Zambia heads to the polls next week to elect a President, lawmakers and local council leaders. The election has been widely perceived as a two horse race following the emergance of an opposition coallition candidate. In an exclusive interview with President Hakainde Hichilema we ask why he is seeking another five year term in office and what he hopes to do differently if re-elected.

Also, the Ngorongoro Conservation Site in Tanzania is at the centre of a controversy as the host community is asking to be delisted from the UNESCO World Heritage site list following concerns that it is negatively affecting the lives of locals.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba

Technical Producer: Herbert Masua

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

A tiny enclave named Ceuta has become the flashpoint of a migration crisis between Morocco and Spain. Geographically situated in Africa, but under Spanish control, Ceuta has become a destination of over 60 000 migrants risking it all in the dangerous 5km swim from the Northern city of Finiduk in Morocco to the Spanish enclave. At least 72 people have died, according to authorities.

And, a proposal to place The Nile crocodiles around an Israeli prison sparks conversations on human rights and abuses The aim is to deter Palestinian security detainees from attempting to escape from the Israeli prisons but the proposal is also facing criticism from human rights groups who say it goes beyond prison security.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Basma El Atti, Bella Twine and Carolyne Jotham

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba

Technical Producer: Herbert Masua

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Zambia voters will head to the polls on the 13th of August in what is shaping up to be one of the country's most closely watched elections. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking a second term but faces a strong challenge from a united opposition. While several candidates are contesting the election, the race is widely seen as being between President Hichilema and Brian Mundubile, a lawyer, Member of Parliament, and the presidential candidate backed by an opposition alliance. We speak to opposition candidate Brian Mundubile

And young girls in northwestern Nigeria are defying insecurity challenges to pick interest in Cricket. Nigeria Cricket Federation has been honoured with the international Cricket Council (ICC) Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year award for a programme introducing girls to cricket in a region affected by kidnapping, and armed banditry

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Blessing Aderogba

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba

Technical Producer: Herbert Masua

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Africa's video gaming industry is booming. The sector generated more than billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming making up around 90% of the market, according to KPMG. Although the industry has long been dominated by men, more women are entering the space, building careers as content creators, professional gamers and esports competitors. But breaking into the industry isn't always easy. Many female gamers continue to face abuse and harassment online. So what is it like to be a woman in Africa's gaming community? And why are more young Africans choosing gaming as a full-time career?

Focus on Africa's Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 30-year-old Techna from South Africa, who left her job to become a full-time gamer, and 25-year-old Saphra from Kenya about the opportunities, challenges and future of gaming on the continent.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Jotham, Bella Twine and Brian Khisa Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

In Burkina Faso, the military-led government has launched a controversial campaign targeting what it describes as religious extremism. Transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, appears to be at odds with sections of the country's Muslim community after the arrests of some clerics and signing of a new law aimed at curbing radicalisation and extremist preaching. The government has announced plans to recall about 800 Burkinabè students studying Islamic law in Arab countries, while introducing a requirement for government approval before students can pursue similar studies abroad.

And today marks International Day of Friendship by the United Nations, a day that recognises how friendships between individuals, communities and cultures can foster understanding, strengthen connections and even contribute to peace. We speak to two sets of old friends who have known each other for more than two decades.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba

Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

South Africa has announced plans to expand its strategic oil reserve for the first time since the apartheid era. this is in its response to the global supply shocks. The proposal aims to reserve approximately 36 million barrels, comprising 70% crude oil and 30% refined petroleum products, to meet 60 days of National demand. The proposal also requires licensed oil marketers to hold an additional 21 days of oil stock as a buffer. The government says this will mitigate oil supply shocks in cases of emergencies. And an exclusive chat with award winning Ugandan hip-hop artist and pioneer of the music genre Uga-flow, Navio, on East Africa's music scene and how he's stayed relevant, more than 20 years in the industry

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Saudi Arabia has executed five more Ethiopian migrants after convicting them of smuggling hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis. The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Monday, July 27th. This latest execution brings the total number of Ethiopians put to death in the last three months to 17. The ministry emphasized that the executions were intended “to protect the security of the citizen and resident from the scourge of drugs, and to impose the most severe penalties prescribed by law on its smugglers and promoters.”

And an exclusive interview with Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango on her journey to high office and what her leadership means for women and young people, women in leadership and youth involvement in politics across Africa

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Blessing Aderogba Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

The Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has kicked off in Morocco, with an expanded 16-team tournament bringing together the continent's best sides in the battle for the African title. The host country, Morocco has defeated Kenya , 4-0 (nil) in the opening match. Running till the 16th of August, the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for next year's Women's World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will have another opportunity to reach the global stage through the inter-continental play-offs. This year, the stakes are higher than ever.

Meanwhile, authorities in Liberia and Nigeria are investigating major cocaine and methamphetamine operations in one of West Africa's largest drug crackdowns in recent years.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba Technical Producer: David Nzau Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Grammy-nominated Yemi Alade is one of Africa's biggest music stars and a trailblazer who has helped take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. She's collaborated with artists including Beyoncé and became the first female African Afrobeats artist to surpass 100 million views on a single music video. Now, she's touring the continent to promote her latest album. While in Kenya, she sat down with Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna to reflect on her longevity, the challenges women face in Africa's music industry, and what governments can do to better support artists.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Senior Producers: Priyanka Sippy and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

At least 50 soldiers have been killed in the latest attack in Mali as insecurity mounts in the country. The ambush took place near the northern town of Anefis and is one of the deadliest to occur in years. The attack has been claimed by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda linked jihadists. The ambush has raised several questions about Mali's military strategy and playbook after the country ended cooperation with western allies and deepened ties with Russia.

And do you know about the historic Gnaoua genre of music from Morocco? This music is one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions. It developed in Morocco from the 16th and 17th centuries and is rooted in the history and spiritual practices of sub-Saharan African populations brought to the region via the trans-Saharan slave trade.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Senior Producers: Caroline Mwangi and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla