Focus on Africa

Focus on Africa’s Charles Gitonga joined The Global Story podcast hosts Asma Khalid and Tristan Redman to explain why the United States, Russia and China are so interested in Africa. The US recently moved to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a major trade deal allowing many African countries to export goods to the American market tariff-free, while also tying promises to end the conflict in eastern DR Congo to access rare earth minerals. China sees Africa as a key part of its Belt and Road Initiative, investing heavily in infrastructure across the continent. Meanwhile, Russia has positioned itself as an alternative partner to the Central African Republic and Sahel countries, particularly in security and military cooperation.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Hannah Moore Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Technical Producers: Terry Chege and Philip Bull Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Somalia has accused the United Arab Emirates of undermining its sovereignty, including allegedly facilitating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory. In response, Mogadishu has canceled all agreements with the UAE, from ports to defence, raising questions about trade and security. We then turn to Botswana, following a recent visit by American YouTuber IShowSpeed to the Diamond Trading Centre in Gaborone, where he held a rough diamond and asked if he could buy it. Botswana’s diamonds are a major part of national wealth, but acquiring them in raw form is strictly regulated. We explore what you need to know about these gems. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Uganda’s election campaign enters its final days ahead of voting on January 15th, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his four decades in power. His main challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine, has rallied younger voters amid concerns raised by the UN about the political climate. We hear from voters and from the BBC in Kampala on the mood in the country. Then, we travel to Benin’s coastal city of Ouidah, where thousands gathered for Vodun Days, celebrating a spiritual tradition and its growing global appeal. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In his first interview since taking office on 1 Jan, the new head of the UN refugee agency, Dr Barham Salih, speaks to the BBC about US concerns over the organisation’s effectiveness and his push for reform. Speaking during his first working visit to Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, he stresses the continuing scale of global civilian displacement and the need for more efficient humanitarian responses. We also look at how social media platforms are helping young people across Africa use running to build community, connection and wellbeing in cities including Abuja and Nairobi.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Priya Sippy Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Now, despite a start-up boom happening in Africa, a recent study showed that many of Africa’s start-up founders say their jobs have negatively impacted their mental well-being.60% of founders reported experiencing anxiety, 58% high stress, 52% exhaustion, and 20% depression. Key stressors include fundraising, inflation and economic instability. Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna had a discussion with Jihan Abass, founder of Lami Insurance Technology - a Kenya-based fintech - and Mawano Kambeu, founder of Zambia-based digital company, Dot Com Zambia, to discuss burnout, mental health and navigating Africa’s complex start-up scene.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Weldye Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla