Focus on Africa

Foreign nationals in South Africa are facing renewed fears following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks, which have reportedly killed nine Mozambican nationals. Ghana and Mozambique have begun evacuating some of their citizens, while other countries are considering similar moves. We hear from those fleeing the tensions and how they are rebuilding life in their home countries.
Then, we head to Lagos to meet acclaimed Nigerian musician and producer Cobhams Asuquo. Born visually impaired, he taught himself to play the piano and went on to help shape the sound of modern African music. BBC Outlook's Tommy Dixon meets him to discuss his journey, his music, and navigating life without sight.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers:Godwin Asediba, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Teachers in Nigeria's Oyo, Borno and Lagos states protest kidnappings of teachers and learners. And how poor sanitation puts mothers at risk of maternal sepsis in Zambia.

Ghana’s President John Mahama has said the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo a review by the Attorney General and legal advisers at the presidency before he decides to sign it into law. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was approved by parliament last Friday. The legislation proposes a three-year prison sentence for same-sex relations and up to five years imprisonment for promoting LGBTQ+ activities. The law has attracted mixed reaction within the country. This is not the first time Ghana has come up with such a proposal. A previous bill approved in 2024 recommended stricter punishment but was never signed into law.
Also, we hear about a controversial multi-million dollar sports event allowing participating athletes to use performance enhancing drugs, usually banned in international competitions.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Bella Twine, Priya Sippy and Ayuba lliya
Technical producer: David Nzau
Senior Ppoducer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Protests erupted on June 1 near a military airfield in Central Kenya where the US government is planning to establish an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens. Construction on the site was paused last week by a Kenyan court pending a hearing into a lawsuit lodged by campaigners to block the move. However local media has reported that two US military aircraft have already delivered medical personnel and equipment to the base. The proposed quarantine facility has proven controversial with medics and the public in Kenya opposing it.
Also, Nigerian Singer, Tiwa Savage speaks about legacy and her role in helping women find their space in technical and executive roles in the music industry.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba lliya
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

For many women, having larger breasts may be down to genetics. But for some, breast growth is extreme, painful and life-altering. The condition is called 'gigantomastia'. A condition that causes excessive breast tissue growth, leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and emotional distress.
Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 25-year-old South African content creator Michelle Sekwena, who has been sharing her journey with gigantomastia and her experience undergoing breast reduction surgery.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla