Focus on Africa

In Burkina Faso, the military-led government has launched a controversial campaign targeting what it describes as religious extremism. Transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, appears to be at odds with sections of the country's Muslim community after the arrests of some clerics and signing of a new law aimed at curbing radicalisation and extremist preaching. The government has announced plans to recall about 800 Burkinabè students studying Islamic law in Arab countries, while introducing a requirement for government approval before students can pursue similar studies abroad.
And today marks International Day of Friendship by the United Nations, a day that recognises how friendships between individuals, communities and cultures can foster understanding, strengthen connections and even contribute to peace. We speak to two sets of old friends who have known each other for more than two decades.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

South Africa has announced plans to expand its strategic oil reserve for the first time since the apartheid era. this is in its response to the global supply shocks. The proposal aims to reserve approximately 36 million barrels, comprising 70% crude oil and 30% refined petroleum products, to meet 60 days of National demand. The proposal also requires licensed oil marketers to hold an additional 21 days of oil stock as a buffer. The government says this will mitigate oil supply shocks in cases of emergencies.
And an exclusive chat with award winning Ugandan hip-hop artist and pioneer of the music genre Uga-flow, Navio, on East Africa's music scene and how he's stayed relevant, more than 20 years in the industry
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Saudi Arabia has executed five more Ethiopian migrants after convicting them of smuggling hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis. The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Monday, July 27th. This latest execution brings the total number of Ethiopians put to death in the last three months to 17. The ministry emphasized that the executions were intended “to protect the security of the citizen and resident from the scourge of drugs, and to impose the most severe penalties prescribed by law on its smugglers and promoters.”
And an exclusive interview with Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango on her journey to high office and what her leadership means for women and young people, women in leadership and youth involvement in politics across Africa
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

The Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has kicked off in Morocco, with an expanded 16-team tournament bringing together the continent's best sides in the battle for the African title. The host country, Morocco has defeated Kenya , 4-0 (nil) in the opening match. Running till the 16th of August, the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for next year's Women's World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will have another opportunity to reach the global stage through the inter-continental play-offs. This year, the stakes are higher than ever.
Meanwhile, authorities in Liberia and Nigeria are investigating major cocaine and methamphetamine operations in one of West Africa's largest drug crackdowns in recent years.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Grammy-nominated Yemi Alade is one of Africa's biggest music stars and a trailblazer who has helped take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. She's collaborated with artists including Beyoncé and became the first female African Afrobeats artist to surpass 100 million views on a single music video. Now, she's touring the continent to promote her latest album. While in Kenya, she sat down with Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna to reflect on her longevity, the challenges women face in Africa's music industry, and what governments can do to better support artists.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo
Senior Producers: Priyanka Sippy and Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla