Focus on Africa

African countries coping in fuel crisis

Countries across Africa have taken measures to cope with the fuel crisis triggered by the US and Israel's war in Iran. South Africa has reduced government levies on fuel while at the same time announcing a price increase. South Sudan has started to ration electricity in its capital, Juba, while Mauritius has imposed restrictions to reduce wastage especially in high-power consumption areas. While raising fuel prices for the second time in a month, Ethiopian authorities have ordered fuel supply companies to prioritise security institutions, major government projects, key industries and the manufacture of essential goods.   Also, across Nigeria and the Sahel, insecurity remains a challenge but one Nigerian startup is building locally made surveillance drones. We hear from the innovators.     Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla

South Africa protests after Nigerian 'king' installed

Earlier this week, activists were holding a peaceful march in the port city of KuGompo - formerly East London, but disorder erupted after a protester said he was attacked by a foreigner, prompting demonstrators to damage several vehicles and shops. The trouble came amid tension over the recent installation of a Nigerian community leader in the city, who has a traditional title that can be translated as "king of the Igbo people in East London". We hear from a Nigerian community leader in Scotland. Also, what's causing the decline in the populations of cheetahs in Somaliland and the Horn of Africa region? We hear from a conservation organisation. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla

Sexual violence part of 'everyday life' in Sudan

The medical charity Doctors without Borders - also known as MSF - says rape and other forms of sexual violence remains part of everyday life in parts of Sudan. The MSF's new report is the most comprehensive account yet of sexual violence in Sudan’s nearly three-year conflict.  The fighting began as a power struggle between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces - RSF - and the Sudanese army and has led to what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.  MSF's report says between January 2024 and November 2025, more than 3,000 survivors of sexual violence sought treatment in its supported facilities across North and South Darfur in western Sudan. We hear from a midwife and some of the survivors.   And in Lesotho, the US may have reduced the trade tariffs imposed on the country but what lingering impact does it have on the country's garment and textile industry?   Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

What UN vote on slavery reparations means

The United Nations General Assembly - UNGA, last week, voted overwhelmingly for a resolution to designate the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity”. The US, Israel and Argentina voted against the proposal, while 123 nations voted in support of it. The UK and European Union members are among the 52 countries that abstained from the vote. The resolution was tabled by Ghana with the backing of the African Union and Caribbean nations. We examine what this resolution means for African countries and its youth. Also, we hear from a curator of an art exhibition in Berlin, Germany - held to commemorate the sacrifices of over 700,000 African soldiers who fought on behalf of France during the 1st and 2nd World Wars.   Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Bella Twine and Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Are Gen Z investing for vibes?

Where do you get your financial advice from? A report says Gen Z are nearly five times more likely to turn to social media than people in their 40s. On TikTok, the hashtag FinTok has over four billion views, with trends like girl math, loud budgeting and cash stuffing going viral. But are 'finfluencers' empowering the youth or exposing them to financial harm? We hear from 23-year-old Achiever Omoobajesu and 24-year-old Gbeminiyi Shopeju about Gen Z's approach to investing and why social media has become to go-to place for financial advice. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: David Nzau Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla