Africa Today

South Africa's liberation party, African National Congress (ANC) has suffered its worst result in municipal elections since the end of apartheid, securing 31% of the national vote against 25 % for its main rival, the democratic Alliance (DA) and Former President Jacob Zuma's party uMkhonto weSiwe had just 10% putting it in the third place.  While the ANC remains the country’s largest party, it seems to be losing support amid growing frustration over service delivery, unemployment, and corruption.And, Angola’s Lobito Corridor a multibillion dollar transport corridor linking the DRC to Angola's Atlantic coast aims to boost the market for Africa's critical mineralsPresenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

A BBC Africa Eye investigation follows the journey and tragic end of a Sierra Leonan commercial sex worker battling substance addiction, kidnapped into sexual slavery twice, beaten, exploited and trapped by addiction. Her life mirrored the struggles facing countless young women in Sierra Leone. The full interview is on YouTube #BBCAfricaEye And, a blind Nigerian athlete's quest to bag world championships medals in Sambo. This is a combat sport that combines elements of judo and wrestling.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Albert Kirui, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

There’s been a growing debate on social media about women’s clothing, personal freedom and cultural values, following incidents in Rwanda and Tanzania where women faced consequences over what they wore. In Rwanda, women were reportedly stopped by police and denied entry to a music concert for wearing miniskirts and tight-fitting clothes. President Paul Kagame later defended dress codes in public spaces, saying freedom of expression should respect cultural values. Meanwhile, Tanzanian singer Nandy was recently fined for wearing a diamond catsuit. BBC Focus on Africa spoke to two young women, Kea Sefako from Cape Town, South Africa, and Lez Muriithi from Nairobi, Kenya, to hear their perspectives on dress codes for women.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producers: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Democrats have won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, securing a congressional majority for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. Six candidates of African origin won seats in Congress, including 29-year-old Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros, who becomes the first Gen Z woman elected to the US Congress. The daughter of Tigrayan immigrants, Kiros defeated a 15-term incumbent in the Democratic primary before going on to win the seat. But how does their win shape US foreign policy within the African continent? And Victoria Ama, a Nigerian dancer and contortionist is fusing African traditional dance with ballet. The result is a style that is both visually striking and rooted in African culture. Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducers: Albert Kirui, Chiamaka Dike, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing AderogbaTechnical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoSenior Producer: Bella TwineEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Over 50,000 Ethiopians have crossed over into Kenya, fleeing renewed fighting in Somali and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. Thousands of these are under temporary international protection status from the UNHCR as they undergo registration. We hear from a BBC reporter following the story in Moyale, a town at the border of Kenya and Ethiopia. And, for almost every young girl in school in Sub-Saharan Africa, a low hair cut is mandatory. Critics question the practice while others endorse it. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are underway in Senegal with nearly 3,000 young athletes from more than 200 countries gathered to compete across a wide range of sports including archery, artistic gymnastics, athletics, basketball and so much more. However, these Games are taking place at a challenging time for Senegal, which is facing growing economic pressures. And, reparations for slavery are gaining renewed attention as Commonwealth leaders meet in Antigua with King Charles' speech recognising transatlantic slave trade as a ‘shameful chapter’ that ‘fills my heart with horror’ but falls short of an official apology. Listen to African presidents debate reparations at the annual Elevate Africa event in Accra, Ghana. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Albert Kirui and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The 2026 Ibrahim Index of African governance has found broad progress on economic opportunity and human development over the past decade, but also excessive decline in security, human rights and public participation at a time when Africa has suffered global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, decrease in development aid and the impact of conflict from across the world. And, what does it look like to run a cat cafe in Nigeria where people hold several perceptions about the animal? We speak to 'Jason the cat guy' to find out. Presenter: Nkechi OgbonnaProducer: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Maxwell OnyangoSenior Producer: Bella TwineEditors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The killing of at least ten women in Johannesburg since July once again put the spotlight on violence against women in South Africa. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point plan to tackle gender-based violence and femicide. This included clearing unresolved cases, reducing forensic backlogs, improving safety in high-risk communities, and addressing alcohol-related violence. But a month later, campaigners say questions remain about what progress has been made and whether the government will meet its promises.Focus on Africa has been speaking to 25-year-old gender based violence advocate Cameron Kasambala and Zizipho Mtwesi, National Project Coordinator at Father A Nation, an organization that promotes positive masculinity and works to prevent gender-based violence. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Bella Twine, Fana Negash and Carolyne Jotham Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has called his country 'Africa's best partner' as he sought to woo African leaders attending a two-day summit in Moscow this week. While addressing a plenary attended by several African presidents, Putin added that it was unfair that Africa lacks permanent representation at the UN Security Council. This year's event, at its third edition, focused on trade, investment, energy, agriculture and technology, at a time when Russia’s role in Africa is facing scrutiny with Amnesty International urging African leaders at the summit to investigate allegations that Africans and other foreign nationals were misled into joining Russia’s war in Ukraine. And, a Malawian man Emmanuel Maliro is raising awareness about kidney disease after discovering he was born with one kidney. Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producer: Victor Chege Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Israel is having its elections and the country's longest serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for a come back and his main challenger is of Morrocan descent. Gadi Eisenkot was born in Tiberias in Israel to working class parents from Morocco. We explore the impact of this election on Africa.And a young Somali tour guide Sucdi Abdul Fattah, is using TikTok to showcase her country’s beauty and challenge perceptions.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Victor Chege , Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine Technical David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Algeria is to send troops to Niger in its first foreign deployment since sending forces to Egypt during the Arab-Israeli war in 1973.The deployment follows a visit to Algiers by Niger's defence minister, as the country seeks support against armed groups, some of which are linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State. The deployment comes as the two neighbours rebuild ties after a diplomatic rift in 2025, when Niger recalled its ambassador to Algiers. The Algerian Parliament approved the deployment with the aim of protecting Algerian energy investments the government says.And, Ugandan doctors are on a mission to significantly reduce emergency response times on the country's busiest roads. They are helping strengthen emergency response systems and improving care for patients when they need it most.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine Technical David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

A three-day workers’ union strike in Senegal over the rising cost of living disrupts livelihoods and fuels concerns about preparations for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, The strike, called by the Front for the Defence of Workers (FSDT), which brings together 13 union confederations, began on Wednesday 21st October. The industrial action unfolded against the backdrop of a serious debt crisis and growing pressure on the government to deliver economic improvements. Senegal is set to hosts the Youth Olympic Games begining October 31st, the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil.And climate shocks in Liberia inspire climate justice advocate and environmental conservationist Charles Wellington Morgan Jr to launch an ambitious campaign to plant one million coconut trees coconut along the country’s coastline, using nature to help protect vulnerable communities.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Bella Twine Technical David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Edito

The World Health Organization says that while most Africans do not drink alcohol, those who do can drink heavily. So are some young people turning to alcohol to cope with stress, work pressures, and mental health challenges? And are women facing a different set of pressures? We heard from 26-year-old Kenyan content creator Chebet Ronoh, who has documented her struggles with alcohol and relapse, and addiction therapist Caroline Kagia, who achieved sobriety after struggling with alcoholism for nearly two decades. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Mozambique has reintegrated more than 100 former Islamist militants into civilian life as part of an amnesty programme launched five years ago to help restore stability in Cabo Delgado. The region has been gripped by an insurgency for nearly a decade, leaving more than 6,000 people dead and displacing around 1.1 million others. With military and regional peace efforts, including a mission led by SADC, struggling to deliver lasting peace, we explore whether rehabilitation and reintegration could offer a path to long-term stability.And, we hear from Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel, popularly known as Bendancer, about his bid to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance marathon by an individual. He reflects on the determination, discipline and motivation behind his remarkable endurance challenge in Lagos.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Ayuba lliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria's Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate has confirmed their first Ebola case, which also marks the Bundibugyo strain's entry into West Africa. The patient is reported to have visited Uganda, though authorities in Kampala say she also visted the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the epicentre of the outbreak. Uganda was declared free of the virus in August. We put the frequently asked questions on social media to the World Health Organisation. And, two years after an invasive plant threatened Cameroon’s Lake Ossa, conservationists say they’ve cleared most of it, with more sightings of the vulnerable African manatee. We speak to the man behind the effort.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Ayuba lliya, Keikantse Shumba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Kenyan high court finds cult leader Paul MacKenzie guilty over the death of 190 children and one adult. Mackenzie ordered members of his cult to starve their children to death so they could "meet Jesus". In 2023, more than four hundred bodies were discovered in mass graves in the forest where his church was located. We hear from one of the first responders onsite in 2023. Also, the World Bank is reporting that Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy should grow by 4.3% this year, higher than the UN projection for the whole world, which is 2.6%. But young people tell us the figures do not translate to jobs for them. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba lliya, Keikantse Shumba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Across the continent, the increasing price of fuel is being felt by households and businesses alike, as governments grapple with the economic impact of rising costs. South Africans are demanding an immediate decrease, as users in Malawi face acute shortages. As the ripple effects of the hike spreads, we hear from Nigeria's Finance Minister, who has announced a discount at the pump for consumers. Meanwhile new data from the World Health Organisation shows that less than four out of every ten women in Africa who suffer from breast cancer survive. We speak to one of the survivors from Ghana. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Across Africa, more young workers are questioning what they should have to tolerate at work. From bullying and excessive workloads to poor leadership and low pay, some are choosing to leave jobs that take a toll on their mental health. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy 12 billion working days every year, amounting to around US$1 trillion in lost productivity. Meanwhile, Gallup’s 2026 workplace report found that just 19% of employees in sub-Saharan Africa were engaged at work. So what makes a workplace toxic, and how can workers tell the difference between ordinary job pressures and an environment that is damaging their wellbeing? We speak to 23-year-old Vivian Eneche and 30-year-old GG Wambara, both of whom quit their jobs for these reasons? Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Fana Nagesh and Carolyne Jotham Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producers: Priya Sippy and Daniel Dadzie Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Rwanda has secured a 10-year deal to host Formula 1, potentially bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time since 1993. But the cost of developing young talent remains a major barrier. South African driver Mika Abrahams and his mother, Denise, discuss the financial challenges facing aspiring African drivers as they try to progress through the ranks towards Formula 1.Also, women make up nearly half of sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural workforce, yet research suggests they are less productive than men in the sector. Limited access to land ownership, inheritance rights and finance can prevent women from reaching their full potential, affecting agricultural output. The Kenya Pastoral Market Development Programme is helping women in pastoral communities strengthen their financial independence and increase their incomes. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has been named the head of a new political and military alliance that includes M23 rebels, who control vast swathes of Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, or FRN movement says it wants to remove the government of President Félix Tshisekedi. M23 leader Sultani Makenga will serve as one of Kabila's four deputies in the new movement. The other three also come from the AFC-M23 alliance. And across Africa, the death penalty debate continues, with some countries moving towards abolition while others are expanding or considering the use of capital punishment.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Rukia Bulle and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla