Africa Daily

“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 women. And they say this process illustrates how long-lost cultural traditions have a relevance for women today.

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 expected to expand nationwide by 2025. In today’s episode Alan Kasujja speaks to the BBC’s Health reporter Makuochi Okafor who was in Bayelsa this week and Professor Halidou Tinto, who helped to test the vaccine in Burkina Faso. Presenter: Alan Kasujja. Guests: Makouchi Okafor, Halidou Tinto

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 port. But as the U.S. prepares to transition to Donald Trump’s presidency, uncertainty lingers over the future of Biden’s Africa focused initiatives. Will Trump’s administration continue this engagement, or will it mark a departure in U.S- Africa relations? Africa Daily's Alan Kasujja spoke to Angolan political analyst Claudio De Silva and Yinka Adegoke - the Africa Editor for the news platform Semafor.

“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. This is something they are unable to do under the current 99-year leases. At the same time, the country’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said, white farmers whose land was taken during president Robert Mugabe’s tenure would be compensated. Today Alan Kasujja attempts to find out what all these developments mean for Zimbabwe.Guests: The BBC’s Shingai Nyoka and farmer Kudakwashe Musasiwa

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 hundreds of thousands of people have been pushed into poverty. So the next government will have the daunting task of easing hardship for millions and getting the economy back on its feet. In today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja will be looking at what’s gone wrong and how the two main presidential candidates- Mahamudu Bawumia and John Mahama- plan to fix it.There will be a lot more on Ghana’s elections from our sister programme Newsday. James Copnall will be broadcasting live from the capital Accra on Friday morning- the day before polls open.

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 scarce support systems. Opportunities for education and employment can also be hard to come by which exacerbates the stigma they experience. So, what can be done to begin to change this? Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja hears from Eunice Koros, a Kenyan mother, and her son Ivan Kiprono, a 26-year-old man with Down Syndrome who works at their family factory. He also speaks to David Maxwell, Project Manager for the Down Syndrome Association of Ghana, who shares how witnessing his sister’s life with the condition inspired him to advocate for change.

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 the decades hundreds of civilians have been tried in Uganda's military courts, despite Uganda’s Constitutional Court ruling against the practice. So why does it continue? For Africa Daily Alan Kasujja speaks to director of Public Information for Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, and with human rights lawyer Agather Athuhair who has campaigned against the use of the courts for civilians.

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 deal, at least, had been struck. In this episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to Uganda’s ambassador to the UN Adonia Ayebare, who was the lead negotiator for The Group of 77 plus China, representing the interests of 134 developing countries.Producer: Peter Musembi

“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 list, even though Israel previously said he was killed in an airstrike in July. ICC judges say there are “reasonable grounds” that the three men bear "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. These relate to the on-going conflict in the Gaza Strip, in the Middle East. But Mr. Netanyahu has rejected the warrants, describing them as “anti-Semitic”. In a statement, the ICC says the office of its prosecutor received a referral of the situation in the State of Palestine. It came from South Africa, Comoros, Djibouti and several other nations worldwide. So, today Alan Kasujja wants to know why South Africa, a country which has long been campaigning to end the war in Gaza, wants senior Hamas and Israeli leaders arrested. Guests: Zane Dangor, Director General of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Professor Emeritus André Thomashausen of the University of South Africa

"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 an expensive drug. The film discovers a network of deception and exploitation involving the illegal trafficking of babies. BBC reporter Ebere Ekeopara went undercover to expose one clinic in Anambra state, in southeastern Nigeria. She spoke to Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja about the stories of women convinced to carry “pregnancies” for over a year.

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 Fernando Gonçalves about the crisis and its impact on ordinary citizens.

“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 prevent further global warming – and be part of global carbon credit trading. So why – with the forest in urgent need of protection from deforestation - do some activists say Carbon trading is NOT the answer?Presenter: Alan @Kasujja Guests: Ève Bazaiba, DRC Environment Minister. Bonaventure Bondo, a forest campaigner with Greenpeace Africa.

“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 country’s first female president. Land reform is one of the key election issues. Government statistics show that the white population still own 70% of agricultural land while the indigenous majority remain marginalised. Namibia attained its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, with liberation hero Sam Nujoma becoming its first head of state. Before South Africa’s occupation, Namibia was under German colonial rule. In 2021, the European country apologised for the killings of 65, 000 Herero and 10, 000 Nama people, pledging to fund development projects worth more than a billion dollars.In today's Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to people in Namibia about whether this election will address the question of land reform.

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 country’s first independent newspaper. Half of them have since died while the rest, including journalist Dawit Isaak, languish in prison. Mr Isaak is now considered to be one of the world's longest detained journalists. He was recently recognised with the prestigious Edelstam prize in Sweden for his commitment to freedom of expression. His daughter Betlehem Isaak will be receiving the award on his behalf today. Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to her about campaigning for her father’s release and what she believes needs to be done to make this happen.

“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 adulthood in Africa they should ‘look back’ and care for their parents – especially as they age and can no longer work themselves. But in Nigeria some young professionals – from Gen Z - are pushing back against this, saying they’re struggling to manage financially themselves with the spiralling cost of living. They say too many parents treat their children as their ‘pensions’ expecting them to support them financially, even if they themselves don’t have the resources, and even if they gave them little care when they were children. For today’s Africa Daily Alan Kasujja hears the opinions of three Nigerians from different generations. And it’s a discussion which certainly gets passionate!

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 incident and the video went viral, sparking outrage. Many Nigerians hoped younger leaders would leave behind the misuse of power and bad behaviour seen in politicians in the past. In today’s Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at the controversy and the questions incidents like this raise for young politicians in Africa.

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 political landscape. BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja explores her motivations, challenges and the growing influence of African women in US politics.

“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 are choosing not to get married at all – leading churches and the government to launch a campaign last year called ‘projet marriage’ in an effort to encourage people to tie the knot.It’s involved some mass-weddings to help those who otherwise couldn’t afford to marry, and the government is trying to push a bill through parliament to place a limit on fees and dowries.For Africa Daily, Sara Menai speaks to one of the couples who got married in a mass wedding this summer, and Léonnie Kandolo, Minister of Gender, Family and Children, who says marriage is vital for protecting the interests of women.Producer: Njoroge Muigai

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 $100 billion a year fund which was meant to have been paid out from 2009 to 2022 but which hardly took off. As the latest summit got underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, negotiators for the Least Developed Countries (LCDs) have demanded a “scaled up, new, additional, and easily accessible climate finance.” They say more than US$ 1trillion is needed by 2030 to help them adapt to climate change, money they want as grants instead of loans. In this episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to the negotiator leading the LDCs at COP29, Evans Njewa from Malawi. He also hears from some Malawians about how money paid in as part of the Loss and Damage Fund has helped them recover from the effects of Cyclone Freddie which hit the country last year. For more on this, you can listen to The Climate Question podcast from next weekend.Producer: Peter Musembi.

“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 come under a lot of scrutiny from critics of Kenyan’s judiciary – who say she has failed to properly investigate and tackle allegations of bribery and corruption. Today on the podcast, Alan Kasujja discusses these criticisms, her plans for courts across Kenya specialising in gender-based violence, and asks how a girl who grew up in a family of eighteen in rural Kenya ended up as one of the country’s most powerful women.

“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 allow Batswana to acquire more skills.He also argues that politicians need to be more accessible if they are to do their jobs.

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 ahead of her wedding after arguing with her mother about the merits of this practice. It’s a story that’s resonated with some women in Zambia, sparking conversation on social media about a tradition that’s rarely discussed in public. In today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to the film's director, Tisa Chigaga, and to Samfrosa Chibwe, a woman who says watching the film brought up memories of the counselling she received before her wedding. Alan also speaks to Tisa’s mother, Mwila Chigaga, to share an elder’s perspective on why she still considers this a vital tradition.

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 managed to beat Mokgweetsi Masisi by such a big margin. In this episode, Alan Kasujja attempts to understand what exactly went wrong for Mr Masisi and his Botswana Democratic Party. Guests: Mmapula Molapong and Tendai Mbanje

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 visiting teams in African football. So why has psychological and physical intimidation been allowed to continue?Presenter: Mpho LakajeGuests: Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, and Isha Johansen, former president of Sierra Leone Football Association, and a member of FIFA’s council, and the CAF executive committee.

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 on climate action, strengthening international partnerships, and expanding social programs.South African broadcaster, Redi Tlhabi, joins Alan Kasujja to explore what’s at stake for Africa and why this election matters for African nations, leaders, and communities in the US.Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guest: Redi Tlhabi

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 significant food shortages and humanitarian needs. BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja speaks to BBC correspondent Kalkidan Yibeltal who was recently in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, for 6 days.

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 says “if this is not curbed, it will affect each and everyone in the country. We might need to import water from outside”. According to the Institute for Security Studies, galamsey, a term used in Ghana to describe illegal mining, involves large firms operating against the law. It is carried out by Ghanaians and foreigners, including Chinese and West African nationals from Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. The government has introduced a variety of interventions to stop the problem, including the deployment of the army.

“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 dressed. They can forget things they’ve known all their lives: how to get home, or even who their loved ones are. And it can affect their behaviour. But there’s been very little research done on African patients. And studies - especially using genetics - have been heavily reliant on Caucasian populations. This is why a group of scientists in Africa have set up the Africa Dementia Consortium to improve the research and knowledge of Dementia in Africa.Mpho Lakaje speaks to one of the scientists involved, Professor Njideka Okubadejo, a Professor of Neurology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, as well as Sseku Safic from the Mount Meru Hospital in northern Tanzania, who has set up the only memory clinic in the country.

“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, Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey. He's recently opened a restaurant in Addis Ababa – to add to those he already runs in New York City and elsewhere.And now he's on a mission to get people to eat more African grains like millet, teff, and sorghum - arguing they’re more sustainable, climate resistant and nutritious.For Africa Daily, Mpho Lakaje talks to him about his passion for African grains as well as what influenced him in his journey to becoming a successful businessman and chef.

"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 release of No More Zero Dose, an anthem featuring stars like Timi Dakolo and Omawumi, Cobhams is trying raise awareness about the millions of children in Africa who still lack access to vaccines. Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guest: Cobhams Asuquo

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 government says was free and fair, and which opposition parties say was marred by election rigging. Frelimo won the election with 70% of the vote, and Podemos came second with 20%.So at a time of political tension, Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje examine how this double murder could affect the political landscape of Mozambique.Guests: Dr Jussuf Adam, an academic in Mozambique who studies the contemporary history of his country, and Dr Edson Cortez, Director of the Public Integrity Centre, a civil society organisation in Mozambique.

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 for being one of the least corrupt nations in Africa, it currently faces all sorts of economic problems. Presenter: Alan KasujjaGuests: Mmapula Molapong and Professor Zibani Maundeni

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 accuracy of information. They were brought together at the recent One Young World summit in Montreal, Canada. So what can the new generation of corruption activists learn from someone like Thuli Madonsela? And is AI going to be a help or hindrance for the next generation? They answered these questions and more in a discussion with Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje.

"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, primarily from African and Asian countries including Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone. Many of these workers, who were already living in precarious conditions under the Kafala system which leaves them heavily reliant on their employers, have now been made homeless and are desperately seeking shelter, food, and safety. For Africa Daily, Muthoni Muchiri speaks with Mariam Bai Sesay, a former domestic worker and Enu, the deputy director of Egna Legna Besidet, an organisation that provides legal aid, housing assistance, and food relief to the workers.

"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 of people willing to risk smuggling and selling it. Smugglers have to drive hundreds of kilometres from Ethiopia trying to evade Al Shabaab militants and clan militiamen in order to get the alcohol to Mogadishu. But on the way they pass through border towns where there’s increasing concern about the impact of drinking. For today’s Africa Daily podcast, Peter Musembi speaks with a young drinker and Yusuf Warsame, a community leader from Galdogob – a town on the border with Ethiopia.

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.Key causes include a shortage of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, limited access to hearing aids, and untreated diseases due to unequal healthcare.So, what's the solution? How best can African countries respond to this crisis?Presenter: Mpho Lakaje. Guests: Dr. Mukara Batamuliza Kaitesi and Nhlanhla Mafu.

“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 Africa Daily’s Muthoni Muchiri speaks to Gambian filmmaker Cherno Jagne, whose short film ‘The Backway’ dives into this emotional and often overlooked side of migration.

“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. It says more than 20 thousand people have died, with millions becoming refugees.Just over a month into the war - in May 2023 – the RSF took military control of Omdurman. But in February this year the army recaptured it, giving Mohanad the opportunity to return to his home city for the first time in three years with a BBC team. For Africa Daily, he tells @mpholakaje of his response to finding his home and city in ruins – and of hearing tales of brutality and pain from family, friends and neighbours.

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 clearer laws and better access to safe care. In Uganda, abortion is illegal unless the mother’s life is at risk, which has meant that many there resort to unsafe terminations. Despite significant funding for post-abortion care, women and healthcare workers in Uganda remain reluctant to seek or offer help due to societal and religious pressures. Activist Moses Odongo, whose 14-year-old cousin Christine died in an attempt to terminate her pregnancy, talks to Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje about what happened to his cousin.

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 terminating a pregnancy is legal in South Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions in the world, contributing to around 7% of maternal deaths in the region. In countries like Egypt, Madagascar, and Congo, abortion is completely illegal. On the other hand, South Africa, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau permit the termination of pregnancy within certain time frames.

“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 political career may be cut short.He’s been accused of corruption, undermining the president, and promoting ethnic division. He denies all the charges and described them as “outrageous” and “propaganda”’. Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje spoke with BBC reporter Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi to discuss what this impeachment could mean for Kenyan politics.

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 the Basketball Africa League, and Roger Muntu, an old friend.Presenter: Mpho Lakaje

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 mental health of Africa’s healthcare workers.

"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 health problems, sometimes with fatal consequences. According to the World Health Organisation, male suicide rates are significantly higher than those of women globally, with Africa having the highest rate in the world. Presenter: Alan Kasujja. Guests: Thomas Kwaka Omolo, Dora Kemirimo Okuja and Dr. Chido Rwafa-Madzvamutse.

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 of these laws. Human rights activists argue that they will lead to the arrests of journalists who are investigating government corruption. In Malawi news reporter McMillan Mhone was arrested by the country’s Cyber Crimes Division in Blantyre. Presenter: Mpho LakajeGuests: Former editor of Lesotho Times Herbert Moyo, Lesotho’s Communications Minister Nthati Moorosi and Botswana’s independent journalist Mmapula Molapong

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, almost 50 years ago.In today’s Africa Daily Mpho Lakaje has been looking at the big election issues.

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 Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to Ghana’s Gender Minister, Dakoa Newman, on what the new law means for women in leadership.

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 Nigerian man become a rap sensation in the heart of India?

“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 firm, Truworths, went into corporate rescue to protect it from bankruptcy, while other firms have also closed their doors. So is it time to ban the import of second hand clothes from the west? And could that be enforced? Presenter: Alan @Kasujja Reporter: Ish Mafundikwa @tallish Guests: CEO of Truworths Bekithemba Ndebele, market stall holder Winnie, and shoppers Kimberley Dube and Gamu Mpofu.

“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 Daily Alan Kasujja speaks to Joyce and lawyer Florida Kabasinga who worked to get the law changed in Rwanda.