Are billionaires good for Africa? Focus on Africa About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars. At the same time, many people on the continent are living in poverty, and their number has also grown. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga has been speaking to the youngest billionaire in Africa, Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji, about how he made his billions and the responsibility of billionaires to reduce the widening inequality gap. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer:Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali? Focus on Africa In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel. And, some lawmakers in Ghana are considering a bill to introduce compulsory DNA testing to combat the increase in paternity fraud cases in the country. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

How Arsenal built a loyal African fan base Focus on Africa After 22 years, Arsenal has won another English Premier League title. The team is one of the most popular European football clubs in Africa, and had been running a multi-million sponsorship deal with the government of Rwanda which concluded at the end of the 2025–26 season. We speak to fans across the continent to hear what this win means for them. And with rising fuel prices in most parts of the world due to the Middle East conflict, we get insight into how fuel prices are determined in some African countries. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Ebola: how does contact tracing work? Focus on Africa The Democratic Republic of Congo says the death toll linked to its latest Ebola outbreak has risen to 131, with 513 suspected contacts now being monitored across six health zones, as the government races to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of the virus. And, with global fuel supply shortages, there are renewed calls for African investments in energy and infrastructure. We speak to Nigerian investor, Tony Elumelu. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who is in charge in Somalia? Focus on Africa Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's four-year tenure came to an end on May 15th. However, a contentious constitutional amendment has extended it by a year. The country had failed to hold elections over controversy regarding electoral reforms. We hear how Somalia got here, and what is next for the country. Also, Zimbabwe plans to return commercial farms to white farmers more than two decades after it was seized. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The GlobaL Story: Operation Ajax: The CIA’s Iran coup Global News Podcast At the outset of the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump suggested that regime change was one of its goals. He later said it had been had achieved, a claim that is disputed by critics who point out that the same repressive forces in Iran still hold power. American attempts at regime change in Iran have a long history. In 1953 the CIA, assisted by British intelligence, led a deadly coup that toppled Iran’s last democratically elected leader. It’s a moment in history that poisoned US-Iranian relations, and helped launch the theocratic revolution to come. But the immediate success of ‘Operation Ajax’ would convince the CIA to carry out a wave of similar plots around the world. We get the full story from Scott Anderson, author of King of Kings: The Fall of the Shah and the Revolution That Forged Modern Iran. The Global Story b

Global News Podcast Nearly ninety deaths have been recorded so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo with medical experts warning that the current strain of the Ebola virus has a very high mortality rate. The DRC's health minister said that no vaccine or specific treatment was available. Also, more than fifty children between the ages of two and five are abducted in northeast Nigeria during attacks on three schools in the same town. Several people are seriously injured after a car is driven into pedestrians in the Italian city of Modena. Two rival marches are held on the same day in London with pro-Palestinian demonstrators and British far-right activists kept apart by the police. And Bulgaria stuns Eurovision to become the surprise winner at the song contest in Austria. The Global News Podcast

Putin and Russia's new normal From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s mood Japan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting long-standing restrictions on arms exports. The government says it’s a necessary step in an increasingly tense region - but it’s raising alarm and in recent weeks there have been protests in major cities across the country. Kurumi Mori reports from Tokyo. Serbia has also been experiencing a series of protests over the past year – fuelled by anger over alleged government corruption. They began in November 2024 following the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Jill McGivering has been to Belgrade to meet a woman whose tragic loss put her at the centre of the political crisis. Governments around the world are increasingly investing in military robots, as the nature of modern warfare evolves. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of $32bn in Arctic defences, where robotic surveillance technology is being put to the test in icy temperatures. David Baillie has been following one of the trials, but finds human expertise is still far from obsolete. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Donald Trump's China summit with Xi Jinping From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's visit to China, the Palestine marathon, the Venice Biennale boycott, a young woman's search for her mother in India, and living in the fast lane with Sierra Leone's First Lady. Laura Bicker has been in Beijing where military parades, red carpets and singing choirs of children greeted Donald Trump as he arrived for talks with President Xi. So what progress was made in China-US relations after a frosty period? Wyre Davies has been in Bethlehem watching on as runners from around the world took part in the 10th Palestine Marathon - a burst of positivity after the race was postponed amid the war between Hamas and Israel, following the October 2023 attacks. The Venice Biennale and the Eurovision song contest were both founded with the intention of bringing nations together through art - but Kirsty Lang finds, upon visiting Venice, an art festival swept up in a clash with global politics. In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Tanya Datta travels with a young woman in search of her birth-mother after she was adopted by a French family and grew up in France. As she goes to the place of her birth, she finds an unexpected connection. And Megha Mohan recounts a hair-raising journey travelling in the motorcade of Sierra Leone's first lady, Fatima Bio - en route to interview her in the Presidential Palace. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal? Focus on Africa A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all of this, China has extended a trade deal to 53 African countries. How will this deal hold? Plus, two young Nigerians are debating whether a mandatory youth service is still relevant to the country's youth. Mayowa Alawode, a preacher and content creator, and Oluwatobi Afolabi, Managing Editor at OkayAfrica join Charles Gitonga on Focus on Africa. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rukia Bulle, Makouchi Okafor, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Could President Ramaphosa be impeached? Focus on Africa In South Africa, a speech from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly saying he will not resign, is trending. A Constitutional Court ruling last week found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala report in 2022, where thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm. And to Lesotho, we speak to an independent writer Tseliso Monaheng about the history of Famo music and why it is tied to a history of violence in the country. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Mpho Lakaje and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What came out of the Africa–France summit? Focus on Africa Protestors have been arrested in Nairobi while objecting the Africa-France event and France-Africa relations, calling it rebranded "imperialism". Macron has announced investments worth $27bn (£20bn) in Africa in areas such as energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. The summit is aimed at broadening Paris's partnerships and making investment deals on the continent against a backdrop of rising anti-French sentiment and diminishing power in its former colonies, especially in West Africa. And, we turn to a not-so new but revived sound of music by South-African musician Zawadi Yamungu, who is creating music that feels both spiritual and contemporary, drawing on themes of ancestry, identity and healing. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Rukia Bulle, Godwin Asediba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

11 mai : retour sur des figures marquantes comme Bob Marley, Nelson Mandela et Blaise Diagne.

Iran says its peace terms - rejected by US - are 'generous' Global News Podcast Donald Trump calls Iran's counter offer to end the war "totally unacceptable". Iran defends its proposals, saying they are "generous". Tehran wants the release of its frozen foreign assets, an immediate end to the war on all fronts and a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Also: the final passengers from the cruise ship with hantavirus are repatriated. The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, speaks of his hopes for a new deal with the EU, as he tries to shore up support after last week's dismal election results. The former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, is met by cheering crowds in Bangkok after being released from prison. And the holiday hotels looking to ensure that all their guests get a sun lounger. The Global News Podcast

Botswana President backs Africa-France relations Focus on Africa The president of Botswana Duma Boko in an exclusive conversation with the BBC has shared his view about the state of diplomatic ties between African countries and France, as the "Africa Forward" summit kicks off in Nairobi. And, around the world, about 100,000 seabirds are unintentionally killed each year by fishing gear, including 10,000 in South Africa. In response, the conservation charity, BirdLife set up an Albatross Task Force, and by putting bird-scaring lines on fishing boats, they’ve managed to cut the number of albatrosses accidentally killed by 90 percent. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The Global Story: What Elon Musk did next Global News Podcast It’s been a year since billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk left his informal position in President Trump’s White House in May 2025. But behind the scenes, Musk has been busy. Musk has spent the last few weeks in a California courtroom, where he is suing his former business partner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In January, Musk applied for permission with the US government to launch a million satellites into orbit, some of which he says will serve as solar AI data centres. And he is preparing to take his company SpaceX public, with an estimated valuation of over $1 trillion. Though his political presence has waned, is it possible that Elon Musk is more powerful than ever? We speak to the BBC’s North America technology correspondent Lily Jamali about what the world’s richest man has been up to since leaving the White House. The Global Story

Putin and Russia's new normal From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s mood Japan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting long-standing restrictions on arms exports. The government says it’s a necessary step in an increasingly tense region - but it’s raising alarm and in recent weeks there have been protests in major cities across the country. Kurumi Mori reports from Tokyo. Serbia has also been experiencing a series of protests over the past year – fuelled by anger over alleged government corruption. They began in November 2024 following the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Jill McGivering has been to Belgrade to meet a woman whose tragic loss put her at the centre of the political crisis. Governments around the world are increasingly investing in military robots, as the nature of modern warfare evolves. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of $32bn in Arctic defences, where robotic surveillance technology is being put to the test in icy temperatures. David Baillie has been following one of the trials, but finds human expertise is still far from obsolete. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine Global News Podcast For years, Ukraine has been one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial surrogacy - attracting couples from around the world with lower costs and more relaxed laws. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, the industry has continued to operate. But now, a proposed law being debated in Ukraine’s parliament could ban surrogacy for foreign parents. Also: Rumours are swirling that a US-Iran deal could be close. Scientists have verified the existence of the second largest tsunami ever. CNN's founder Ted Turner has died. And a robot has become a Buddhist monk. The Global News Podcast

Is Ethiopia involved in Sudan war? Focus on Africa For a while now, Sudan's military government has been accusing Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of working with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudan war that entered its fourth year in April. Both the UAE and Addis Ababa have refuted that claim. An investigation by the Reuters news agency in January showed the presence of a secret training camp in Ethiopia allegedly used to train thousands of RSF fighters. We speak to a Horn of Africa expert. Also, bicycles are fading away in many parts of urban Nigeria, but in the northeastern rural community of Mishara, they remain a symbol of love and commitment to marriage. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Hantavirus: what you should know Focus on Africa As medical experts work to contain the spread of hantavirus on board a stranded cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean, we hear from a representative of the World Health Organisation in Cape Verde. What's hantavirus, how does it spread and what happens to those on board the MV Hondius luxury cruise liner? Also, seven years after the enactment of the law promoting inclusion for persons living with disability in Nigeria, advocates say implementation remains weak. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What Eswatini risks by standing with Taiwan Focus on Africa Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has finally visited Eswatini where his arrival had been expected since April. The state visit was cancelled last minute, and Taiwan blames China - saying Beijing applied pressure on African countries not to allow the plane carrying President Ching-te to use their airspace on the way to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We look at the significance of this visit and Taiwan's diplomatic ties to the Southern Africa kingdom. Also, we have a fire chat with Ghanian musician Stonebwoy, whose Accra-famous music festival known as BHIM is going global, headlining at the OVO Wembley Arena in London this August. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle, Blessing Aderogba and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Sudanese journalists win World Press Freedom Prize Focus on Africa As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO has awarded the 2026 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, recognising their courage in reporting amid threats to their safety and rights. Since Sudan’s war began in 2023, more than 30 journalists have been killed and over 500 violations recorded, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. At the same time, we explore how memes and AI-generated political images are increasingly shaping global power and narratives around the US–Israel war with Iran, raising new questions about influence, information, and the future of digital diplomacy. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

President Trump, the King, and a special relationship From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on the King and Queen's visit to Washington, the current mood inside Iran, elections in Gaza and the West Bank, and why fish are front and centre in the politics of West Bengal. King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington came at a fragile moment in the UK-US relationship. A gulf has opened up between the two nations over issues such as Ukraine, defence spending, tariffs, and the Iran War. Sarah Smith reflects on how far the visit has helped restore the 'special relationship'. Donald Trump’s admiration for the traditions of the Royal Family was on full display during the visit, as he praised the King as an ‘elegant man’. Sean Coughlan has travelled with the King on previous tours, and reveals what made this one different. Inflation has soared to 50 per cent in Iran and people continue to struggle with rising prices of staples such as rice, eggs and cheese, as the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt trade. Lyse Doucet reflects on her recent encounters while visiting Tehran. Municipal elections were held last weekend in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Hamas was officially excluded from participating, as the Palestinian Authority requires parties and candidates to recognise the state of Israel - something Hamas refuses to do. Jon Donnison has been in Ramallah. And in West Bengal a fierce state election battle is underway. Indian PM Narendra Modi's BJP has mounted an aggressive push to unseat the Trinamool Congress party which is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Soutik Biswas reveals how a culinary tradition has become a surprising hot-button issue. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

'Is diaspora written on my forehead?' Focus on Africa For the longest time, Africa’s migration story has largely been one way: people leaving the continent in search of opportunity. But that story is beginning to shift. Africa’s young diaspora who were born and raised in Europe, the United States and Canada are increasingly choosing to move to countries their parents once left. Focus on Africa podcast host Charles Gitonga spoke to Dr Maryam Abdishakuur who grew up in Denmark and moved back to her native country, Somalia in her twenties, and Danielle Wanjiku Natche, who grew up in the US and moved to Kenya - where her mother is from - in 2019. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash and Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla