Focus on Africa

The president of Israel Isaac Herzog has just concluded an official state visit in Ethiopia. We look at the historic ties between the two countries, and what the visit means for the horn of Africa region.
Also, a report by the Alliance for Malaria Prevention warns that progress made in containing the disease could be stalling due to global aid funding cuts. The report predicts that a reduction of financing by 30 percent could see an additional 146 million malaria cases by 2030. We speak to the Executive Director of the Alliance.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Albert Kirui
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.
We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we examine how Spain’s plan to offer over 500,000 migrants legal status will affect African migrants in the country. Following an announcement by Spain's government, several in support of the proposal say it’s practical and crucial for Spain’s economy, while critics warn it could encourage irregular migration. We speak to a young Nigerian man in the queue for documentation.
And we take a look at a recently released UNESCO report that shows Africa is giving the creative industries greater priority in comparison to other regions, with 62% of countries now including culture in development plans.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

For the second week, Gabon has suspended social media platforms like Whatsapp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram - in a move it says is aimed at curbing the spread of false information and cyberbullying. What does this mean for the youth, as well as the right to access information in the country?
And what does it take for an African athlete to make it to the Winter Olympics? We speak to 24-year-old skier Mialitiana Clerc, who represented Madagascar at this year's edition in Italy.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine and Basma El Atti
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

We speak to a Kenyan man who says he believed he was travelling to Russia to join a basketball team but was instead coerced into military service. He describes signing a contract in Russian, witnessing death in battle, and fighting in a war he says he never agreed to join.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash.
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy.
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla