Focus on Africa

Zambia voters will head to the polls on the 13th of August in what is shaping up to be one of the country's most closely watched elections. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term but faces a strong challenge from a united opposition. While several candidates are contesting the election, the race is widely seen as being between President Hichilema and Brian Mundubile, a lawyer, Member of Parliament, and the presidential candidate backed by an opposition alliance. We speak to opposition candidate Brian Mundubile
And young girls in northwestern Nigeria are defying insecurity challenges to pick interest in Cricket. Nigeria Cricket Federation has been honoured with the international Cricket Council (ICC) Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year award for a programme introducing girls to cricket in a region affected by kidnapping, and armed banditry
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Africa's video gaming industry is booming. The sector generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming making up around 90% of the market, according to KPMG. Although the industry has long been dominated by men, more women are entering the space, building careers as content creators, professional gamers and esports competitors. But breaking into the industry isn't always easy. Many female gamers continue to face abuse and harassment online. So what is it like to be a woman in Africa's gaming community? And why are more young Africans choosing gaming as a full-time career?
Focus on Africa's Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 30-year-old Techna from South Africa, who left her job to become a full-time gamer, and 25-year-old Saphra from Kenya about the opportunities, challenges and future of gaming on the continent.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Jotham, Bella Twine and Brian Khisa
Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

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