Africa Today
Africa news and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast contains the day's top stories from African news - available to download Monday to Friday from 1630 GMT.
How South Africa is stepping up efforts to curb illegal crossings
South Africa opens a new border authority to curb illegal crossings from neighbouring countries. We hear from the BBC team that visited a town on the border with Zimbabwe. Ghana's new health minister has published a new book on the lessons learnt from the Covid pandemic in his country, and…
Why are changes to Somalia's constitution causing concern?
Somalia's parliament has approved several constitutional changes which the government says are necessary to establish a stable political system. So what are the changes and why is it causing concern? Also why was Stanis Bujakera, a well known journalist in the Democratic Republic of Congo detained? And what's it like…
‘Please see our humanity’ A transwoman on her fight for safety and dignity
One of the first people to publicly declare herself a transwoman in Nigeria 20 years ago and who had to flee the country, tells us about her experience to stand up for the rights of transgender people. As Uganda launches the country's first interest-free commercial Islamic bank, we take…
Why has Togo changed its constitution?
Togo's parliament has voted for a new constitution which resulted in people taking to the streets in protest. The changes mean, parliament now has the power to elect the President for a single six-year term. It all sounds good in theory, so why are critics concerned? Also why do the…
The Gambia: Personal testimonies on female genital mutilation
Gambia's parliament is considering a bill, to reverse a ban on Female Genital Mutilation. If passed, Gambia will be the first country in the world to do this. Some Gambians say the ban violates their rights to practice their culture, others disagree. We'll hear from two women who share different…
What's the issue between Binance and the Nigerian government?
Cryptocurrency platorms are very popular in Nigeria, so why have Nigerian authoraties clamped down on cryptocurrency firms? And what's going on between the firm Binance and the Nigerian government? Also Mauritians once enjoyed a healthy economy but the Mauritian rupee has taken a hit. Why is that and what's been…
Senegal's next President: Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Senegal has a new president-elect, 44 year old Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He is currently Africa's youngest democratically elected leader. Who is he and what are his plans for Senegal?Paying a ransom in Nigeria is illegal but out of sheer desperation, many family members still give money to hostage takers. A…
Why has Uganda's President promoted his son to head the military?
Uganda's President 79 year old Yoweri Museveni, has promoted his son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to head the military. His promotion comes amid a major cabinet reshuffle in which five ministers were sacked. Mr Museveni has denied speculation that he is grooming him as his successor. What do Ugandans make of…
Why has former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo agreed to run in next year's election?
Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo is once more throwing his hat into the ring. He's agreed to run in next year's Presidential election. He disputed the election results, back in the 2010 poll and that led to an outbreak of civil war in 2011. Thousands died or were displaced. What…