Explore every episode of the podcast DW AfricaLink

This year, the world marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers with an eye on the future of peacekeeping. But how do blue helmets currently operate in Africa, and what have their challenges been? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Malawi Defense Forces Major Tadziwana Kapeni and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja.

Uganda suspended military cooperation with Germany and accused its ambassador to Kampala of "subversive activities." But Berlin rejected the accusations as "absurd." Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director at Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS) and DW's Frank Yiga in Uganda.

The World Bank has released a report that Nigeria's economic growth is the highest in last ten years. Meanwhile, the country continues to face many social and economic challenges. Are Nigerians feeling this growth in their pockets?

How can a country have too many nurses but also a shortage of nurses? That's the situation for Malawi, which has just struck a deal with Israel to allow unemployed Malwaian nurses seek employment in the Middle East country. But what does this mean for Malawi's healthcare system, and is this really a viable business model?

Joint military action between Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria suppressed Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. But the fragmentation of the ECOWAS multinational grouping and difficulties in the countries' ability to protect civilians has led to a resurgence of the Islamist group in northern Cameroon.

The UN Security Council has urged an immediate halt to the fighting in South Sudan and renewed its peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, for another year. South Sudan has formally been at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. But recent tensions between Kiir and Machar threaten the fragile peace.

Malawi's medicine shortage has been blamed on drug theft. The Malawian government loses around 30% of the drugs and medical supplies it purchases to theft. According to a survey, 35% of private clinics sell anti-malarial drugs that had been donated for free use.

Nigeria, a country of 200 million people and an annual birth cohort exceeding 8 million, has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world. What's behind the shocking statistics? Josey Mahachi talks to Amina Abdulkarim, a health policy analyst, and DW’s Abiodun Jamiu.

Fans of African football want to see a comeback to African glory, and a new Confederation of African Football (CAF) project aims to get there by addressing the challenge of identifying and nurturing young talent. Can it work? Josey Mahachi talks to Hetnry Asante of the Ghana Football Association and DW’s Isaac Kaledzi.

With the launch of "The Blackstar Experience," Ghana hopes to position itself as the epicenter of African tourism. It will be the government’s flagship program for tourism, culture and the creative arts. What can the new program communicate to the rest of the world about Ghana and Africa? DW’s Josey Mahachi joins Rex Owusu Marfo, Coordinator of the Blackstar Experience, and DW’s Isaac Kaledzi.

Uganda ranks 143rd out of 180 in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index. Journalists there face intimidation and violence on a nearly daily basis, according to the media watchdog. With Uganda set to hold a presidential election in 2026, RSF says it’s "vital that journalists are able to work in complete safety."

The recently-opened bridge linking Cameroon and Chad is set to revolutionize travel and boost trade across Central Africa. Hundreds of lives will also be saved as scores of people die every year attempting to cross the river, often on rickety canoes.

Kenya and Tanzania have been throwing mud at each other on social media following Tanzania's deportation of Kenyan activists.What implication does this diplomatic row have on regional integration? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Ruth Ambogo, a Kenyan lawyer, governance consultant, and political analyst, and Andrew Wasike, DW correspondent in Nairobi.

Rwanda has escorted South African troops through its territory to Tanzania as part of a phased withdrawal from the embattled eastern DRC. The troops had been assisting Kinsasha's fight against rebel groups in the region, but became stranded after an offensive by M23 rebels.

Ghana's public sector workers want the government to pursue prudent economic policies that promote sustainable growth for the benefit of all citizens. Josey Mahachi talks to Emmaline Datey, a human resources expert, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

An economic crisis, lax regulations, little financial literacy and slick marketing: Ponzi schemes seem to have hit the jackpot in Nigeria. But after the recent collapse of digital trading platform CBEX, how easy is it to spot a financial scam? And how safe are we really from financial fraud? DW’s Mimi Mefo speaks to Ikemesit Effiong, an economist, and DW correspondent, Abiodun Jamiu.

Statistics project increased cases of mental health illness, including suicide, in Malawi. Government records indicate that 1,984 suicide cases have been reported since 2019. In this podcast, DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Joseph Sukali, a mental health advocate, and DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha to understand the leading causes of this crisis.

One of the key factors why African economies continue to grow is smart financing by lending institutions, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB). In this podcast, Josephine Mahachi speaks with Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank and a candidate vying to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB).

ECOWAS, West Africa’s regional bloc, is 50 years old. To mark the historic milestone, Ghana’s capital, Accra, hosted an event. However, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc has been considered a blow. So, how can ECOWAS make amends and remain relevant? DW’s Josephine Mahachi talks to Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a political analyst, and DW’s Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

Remembered for his compassion and commitment to inclusivity, Francis’ death marks the end of an era. Known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, the Argentine pontiff led the Catholic Church for over a decade, with Africa holding a special place in his papacy and his heart. Ahead of Francis' funeral on April 26, DW speaks to Father Mushunje, a priest and long-time admirer of the late pope.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, a controversial law giving government control over the operations of NGOs. Human rights groups warn it will severely restrict the work of civil society organisations. To discuss this, we're joined by International Law Expert Arnold Tsunga and DW correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri.

Zambia is grappling with a disturbing rise in gender-based violence. Over 10,700 cases were recorded in the third quarter of 2024. Such cases include children and babies being sexually molested by relatives. How is Zambia tackling the problem? DW’s Josephine Mahachi speaks to Beauty Katebe of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Council and DW correspondent Kathy Short.

The recent withdrawal of one of Tanzania's leading opposition parties from the 2025 elections is not a sign of apathy, but a bold protest. They've raised serious concerns about the fairness of the playing field, the integrity of the institutions, and the future of democracy in the country. DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks to Lovelet Lwakatare, a political analyst and Naomi Jasseda.

It is the first time that South Africa's crime statistics have been broken down by race as a result of the recent genocide claims by US President Donald Trump. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, a lecturer in the Political Studies department at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and DW's Nontokozo Mchunu in Cape Town.

In 2021, Nigeria became the first African country to launch a central bank-backed digital currency, the eNaira, aimed at driving financial inclusion, reducing the cost of cash transactions, and competing with a volatile cryptocurrency regime. Adoption remains low. So what happened? DW’s Josephine Mahachi speaks to Ikemesit Effiong, an economist, and DW correspondent, Abiodun Jamiu.

A recent report by Amnesty International has accused Ghana of human rights violations, where hundreds of elderly women are being branded as witches and secluded in camps. So, how can Ghana end this practice? DW’s Josephine Mahachi speaks to Genevive Partington, the country director of Amnesty International, Ghana and Adwoa Domena, DW correspondent.

Cameroon is one of the African countries still struggling to make progress in menstrual hygiene. So how is Cameroon hoping to give hope to many schoolgirls struggling with menstrual hygiene? DW’s Josephine Mahachi speaks to Bright Masanga, a female student and Clotilda Andiensa Waah, CEO of the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development, a gender activist, in Cameroon.

Since 2023, thousands of Malawians have traveled to Israel to work. But the program risks collapsing as some beneficiaries now refuse to return home. So how is Malawi and Israel dealing with this crisis? DW’s Josephine Mahachi talks to Michael Kaiyatsa, the Executive Director at the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) in Malawi and DW’s Chimwemwe Padatha.

Rwandans have been remembering victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in which more than a million people, mainly Tutsi, were massacred by Hutu militias. This year's anniversary comes as Rwanda faces accusations of backing M23 rebels in eastern DRC. DW talks to Freddy Mutanguha CEO of the Aegis Trust, an international organization working to prevent genocide and Alex Ngarambe in Kigali.

The United States and South Sudan have been embroiled in a diplomatic spat after Juba refused to admit a man deported from the US last week. He was actually a Congolese citizen using the travel documents of a South Sudanese national. Did US immigration officers carry out due diligence before deporting him?

Malawi is banning the import of goods that are also homegrown, including maize flour, rice, meat products, fruits and vegetables. Why do Malawians still see foreign products as superior?

Nigeria spent a record 15 trillion naira ($10 billion) on fuel imports in 2024, the highest in its history. While imports are easing fuel prices and spurring market competition, experts warn they could undermine efforts to boost local refinery capacity and reduce inflation.

Ghanaian President John Mahama vows to end the country's role as a transit hub for illicit drugs. A large consignment of opioids was reecntly intercepted at Tema Port, destined for Niger. Ghana is a key transit point for drugs trafficked from Asia and South America to Africa and Europe.

From brutal lynchings to social media-driven outrage, vigilante justice has surged in Nigeria. While distrust in law enforcement and the rapid spread of misinformation have made things worse, we explore further how justice, fear, and power have contributed to mob violence in Nigeria. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to barrister Frank Tietie and Ben Shemang in Abuja.

Uganda's parliament passed a law that permits military tribunals to try civilians, prompting protests from the opposition, who said the move violated a Supreme Court ruling in January that banned such trials, which the opposition claims silence opponents. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Dr. Bireete Sarah, Executive Director for the Center for Constitutional Governance, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the media landscape and rapidly transforming how we produce and consume media content. How will newsrooms adapt? Who will control the narrative? DW Africa brings you this special edition podcast in partnership with Zambia's QTV.

Kenya has surpassed Nigeria to become Africa's biggest second-hand clothes importer. The industry employs millions of people but critics say it has crippled the local textile industry. It's not just about clothes, it's about livelihoods, local industry, and the long-term cost of dependency on used apparel.

Malawians in the diaspora and rights groups are asking the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to introduce electronic voting in addition to traditional methods to combat election fraud. With past elections marred by controversy, the changes could restore public trust. But is Malawi ready? Mimi Mefo speaks to Undule Mwaka Sungula a governance expert and DW correspondent George Mhango in Blantyre.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other politicians. The move comes amidst political instability in the region and has sparked a national debate about democracy. DW’s Josey Mahachi spoke to Nigeria’s former minister of transport and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

African teams are fighting it out at the CAF World Cup qualifiers for a chance to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 offers several countries a unique chance to qualify. How are the matches going, and which teams seem likely to make the cut? Josey Mahachi talks to Annet Mugabo, a sports journalist and commentator in Rwanda, and DW’s Ololade Adewuyi.

A recent survey reveals that 40% of young Africans spend more than a quarter of their income to secure water. To delve deeper into this critical issue, DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Abdikadir Aden Hassan, a Kenyan environmentalist and peace ambassador, who focuses on finding solutions for communities hardest hit by water scarcity and climate challenges and DW correspondent Andrew Wasike.

West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, has introduced a standby force that could serve as a regional shield, ready to respond to crises. But what does this really mean for West Africa? Josey Mahachi talks to a Nigerian Lawyer, Kajit John Bagu, the Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for the Movement for Cognitive Justice in Kaduna Nigeria and DW's Correspondent Ben Adam Shemang in Abuja.

One of Zimbabwe’s most wanted political fugitives is calling for protests on March 31. Blessed Geza, a war veteran and fugitive, has urged those opposed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stage an uprising. But given the history of police brutality, will the protests take off? Josey Mahachie talks to DW's Columbus Mavhunga in Harare and political analyst and researcher Takura Zhangazha.

Germany is temporarily closing its embassy in South Sudan due to the worsening conflict. Why does a nation that sought independence to avoid conflict with Sudan now find itself in another war? Why have leaders failed to secure lasting peace? DW delves into these pressing questions with political analyst Abiol Lual Deng and Patrick Oyet, President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan.

South Africa says improving ties with the United States is a "priority" after Washington expelled Pretoria's ambassador. Tensions escalated when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool a 'persona non grata.' What's next for the relationship between the two countries? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with journalist Thuso Khumalo and political expert Ntsikelelo Breakfast.

Despite the introduction of legislation to prevent the marriage of underage girls in Malawi, the practice remains relatively widespread. Traditional leaders are accused of perpetuating the problem and religious leaders are urging the government to step intervene. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Memory Chisenga, a child rights activist, and DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.

Rwanda has accused Belgium of undermining it constantly and cut diplomatic ties. Brussels is leading calls for the European Union to sanction Kigali over its support for the rebel group at the centre of crisis in DR Congo — the M23. Josey Mahachi talks to Fredrick Golooba Mutebi, a researcher on the Great Lakes region and DW's correspondent Nasra Bishumba in Rwanda.

Zimbabwe faces a spike in drug use, particularly among youths, with 1 in 30 households affected. Economic struggles and high youth unemployment drive substance abuse. Recent police campaigns have led to arrests and drug hauls, but can Zimbabwe end the drug scourge?

Stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking in Cameroon are alarmed by the scale of the issue after security forces rescued 100 children from traffickers in the country's western region. Victims' testimonies highlight the dark side of trafficking.

Nigeria's drug agency (NAFDAC) is cracking down on counterfeit medicines, advocating life imprisonment and the death penalty for those involved in their trade. Recently, NAFDAC seized and destroyed fake drugs worth 100 billion naira. The infiltration of these medicines into pharmacies, markets and hospitals endangers lives and erodes trust in healthcare.