform headache?

“I ask myself, where will I be after graduating? And looking at ownership of a house, it seems like a farfetched dream that could never materialize” – First time Namibian voter Rivaldo Kanongo Kavanga On the 27th of November, the citizens of Namibia will choose a new president in an election expected to be the most competitive since independence in 1990. The ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) is fielding veteran politician Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah who is tipped to become the co

Nov 20,2024 19:00

98. What’s the cost of being a journalist in Eritrea?

Eritrea is the worst place to work as a journalist in the world and is one of the most repressive countries on press freedom. In the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Eritrea was ranked last out of 180 countries. Since 2001, the government has banned all independent media outlets, leaving only state-controlled media under the Ministry of Information. That year, about 11 journalists were arrested and put in jail without trial in a crackdown against the count

Nov 19,2024 15:49

99. Why are some Nigerian Gen Z professionals saying ‘no’ to being their parents’ pensions?

“You should not put too much expectation on your young ones, especially those from a humble background. They have their own lives to live.” Femi Olayanju. “Parents put themselves on hunger strike so they can abolish poverty from their families. And then this child grows up and comes back to say ‘I’m sorry I can’t take care of you’. That’s insensitive.” Abosede Sodiq___________________________________________________________________________ It’s always been an expectation: when children reach a

Nov 18,2024 19:07

100. Are young politicians doing enough to break from the old ways of using power?

In 2018, Nigeria passed the Not Too Young to Run bill, opening doors for younger candidates by lowering the age limits to hold office. This movement was meant to bring a shift, a break from the old ways of using power. But did it?Last month Nigerian MP Alex Ikwechegh, was caught slapping and intimidating a taxi driver who had delivered food to his house. Ikwechegh, aged 42, is one of Nigeria’s youngest MPs, he was brought to office by the Not Too Young to Run movement. The taxi driver filmed the

Nov 15,2024 19:30

101. How did Kenyan-born Huldah Momanyi break barriers in US politics?

Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley has just made history. She’s become the first Kenyan-born woman to be elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Moving from Kisii in Kenya to the US Huldah faced challenges, including navigating the immigration system to prevent her family’s deportation. Amid Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th president, she is focused on amplifying minority voices and empowering immigrant communities.She joins trailblazers like Somali-born Ilhan Omar, in reshaping the politi

Nov 14,2024 17:54

102. Why are dowries causing a headache for Congolese couples?

“If you’re poor in Kinshasa, you are going to stay single, even to the day you die.” In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it’s traditional for a man to pay a dowry to the family of the woman he wants to marry. But in recent years the cost has spiralled – with some parents asking for thousands of pounds, or even items like flat-screen TVs. And there are also fees to be paid by those wanting to get legally married after their first traditional marriage.The rising expense has meant many couples ar

Nov 13,2024 15:43

103. Will the finance COP deliver cash to Africa?

The COP 29 climate summit has been christened the finance COP - and negotiators will seek to agree on a new goal for how much money richer countries should be paying to poorer countries to help them adapt to climate change.A new fund to be known as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is replacing the $100 billion a year fund which was meant to have been paid out from 2009 to 2022 but which hardly took off. As the latest summit got underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, negotiators for the Least Dev

Nov 12,2024 15:04

104. What are the priorities of Kenya's first female Chief Justice?

“Women are getting more empowered to know their rights… the law is there, violence is a crime, but following through and reporting is also a problem because of the way we are brought up to think that women are supposed to be subservient and bear it all.”Martha Koome describes herself as a defender and advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and in 2020, she was runner-up for the ‘United Nations Person of the Year’, in recognition for her work in this field. But Chief Justice Koome has also

Nov 11,2024 20:48

105. What are President Duma Boko’s priorities for Botswana?

“Tug at my jacket – tell me what needs to be done.”Later today, Botswana’s newly-elected president, Duma Boko, will be inaugurated in Gaborone – but he still found time this week for a discussion of his agenda with Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje.In a wide ranging discussion he talks about signing a new deal with global diamond giant De Beers, how he wants to help people to become entrepreneurs, and why he wants to grant permits to undocumented Zimbabweans to make the system more ‘orderly’ and to all

Nov 08,2024 25:06

106. Is traditional marriage counselling appropriate in modern Zambia?

In today's podcast, we explore the tradition of bridal counselling in Zambia. Before marriage, elderly women share tips on how to run a home, how to look after the husband, how to look after the children, how to resolve conflict and there are lessons about sex too. For many, this training is a way to strengthen a marriage, but for some women it’s meant lasting harm. ‘Bride of Zambia’ is a short film which tells the story of a young Zambian-American woman who reluctantly has this counselling a

Nov 07,2024 19:51

107. What now for Botswana after the elections?

This week Botswana’s president-elect Duma Boko will be inaugurated in an event that’s expected to be attended by dignitaries from across the continent. The 54-year-old lawyer and his Umbrella for Democratic Change beat Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party, which had been in power for 58 years. When he officially takes over as the country’s president, Mr Boko will be hoping to create jobs particularly for young people who’ve been agitating for change. But some are still wondering how he

Nov 06,2024 18:57

108. How can African football rid itself of dirty tricks?

Last month, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria victory in a forfeited 2025 Nations Cup qualifier against Libya, and fined Libya $50,000.It came after an investigation found that a plane carrying the Nigerian squad had been deliberately redirected to the wrong airport – where the Super Eagles were left for nearly 20 hours without food, water or internet access. The incident has yet again exposed the unorthodox – and unsporting - tactics which are often used against visiti

Nov 05,2024 20:06

109. How will the 2024 US election shape relations with Africa?

The 2024 US election, set for Tuesday November 5, could have major implications for African economies and African communities in the United States. As Africa’s global significance grows, the election may reshape US engagement in areas like investment, health, security, and climate policy. On one side, former President Donald Trump has pledged to prioritise domestic issues, which could mean a reduction in US aid and military presence abroad. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has focused o

Nov 04,2024 23:24

110. What challenges remain two years after the end of the conflict in Tigray?

After two years of conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, the 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) finally put a stop to the fighting between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides agreed to work together to find lasting solutions, including the restoration of constitutional order in Tigray.Two years on, some say the Ethiopian government is downplaying the seriousness of the current situation in the country - while aid agencies warn of signifi

