
Focus on Africa
by BBC World Service
Is this your podcast?BBC World Service is a renowned global broadcaster, recognized for its impartial journalism and comprehensive news coverage. Established to provide international audiences with in-depth reporting, it has built a reputation for delivering cr…
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
- African news and stories
- global news perspectives
Podcast Focus
- African topics and issues
- global stories with African angle
Publishing Consistency
- 927 episodes published
- active for 9 years
Platform Reach
- BBC World Service distribution
- available on major platforms
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 4 chart positions in 4 markets.
By chart position
- 🇰🇪KE · News#2100K to 300K
- 🇳🇬NG · News#3100K to 300K
- 🇿🇦ZA · News#723K to 10K
- 🇧🇪BE · News#170500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
61K to 184K🎙 Daily cadence·927 episodes·Last published today - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
204K to 613K🇰🇪49%🇳🇬49%🇿🇦2%+1 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
81K to 245K2.0M real followers tracked across platforms
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
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Total Plays
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Total Reviews
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 30 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa
Jun 24, 2026
22m 59s
Benin and Niger push toward border reopening
Jun 23, 2026
22m 59s
What UK PM's resignation means for Africans
Jun 22, 2026
22m 59s
Why I froze my eggs
Jun 19, 2026
22m 59s
DRC Ebola: stories from the frontline
Jun 18, 2026
22m 59s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() Deadline looms for migrants to leave South Africa | Police in South Africa have assured the safety of migrants and local businesses as civic organisations including the March and March anti-migrant group intensify calls for foreigners to leave. This precedes heightened tensions towards a June 30 deadline declared by the groups for migrants to leave the country. Meanwhile in Kuwait, the fate of domestic workers mainly from some African countries remains unknown as authorities introduce new labour laws preventing the recruitment of domestic staff from over twenty countries including Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/23/26 | ![]() Benin and Niger push toward border reopening | Niger has set strict conditions for reopening its border with Benin closed since the July 2023 military takeover. Among them are a new defence agreement, greater transparency over foreign military activities near the border, and the creation of a joint intelligence unit. The conditions were outlined during talks in Cotonou, Benin's commercial capital between a Niger delegation led by Maj Gen Mohamed Toumba, a member of the ruling military junta, and Beninese officials.In The Gambia, the country is grappling with rising temperatures, coastal erosion, erratic rainfall, and growing pressure on communities that depend on agriculture and fisheries all due to climate changePresenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/22/26 | ![]() What UK PM's resignation means for Africans | The UK's Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Labour leader after weeks of mounting pressure over political missteps, a slowing economy and falling support for the governing party. We examine what his departure could mean for UK-Africa relations and the estimated three million Africans living in Britain.And, nearly 118 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, and refugees in parts of Africa spend an average of 16 years in exile. We explore what's behind these prolonged displacements and hear one former refugee's remarkable journey.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Victor Chege, Priya Sippy and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/19/26 | ![]() Why I froze my eggs | She had set herself a deadline: if she reached 30 without finding a partner, she would freeze her eggs. Her name is Amarachi Amusi, a Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur. She is among a growing number of women across Africa turning to the lengthy and costly procedure of egg freezing as a way of preserving their chances of motherhood while they wait to find a life partner.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Wanjiru Jotham Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Basma El Atti Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/18/26 | ![]() DRC Ebola: stories from the frontline | In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Ebola outbreak continues to challenge communities, there is still reason for hope. Despite fear, violence and mistrust, many patients are surviving and recovering from the disease. In areas where treatment centres have been attacked and health workers threatened, every recovery offers a much-needed boost to families and communities struggling with the outbreak. We hear from the BBC’s Anne Soy who travelled to the DRC and has been following response teams in hotspots including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. Also, we explain how Uganda's cryptocurrency ban has created an illegal network of digital transactions. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Godwin Asediba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/17/26 | ![]() Russia's security influence in the Central African Republic | Russia’s security presence in Africa may be entering a new chapter, with the Central African Republic at the heart of the story. Reports suggest Moscow is looking to replace private military operatives,Wagner Group with Africa Corps, a force overseen by Russia’s Defence Ministry. But the handover appears far from straightforward, raising questions about Russia’s influence across the continent, the future of its security partnerships, and what it all means for the Central African Republic.And in China, an online trend involving dark-skinned dolls known as Natasha Dolls, fuels discussion about racism and discrimination. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/16/26 | ![]() Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut | Cape Verde's national football team, Blue Sharks, stunned 2010 champions Spain at their first ever World Cup match. From the stadium in Atlanta, to the streets of the archipelago's capital Praia, we hear what the tournament and the result means for fans. And BBC Africa Eye hears from some of the last surviving soldiers of the Nigerian Civil War, who recall what they went through during the three-year conflict that left an estimated 500,000 to 3 million people dead.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/15/26 | ![]() World Cup: How hate-watching reflects social tensions | As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, we look at the rise of hate-watching across parts of the continent. The trend was especially visible when Mexico faced South Africa at the opening game last week. Some African fans, especially on social media, openly backed Mexico against Bafana Bafana citing the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration sentiments in South Africa. We explain what hate-watching is and how off-pitch tensions shape fan loyalties.And a new study is aiming to provide medical insights into treating kidney disease in West Africa. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Godwin Asediba and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 6/12/26 | ![]() Is the internet dividing men and women?✨ | gender equalityonline communities+4 | — | — | — | femospheremanosphere+5 | — | 22m 58s | |
| 6/11/26 | ![]() Africa's World Cup dream: controversy and opportunity✨ | African football2026 World Cup+3 | Jonathan MensahJean Manayega Sseninder | FIFA | SomaliaMorocco+1 | AfricaWorld Cup+8 | — | 22m 59s | |
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| 6/10/26 | ![]() DRC: How armed conflict is affecting Ebola response✨ | Ebola outbreakarmed conflict+5 | — | M23 | Democratic Republic of CongoNorth Kivu+2 | EbolaDemocratic Republic of Congo+7 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/9/26 | ![]() Nigeria: Freed from Boko Haram✨ | abductionrescue operations+4 | Sabin Nkusi | Nigerian armyBorno South Youth Alliance+1 | Borno State | Boko HaramNigerian army+5 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/8/26 | ![]() African prisoners of war in Ukraine✨ | African prisoners of warUkraine conflict+5 | Sammy Awami | BBC World Service | UkraineRussia | African fightersprisoners of war+5 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/5/26 | ![]() ‘More than my ovaries’: Redefining PCOS✨ | PCOShealth+4 | Bianca ChenaiJuliana Naa Dede | World Health OrganizationBBC World Service | — | PCOSPMOS+4 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/4/26 | ![]() South Africa: what realities face those fleeing xenophobia?✨ | xenophobiaSouth Africa+5 | Cobhams Asuquo | BBC OutlookBBC World Service | South AfricaMozambique+2 | xenophobiaMozambique+6 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Nigerian teachers protest school kidnappings✨ | teachers protestschool kidnappings+4 | — | — | NigeriaOyo+3 | Nigeriateachers+4 | — | 22m 59s | |
| 6/2/26 | ![]() What's in Ghana's new anti-LGBTQ+ bill?✨ | anti-LGBTQ+ legislationGhana+3 | — | BBC World ServiceAttorney General+1 | Ghana | Ghanaanti-LGBTQ+ bill+3 | — | 22m 58s | |
| 6/1/26 | ![]() Kenyans protest proposed US Ebola facility✨ | Ebola quarantineprotests+3 | Tiwa Savage | US governmentBBC World Service | KenyaCentral Kenya | Ebolaquarantine+5 | — | 22m 58s | |
| 5/29/26 | ![]() Gigantomastia: Living with my oversized breasts | 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 | 22m 58s | ||||||
| 5/28/26 | ![]() Kenya's toxic masculinity influencers | BBC Global Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield has spent a year examining the rise of two of the most influential manosphere figures. In Kenya, she met Andrew Kibe who has millions of followers online and offline. We hear how these individuals have built massive online audiences and the lucrative business behind it all. And a look at how the political fallout between Senegal's former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye means for the West African country. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Helen Oyibo Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 5/27/26 | ![]() Ethiopia votes amid press freedom concerns | Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently ranked 148th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, we look at what's it like for journalists covering the election. And in Uganda, we hear how therapy dogs are helping survivors of abuse and trauma. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Carolyne Kiambo and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 58s | ||||||
| 5/26/26 | ![]() Ebola and burial traditions in DRC | The World Health Organisations says Ebola is spreading faster than originally thought and has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda, where there have been seven confirmed cases. In the last week, there have been incidents where angry crowds attempted to reclaim bodies of loved ones from Ebola treatment centres in Mongwalu and Rwampara. We take a look at how burial traditions are being impacted by the virus and what the recommended procedures look like. Also, Burkina Faso's livestock export ban has a direct impact on Eid celebrations in Ivory Coast. What are the alternatives?Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 59s | ||||||
| 5/25/26 | ![]() What does it mean to be African? | May 25 is Africa Day, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity - now known as the African Union (AU). We spoke to three Africans, a generation X, a millennial and a Gen Z about the dreams and aspirations Africans today. And South African activists on the Gaza bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home. The activists were on board the flotilla taking aid to Gaza before being intercepted and detailed by Israeli soldiers. We heard from some of them, who claimed that Israeli security forces subjected them to torture but Israel denies this. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla | 22m 58s | ||||||
| 5/22/26 | ![]() Are billionaires good for 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 | 22m 58s | ||||||
| 5/21/26 | ![]() Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali? | 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 | 22m 58s | ||||||
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4 placements across 4 markets.
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4 placements across 4 markets.
























