Focus on Africa

Africa’s booming fashion industry took centre stage at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where bold African designs dominated online conversations and red-carpet highlights.
Host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks with Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo and Nigerian designer Mohammed Abbas about the rise of African luxury fashion, the stories behind their headline-making looks, and how African creativity is redefining global style.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti and Godwin Asediba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all of this, China has extended a trade deal to 53 African countries. How will this deal hold?
Plus, two young Nigerians are debating whether a mandatory youth service is still relevant to the country's youth. Mayowa Alawode, a preacher and content creator, and Oluwatobi Afolabi, Managing Editor at OkayAfrica join Charles Gitonga on Focus on Africa.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rukia Bulle, Makouchi Okafor, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

In South Africa, a speech from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly saying he will not resign, is trending. A Constitutional Court ruling last week found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala report in 2022, where thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm.
And to Lesotho, we speak to an independent writer Tseliso Monaheng about the history of Famo music and why it is tied to a history of violence in the country.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Mpho Lakaje and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Protestors have been arrested in Nairobi while objecting the Africa-France event and France-Africa relations, calling it rebranded "imperialism". Macron has announced investments worth $27bn (£20bn) in Africa in areas such as energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. The summit is aimed at broadening Paris's partnerships and making investment deals on the continent against a backdrop of rising anti-French sentiment and diminishing power in its former colonies, especially in West Africa.
And, we turn to a not-so new but revived sound of music by South-African musician Zawadi Yamungu, who is creating music that feels both spiritual and contemporary, drawing on themes of ancestry, identity and healing.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Rukia Bulle, Godwin Asediba and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The president of Botswana Duma Boko in an exclusive conversation with the BBC has shared his view about the state of diplomatic ties between African countries and France, as the "Africa Forward" summit kicks off in Nairobi.
And, around the world, about 100,000 seabirds are unintentionally killed each year by fishing gear, including 10,000 in South Africa. In response, the conservation charity, BirdLife set up an Albatross Task Force, and by putting bird-scaring lines on fishing boats, they’ve managed to cut the number of albatrosses accidentally killed by 90 percent.
Presenter: Charles Gitonga
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla