Africa Today

The African Mining Indaba 2024 on how to invest in the African mining sector, is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.  Who benefits the most from the continent's expansive mining industry and is investment in mineral processing in the continent on course? There is an increase of cases of Dementia in Africa.  According to one recent report, dementia will affect over three million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.  Countries in the region have the fastest growing older population in the world.  Is the continent equipped to deal with the rise in numbers? And we probe the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as they argue over who is better at entertainment..and football!

Senegelese President Mackay Sall, shocked the country over the weekend by announcing that the upcoming February 26th election would be delayed.  This led to protests and a vote by lawmakers, agreeing to extend the Presidents tenure and delay elections until December. Is this move lawful? Also, Botswana often tops the list as Africa's least corrupt country, so what is it doing differently?And how did former president Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings end up in an auction?

After the huge gas explosion and fire that engulfed buildings and cars, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others, we hear from Nairobi County Governor Sakaja Johnson, on what action is being taken to investigate officials accused of being "incompetent and corrupt". Ethiopia is on the brink of famine triggered by war and drought warns a UK government minister. We hear more from the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent who has been visiting Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region. And history making at the Grammys, as South African singer Tyla picks up the first ever award for best African performance.

As Facebook looks to celebrate its 20th birthday on Sunday, we look at its appeal on the continent. What do Africans think about the social media platform?Also Tunisia positions itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism And Ethiopia wants to ban fuel imported cars for personal use, replacing it with electric ones but, does it have the infrastructure to do this?

Political analyst Kholood Khair assesses Tagadum, a civilian initiative lead by former Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok seeking to bring the two fighting generals to the peace table.Should the rules to reducing carbon emissions, be different for African countries? And we reflect on the legacy of Ghanaian pioneer photographer Bruce Vanderpuije.

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says, Italy wants a new partnership with Africa with the aim of boosting economic ties, creating an energy hub for Europe and curbing immigration. How much will this new vision benefit the continent? Also, why are so many women in Mozambique still dying from unsafe abortions despite the country's liberal abortion laws?And Banyana Banyana player Amanda Dlamini on what's like being the first female commentator at AFCON.

Over 500,000 people from Sudan are seeking refuge in South Sudan. Women in Kenya on why they’re rising their voice against femicideAnd hear Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa on his next political move.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger quit Ecowas , a Lagos resident recalls her harrowing experience of kidnapping and we meet from the youngest-ever female photographer at Afcon, who is capturing the game's beautiful moments.

Musician turned politician Bobi Wine has received an Oscar nomination for a documentary on his political struggle in Uganda. Why does he continue despite the dangers, hardship and challenges? A surprising confession at an enquiry into a deadly fire in South Africa The latest from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as it enters the knockout stage

There's been heavy fighting between Somali forces and Al Shabaab fighters in the central region of Mudug. Last year ,the government said it had shifted its tactics against the militant group.  Are those tactics working?Also, what is the local response after Cameroon becomes the first country in the world to start routine vaccinations against malaria.  And Zambian poet, Vanessa Chisakula, on telling stories through performance poetry.

Could Africa's leaders be too old to lead the world's youngest population? The continent's newest democratically elected president Liberia's Joseph Boakai is 79We meet Ghanaian Lesley Lokko the first African woman to win the prestigious gold medal for services to architecture.And learn about British-Nigerian rapper Skepta's directorial debut with the short film Tribal Mark.Audio for this episode was updated on 24th January 2024.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting four countries in Africa. What does the US want from its relationship with the continent and who benefits? Also will raising the age of consent in Zimbabwe reduce sexual abuse? And with Afcon in full swing, we look at the health of African footballers.

Joseph Boakai has started a six-year term as president of Liberia. He is the third democratically elected head of state. Tackling corruption and the economy are expected to be his immediate challenges.What's behind the sewage polluted beaches along the Durban coastline in South Africa?And the Somali songs inciting hatred against Ethiopians

Violent crime is soaring in South Africa, with the murder rate at a 20-year high. Getting away with murder has become normal. What's going on?Also how did Tanzania come to be ranked as the least indebted country in Africa? What did they do differently?And why have authorities in Nigeria warned against using the pidgin English term, “No gree for anybody”? It's triggered an online debate!

A Sierra Leone high court has allowed ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, charged with treason, to travel abroad on medical grounds. Mr. Koroma was charged for his alleged role in a failed military coup in November.The Non-Aligned Movement summit is currently underway in Uganda. Is it still relevant?And the 'Cranky uncle ' game now tackling vaccine hesitancy in Africa.

More than 200 people have starved to death since July in Ethiopia's drought-hit and war-scarred Tigray region, local authorities say. Officials warn the region is on the brink of famine on a scale last seen in 1984. How did Tigray return to this desperate situation? Also why are Nigerians turning to crowdfunding to pay for ransoms?And what does it mean to be Black, African and British? How African migration is shaping politics, faith, business and culture in the UK.

Zambia is battling one of its worst cholera outbreaks in recent years. More than 300 people have died and nearly 6,000 active cases have been registered.Why did Nigeria’s Central Bank dissolve boards of three lenders?And the young Ghanaian entrepreneur using solar technology to help farmers protect their produce from wastage

Burundi has closed its borders with Rwanda after accusing its neighbour of funding rebel attacks. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the charge, but Burundi's government has branded him a "bad neighbour". Can the two neigbours overcome their differences?Also a report on migrant workers facing forced labour and exploitation in MauritiusAnd a doctor from Sierra Leone tells us how his country and developing countries can hold onto their health care workers.

Cape Verde becomes the first sub-Saharan country to get rid of the deadly malaria disease in 50 yearsWhy is South Africa aiming to legislate for proper labelling of foodstuffs? And the anticipation and excitement of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in Ivory Coast this weekend !

Voters in Comoros head to the polls on Sunday to elect the next president. The incumbent Azali Assoumani is seeking a fourth term, but who are his main challengers? The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, this Sunday, but next time hosts Kenya did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Former Kenyan international Musa Otieno says the game’s infrastructure in the country needs to improve. And Knives down, Gloves up, we hear from a young man with Ivorian and Guinean heritage, on the connection between good mental health and sport and why he established a boxing club after a lifechanging act of violence.