Nov 01,2024 16:52

111. Is illegal mining threatening Ghana’s clean water supply?

Today Alan Kasujja sits down with Ghanaian artist, Israel Derrick Epeti, to discuss the environmental disaster that’s caused by illegal mining. Mercury is being used to extract gold by miners digging on a massive scale in forests and farms across the west African country. The 26-year-old artist recently visited the town of Twifo Praso to see for himself how the Pra River is polluted by chemicals. “I was able to paint with the water on my canvas. That’s how bad it was”, he tells Alan. He further

Oct 31,2024 17:04

112. Is dementia care and research given enough resources in Africa?

“The stigmatisation extends to the fact that in some cultures, there’s a presumption that if an elderly person is talking bizarrely or behaving unusually, they’re suspected of being witches or wizards or something like that.”Three and a half million people are currently estimated to live with dementia in Africa. Dementia is an umbrella term use to describe neurological conditions which lead to the loss of memory, language, and the ability to think clearly. People can start to struggle to get dre

Oct 30,2024 20:10

113. The chef channelling his African culture in his cooking

“We sit on some of the best grains in the world… things that can grow in really tough environments and give you harvests several times a year.”Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson was born in Ethiopia but was adopted by a Swedish couple and taken to Sweden as a small child after his mother died of tuberculosis.After travelling across Europe and to Japan for his training, he rose to prominence as a chef in the US - cooking for the rich and famous including Barack and Michelle Obama, Desmond Tutu, Nel

Oct 29,2024 17:14

114. How did a blind musician break barriers in Nigeria’s music industry?

"I started out life not being acutely aware of being blind. I was more aware of what I could do as opposed to the reality of being blind and the accompanying limitations."Nigerian musician Cobhams Asuquo has produced for some of Africa’s biggest stars and become a celebrated musician himself. In today’s Africa Daily, Cobhams talks to Alan Kasujja about turning obstacles into opportunities. He's been using his platform for an even greater cause—advocating for childhood immunisation. With the rele

Oct 28,2024 21:20

115. Why have Mozambique’s politics got so deadly?

The killing of two high-ranking members of the Podemos political party in Mozambique has sent shock waves through the country. Elvino Dias and Paul Guambe were murdered in a hail of bullets in the capital Maputo in the early hours of the 19th of October. The leader of the Podemos party, Venancio Mondlane has accused the ruling Frelimo party of being behind the killings, a charge the government denies. The murders happened ten days after the country voted in national elections, a process that the

Oct 25,2024 19:07

116. What’s at stake in Botswana’s general elections?

President Mokgweetsi Masisi will be looking to secure another term in office when his nation votes in a national election next Wednesday. His predecessor and former boss, Ian Khama, is also in the picture. He won’t be running for office, but he’s throwing his weight behind the Botswana Patriotic Front, an opposition party he helped to establish. The southern African nation, which has a population of over two million people, relies heavily on diamond mining to drive its economy. While it’s known

Oct 24,2024 15:06

117. What can Africa’s young anti-graft activists learn from South Africa’s ex-Public Protector Thuli Madonsela?

Professor Thuli Madonsela was South Africa’s Public Protector from 2009 to 2016. She’s famous for taking on former president Jacob Zuma over his misuse of public money. She received death threats for doing her job. Abideen Olasupo, is Nigerian and belongs to the next generation of anti-corruption activists who believe Artificial Intelligence will empower young people to hold those in public office accountable. He’s developed ‘My AI Factchecker’, a tool which allows people to verify the factual a

Oct 23,2024 20:08

118. How are domestic workers surviving Lebanon’s conflict?

"We tried so many shelters, and we were like rejected. It’s like, it’s not for migrants, it’s not for migrants!” Lebanon is caught in a devastating conflict between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, a powerful Shia Muslim political party and armed group. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, residential buildings, and shelters, has been destroyed, displacing over a million people across the country. Among those most affected are Lebanon’s roughly 250,000 migrant domestic workers, primaril

Oct 22,2024 19:00

119. What's the impact of secret drinking in Somali border towns?

"From time to time my parents will ask me: 'Hey why do you look like this'?... But they'll never ask me directly because I try my best to conceal it." In Somalia, alcohol is completely banned because of Sharia law. It’s also frowned on by many people on religious grounds. Those caught using it are arrested and fined or imprisoned – and dealers caught with large amounts are named and shamed on TV. But its sale is also highly lucrative in a country with high unemployment – meaning there are plenty

Oct 21,2024 20:08

120. How can Africa tackle its growing hearing loss crisis?

Today Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje sits down with multi-award winning South African musician Nhlanhla Mafu of the popular Afro-pop group, Mafikizolo.Our guest shares her journey with hearing loss, which has been devastating to her, considering the nature of the industry she's in.This comes as Africa is facing a growing hearing loss crisis, affecting 49 million people and costing the continent $27 billion each year.The World Health Organisation predicts this number could rise to 54 million by 2030.

Oct 18,2024 22:40

121. What’s the harsh reality for Gambia’s returning boat migrants?

“He is the reason my father sacrificed everything we had - just for him to throw it all away and come back!” Gambian migrants frequently risk their lives to reach Europe in hopes of a better life, only to be sent back home. These returnees don’t just face the disappointment of a failed journey - they often return to a cold reception from families and communities. Families often sell their personal belongings, land and even livestock, sacrificing everything to fund these dangerous journeys. BBC A

Oct 17,2024 16:39

122. What’s it like to return home to Omdurman in Sudan?

“They made me, a woman who’s over 80, crawl the street in front of soldiers laughing and shouting and hurling abuse.”Today on the podcast we hear stories from the people of Omdurman from the BBC’s Mohanad Hashim, who was born and raised in the city. Sudan has been embroiled in a war since the army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (or RSF), began a vicious struggle for power in April 2023, leading to what the UN has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Oct 16,2024 18:38

123. How do abortion laws affect young women in Africa?

Before you listen to this episode, please be warned we will be discussing incidents that are highly distressing. Some of the explanations could upset some listeners.Abortion laws vary across Africa, leading to many cases of unsafe abortions. Sub-Saharan Africa records over 6 million unsafe abortions annually according to the African Institute for Development Policy. The maternal death rate from unsafe abortions in Africa remains among the highest globally, underscoring the urgent need for cle

Oct 15,2024 18:31

124. Why are cases of unsafe abortion so high in Africa?

Before you listen to this episode, please be warned we will be discussing incidents that are highly distressing. Some of the explanations are graphic and could upset some listeners. Today Mpho Lakaje sits down with Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile who had a horrifying experience when she went for an abortion facility in Johannesburg. It came after she was raped in 2009 and opted not to keep the baby. She explains to our presenter why women risk their lives by opting for an unsafe abortion even though term

Oct 14,2024 21:55

125. Why is Kenya’s deputy president being impeached?

“I have no intention of resigning from this job. I’ll fight till the end. I have no doubt that I will get justice.”This week in a historic vote the National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 281 MPs voted in favour and 44 against, making him the first Kenyan deputy president go through an impeachment process. Gachagua, who has served alongside President William Ruto since 2022, was expected to remain in his job until the next election in August 2027. However, his polit

Oct 11,2024 15:17

126. What Legacy did Dikembe Mutombo leave Africa?

Dikembe Mutombo, the legendary basketball player from the DR Congo, died last month aged 52 from brain cancer. He was a giant of a man and giant of the game of basketball, winning many awards from the NBA as an all-star defensive player. He was also committed to using his influence to nurture basketball talent in Africa, and also bring about change through education, healthcare and humanitarian projects. We look back on his life with two people who knew him well: Amadou Gallo Fall, President of

Oct 10,2024 20:34

127. What can be done to improve the mental wellbeing of Africa’s healthcare workers?

Ramatou Nombro is a doctor living in Mali. She started her job with high hopes of wanting to help people in need in her country. But when she began working in a psychiatric department, she found herself battling against the odds. Not only has she struggled to keep up with her workload, during some months, she hasn’t received her wages. She has now decided to leave her profession. In today's episode of Africa Daily, Mpho Lakaje speaks to Ramatou and looks at what needs to be done to protect the m

Oct 09,2024 15:38

128. Are men more vulnerable to chronic stress?

"Men are predisposed not to talk—that’s what we grew up knowing, especially African men." Research shows that hormonal differences between men and women influence how they handle stress. However, experts also point out that societal expectations often prevent men from showing vulnerability or expressing their emotions openly. Men tend to delay seeking professional help, while women are more likely to reach out for support sooner. This prolonged stress can lead to serious physical and mental heal

Oct 08,2024 21:32

129. Why are cybersecurity laws so controversial in Africa?

While there’s no doubt that the internet has taken the human race forward, it has its dark side. If left unregulated, it can be exploited and used for the wrong reasons, like stealing money from people or to even compromise a country's security. This is why many governments across Africa say they require laws to counter what's often referred to as cybercrimes, to protect their citizens. But in countries like Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho, there's a serious push back against some

Oct 07,2024 20:01

130. What can we expect from Mozambique’s elections?

Presidential candidates have been campaigning and making their case for why they believe they should be the next president of Mozambique. The independent candidate Venancio Mondlane has caused the most excitement, especially amongst young voters. But most commentators don’t expect him or the other two opposition candidates to win. It’s assumed that the candidate of the ruling party, Frelimo, Daniel Chapo, will be the next president. Frelimo have been the ruling party for since independence, alm

Oct 04,2024 18:53

131. What will be the impact of Ghana’s new gender law?

Ghana has made a major leap toward gender equality with the passing of its Affirmative Action law, after nearly three decades of delays and political promises. The law aims to increase women's representation in leadership positions, setting a goal of 50% by 2030. However, questions remain about its enforcement and the impact it will have ahead of the upcoming elections. Will this law bring real change to who holds power in Ghana, or will it face further challenges in implementation? BBC Africa D

Oct 03,2024 13:05

132. How did a young Nigerian rapper find his rhythm in India?

In today’s podcast, we hear the fascinating story of Nigerian rapper Samuel Morrison, better known as Yung Sammy, who found success as a hip hop artist in India. Born and raised in Nigeria, Sammy moved to Delhi at 12 and developed his passion for music. Now fluent in Punjabi, Gujari, and Haryanvi, he’s using his multilingual talent to captivate audiences across India. Yung Sammy’s story is one of perseverance, embracing a new culture, and thriving in an unexpected environment. So how did a young

Oct 02,2024 15:40

133. Should Zimbabweans buy imported second hand clothes?

“I look good and no-one else has it”. In Zimbabwe the trade in second hand clothing is booming. Sold in markets or just out of the back of cars or from homes, the clothes are popular with those struggling with the cost of living, but also with those who just want good quality affordable fashion. But the clothes are imported illegally and no tax is paid. Many shops also sell cheap, but poorly made, imports from China. Manufacturers in the country say they just can’t compete and recently one fi

Oct 01,2024 16:58

134. Should surrogacy be legally recognised?

“One of them said: ‘but you have your ovaries so you can have a surrogate mother to carry a baby for you. I was like, ‘really?’"Joyce Wanjala-Lay is a former Member of Parliament in Kenya. Her son was born through surrogacy with the help of a friend, and in the years since she’s campaigned for the procedure to be recognised in law. Rwanda has recently made such a change – meaning the legal mother of a child can be the genetic egg donor rather than the woman who gives birth.For today’s Africa Da

Sep 30,2024 16:57

135. Why is there snow and drought at the same time in Southern Africa?

“You catch the flu time and again. Once the weather gets this bad, guaranteed, we get sick” - Calvin Takesure, South African resident On the weekend of the 21st of September 2024, several provinces of South Africa were hit by a heavy snowstorm. Motorists travelling on the N3, one of the national roads towards the coastal city of Durban, were stuck in traffic and forced to sleep in their vehicles. Tragically, two people lost their lives as a result of hypothermia. At the same time, other parts of

Sep 27,2024 19:40

136. Is democracy under threat in Tanzania?

When president Samia Suluhu Hassan came into power in 2021 she lifted a ban on political rallies imposed by her predecessor the late John Magufuli, and promised the 4 Rs: reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding.But now, as the country heads towards elections - this year and next - fear is growing.Just under 3 weeks ago, an opposition official Ali Kibao, was abducted, killed and his body doused in acid. A number of other activists have disappeared. And the two most senior opposition l

Sep 26,2024 19:47

137. Can Nigeria’s youth revive weaving traditions?

Today on the podcast we meet a young Nigerian who’s made it her mission to revive the tradition of weaving – especially for women.Florentina Agu, the founder of luxury brand Hertunba, blends modern fashion with vibrant traditional Nigerian textiles, hoping to inspire more women and young people to consider making their livelihoods from this ancient craft. Between the 1970s and 1990s, Nigeria’s textile sector enjoyed its golden years, but in recent years the industry has declined due to economic

Sep 25,2024 17:47

138. Why are people with albinism still being attacked and mutilated?

Albinism is an inherited condition that affects the production of melanin. People born with the condition have fair skin, hair and eyes. Superstitions about the body parts of people with albinism have led to violent attacks. In 2008 Tanzania appeared to be the epicentre of these superstitions and attacks. Anyone living with albinism there lived in fear. The BBC’s former Tanzania correspondent Vicky Ntetema’s reporting on the brutality of the attacks - maiming and beheadings - brought global atte

Sep 24,2024 22:00

139. How is the Mpox outbreak disrupting business in Africa?

The Mpox outbreak was declared a public health emergency in August 2024. Since then, more than 29,000 cases and 738 deaths have been reported across 15 Africa Union member states, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC).Despite some progress, such as the delivery of 200,000 vaccines to the DRC, challenges remain in getting the vaccines to the most affected communities. The outbreak has also evolved from a health crisis into a wider issue affecting businesses and livelihoo

Sep 23,2024 16:25

140. What is it like to grow up with HIV?

“I hated myself so much. But now I have the courage to love myself and see myself beyond this virus.”Singing a song in class with the words ‘Aids is a killer disease’ when none of your classmates know you’re HIV positive…Telling friends your status and then finding people are afraid to touch you…Being told by young men that you’re ‘lucky’ they will date you. Two young women from South Africa and Kenya who were born with the virus share an emotional discussion about how these experiences impacted

Sep 20,2024 21:48

141. Are South Africa’s power cuts now a thing of the past?

Today Alan Kasujja sits down with Dan Marokane, the recently appointed CEO of South Africa's national power supplier, Eskom. He wants to understand how the new boss has been able to halt power cuts that have been devastating to both the economy and the wellbeing of all South Africans. These electricity problems started towards the end of 2007. Then president Thabo Mbeki apologised and admitted that he should have listened to the leadership of Eskom who warned his administration about future powe

Sep 19,2024 22:00

142. Is China helping Africa realise its potential?

China is now Africa’s biggest trading partner, with 20% of exports going to China and 16% of imports coming from there, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting earlier this month, President Xi Jinping promised $50 billion for African development, including military support and new jobs. While this partnership boosts development, it’s also raising worries about debt, dependency and power imbalances. BBC Africa Daily’s Ala

Sep 18,2024 19:26

143. Can the rest of Africa learn from Kenya’s school meals scheme?

Hunger. It’s not just a horrible feeling… it also has a massive impact on how a child performs academically and how productive they will be as an adult.A new Gates Foundation report “The Race to Nourish a Warming World” calls malnutrition the world’s worst health crisis - with more than 400 million children not getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Many of those children are in Africa - and one organisation trying to tackle child hunger is Food4Education. Since 2016 they have pro

Sep 17,2024 17:43

144. Should drought stricken African countries resort to wildlife for food?

“I have eaten elephant meat. I have eaten hippo meat. I think what is food depends on where you are” – Romeo Muyunda, Namibia’s Department of Environment, Forestry and Tourism The drought, which became worse earlier this year, has seen crops being wiped out and animals dying across Southern Africa. As a result, 68 million people have been affected, with some now facing hunger. It’s reached a point where countries like Namibia are now resorting to slaughtering wild animals such as hippos, elephan

Sep 16,2024 19:29

145. Why is gender based violence so prevalent amongst women athletes?

Rebecca Cheptegei had just returned to her training base in Kenya from Paris, where she had competed in the women’s marathon at the Olympics. The following Sunday she and her two daughters aged 11 and 9 arrived home from a church service. Her ex-boyfriend was waiting at her home with a jerry can of petrol. He poured it on Rebecca and set her on fire as her children watched. She died four days later. Two other elite female athletes have died under similar circumstances in recent years in Kenya,

Sep 13,2024 17:27

146. Why does ‘the Beast’ think education is key?

“Dream big! You can achieve your wildest dreams as long as you work hard and get yourself in school.” Nicknamed ‘the Beast’, Tendai Mtawarira is the most-capped prop to have played for the Springboks.Born in Zimbabwe, his talent at rugby was quickly spotted and he was offered a bursary as a teenager to train with the Sharks in South Africa. In 2008 he was called up to play for the national squad as he’d lived in the country for enough time. But in 2010 he was barred from playing because of a co

Sep 12,2024 22:22

147. How civil war turned basketball stars into refugees

"The pilot told us, ‘Don’t go back...either you will be raped or killed at the airport if you go back.’"Safia Omer, a former member of Somalia’s national women’s basketball team, vividly remembers the day she knew she couldn’t return home. In 1991, as civil war erupted in Somalia, Safia and her teammates were in Ethiopia for a tournament when they were warned that it was too dangerous to return. Stranded for 10 days at the airport, Safia eventually sought refuge in the United States, mirroring t

Sep 11,2024 21:49

148. What is the ‘African Initiative’?

You may not have heard of the African Initiative before…It’s a Russian media organisation - established exactly a year ago – which defines itself as an “information bridge between Russia and Africa”. It has offices in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. But it also stands accused of targeting African journalists - and the public - with disinformation.So what is the end goal for Russia’s African Initiative?Presenter: Alan KasujjaGuests: Fauziyya Tukur of the BBC’s global disinformation team, and fore

Sep 10,2024 21:10

149. How are survivors of the Derna flood coping?

“My uncle passed away, his wife, his three sons, I lost my best friend, and a lot of people in Derna lost someone that they know.”On the 11th of September 2023 two dams burst in the hills above the city of Derna in Libya. Millions of tonnes of water were released in a catastrophic flood which killed thousands of people in the city. Whole neighbourhoods were swept away. Eastern Libya had been affected by heavy rain from Storm Daniel the day before, but the dam walls should have held firm, and a s

Sep 09,2024 19:27

150. Why are there tensions in the Horn of Africa?

Egypt has offered to send 10,000 soldiers to Somalia to assist the country with peacekeeping operations. However, this seems to have unsettled Ethiopia which has said it could not “stand idle while other actors take measures to destabilise the region.” Ethiopia has been a key ally of Somalia in its fight against the militant group, Al-Shabaab. So what exactly has caused these tensions? And what has the Ethiopian Grand Renascence dam got to do with all this? Alan Kasujja has been exploring for Af

Sep 06,2024 19:43

151. Will next month’s election in Tunisia be free and fair?

The people of Tunisia are expected to elect a new president in October. But the build-up to the election has been marred by controversy with key political leaders being arrested and some journalists leaving the country. It all started in July 2021 when president Kais Saied suspended parliament and sacked the prime minister. These events were triggered by anger over the government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak and the economic and social turmoil. President Saied defended his decision to

Sep 05,2024 19:51

152. Can African countries stop coastal erosion?

“Within just five years we lost almost 20 metres of the shoreline and it does not seem to be slowing with time.”Climate experts say up to 60% of Africa’s coastal land could disappear within the next 50 years due to coastal erosion resulting from sea-level rise. In this episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja discusses the impact of this on coastal communities, and what they need to do to avert the worst possible scenarios.He speaks to Saida Idris, a resident of Kipini village on the Kenyan coas

Sep 04,2024 20:10

153. Was the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala avoidable?

The 36-acre landfill is the only landfill serving the whole of Uganda’s capital – Kampala. A city that’s home to an estimated four million people. It collapsed after weeks of relentless rain. The city authorities have reportedly been trying to find a new site for years. Many victims were living in unsafe conditions. An investigation has been ordered into years of neglect. Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Ugandan Earth Observation expert Ivan Bamweyana and renowned lawyer David Mpanga.

Sep 03,2024 20:21

154. What should be done to support Africa’s farmers?

A couple of weeks ago Africa Daily's Alan Kasujja spoke to two farmers in Nigeria and Tanzania about the challenges around farming in Africa. They talked about deteriorating soil quality, rising prices, insecurity and unreliable weather patterns. This week these issues will be discussed at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 summit which will be held in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. Heads of state, politicians, farmers, and agricultural businesses will be there to look at ways of making the producti

Sep 02,2024 18:52

155. What impact could Burkina Faso massacre have on military regime?

“More than ever, the people of Burkina Faso need to remain united around the defence and security forces.”A video showing scores of civilians shot dead in the ditches they were digging - was released by an Al Qaeda-linked group active in Burkina Faso earlier this week. It was apparent proof of a major attack it said it had conducted in the northern village of Barsalogho on Saturday.It’s believed at least 100 people were killed, but the government hasn’t confirmed numbers. But what is clear is t

Aug 30,2024 16:31

156. Why are some South Africans opposed to anti-immigrant campaigns?

“I always say to them (South Africans), these foreign nationals are developing your country. Why can’t you see that? The main guy who owned this shop was always helpful, especially to the old ladies here in our area.” – Samuel Makgowa, South African landlord Earlier this month, shops belonging to foreign nationals were, once again, shut down indefinitely in the township of Soweto in South Africa. It's a campaign sponsored by anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula. It came after a South African ma

Aug 29,2024 22:30

157. What are the challenges Paralympians face?

“As a person living with disability, sport gives you the purpose and the inspiration to move on with life because when you see someone who is physically worse off than you doing better than you, you get inspired and want to do more."The Paralympic games start today in Paris, just over two weeks after the Olympic games ended in the French Capital. Over 4,400 athletes with various forms of disabilities will be competing in 22 sports for 549 gold medals. Africa has just over 300 para athletes repre

Aug 28,2024 19:08

158. Is nationalism fuelling racist attacks against African migrants?

“It becomes scary when you see people that would normally smile at you - and all of a sudden you see so many people on the streets making those kind of chants. And you think, 'wow, what has been going on underground? This is the city that I used to know. Why should I now be extra watchful? What exactly is going on?'” - Toyyib Adelodun, Nigerian migrant in the UK The world watched in shock as police cars were destroyed and shops and properties belonging to foreign nationals targeted in the UK, ea

Aug 27,2024 20:40

159. How important is space travel for Africa?

"If not now, then when? And if you don’t do it, who else will?”Those are the two questions Sara Sabry suggests all woman ask themselves when they’re thinking through a big move… and finding they don’t have the confidence to follow it through.And she should know. The Egyptian mechanical and biomedical engineer was the first African woman in space when she blasted off in Blue Origin’s New Shepherd rocket in 2022. She’s the founder of Deep Space Initiative, an organisation with the mission to make

Aug 26,2024 18:37

160. Who’s speaking up for African nations in the global battle against climate change?

We all know that Africa is getting hit hardest by climate change - even though the continent contributes less than 4% of global emissions. BBC’s Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke with Kulthoum Omari, Africa’s lead negotiator in global climate talks. Kulthoum is on the front line, making sure Africa’s voice is heard and fighting for the support it deserves. She talks about the unique challenge of representing 54 countries with different needs and how they’re pushing for real action in the globa

Aug 23,2024 18:39

161. Why are farmers struggling to feed Africa?

“The cost of food will just go higher and higher, because farmers like myself cannot afford to invest in farming and can’t even have their capital back at the end of the season.” More than 300 million people faced acute hunger in 2023 according to the World Food Programme. The UN body said this was caused by a number of issues including global warming, insecurity and conflict, and food and energy price inflation. Africa is home to millions of small farmers who are key to feeding the continent…

Aug 22,2024 14:04

162. Can South Africa’s new e-hailing service succeed against Uber?

“If the leadership of the minibus taxi sector is prepared to be patient and invest in research and development, absolutely, they stand a chance” – Dr. Mathetha Mokonyama, Council for Scientific and Industrial ResearchWhen international e-hailing services Uber and Bolt arrived in South Africa about a decade ago, they claimed a massive chunk of the metered taxi market.This left local taxi operators fuming, with tensions leading to the loss of life in some parts of the country.But now, South Africa

Aug 21,2024 19:48

163. Are Senegal’s new government fulfilling their election pledges?

Just over four months ago Senegal elected a new president. After a tumultuous start to the election- Bassirou Diomaye Faye was declared the winner and became at 44 years old Africa’s youngest head of state.Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko promised a radical break from the past, an Afrocentric and nationalist agenda. They vowed to fight poverty and corruption. To create jobs for young people, contracts for gas, oil, fishing and defence would be renegotiated to get a better d

Aug 20,2024 19:56

164. How are Africans in the UK feeling after the anti-immigrant riots?

It started with the horrific killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event for children in the seaside town of Southport, in northern England. After false rumours were spread on social media that the 17-year-old charged with their murders was a Muslim migrant who’d arrived by boat a few years before, a wave of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant protests spread across the UK. Cars were set on fire, immigrant-owned-businesses were destroyed, and the police attacked. A hotel housing

Aug 19,2024 19:24

165. What’s the legacy of Caf’s Issa Hayatou?

The funeral of former president of Confederation of African Football Dr Issa Hayatou is taking place today in Garoua, northern Cameroon.Hayatou died aged 77 last week in Paris, where he’d been receiving dialysis for kidney problems.His name was synonymous with African football for nearly three decades.He served as president of Caf from 1988 to 2017.He is credited with expanding Africa’s participation at the World Cup and secured the financial security of African football. But he is also criticis

Aug 16,2024 18:32

166. Will Eswatini’s king and pro-democracy activists ever find common ground?

“These MPs were never advocates of violence. They were speaking inside the chambers of parliament. They have never joined any mass action on the streets” – Thantaza Silolo, Swaziland Liberation Movement Eswatini’s former Members of Parliament, Mduduzi Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested following the anti-monarchy riots that claimed dozens of lives back in 2021. Mabuza is currently serving 25 years while Mthandeni Dube was given 18 years. They are now appealing their sentences. But human r

Aug 15,2024 19:12

167. Why has Mpox been declared a public health emergency?

“It’s a clarion call to action. It’s a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our effort to eliminate this threat.” Africa’s leading health body - Africa CDC – has declared the rapidly rising cases of Mpox in East Africa a public health emergency. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 14,000 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the most affected country. And more cases are being recorded in other

Aug 14,2024 20:28

168. Why is testing for diseases so hard to access in Africa?

Less than 50% of the world’s population have access to diagnostics, according to statistics from the medical journal, The Lancet.That drops to 20% when it comes to Africa, where the diagnostic gap is most severe at the level of primary health care. According to The Global Health Fund, Africa bears a quarter of the global disease burden and endures over 100 health emergencies a year.In this episode of the Africa Daily Podcast, Peter Musembi explores what needs to be done to address that acute gap

Aug 13,2024 21:06

169. Why are more women in Africa choosing long term contraceptive methods?

The number of women using modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled to 66 million, thanks to methods like hormonal implants and injections reaching even remote areas. Community health workers play a crucial role, often delivering contraceptive injections and birth control pills door-to-door. Global health agencies have expanded family planning services to reduce child mortality and improve the education of girls. Recently, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) called on

Aug 12,2024 17:58

170. What’s behind the protests in Africa this week?

Not long ago, huge demonstrations took place in Kenya against President William Ruto’s plan to increase taxes- he eventually overturned his decision. But despite this, protests in Kenya continue- yesterday police used teargas to disperse pockets of protestors from Nairobi Central Business district. Across the continent, demonstrations have taken place in both Nigeria and Somalia too. Africa Daily's Alan Kasujja has been looking why so many people have taken to the streets.

Aug 09,2024 18:46

171. Why is a South African model with Nigerian roots being targeted?

“If South Africa was that hostile towards African immigrants, I would expect that people would stop coming. If South Africa was such a deadly place to be an African national, then why would you still be seeing South Africa top the charts on the lists of immigrants flocking here?” - Makone Maja, Institute of Race Relations Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old model based in Cape Town will be among the ten women who will be hoping to walk away with the Miss SA crown, this Saturday. But her participat

Aug 08,2024 21:55

172. How can Lagos become more climate resilient?

Not too long ago we spoke with Benin’s former Minister for Environment and Urban Planning, Luc Gnacadja, about the challenges and strategies for planning African cities. He told us that he considers Africa’s biggest city, Lagos, to be the least climate resilient city on the continent. Africa has suffered disproportionately from climate change, and this is set to continue- scientists predict that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades. But will urban populations cope? In today's e

Aug 07,2024 15:46

173. Is South Sudan ready for elections this year?

South Sudanese citizens will finally get to vote in an election at the end of this year. This will be the first time a democratic process will have been carried out since Independence in 2011. But the basic preparations for such an event do not seem to have got off the ground yet. So will the politicians of a country that has suffered years of civil war, and is still affected by inter-communal violence, have the ability to pull together and get the process started? And will the difficulties of w

Aug 06,2024 17:54

174. How easy is it to be a female surfer in Africa?

Surfing looks amazing fun – seeing a surfer crouched on a board riding a big wave at speed must be an incredible feeling. But it’s not a well-known sport in Africa, despite nearly 40 countries on the continent having coastlines, with waves breaking along hundreds of miles of beaches. Four African surfers did make it to the current Olympic games, from South Africa and Morocco. But their ratio of three men to one woman is a good illustration of the fact that it’s a male dominated sport in Africa.

Aug 05,2024 19:43

175. Is it the end of the road for former South African president Jacob Zuma?

“It’s unacceptable for a member who was a veteran and he was a former president, to have started a new political party. Of course he knew that he was violating the ANC’s rules” – Snuki Zikalala, president of the ANC’s Veterans League The relationship between South Africa’s African National Congress and its former president Jacob Zuma appears to have come to an end. Zuma was officially expelled by the party last month, following a disciplinary hearing. It comes after he established Umkhonto Wesiz

Aug 02,2024 20:13

176. Where do Africa’s Gen Z's turn to for help with mental health challenges?

Hidden behind the fearlessness displayed by Kenyan youths during recent anti-government protests could be a mountain of mental health challenges. A mental health expert says this is linked to the extra responsibilities young people are having to take up in a continent where the median age is 19. But while mental health awareness is high among the youth, access to mental health services remains limited.In this episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja talks to Tom Osborn- the founder of the Shamiri In

Aug 01,2024 19:48

177. Why has an ambush in central Somalia raised concerns over weapon security?

Last year, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift Somalia's arms embargo, a decision that is now under scrutiny. The embargo had aimed to limit weapon deliveries to the Somali government and security forces, preventing them from reaching warlords. A recent ambush in Abudwaq, central Somalia, has some people debating whether lifting the embargo restriction was a mistake. During the attack, a convoy of weapons transported by Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agenc

Jul 31,2024 19:27

178. Should African countries claim players who were born in Europe?

“Why were they born in Europe? Their parents were escaping the economic realities of Africa. We need to work on ourselves. We need to work more as Africa in order to keep this talent here” – Brian Wesaala, Football Foundation for Africa In recent times, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been captivating football lovers around the world with his talent. He played a critical role when his national team, Spain, won this year’s European Football Championship. But Morocco and Equatorial Guinea are now

Jul 30,2024 17:45

179. Why did a luxury watch manufacturer face ridicule on his road to success?

“A lot of people were mocking me. People would send pictures to my mum saying ‘is there something wrong with your son? We’ve seen him in traffic hawking watches’”. For a lot of African people, luxury goods are synonymous with international brands. They believe that high-quality products can only come from abroad. Today in the podcast, Africa Daily’s Muthoni Muchiri speaks with Anthony Dzamefe of Caveman Watches who quit his job working for a hotel collecting tourists to set up his own business

Jul 29,2024 16:27

180. What can Africa expect from the Paris Olympics?

The Olympic Games officially open in Paris today. Over three billion people around the globe are expected to watch the world’s best sportsmen and women compete for 329 gold medals in 32 sports over 18 days. The continent will be fully represented with all 54 countries taking part. So, what can Africa expect from the games and who are the athletes to watch? Peter Musembi has been finding out from Malawian swimmer Tayamika Chang’anamuno and Ugandan sports journalist Darren Darren Allan Kyeyune who

Jul 26,2024 20:26

181. Why are millions at risk of starvation in Tigray?

An investigation by BBC Verify has revealed that over 2 million people in the northern part of Ethiopia are at risk of starvation due to drought. The need for food aid has forced many to remain in camps for displaced persons. The Tigray region is still dealing with the aftermath of a bitter two-year war with the federal government that ended in 2022.BBC reporter Girmay Gebru led the investigation and spoke about what he uncovered with Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja.

Jul 25,2024 14:04

182. How is Botswana building its first space satellite?

“The initial investment is quite high, but looking long-term into many development projects, I think it is an investment worthwhile” – Professor Otlogetswe Totolo Botswana is building its very first space satellite. Known as Bot-Sat-1, it is being developed by scientists and engineers at Botswana International University of Science and Technology in the town of Palapye. The southern African country is looking to use images produced by this technology in town planning, mining, farming and other a

Jul 24,2024 15:38

183. Lenacapavir: could new HIV drug help end the pandemic?

“That will be a miracle on its own because when I started taking ARVs I began with 20 tablets.”In June, the US drug company Gilead announced that a trial of its HIV drug Lenacapavir had got a 100% success rate. The drug - a twice-yearly injection – can be used to protect people from catching the virus, but also to treat those who have it.But the question of pricing remains – with people in poor countries unable to afford the current price tag of $40,000 per person per year. One analysis has sugg

Jul 23,2024 20:25

184. An apartheid era mass killer tells his story- what can South Africa learn from the past?

‘The Apartheid Killer’ is the latest investigation from the BBC Africa Eye team. Filmed over four years, it tells the story of Louis van Schoor, an ex-police officer turned security guard who in the late 1980's terrorised and killed at least 39 people in the South African city of East London. All of his victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. He was finally arrested in 1991. But was released from prison after just over a decade in jail. More than 30 of Louis van Schoor’s k

Jul 22,2024 21:42

185. What will it take for Africa to beat HIV/Aids?

“I have lived with HIV for 25 years out of 50. I just turned 50, and I was diagnosed in 1999 at the age of 25 with HIV.”The HIV/AIDS epidemic has significantly impacted African countries south of the Sahara. By late 2001, over half of the world's HIV cases were in sub-Saharan Africa. UNAIDS, the organisation advocating for accelerated and effective global action on the HIV pandemic, is leading efforts to eradicate the virus by 2030. They will hold their 25th conference next week. In today’s Afri

Jul 19,2024 22:13

186. Is a bucket initiative the answer to South Africa’s housing crisis?

In a viral video from South Africa, drivers are seen eagerly stopping to donate money to Ayanda Msweli, founder of The Bucket Initiative. This grassroots effort is capturing hearts by building houses for impoverished families. South Africa faces a severe housing crisis, with a backlog of 2.3 million units affecting 12 million people, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, high construction costs, and limited affordable financing. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified poverty and homelessness

Jul 18,2024 17:57

187. How are women in Tanzania breaking the poverty cycle?

Women in Tanzania face immense hurdles in accessing education, employment and financial services. Despite these challenges, Tanzanian women are incredibly resilient. Many are the backbone of their families and communities, often juggling multiple roles as caregivers, breadwinners and entrepreneurs. Yet, they face systemic barriers that keep them from achieving financial independence.President Samia Suluhu took office in 2021 with promises to prioritize initiatives promoting gender equality, tack

Jul 17,2024 15:21

188. Can Sierra Leone enforce its child marriage law?

“The practice of female genital mutilation is so interwoven with the practice of child marriage. It’s like the marketplace, the institution through which children are prepared for marriage” – Josephine Kamara, advocacy director of Purposeful. Today, Alan Kasujja hears the moving story of Khadijatu Barrie, a 26-year-old student at the University of Sierra Leone. She recently went public and explained how she refused to be forced into marriage when she was still a little girl.This comes a month a

Jul 16,2024 21:55

189. Why is the British army being investigated for alleged abuses in Kenya?

An ongoing inquiry is taking place in Kenya in response to a series of allegations of rape and other misconduct by British soldiers during their time training in the country. The allegations date back to the 1950s and despite a previous investigation carried out by the British army, nobody has been prosecuted or held accountable for any crimes. A new defence pact that came into effect in 2021 means British soldiers can now be sued in Kenyan courts. The inquiry has heard emotional testimonies fro

Jul 15,2024 21:21

190. Can Africa win at gaming?

The business of gaming and ‘Esports’ is growing in Africa, with an estimated $1 billion dollars expected to be spent by gamers across the continent this year.But it faces challenges, from internet connectivity to investment to cultural representation.Africa does have around 40 studios creating games, but those in the business say it needs better understanding from governments and investment from sponsors to realise it’s true potential. So we brought together two enthusiasts who have one foot in

Jul 12,2024 18:32

191. What exactly do Islamic State linked militants want from Mozambique?

“We spoke to relatives of a boy who was seen carrying ammunition. The relatives say this boy had been kidnapped during a January attack in another village. The uncle and aunt of the boy were shocked to see how much confidence he showed operating as a child soldier” – Zenaida Machado, Human Rights Watch In today’s episode, Alan Kasujja revisits the conflict in Mozambique because it’s now emerged that insurgents are using children in their operations. Human Rights Watch says youngsters, some as yo

Jul 11,2024 18:07

192. How did one man escape the besieged city of El Fasher?

War has raged across the whole of Sudan between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force or RSF for the past 15 months. Human rights abuses and atrocities have been committed on both sides – in Darfur, groups like Human Rights Watch have documented what they say is ethnic cleansing by the RSF as they’ve specifically targeted people of African descent. Millions have fled from the region. El Fasher is the only major city in Darfur that remains outside of RSF control. Mohammed

Jul 10,2024 19:57

193. How has Brenda Biya’s kiss on Instagram impacted Cameroon?

"I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know”. It looks like a pretty harmless Instagram post. Two women kissing and expressing their love. But one of the women – and the woman who posted that photo and accompanying message - was Brenda Biya, the 26 year old daughter of President Paul Biya of Cameroon. The law in Cameroon states that those who engage in same-sex acts or relationships can face with up to five years in jail, so it’s perhaps not a surprise that the post has caused a lot of d

Jul 09,2024 20:11

194. Why are some elderly people being accused of being witches and attacked in Kenya?

For most people in Africa the elderly are respected for their age, wisdom and life experience. And cared for by their children, grandchildren and community. But contradicting this tradition are horrific cases of elder abuse revealed by the BBC’s Africa Eye team in their latest investigation. Haki Yetu, a local human right organisation, say at least one elderly person is killed every week in Kilifi County after being accused of being a witch. Africa Daily Alan Kasujja speaks to Julius Wanyama

Jul 08,2024 21:54

195. Why did one woman make it her mission to travel through Africa on a motorbike?

Udoh Ebaide Joy has just finished what many would describe as an epic adventure. She rode her motorbike across Africa – stopping in ten countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Angola and Cameroon. She covered over 90,000 km and ended her journey in her country Nigeria. Why did she make the journey? And what was it like travelling solo as a woman on a motorbike? In today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to her about the experiences she had on the road, the challenges she faced, and the mom

Jul 05,2024 14:00

196. Why are nuclear power plans proving controversial in Africa?

Is nuclear power a possible answer to the challenge of phasing out fossil fuels in response to global warming? Many African governments say yes – and 18 are now in the feasibility stage of developing nuclear power stations. Currently, South Africa is the only country on the continent which generates electricity from a nuclear power plant.But activists argue there are too many risks – and that Africa lacks the capacity to dispose of the waste nuclear power produces.In Kenya, residents of Uyomb

Jul 04,2024 20:34

197. How has Gorongosa National Park recovered from Mozambique’s Civil War?

Over one million people died during Mozambique’s civil war – which continued from 1977 to 1992. By its end, much of the country’s infrastructure was also gone. One place which was heavily impacted was Gorongosa National Park – in the middle of the country – where virtually all the wild animals were slaughtered for food or for ivory, which was then traded for weapons. Wildebeest and Zebra populations dropped from thousands to less than twenty of each. Elephant numbers decreased by more than 90%

Jul 03,2024 19:41

198. Can South Africa’s government of national unity really work?

Today South Africa’s cabinet ministers will be sworn-in at a ceremony in the country’s capital, Pretoria. They are from various political parties and form part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of national unity. Many of them have, in the past, taken each other to court over policy differences. But they now have to work together as a team, in the same cabinet. These political events were triggered by the outcome of the May 2024 national election, where no party secured an outright majori

Jul 02,2024 21:07

199. Why does Africa perform poorly in mathematics?

Thousands of students in secondary schools across Africa are sitting their final year exams at the moment and in the coming few weeks. In the maths paper, they are certain to come across one question from the quadratic equations topic requiring them to find X. Very few people on the continent look back at their days of finding X with joy, because maths has never been a popular subject for the vast majority. Statistics from the 2023 exams show there was a mean score of less than 30% in maths in m

Jul 01,2024 16:40

200. Is Zimbabwe’s government clamping down on dissent?

Rights groups in Zimbabwe have criticised the deteriorating human rights climate in the country. Complaints of arbitrary arrests, abductions and harassment have also come from individuals such as politicians and writers. The finger of blame has been pointed at state security forces. So, what exactly is going on? In today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to the BBC’s Shingai Nyoka in Zimbabwe, and a human right's lawyer who says that defending people who say they have been arrested unjustly

Jun 28,2024 20:02

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From new to old From old to new