The Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgeries in the world, but it is also one of the most dangerous. The risk of death from having a BBL is at least 10 times higher than many other procedures – that’s according to the UK’s National Health Service. 

In several countries in Africa, the demand for BBLs is on the rise, but there are still challenges around regulation. Just recently in Lagos, a young woman reportedly died after a BBL procedure, prompting Nigeria’s Lagos State Government to launch an investigation into her death. In this episode, we hear from two young women, in Kenya and Nigeria, who recently got BBLs to hear about the risks, the post-surgery recovery and the influence of social media on body image.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham and Priyanka Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

At least 23 people were killed and over 100 injured in multiple explosions in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria, a long-time insurgency hotspot. We examine the effect of the attack on traumatised residents and how they are coping. In response, the Nigerian Army says its troops killed three senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and more than 80 other militants in a major operation in the north-east.

Meanwhile, the percentage of female players registered with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) rose from 10% in 2020 to 16.5% in 2026. Yet top-level chess remains male-dominated, with no women in the top 100. Fewer players, limited female coaches and unwelcoming environments are barriers. We speak to 24-year-old Moroccan champion Sarah El Barbry, who's bringing chess online.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

We examine the continent’s reaction after Senegal’s 1‑0 AFCON final win from 18 January was overturned, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) instead awarding Morocco a 3‑0 victory. CAF's disciplinary committee ruled that Senegal’s walk-off protest amounted to a forfeit following Morocco’s challenge to the initial decision. Senegal has now appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

And Sudan’s civil war is now approaching its third year. The conflict began as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, and both sides have relied heavily on external support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran. As Iran escalates attacks on Gulf countries in retaliation for US-Isreal strikes, questions are growing about these countries continued support for the warring parties in Sudan.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Thousands of white South Africans abroad, including in the US, are returning home despite President Donald Trump alleging that they’re being targeted, a claim the South African government denies. At least 12,000 have checked their citizenship status in preparation for a permanent return. A South African relocation agency has reported a 70% surge in inquiries over the past six months. We explore what’s driving this trend.

Meanwhile, billions of Muslims around the world watch the sky for the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid celebrations. Science is changing how the moon is tracked, so how do astronomy and tradition intersect, and what does the sighting of the moon mean across Africa?

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The BBC’s Africa Eye embeds with Puntland forces in Somalia’s northeastern Al-Miskaad mountains as they fight Islamic State (IS) militants. Nearly a decade after its defeat in the Middle East, IS has spread across Africa. Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland has become a key hub, with the UN estimating that IS in Somalia was comprised of up to 800 fighters last year. Over half of these militants were believed to be foreign recruits.

We also look at the rising number of Egyptians migrating irregularly to Europe. Victims' families said that smugglers were demanding thousands of dollars, sometimes issuing death threats, leaving loved ones living in fear. Egyptians now represent the largest African group entering the European Union (EU) and the second largest globally, after Bangladeshis. This episode explores what’s behind this surge in migration.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: David Njenga Kinyanjui Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The Israeli military has carried out waves of airstrikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, after Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah launched about 200 rockets into northern Israel. At least 687 people, including 98 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since then and 800,000 others have been displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.

Caught up in this conflict are tens of thousands of African domestic workers. Many say they cannot leave the country because they are employed under Lebanon’s Kafala system - a legal framework that ties a migrant worker’s residency to their employer, meaning they cannot change jobs or leave without their employer's consent. 

Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to Banchi Yimer, who left her home country of Ethiopia to move to Lebanon over a decade ago. After workign as a domestic worker for years, she founded an NGO that advocates for the rights of African migrant workers. She spoke to Nkechi from Beirut about the plight of African migrant workers in Lebanon.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

During a parliamentary session, legislators in Senegal voted on a bill that was introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, doubling the penalty for same sex relationships that are already a crime in the West African country. People convicted under the new law will now serve prison sentences of between 5 and 10 years and face fines of up to 17,600 USD.

We also look at why snakebite antivenom is so expensive in many African countries. In a conversation with Professor John Amuasi of the Global Snakebite Task Force, we discuss what can be done to improve access to treatment for snakebites in remote parts of Africa.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Daniel Dadzie and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we explore two important stories from Africa. First, Algeria’s parliament has passed a revised law criminalising French colonial rule. The amendments remove earlier demands for an official apology and reparations after the Senate requested the changes. The law still includes demands for compensation for victims of French nuclear tests in Algeria.

We then turn to Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing involuntary tics that affects millions worldwide. In Africa, the condition is often misunderstood leading to stigma. Advocates are pushing for awareness, early diagnosis and support. We hear from someone in Nigeria about what it’s like to live with Tourette syndrome.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we look at the impact of the ongoing US–Israel war with Iran on neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. Africans in the region are caught in the crossfire, some have been evacuated by their governments, while others remain stranded. We speak to a young Ghanaian still in Bahrain and a Ugandan who has just returned home.

We also explore Lesotho’s annual three-day Moshoeshoe Walk, where thousands retrace King Moshoeshoe I’s historic route. What began as a tribute to his legacy has grown into a heritage-tourism event celebrating history, wellness and community, while raising funds to support girls’ education.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.

And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla