Focus on Africa

Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, affects an estimated 160 million people worldwide. Some forms of the condition disproportionately affect black women, due to a combination of factors including hairstyles that place tension on the hair, as well as genetic and hormonal influences. Now, some dermatologists are also saying they're seeing more cases, particularly among younger people. Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have hinted at potential new treatments for hair loss. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to 23-year-old Sharon Chepkoech, known online as Kechi, from Kenya, and 47-old-year Mpume Dlamini from South Africa about their experience of living with alopecia and how they are using social media to raise awareness of the condition.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse Shumba
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

A compliant submitted by ​the Nigerian Press Organisation, which represents newspaper owners, journalists’ unions, ⁠broadcasters and online publishers, has prompted the country's President Bola Tinubu to issue an investigation by the country's competition regulator into major technology companies over alleged anti-competitive practices and unauthorised use of news content. Growing influence of big-tech companies in Africa has sparked concerns over dominance in digital advertising, the use of news content without fair compensation, algorithms that control what people see, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and copyright.
Also, we take a look at a new Malawian National Action Plan that seeks to improve the rights of people with albinism in the workplace. We hear from Malawi's Bonface Massah, head of the Africa Albinism Network, who also lives with albinism.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Ayuba Illya, Helen Oyibo and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Denis Brown has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's besieged city of El-Obeid is worsening as fighting and a blockade by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue. He says repeated drone strikes have hit power stations and water facilities, leaving civilians without essential services. The UN Human Rights Council has also ordered an urgent investigation into alleged crimes committed during the fighting in Sudan’s El-Obeid amid growing fears that violence in the city could escalate into mass atrocities.
Also, at least 400 dogs have been killed in the Ethiopian town of Hossana after rabies related complications killed three children and left dozens of others in hospital, sparking outrage among dog owners. We hear from those impacted.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Illya and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Senate adopted a constitutional revision bill in June, which has raised fierce controversy as it would effectively reset presidential term limits. The legislation paves the way for a public vote on a new constitution. Under this proposal, President Félix Tshisekedi's previous terms in office would be discounted, essentially allowing him to seek a third term as if it were his first. A planned demonstration against the constitutional changes has now been postponed until July 22nd following a mediation led by Burundian President and African Union Chairperson, Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Also, what does the growing trend of AI use mean for Africa's animation film? We speak to creative director and animator, Chief David Nyamyweya.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

All but two African teams have been eliminated from the World Cup. Out of the 10 African teams participating when the tournament kicked off in the US, Canada and Mexico, Egypt is at the round of 16, preparing to face Argentina. Morocco has advanced to the quarter-finals having defeated Canada.
And it's the rainy season in West Africa, and recent flooding has caused more than 78 deaths in cities in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. We explore the impact of climate disasters on mental health.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla