Africa Daily

Mental health has seldom been a priority for most African governments. So, when the pandemic hit, the few support services available often found themselves overwhelmed. But younger people are using social media to put the topic back on the agenda. How much difference can they make? If you are affected by any of the issues mentioned in this episode, you can find information about support organisations on the Befrienders Worldwide website: https://www.befrienders.org/Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Aphlyne Turfy, medical psychologist in Kenya; Angel Yinkore, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative; Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss South Africa 2020.#AfricaDaily(Episode first released on 11 Feb 2021)

Rwanda has recently started fighting against insurgents linked to Islamic State in Cabo Delgado in the north of Mozambique. Traditionally their armed forces have served as peacekeepers to many United Nations missions and as a country contribute more troops than any other in Africa. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why they are involved in these conflicts.Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Beverly Ochieng of BBC Monitoring

The medals, the surprises, the controversies. With the first week of the Olympics almost at the end, it’s time to take stock. Are African athletes bringing home the deserved gold? And, with Covid cases reaching new heights in Japan, are the pandemic Games living up to all the hype? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Victoria Uwonkunda, BBC reporter (@Msuwonkunda on Twitter)#AfricaDaily

Is this the end of malaria? Last year, malaria killed four times as many people in Africa as Covid-19 did. But a brand-new vaccine could help the continent finally get rid of the disease. It uses some of the cutting-edge technology developed during the pandemic - but will it work?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Dr Akpaka Kalu, World Health Organisation; Wilfred Mbacham, Multilateral Initiative on Malaria; Benjamin, Isaac, Caroline, Desmond – former malaria patients.#AfricaDaily

Is Ethiopia’s Tigray region any closer to finding peace? It’s been almost nine months since the war in Tigray began. Since then, both sides have claimed significant victories – and yet, fighting isn’t likely to stop any time soon. In fact, there are now fears the war may be spilling over to neighbouring regions. How big a danger is that? And what price will Ethiopia pay for a continued war?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kalkidan Yibeltal, BBC’s correspondent in Addis Ababa.#AfricaDaily

What now for Tunisia’s young democracy? Following a day of nationwide protests, Tunisia’s president sacked the PM and suspended parliament. As he put himself in charge, he said this was about getting the country back on track. Problem is: his critics accuse him of leading a coup. Do they have a point? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Rana Jawad, BBC’s North Africa correspondent (based in Tunis).#AfricaDaily

The United Nations says that among all sources of pollution and waste, plastic occupies the very top. But because its cheap to produce and is also very durable, plastic remains attractive for industries. Many African countries however remain dedicated to eliminating this waste and to date 16 countries on the continent have banned plastic bags. At times imposing very harsh laws. In the next edition of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at whether these laws work.Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Angelo Louw, Greenpeace Pan-African Plastic Project Lead. Sally Kahiu, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Kenyan Association of Manufacturing.

Taking your music everywhere has never been this easy. Music streaming is now a multi-billion dollar industry – and African start-ups want in on the action. After all, in a continent where most people are under 25, the potential for new subscribers seems huge. But can they make it?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Nana-Aisha Salaudeen, Nigerian journalist; Tendai Madziwanyika, CEO of Gateway Stream App.#AfricaDaily

Sunday Igboho is a wanted man. The separatist leader has called for the creation of an ethnic Yoruba state in south-west Nigeria. His lawyer says he’s been arrested in neighbouring Benin, but Nigerian authorities have kept their lips sealed. If confirmed, what could this news mean for his movement?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Ishaq Khalid, BBC correspondent based in Abuja.#AfricaDaily

“Africa’s Che Guevara” lives on. Thomas Sankara became the President of Burkina Faso back in 1983. Known for both his charisma and revolutionary politics, he had an auspicious vision for his country and the continent. Sankara was killed in 1987, but not his message: after all these years, many young Africans still look up to him. How come?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: James Copnall, BBC presenter; Smockey, hip hop artist from Burkina Faso; Juma Kenneth from South Sudan.#AfricaDaily

An industry that is truly a diamond in the rough. Africa may be rich in precious stones, but its jewellery industry has struggled to compete with Asian and European companies. Some economists say the sector has huge potential and that, with the right investment, it could create millions of jobs across the continent. So, what’s holding our jewellers back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Emanuela Gregorio, coordinator of Fashionomics Africa and economist at the African Development Bank; Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong.#AfricaDaily

Thousands of Africans are making their way to Tokyo for the Olympics. The games get underway this month after a year long delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Just days before the athlete’s village officially opened last week, Tokyo entered another state of emergency. But the stadiums are ready, and athletes are arriving. In today’s episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at what we can expect from the continent’s competitors.Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Celestine Karoney (@CJKaroney on Twitter)

Looting and violence. Days of unrest have taken their toll on South Africa’s two largest provinces: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Rioting has left stores depleted, and food supplies are now running low. Thousands of troops have been deployed to restore order. But how did this crisis begin?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Vumani Mkhize, BBC reporter in South Africa.#AfricaDaily

How many bills do you need to buy a loaf of bread? The dollar isn’t taking Zimbabweans as far as it used to: life is getting more and more expensive. The central bank has introduced a new bill worth 50 Zimbabwean dollars, the highest banknote going around. But this alone has brought back bad memories: could the days of hyperinflation (and bills with far too many zeroes) be back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Ranga Mberi, Zimbabwean journalist. #AfricaDaily

Cars, motorbikes, boats… You name it. The Ugandan government wants every vehicle in the country to be equipped with a digital tracker. They say this is about fighting insecurity, but some people feel this will put them under permanent surveillance by the state. Do they have a point? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Darren Allan, journalist; Shafiq Ismail, car dealer; Jacky Kemigisa, journalist; Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance.#AfricaDaily

In June this year the bodies of 20 suspected illegal miners were found near an abandoned goldmine shaft just outside Johannesburg. The bodies were wrapped in white plastic bags and were severely burnt. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of their death. But the incident has once again bought to the fore the problem of illegal mining in the country – an industry that costs the authorities millions of dollars in lost revenue and is extremely dangerous for those involved. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja has been looking at why this activity is so hard to stop. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Mpho Lakaje, South African journalist.

Before his death, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli gained notoriety for denying Covid was a problem. He refused to sign up for vaccines, instead recommending prayers and herbal remedies. Now President Samia Suluhu is in charge. She has acknowledged that Covid is circulating in Tanzania and it’s now her job to tackle the pandemic. But what’s she done so far? Is it enough?

The youngest nation is the world is turning 10. But it’s fair to say that, after a decade of independence, not everything has gone according to plan. A civil war tore through the country. The economy remains fragile. So, do the people of South Sudan feel the occasion calls for a party? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Nichola Mandil, journalist in Juba, South Sudan.#AfricaDaily

Has Jacob Zuma finally run out of luck? The future of the former South African president is hanging in the balance. For months, his many legal troubles have fed daily headlines in the press. And yet, despite being sentenced to a 15-month jail term, for many he remains a hero – but why? How did the “Teflon president” fall from grace? And what does it all mean for South Africa?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Nomsa Maseko, BBC’s Southern Africa correspondent; Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.#AfricaDaily

Nigerians are feeling the pinch. Rising food prices have made it harder for many families to fill their shopping baskets. Staple foods like eggs or rice are no longer as affordable as they used to be. It’s inflation, say the economists. But how did life get so expensive? And what is the Nigerian government doing about it? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kunle Falayi, business reporter for the BBC in Lagos. #AfricaDaily

Is it ‘game over’ for Eswatini’s king? Days of pro-democracy protests have brought the country to a standstill. People are angry about a number of things – but, more than anything, they want King Mswati III to step aside. He’s ruled with an iron fist for 35 years, resisting any attempt to democratise the country. But can he ignore calls for change, now they’ve become this loud?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Zweli Martin Dlamini – editor, Swaziland News.#AfricaDaily

The Africa Cup of Nations takes place once every 2 years. It was scheduled to be played in 2021 but Covid-19 and other factors meant the tournament is now scheduled to take place in early 2022. Cameroon was due to host AFCON in 2019 but then Egypt took over at the last minute. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at whether Cameroon is now ready. . Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Njie Enow, head of sport at CRTV

Biafra separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been arrested. After spending years on the run, he was finally captured in unclear circumstances. But who is he? Why does he want an independent country for all Igbo people? And what does his capture mean for the future of Nigeria?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Ishaq Khalid, BBC reporter in Abuja; Law Mefor, Igbo Bu Igbo Social-Cultural Foundation.#AfricaDaily

African cartoons are taking screens by storm. The continent’s animation industry may still be in its infancy - but African characters and stories are rapidly winning over new fans around the world. And yet, do they stand a chance against the likes of Western creators like Disney or Netflix?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Clara Njeru, Head Of Production at Kukua; David Malingha, Bloomberg journalist. #AfricaDaily

Catholic schools seized. Church-run clinics shut down. Eritrean Catholics say the government has - for years - been taking over their property. They, like many other Christians, feel under pressure. But how did we get here? How did a country known for some of Africa’s earliest churches decide to turn on its Christian groups?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Teklemariam Bekit, BBC reporter; Dr Berhane Asmelash, director of Release Eritrea.#AfricaDaily

How do you force a country to go offline? Internet shutdowns are becoming more common in parts of Africa. But stopping people from going online comes at a cost – both political and economic. So, why do some governments keep doing it? And what can the tech giants do about it?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Julie Owono, executive director of Internet Without Borders. #AfricaDaily

Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria have seen a luxury property market boom despite a downward trend in country’s economy. Developers boast that their million-dollar luxury flats continue to be in demand, with rich buyers continuing to invest in what they believe to be a safer place for their money. In the next edition of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja looks at why such properties remain in demand and what this means for the rest of the housing sector. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Dipo Awojide, Purple Living Nigeria Ezekiel Bassey, urban architect

What does it take to end an insurgency? Four years of fighting have left deep bruises in northern Mozambique. Those who were not killed in the violence have had to flee for their lives. Neighbouring countries are worried too – so, they’re working with the government to come up with solutions. But how do you fix a problem of this magnitude? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Charles Mangwiro, journalist in Maputo. #AfricaDaily

Should we all be planting more trees? Ghana’s forests have been depleted, but the government wants to restore them to their former glory. Earlier this month, it challenged Ghanaians to plant five million trees in a single day – a nationwide stand against climate change. But is it enough? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Thomas Naadi, BBC Ghana correspondent; Joshua Amponsem, climate activist and founder of Green Africa Youth Organization. #AfricaDaily

Drop your hand hoes, the drones are here! Some Togolese farmers have begun using specialist drones to help them with simple tasks, like spraying chemicals on their crops. But with a hefty price tag, are drones really the answer to their problems? How much of a difference will they make?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Edeh Dona Etchri, e-Agribusiness founder; Carlos, rice farmer in Kovie.#AfricaDaily

What is Russia's game plan in the Central African Republic? A private military firm from Russia has been hired to help defend the country. But, in recent months, UN experts have accused the company of various human rights abuses. So, what exactly are they doing there? And why?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Beverly Ochieng, BBC Monitoring#AfricaDaily

Uganda’s motorcycle taxi riders could be hindering the country’s fight against HIV. While HIV has declined in Uganda over the past few decades, sexual health experts fear it could be increasing in certain parts of the population. A new study by Makerere University found that boda boda riders are engaging in transactional sex with customers. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why they are particularly at risk of contracting HIV. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Charles Owekmeno, head of the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights alliance in Uganda

Watch out for the new kid in the block. South Sudan may be a young country – but when it comes to basketball, it’s quickly becoming a powerhouse for the sport in Africa. Both the men’s and the women’s national teams want a slice of glory at the AfroBasket tournaments happening this year. Could this be their moment?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: James Copnall, BBC World Service presenter and former South Sudan correspondent.#AfricaDaily

Can Ethiopia make this election count? A war, a possible famine, ethnic tensions: it’s fair to say the country’s got a lot on its plate right now. And yet, amidst all this, a general election is being held – the first one since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018. Not everyone’s convinced the results will be meaningful, but why exactly? How much does this vote matter?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Kaleb Moges, BBC Amharic.#AfricaDaily

The age of cannabis has begun – or has it? Morocco has become the latest country in Africa to allow farmers to grow cannabis for medicinal and industrial use. Entrepreneurs say there’s good money to be made by exporting the crop to the rest of the world. But how big is this opportunity?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Tony Budden, founding partner, Hemporium; Linda Siboto, co-founder of Cheeba Africa; Nebert Nyirenda, farm manager in Malawi.#AfricaDaily

Has global warming made us more depressed? There’s no doubt climate change is totally changing the world we live in, but some of these changes are more unexpected than others. Take mental health: scientists say problems like depression and anxiety are spreading faster due to the impact of climate change. How come? And what can be done about it?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Rose Oduor; Dr Obed Ogega, climate scientist.#AfricaDaily

The World Health Organisation has said there is a threat of a third wave of Covid in Africa, describing new infections as real and rising. The strain named Delta and first identified in India has now been identified in at least a dozen African countries. The situation has been made worse by the slow pace at which Africa has been able to access and provide vaccinations across the continent. In the next episode of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why Covid is on the rise again. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Dr Thierno Blade, the WHO Programme Manager for Strategic Partnership

Africa’s is the most sun-rich continent in the world – and yet, over 570 million people in sub-Saharan countries have no access to electricity. So, why aren’t these countries tapping into the potential of solar power? And what role can entrepreneurs play in solving energy shortages?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Victor Koyier, analyst, Africa Solar Industry Association; Andrew Ssentongo, founder of GRS Commodities.#AfricaDaily

Can you ever be too old for politics? Judging by the average age of our leaders, probably not. African presidents are, on average, in their early sixties. And yet Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, with more than half of its people under 25. Why is this a problem? And, more importantly, what exactly is holding young people back?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: William Gumede, chairman of the Democracy Works Foundation; Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghanaian politician; Isata Kabia, a former MP and minister in Sierra Leone. #AfricaDaily

Laurent Gbagbo has good reason to be cheerful. The International Criminal Court is no longer breathing down the neck of the former Ivorian president: in March, it upheld his acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity. And the current government says Gbagbo is now free to return home, something he intends to do this month. But will he get a hero’s welcome when he lands in the capital? Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Lalla Sy, BBC reporter in Ivory Coast#AfricaDaily

Twitter has been suspended in Nigeria after what could be described as a spat between the social media giant and president Buhari. It’s unclear for how long this suspension is going to last, but the government’s pretty mad: they say the platform is being used to destabilise the country and to encourage criminality. Nigerians on Twitter are having none of it. So, what exactly is going on?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Chris Ewokor, BBC reporter.#AfricaDaily

Students in eSwatini have been protesting to demand justice for a young man they allege was killed by the police. The body of Thabani Nkomonye was found in a field just outside Manzini – one of the country’s main cities. Police say he died in a car crash. But students allege he is the latest victim of police brutality. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at why students have been taking action. Host:Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Zweli Martin Diamini, editor of Swaziland News Colani Khulekani Maseko, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students

Mount Nyiragongo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Over the past couple of weeks, it’s erupted, spewing fast-flowing lava down its slopes - some of it heading towards the city of Goma just a few kilometres away and home to more than six million people. The lava has destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens of people. In Africa Daily Alan Kasujja asks is Goma the most dangerous place on earth and why do people choose to live there?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter Guests: James Nzavwala, manager of Goma Serena Hotel Adalbert Muhindo, volcanologist at the Goma Volcano Observatory,

There’s a new kind of music from South Africa that’s got everyone talking. It was born in the country’s deep house and jazz music scene about 10 years ago. It’s called Amapiano - and it’s a genre that lends itself to collaboration between artists -- a collaboration that has helped spread the word. What’s more, artists are expressing themselves in their own native languages. In the next edition of Africa Daily - Alan Kasujja asks: could Amapiano be the sound of the year?Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Radio host Boipelo, Johannesburg Focalistic, South African artist

For most people having a bank account, being able to save our money or borrow, whether it's for a personal reason or business venture, is an essential part of life. But nearly 2 billion people around the world have no access to a bank account or digital access to money services. For sub-Saharan Africa the unbanked represent over 60 per cent of the population. In Africa Daily Karnie Sharp now looks at why so many people remain unbanked and what's being done to overcome this financial exclusion. Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp on Twitter) Guests: Ojok Okello founder of Okere City, based in Uganda Geoffrey Mulei, CEO of Tanda, Kenya

On December 2019 following days of heavy rain a landslide hit, killing 28 people and destroying many homes in Bushika county, Uganda. It wasn’t the first landslide and extreme weather conditions, due to climate change, are creating the conditions for these kinds of disasters to occur around Mount Elgon. Survivors say more could have been done to stop the death of so many people and are taking the government to court. In the next episode of Africa Daily Karnie Sharp looks at whether the government can be held responsible?Host: Karnie Sharp (@\KarnieSharp on twitter)Guests: Walimbwa Vincent, resident of Naoshi village Dr Arthur Bainomugisha, Executive Director of Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment

When the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared before a commission of inquiry in Johannesburg recently – he did what no other sitting ANC President had done before – give evidence against members of his own party. The inquiry into allegations of state capture was set up a few years ago to investigate whether the Gupta family influenced government policies in return for lucrative contracts. At the heart of this story is the former President Jacob Zuma. In today’s edition of Africa Daily, Karnie Sharpe asks what exactly does state capture look like and why has it divided opinion within in the country. Host:: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp on Twitter Guest: Milton Nkosi, former BBC journalist in South Africa

The number of kidnappings is on the rise in Nigeria – but senators want to put a stop to it by punishing people paying ransoms to release their loved ones. Under a new draft bill, Nigerians could face up to 15 years in prison if they’re caught handing over the money. But will this really solve the problem?Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp on Twitter) Guests: David, kidnap victim; Charles Inko Tariah, security expert; Kabir Adamu, security analyst.#AfricaDaily

Paying off your student loan is never easy – but, for thousands of young Kenyans, this has become an impossible mission. Good jobs are hard to come by and the pandemic hasn’t been kind to those trying to start a career. Thousands of young graduates are defaulting on their debt. How did things get so bad?Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp on Twitter) Guest: Lennies Sikuku, young graduate; David Aduda, journalist and media consultant. #AfricaDaily

Three coups in less than a decade: to say Malian politics have been rocky is an understatement. On Monday, a government reshuffle turned sour led to the arrest of the president and prime-minister. The army is once again in charge. The media talk of yet another coup – so, how did we get here?Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp on Twitter) Guest: Beverly Ochieng, BBC Monitoring.#AfricaDaily