Africa Today

The Internationally acclaimed South African playwright, producer and composer Mbongeni Ngema has died in a car accident at the age of 68. He was best known for writing the award-winning musical Sarafina, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba. It was nominated for both the Tony and Grammy Awards. We look back at the legacy of Mbongeni Ngema.Also, part two of the discussion on coups and democracies on the continent with the Director of the Africa Programme of the International Crisis Group, Murithi Mutiga.And in the run up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast early next year, is the set piece 'Club versus Country' still being debated?

The Nigerian government is providing free train rides and a 50% reduction in public bus fares over the festive period. So, what's been the reaction from Nigerians? Also with a series of coups and major civil unrests across Africa, we are asking if democratic gains made over the last few decades are being reversed.And a look back at the horrific fire that killed up to 80 people in Johannesburg last August.

Northern herders launch a deadly attack on farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria, leaving over 140 people dead and hundreds more injured. What's behind this cycle of violence?Also we follow the stories of migrants from North Africa, across the Mediterranean Sea, to Lampedusa, an island off the Italian Coast. It's one of the deadliest known crossings in the world. Not everyone makes it across safely. And we meet the award winning Ethiopian scientist, creating drought resistant and weed resistant African grains!

The price of chocolate has risen, that's as the cost of cocoa rises. After the Ivory Coast, Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa. We'll look at the importance of ethical cocoa production and ask if local farmers benefit or not?Also, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite in many parts of Africa, how can households make the most of the festive season, despite the squeeze on their budgets?And the Nigerian chef and world record breaker Hilda Baci, shares her Christmas day menu!

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, we look back at the week that's been and look ahead to the next few days. Has Sudan's conflict been forgotten and what next for the Sudanese people? Also we remember Shakahola. The Kenyan cult that made headlines around the world. And why is the pan African e-commerce company Jumia, exiting the continent?

How are Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea affecting Africa?Kenya and the EU sign an historic economic partnership agreement to boost trade. Will the East African region benefit?Will a new sickle cell treatment approved in the UK and US give hope for patients in Africa?

Vote counting in Chad is still underway after polls closed on Sunday in what was seen as a controversial referendum, on a new constitution. Provisional results are expected to be announced on the 24th of December, with the Supreme Court due to validate them four days later. So why was it seen as controversial? Also why females in Malawi are among the most vulnerable, after cyclone Freddy destroyed their farms. Mothers are turning to desperate measures to support their families.And we meet the director of Nigerian film 'Mami Wata', which has been submitted for an Oscar nomination!

Guinea’s main oil terminal in the capital Conakry has exploded, killing 8, injuring dozens. What now for the country’s fuel security?Why is Ethiopia on the brink of a debt default ?And we meet a South African artist Odirile Khune Motsiri who specialises in used denim

Nearly 40 million voters go to the polls for the next presidential election on the 20th of December in the DR Congo. Incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. Do these elections matter and what's at stake?Also what are SDRs and how does the International Monetary Fund allocate them? Are they distributed fairly or not?And what's life like for journalists in Mozambique, following the assassination of a prominent journalist in Maputo?

Uganda's Ministry of Internal Affairs says that at least 22 Ugandans are currently being held captive in Myanmar. The deputy national coordinator for trafficking in persons said they were originally destined for work in Thailand.Somalia secures $4.5 billion debt relief deal from international creditors Plus the recommendations from a Ghanaian study into financial literacy for professional footballers

A largely unobserved truce in DR Congo, results in heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. There's a presidential election just round the corner, with President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. So, is peace ever possible in the DRC?Also, South African musician Tyla sparks a debate on social media, after describing herself as "coloured". She was talking about her mixed heritage on TikTok. We'll hear a fascinating conversation about the complexities of coloured identity within the South African context.And we meet Rebeca Omordia the Romanian/Nigerian pianist, championing the work of African classical music composers!

COP 28 : A new deal agreed at the UN Climate summit in Dubai. Is it all talk and no implementation?Kenya's ambitious plan to provide employment in other countries for its youth. And will it really take 300 years to end child marriage ?

In November, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was unlawful. The court said it was concerned about Rwanda's poor human rights record and its past treatment of refugees. The Rwandan government rejected the Court judgement and said: "We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously and will continue to live up to them." We will hear a personal objection to the plan, from a Rwandan living here in the UK. Also what's behind the sacking of cabinet ministers in South Sudan?And an invitation to a unique North African Jewish holiday, celebrating women!

Egypt election: Despite a crumbling economy, why is President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeking a consecutive third term? Is a high voter turnout expected?The growing influence of Russia in the Central African Republic. And a progress report on African countries looking to help Europe meet its rising gas needs.

Exactly one week ago the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift Somalia's arms Embargo, thirty years after it was first imposed. So, why now? And why was it imposed in the first place?Also one of the key themes emerging at this year's COP28 is securing funding for renewable energy, like solar power. We'll look at the potential of how African countries can harness the sun. There are challenges, but there is progress too. And how the viral song "Mwaki" has created Africa's new global sensation...we meet Sofiya Nzau.

Congestion at sub-Saharan Africa's busiest shipping terminal -South Africa's Durban port is causing costly delays for shipping companies. Importers fear the Christmas rush will be missed.We return to Morocco three months after the deadly earthquake.And the hopes and dreams of Gambian actor for his country’s film industry

At least 85 civilians have been killed in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria, in a drone attack. The incident took place during a religious celebration on Sunday, according to the local emergency management authority. President Bola Tinubu says it was a "bombing mishap". So what went wrong? And has something like this ever happened before? Also, why are children in South Sudan turning to drug and alcohol abuse?And we meet Jennifer Uchendu, one of the inspiring women on this year's 100 Women list.

The United States ambassador to Niger has presented her credentials to the military government in Niamey. The US announced the suspension of security cooperation and some financial aid following the coup in July but has gradually shifted its position.A wave of TikTok videos are allegedly being used to harass LGBTQ+ people in Ethiopia And a ban on Kaunda suits in Kenya's parliament sparks outrage online

A report shows how six young girls fell victim to sex trafficking in Sierra Leone. They ended up in Senegal and are waiting to be repatriated. We have the details.Also a look at the African Disability Protocol. What is it, what does it aim to do and is it effective?And we meet Zandile Ndhlovu, the first black South African free-diver, inspiring local children to swim.

Four Kenyan women living with HIV have won a legal battle over being sterilised without their informed consent. In this special edition of Focus on Africa for World Aids Day, we delve into the impact of HIV/ AIDS on the African Continent.