BBC News Africa

Welcome to Focus on Africa: The Conversation podcast. Join us as we explore the topics people across the continent are discussing. Catch up on the big stories from across Africa. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

#BBCAfricaEye gains rare access to Puntland forces on the front line in far-eastern Somalia — and examines how the Islamic State group has reorganised, drawn in foreign fighters and expanded its influence across Africa. 🎥 Watch the full documentary, Shadow War: Islamic State Group in Africa, here: https://youtu.be/wmIsgTIoW3I Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during a state visit to the United Kingdom from 18–19 March 2026. This will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, since the 1989 visit by former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. The BBC’s Makuochi Okafor explains what this visit means for Nigeria and the UK. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

#BBCAfricaEye gains rare access to Puntland Defence Forces on the front line in far-eastern Somalia, examining how the Islamic State group has reorganised, drawing in foreign fighters and expanding its influence across Africa. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica In the mountains of far-eastern Somalia, a mother of eight prepares for battle. Muna Ali Dahir is an officer in the Puntland Defence Forces. For more than a year she has been fighting militants linked to the Islamic State group. Each morning, before heading back to the front line, she calls her children to let them know she is safe. Africa Eye embeds with Puntland Defence Forces as they push into remote valleys and caves where Islamic State fighters have entrenched themselves. Soldiers describe capturing foreign recruits who travelled to Somalia to join the group. Puntland commanders say this branch has grown into one of the Islamic State group’s most significant operational hubs in Africa. In recently liberated villages, residents recount life under militant rule, describing the fear, disappearances and killings that still haunt families. Communities are slowly rebuilding, but the scars remain. The impact of the fighting reaches far beyond Somalia’s borders. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has described the continent as a key battleground in the fight against the extremist group. American airstrikes have targeted Islamic State militants in Puntland’s mountains. AFRICOM officials warn that the group’s network in Somalia now plays a central role in its operations across Africa. As Puntland forces prepare for what they hope will be a decisive offensive, Africa Eye follows soldiers on the front line, asking whether Somalia has become a critical front in the Islamic State group’s global ambitions. 00:00 Phoning home 02:22 The Islamic State Group in Africa 05:08 The Checkpoint: first line of defence 06:44 Arabi Base 1: Meeting Muna 08:52 The Veteran 10:24 Shadow War: the fight ahead 11:23 Daardaar: the village scarred by IS 15:35 American involvement 16:17 Breakfast in the mountains 16:56 Catching a foreign fighter 18:56 Preparing and scouting 21:18 Day of the offensive 24:09 The attack 25:50 The fight goes on 📽️ Watch this film in SOMALI here: https://youtu.be/3PED794qDGs in SWAHILI here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFuSGOr4jSo and in FRENCH here: https://youtu.be/wmIsgTIoW3I 🎞️ Watch more investigative journalism from our award-winning #BBCEye investigations team at this documentary playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fa8LK1lptsvoA_spfJhzda You may also be interested in watching these #BBCAfricaEye documentaries: https://youtu.be/9WkYK-SjJtE https://youtu.be/EjDe1D8NlOY https://youtu.be/bfJF2bOtKn0 Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #Puntland #Somalia #Documentary #BBCDocumentary #ISIS #Africa #InvestigativeJournalism #AfricaNews

Ramla Ali is a champion British-Somali boxer and has achieved more than most people do in a lifetime - but she's had to fight at every step. 🥊⁣ She was just a baby when her older brother was killed by a stray grenade in the garden of their home in Mogadishu during the Somali civil war. ⁣⁣ Fearing for their lives, her parents fled the country, making a perilous boat crossing to Kenya, where Ramla almost died.⁣ The family eventually settled in London. Growing up, she was bullied and struggled with her weight. Hoping to build her confidence, her mother signed her up to a gym, where she discovered a boxercise class. Soon she was boxing at every opportunity.⁣ Knowing her parents would not approve, she kept it a secret - even as she began winning national titles and becoming one of the best boxers in the UK.⁣ She would go on to help reinstate boxing in Somalia, where the sport had been banned since 1976. She won an international gold medal for the country, and became the first Somali boxer to compete at the Olympics.⁣ Click link https://bit.ly/46D9hGq to watch Ramla tell her story.⁣ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

War is tearing through Lebanon,but for tens of thousands of African domestic workers, escape is legally impossible. Since Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, Israeli strikes have killed over 600 people and displaced 800,000 more. Yet African migrants employed under the Kafala system remain trapped unable to leave without employer consent. Nkechi Ogbonna speaks with Beirut-based activist Banchi Yimer, an Ethiopian domestic worker turned NGO founder, on what abandonment looks like when a country is at war. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla #theconversation #bbcafrica #middleeastconflict #lebanon Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

“I don’t know who brought this hunger, it’s too severe,” says Regina Ewute Lokopuu in Turkana County, northern Kenya. After two failed rainy seasons, severe drought is forcing many families in the region to survive on wild fruits. Meanwhile, other parts of the country, including Nairobi, have experienced unusually heavy off-season rains that have triggered flash floods. Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority has classified four counties - Mandera, Wajir, Kwale and Kilifi - in the “alarm” phase, while 13 others, including Turkana, are on alert. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As the fighting in the Middle East goes on, Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda shares how Iran's African community has been affected. Priscilla grew up in Iran with an Iranian mother and Congolese father. The filmmaker and founder of the Collective for Black Iranians - which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians speaks to the BBC's Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, from South Africa, where she is currently living. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Edited by Basma el Atti Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

In an exclusive conversation with BBC Focus on Africa, the WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, breaks down how rising energy prices could impact households, why Africa may be less exposed to major power rivalries, and why the continent’s 1.4 billion people could become one of the world’s most powerful markets. #iranisraelwar #usiranwar #iran Produced by Nkechi Ogbonna and Chiamaka Dike Edited Adeyemi Adegbehingbe Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As tensions rise in the Gulf and Iran targets US military bases, have you heard about this one in Djibouti? Camp Lemonnier, the US’s only permanent base in Africa, sits near the Bab el-Mandeb strait - a key shipping lane carrying about 12% of global trade. Iran-backed Houthi missiles are believed to be within range. If disruptions hit this route too, prices of fuel and food from Cairo to Nairobi could rise. #iranisraelwar #usiranwar #middleeast #middleeastconflict #iran Presenter: Priyanka Sippy Producer: Marco Oriunto Graphics: George Wafula Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Precious Uju is a single mother who suffers from Cervical Dystonia, a neurological condition that makes her body and hand shake uncontrollably. She spoke to BBC News Pidgin about life with the condition, the shame it has caused her and her decision to raise awareness about the condition. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Olanrewaju Williams is a Christian and his wife, Kaosara, is a Muslim - and this year they are both fasting.⁣ ⁣ For the first time since 1993, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent are taking place at the same time. Both periods involve fasting, prayer and reflection.⁣ ⁣ We spoke to the couple in Nigeria, where Christians and Muslims make up nearly equal parts of the population, about what observing these sacred periods together means for their family.⁣ ⁣Produced by Kathy Harcombe and Akinyemi Akinrujomu Filmed by James Emmanuel Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

African women are paid less for the same work, earning about 81 cents for every dollar men make. This has been linked to weak enforcement of equal pay laws and unpaid care work. Could closing this pay gap boost African economies - the World Bank suggests so. 🎥 👇🏾 Animation: George Wafula Narration: Damilola Ojetunde Edited by: Brian Osweta and Dorothy Otieno Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected. We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film maker and the founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians. Priscilla grew up in Iran to an Iranian mother and Congolese father, she speaks to us from South Africa where she is currently living. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla 00:00 Part 1: Introduction 00:41 Part 2: Special edition - Breaking down the US and Israel war on Iran 03:34 Part 3: The Afro-Iranian community in Iran 04:16 Part 4: Priscillia Kounkou-Hoveyda Interview part 1 04:57 Part 5: The first week of the conflict 07:18 Part 6: Trying to contact her family 09:44 Part 7: Voicenotes from people in Iran 11:39 Part 8: "These voices are extremely important" 12:47 Part 9: Growing up as an Afro-Iranian in Iran 13:58 Part 10: What's the Afro-Iranian community like? 15:23 Part 11: How has the community been affected? 16:57 Part 12: How did you feel about the news of Khamenei's death? 17:56 Part 13: A message to your loved ones in Iran 18:21 Part 14: A message of hope

Ghana and the Ivory Coast produce about 50% of cocoa in the world, but farmers in both countries continue to live in poverty, worsened by the recent global price decline. To attract buyers, the Ghanaian government slashed cocoa prices by 30% and Ivorian authorities are considering a similar move. However, farmers at the receiving end of the crisis told BBC’s Thomas Naadi they are barely able to eke out a living. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Multi award-winning 🇬🇭 hip hop artist Sarkodie is one of Africa’s most celebrated rappers. Blending hip hop with hiplife and Afrobeats, Sarkodie has sold tens of millions of album copies and won over 80 awards since the release of his debut album in 2009. For the first time, his popular Rapperholic concert series has been to London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, as the rapper continues to strengthen his ties with African diaspora communities around the world. The BBC’s Aaron Akinyemi met with him as he prepared for his performance on Ghana’s Independence Day. Reporter & Producer: Aaron Akinyemi Filmed by Jenna Abaakouk Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As the US-Israel war with Iran enters the first week Africans, some of whom live and work in the Gulf states, are stranded in their respective countries. They spoke to BBC about their situation, hopeful that their governments will evacuate them. #BBCAfrica #iranisraelwar #usiranwar #usisrael #iran Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Why does a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman matter for Africa? Because the Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of the world's oil. Now Iran is threatening to "set fire" to any ship passing through it amid its war with the US and Israel. If that happens, BBC's Dingindaba Buyoya explains how the shock could ripple across African economies, from fuel prices to food costs. 🎤 Presented by: Dingindaba Buyoya 🎥 🎬 Video Producer: Basma Elatti Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Clergy from a conservative grouping of the Anglican Church are meeting this week in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, to choose a rival to the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The UK's Sarah Mullally will officially be installed as the leader of the world's Anglican communion later this month. BBC’s Global Religion Correspondent Lebo Diseko is in Abuja and has been finding out how her appointment has divided opinion across the global Anglican community. Many conservative Christians believe that only men should be consecrated as bishops. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, reflecting on their faith and spending time with families and friends, one community in Cape Town, South Africa, has held a mass street gathering known as “boeka” – the iftar evening meal after the day’s fasting. The annual event takes place in Bo-Kaap, a predominantly Muslim area of the city, with its brightly-coloured houses nestled in the foreground of Table Mountain. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

No queues. No paperwork. No officers. Could this be the future of policing? The BBC’s Daniel Dadzie @iamdanieldadzie visited Ethiopia’s first unmanned police station. A fully digital hub in Addis Ababa where citizens can report crimes without face-to-face contact. While groundbreaking, this innovation has prompted questions about digital access, accountability, and human connection in law enforcement. Reporter: Daniel Dadzie Video Producer: Brian Khisa Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As the conflict deepens between the US and Israel against Iran, governments in Africa will be watching closely. There have been economic and diplomatic ties between the continent and Iran for decades, so many will be asking, what now? #bbcafrica #usisrael #iranisraelwar #usiranwar Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

The video examines Ayatollah Khamenei's rise to power in 1989 and his role as Iran's most powerful figure. It details his administration's actions, including crushing demonstrations and pursuing policies that caused international concern, while also touching on the nation's nuclear program, offering a deep dive into the Iran politics and Middle East geopolitics that shaped the region. This political analysis provides essential context for understanding the current Iran news and the broader history of Iran, particularly the impact of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Iranian history. Iran has had only two supreme leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1989, Khamenei succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, after his death, at the age of 86. Under Khamenei’s rule, Iran sought to establish closer economic relations with African nations, reached out to Shiite communities in Nigeria and became a member of the Brics economic bloc, also comprised of South Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt. Young Iranians have never experienced life without him in charge. #irannews #ayatollahalikhamenei #bbcafrica Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Around the world, one in six people experience infertility in their lifetime, that’s according to the World Health Organisation. But now, more people are starting to speak up about their struggles online – to break the silence and the stigma that surrounds it. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, sat down for a chat with Matshepo Segole, from Johannesburg, South Africa who has built a community on TikTok for women navigating infertility, and Jonathan Luwagga, who is British-Ugandan. He has been sharing his story on social media to encourage more men to speak out about this issue. 00:00-00:50 Coming up 00:50-02:27 Introducing Matshepo and Jonathan 02:27-05:48 When did they start noticing challenges with infertility? 05:48-07:00 Matshepo's journey to conceive 07:00- 07:50 The impact on Jonathan's mental health 07:50-09:50 Different methods they tried to help 09:50- 11:40 Myths vs. facts around infertility 11:40-14:50 How infertility has affected their relationships 14:50-:18.32 The moment they got their diagnosis 18:32-21:10 Sharing their stories on social media 21:10- 22:26 Getting more men in Africa to speak out Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #bbcafrica #infertility #fertilityjourney Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga