Africa Today

The rebranded Russian mercenary group Wagner offers Niger a regime survival package

There's anger in Nigeria as food prices continue to rise. Some people have taken to the streets in protest. Inflation is at its highest the country has seen for a generation, at almost 30%. How is the government dealing with the problem? Also, Kenya's shilling strengthened against the dollar a few days ago, making it Africa's top performing currency. It caused excitement in the country. What's going on, is it all good news?And African leaders decide on a continent wide ban on the trade in donkey skins. We'll hear fascinating facts about donkeys that you don't quite expect!

The African Union urges action on instability and condemns coups on the continent

Despite being an energy-rich country, Nigeria has been experiencing widespread blackouts and power cuts. We hear from the former boss of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on what needs to be done to fix the national grid. Also, we meet the lawyer who defies threats of violence, to defend people sentenced to death for blasphemy under Sharia law. And what is the best way to handle cyberbullies? We hear a personal account of being abused online, and get a few tips from an anti-bullying campaigner.

Racheal Kundananji becomes the most expensive women's footballer after a record transfer fee of $860,000 is paid. Will this pave the way for better pay for women football players?With successful hosting of the recently ended AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast,  we explore how sport can be an effective tool in peace building.And why is there an initiative to stop the illicit trade in tobacco around the world?

Senegal’s President Macky Sall is coming under increasing pressure from West African leaders and the international community to reverse a decision to postpone the presidential election. He is accused of putting the country’s democratic path on to “a dead end”. We find out why some asthma inhalers are environmentally unfriendly.And what was reggae icon Bob Marley really like? We hear from the veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster John Matinde, who hung out with him during the country's independence celebrations in 1980.

There has been a resurgence of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo involving rebels from the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 movement. Thousands of civilians have fled the violence. What is behind this latest escalation and what do the rebels want?Nurses and midwives in Nigeria protest new rules for verifying their qualifications to foreign nursing boards.Why are cases of prostate cancer increasing in South Africa ?

The just concluded Africa Cup of Nations has been hailed as a huge success but what will be the lasting legacy for the host nation, Ivory Coast.Is chemical castration the solution? Madagascar’s parliament has approved a law allowing for the chemical or surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor. And sadness in the world of athletics as the men's marathon world record holder, Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, dies in a car crash.

The Ugandan government says it's involved in rescue efforts to secure the release of at least 30 citizens still caught in scam compounds in Myanmar. Also, why are mllions of people still battling tropical diseases on the continet? And does Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination, have an alcohol shortage?

Zimbabwe's government has moved to abolish the death penalty, nearly two decades after the country's last execution. Last year, Ghana become the 29th country in Africa to do the same. So, is Africa leading the way when it comes to abolishment? Also, why do conversations about Menopause matter? And the award winning Mozambican Mayor determined to make his city the most sustainable in Africa.

The African Mining Indaba 2024 on how to invest in the African mining sector, is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.  Who benefits the most from the continent's expansive mining industry and is investment in mineral processing in the continent on course? There is an increase of cases of Dementia in Africa.  According to one recent report, dementia will affect over three million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.  Countries in the region have the fastest growing older population in the world.  Is the continent equipped to deal with the rise in numbers? And we probe the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as they argue over who is better at entertainment..and football!

Senegelese President Mackay Sall, shocked the country over the weekend by announcing that the upcoming February 26th election would be delayed.  This led to protests and a vote by lawmakers, agreeing to extend the Presidents tenure and delay elections until December. Is this move lawful? Also, Botswana often tops the list as Africa's least corrupt country, so what is it doing differently?And how did former president Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings end up in an auction?

After the huge gas explosion and fire that engulfed buildings and cars, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others, we hear from Nairobi County Governor Sakaja Johnson, on what action is being taken to investigate officials accused of being "incompetent and corrupt". Ethiopia is on the brink of famine triggered by war and drought warns a UK government minister. We hear more from the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent who has been visiting Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region. And history making at the Grammys, as South African singer Tyla picks up the first ever award for best African performance.

As Facebook looks to celebrate its 20th birthday on Sunday, we look at its appeal on the continent. What do Africans think about the social media platform?Also Tunisia positions itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism And Ethiopia wants to ban fuel imported cars for personal use, replacing it with electric ones but, does it have the infrastructure to do this?

Political analyst Kholood Khair assesses Tagadum, a civilian initiative lead by former Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok seeking to bring the two fighting generals to the peace table.Should the rules to reducing carbon emissions, be different for African countries? And we reflect on the legacy of Ghanaian pioneer photographer Bruce Vanderpuije.

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says, Italy wants a new partnership with Africa with the aim of boosting economic ties, creating an energy hub for Europe and curbing immigration. How much will this new vision benefit the continent? Also, why are so many women in Mozambique still dying from unsafe abortions despite the country's liberal abortion laws?And Banyana Banyana player Amanda Dlamini on what's like being the first female commentator at AFCON.

Over 500,000 people from Sudan are seeking refuge in South Sudan. Women in Kenya on why they’re rising their voice against femicideAnd hear Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa on his next political move.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit Ecowas , a Lagos resident recalls her harrowing experience of kidnapping and we meet from the youngest-ever female photographer at Afcon, who is capturing the game's beautiful moments.

Musician turned politician Bobi Wine has received an Oscar nomination for a documentary on his political struggle in Uganda. Why does he continue despite the dangers, hardship and challenges? A surprising confession at an enquiry into a deadly fire in South Africa The latest from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as it enters the knockout stage

There's been heavy fighting between Somali forces and Al Shabaab fighters in the central region of Mudug. Last year ,the government said it had shifted its tactics against the militant group.  Are those tactics working?Also, what is the local response after Cameroon becomes the first country in the world to start routine vaccinations against malaria.  And Zambian poet, Vanessa Chisakula, on telling stories through performance poetry.