Focus on Africa

Divorce rates are steadily rising in many African countries. For example, government data shows the divorce rate in South Africa rose by 8.9% between 2023 and 2024. It increased by 16% in Zambia from 2022 and 2023, according to media reports. But despite the stigma that still surrounds divorce, attitudes are changing. In Kenya, some high-profile figures have even celebrated separations with “divorce parties,” while the idea of a “divorce glow-up” is gaining traction online. Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 34-year-old Millicent Bundi from Kenya, who is sharing her post-divorce journey publicly, and Zambia’s Magnus Mando (Mag44) about the challenges of divorce as a gospel singer. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editor: Maryam Abdalla

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

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

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