Focus on Africa

The 2026 Ibrahim Index of African governance has found broad progress on economic opportunity and human development over the past decade, but also excessive decline in security, human rights and public participation at a time when Africa has suffered global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, decrease in development aid and the impact of conflict from across the world.
And, what does it look like to run a cat cafe in Nigeria where people hold several perceptions about the animal? We speak to 'Jason the cat guy' to find out.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The killing of at least ten women in Johannesburg since July once again put the spotlight on violence against women in South Africa. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point plan to tackle gender-based violence and femicide. This included clearing unresolved cases, reducing forensic backlogs, improving safety in high-risk communities, and addressing alcohol-related violence. But a month later, campaigners say questions remain about what progress has been made and whether the government will meet its promises.
Focus on Africa has been speaking to 25-year-old gender based violence advocate Cameron Kasambala and Zizipho Mtwesi, National Project Coordinator at Father A Nation, an organization that promotes positive masculinity and works to prevent gender-based violence.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Bella Twine, Fana Negash and Carolyne Jotham
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has called his country 'Africa's best partner' as he sought to woo African leaders attending a two-day summit in Moscow this week. While addressing a plenary attended by several African presidents, Putin added that it was unfair that Africa lacks permanent representation at the UN Security Council. This year's event, at its third edition, focused on trade, investment, energy, agriculture and technology, at a time when Russia’s role in Africa is facing scrutiny with Amnesty International urging African leaders at the summit to investigate allegations that Africans and other foreign nationals were misled into joining Russia’s war in Ukraine.
And, a Malawian man Emmanuel Maliro is raising awareness about kidney disease after discovering he was born with one kidney.
Presenter: Blessing Aderogba
Producer: Victor Chege
Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Israel is having its elections and the country's longest serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for a come back and his main challenger is of Morrocan descent. Gadi Eisenkot was born in Tiberias in Israel to working class parents from Morocco. We explore the impact of this election on Africa.
And a young Somali tour guide Sucdi Abdul Fattah, is using TikTok to showcase her country’s beauty and challenge perceptions.
Presenter: Blessing Aderogba
Producers: Victor Chege , Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine
Technical David Kinyanjui
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Algeria is to send troops to Niger in its first foreign deployment since sending forces to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war in 1973.The deployment follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister, as the country seeks support against armed groups, some of which are linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State. The deployment comes as the two neighbours rebuild ties after a diplomatic rift in 2025, when Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers. The Algerian Parliament approved the deployment with the aim of protecting Algerian energy investments the government says.
And, Ugandan doctors are on a mission to significantly reduce emergency response times on the country's busiest roads. They are helping strengthen emergency response systems and improving care for patients when they need it most.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine
Technical David Kinyanjui
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla