DW AfricaLink
Episodes
Digital trade deadlock: What’s at stake for Africa?
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As countries prepare to introduce possible tariffs on everything from cloud services to cross‑border e‑commerce, concerns are rising over what thi...
Why Igbo 'kings' outside Nigeria spark controversy
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leaders in Nigeria and South Africa say the title "Igbo king" and related coronations outside Nigeria have no authority. Is this cultural confusion —...
Why violence keeps returning to Nigeria's Plateau state
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Deadly attacks in Jos have once again triggered a heavy security response. Why does Nigeria's Plateau State repeatedly fall back into violence, and wh...
Remembering Rwanda's 1994 genocide
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On April 7 each year, the world honors more than 1 million people murdered during the 100‑day genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994. The day cal...
Zambia bets on growth after years of reform
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zambia is emerging as one of southern Africa's fastest‑growing economies. As mining booms and farms recover, can years of reform finally deliver las...
Autism Awareness Day: Nigeria launches biggest screening
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria is marking World Autism Day with its biggest-ever screening drive. The nationwide initiative, "Spark a Spectrum of Possibilities 2026," offers...
Zimbabwe split over electoral reforms
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zimbabwe's constitutional reform push is sparking intense debate. Critics warn it could extend President Mnangagwa's term and significantly impact how...
Uganda's free-visa policy: Will it lure more visitors?
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda has granted visa‑free entry to 40. The move deepens ties with East African neighbours and 21 African nations, while extending perks to select...
Inside Nigeria's 'money marriages'
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In some Nigerian communities, a harmful practice known as 'money marriage,' where young girls are given away to settle family debts, persists. Though ...
Zimbabwe fares double as fuel prices soar
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fuel hikes in Zimbabwe have pushed petrol above $2 a liter and forced transport fares to double, deepening the cost-of-living crisis and leaving many ...
TB surge in Southern Africa: Why cases are rising
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Despite being curable, tuberculosis (TB) is spreading fast in South Africa and Mozambique. What's driving the rise, and what solutions lie in communit...
Under pressure: LGBTQ+ crackdown in Ghana and Senegal
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ghana's revived anti-LGBTQ+ bill could see offenders jailed for up to three years, while Senegal now imposes sentences of up to ten years for same‑s...
Maiduguri attacks: What they signal for Nigeria
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A wave of deadly blasts rocked Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria after years of relative calm. More than 20 people killed, over 100 injured. Is this a...
Guinea's border tensions: Can ECOWAS calm it?
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new border dispute is erupting as Liberia and Sierra Leone accuse Guinean troops of crossing into their territory to seize land. Guinea denies this,...
Uganda: Is vocational training a sustainable alternative to classic schooling?
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With hidden school costs soaring, many Ugandan families are turning to vocational training, as this is cheaper, faster and more directly linked to job...
Nigeria's security crisis: Can 'state police' fix it?
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria's government wants a constitutional amendment allowing each state to run its own police force. Supporters say decentralizing police could redu...
Why South Africans are stranded in the Gulf
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands are being flown out of the Middle East as the Iran war escalates, yet many South Africans in Dubai and other hubs remain stranded and want a...
Why Zambia's $1B health deal is under fire
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A leaked draft of a US–Zambia health deal suggests strict targets and major data‑sharing demands. Critics call the $1B agreement exploitation, whi...
30 years after Beijing Declaration: Should women celebrate?
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thirty years after world leaders adopted the Beijing Declaration, women across Africa are increasingly taking on leadership roles in politics, media, ...
Can the army curb South Africa's organized crime wave?
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As organized crime surges, South Africa is turning to the army for support. But can soldiers succeed where policing has struggled, or is the country r...
Are South Africa's menstrual products putting users at risk?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new study has detected hormone‑disrupting chemicals in menstrual products sold in South Africa. With links to infertility and other health risks, ...
How the US-Israel war with Iran is reshaping Africa
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US-Israel war with Iran is pushing up fuel costs, slowing shipping, and raising security risks across Africa. We break down how the fallout is hit...
Malawi bans dual jobs for health workers
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Malawi has banned health workers from holding dual roles in public and private facilities, aiming to curb corruption and boost accountability. Doctors...
EU lifts sanctions on Zimbabwe — What next?
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After more than two decades of travel bans, asset freezes, and diplomatic strain, the EU has removed most of its targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe. The m...
Ghana's cocoa price slash sparks outrage
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ghana's cocoa industry is facing a major shake-up after the government slashed the producer price by 28%. It's a heavy blow for many of the country's ...
Kenya-Somalia border reopening sparks fears
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kenya plans to reopen key border crossings with Somalia 15 years after attacks blamed on Al-Shabab extremists forced its closure. The move that is int...
How did 1,000 Kenyans end up in Russia's war on Ukraine?
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly 1,000 citizens of Kenya have reportedly been lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Now, their families are pressing the government to interve...
What's behind Zimbabwe's surging divorce rate?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zimbabweans are marrying more — yet also divorcing faster. We unpack why nearly 4,000 couples filed for divorce in 2025, and what shifting gender ro...
What's next for African Union as Burundi assumes rotating chair?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
African leaders at the annual AU summit in Addis Ababa, discussed escalating conflicts in the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes region, the Sahel, and polit...
Why visa-free travel across Africa remains a pipe dream
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Over 160 days, former Ghanaian MP Ras Mubarak traveled overland across 31 African countries, covering 40,000 kilometers. He was campaigning for a visa...
Ramaphosa optimistic in national address as South Africa's crises worsen
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
South Africans heard this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA) amid deepening water shortages, a stagnating economy, and rising political tension...
World Radio Day: Can AI replace radio voices?
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial Intelligence is entering the radio studio — but what does that mean for trust, authenticity, and the future of broadcasting? With synthet...
Is South Africa drifting from Washington to Beijing?
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa recently signed a framework economic partnership agreement with Beijing. It comes as the US renewed AGOA for just one more year. Will Sou...
Nigeria's security crisis: What's the way out?
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria faces one of its most turbulent security periods in recent years. From extremist violence to mass abductions and the killing of nearly 170 peo...
Zimbabwe's inflation drop: Fluke or for real?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Zimbabwe has recorded single-digit inflation for the first time since the late 1980s, with official figures showing a drop to 4.1% in January 2026. Ad...
Malawi: Paternity test push sparks tension
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A surge in paternity testing is catching Malawians off guard and raising fears of family rifts. Why are clinics urging more tests, and what does this ...
Have some elections become an empty ritual?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Africa has witnessed a troubling pattern: elections overshadowed by allegations of fraud, rising post-electoral violence, crackdowns on dissent, and l...
How Fela Kuti made Grammy history
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Decades after his death, Fela Kuti has become the first African artist to earn a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. We look at why this posthumous rec...
Is Africa ready for a World Parliament?
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey spanning 101 countries shows growing interest for a citizen‑elected World Parliament, especially among youth and communities that feel ...
Can Southern Africa break the flood cycle?
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Weeks of torrential rains have battered Southern Africa, claiming more than 200 people and displacing over 400,000 across Mozambique, South Africa and...
Jollof, jokes, and jostling: IShowSpeed in Ghana vs Nigeria
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
American YouTube streamer IShowSpeed has recently been making major waves on social media during his Africa tour. His visits to Nigeria and Ghana have...
Why do young Gambians keep risking their lives to reach Europe?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, hundreds of Gambians die attempting to reach Europe through irregular migration routes. Despite the risks — and repeated government inter...
Ghana's gun problem: Can amnesty help?
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ghana's "Silencing the Guns" amnesty program has collected just 2,000 weapons — a tiny fraction of the estimated 1.2 million unregistered firearms c...
How one tragedy put Nigeria's healthcare in the spotlight
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria's healthcare system is under scrutiny following the death of writer Chimamanda Adichie's infant son. While the family alleges he was denied ox...
Is Ghana better off under President Mahama?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has marked one year in office after a historic political comeback. While economic indicators show signs of recov...
Why Senegal's AFCON victory isn't so 'sweet'
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AFCON 2025 ended in dramatic fashion with Senegal's 1-0 victory against Morocco. Fans and players were thrown into suspense by a late walkout by some ...
Uganda: Museveni's contested 2026 election victory
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda's President Museveni was declared winner of the January 15 election. Opposition candidates, including Bobi Wine, say the election was far from ...
Israel's recognition of Somaliland: What's the endgame?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Israel's recognition of Somaliland is fueling protests in Somalia and straining regional diplomacy. Is this about sovereignty or a bigger strategic re...
Tinubu's tax gamble: Progress or pain for Nigerians?
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria is home to 7,200 millionaires and three billionaires — yet tens of millions live below the poverty line. Schools are underfunded, hospitals ...
Uganda votes under blackout as Museveni eyes 7th term
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda's election has been marked by an internet blackout, delays, and heavy security as President Yoweri Museveni pushes to extend his 40-year grip o...
Uganda set for a tense vote
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The road to Uganda's election day is anything but calm. With political tensions rising, authorities shutting down internet access, and calls for restr...
Why do New Year's resolutions fail so quickly?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every January, millions promise to eat healthier, exercise more, or save money. Yet research shows most abandon these goals before February. On today'...
South Africa condemns US capture of Maduro
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa's ruling ANC has called the US attack on Venezuela an assault on democracy and a serious violation of international law. Opposition parti...
Uganda Election 2026: Change or continuity?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many Ugandans say President Yoweri Museveni would not win a free and fair election outright. But after four decades in power, uncertainty over elector...
Uganda 2026 elections: What's at stake?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As Uganda's 2026 elections near, activists and lawyers fight to defend human rights amid growing pressure. How are civil society groups holding the li...
Sahel nations unite to battle extremism
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new Sahel alliance takes on insurgent violence. Will Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso's joint force change the game or fall short?
Nigeria's 2026 economic vision explained
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria is gearing up for a major economic shift — one built on innovation, investment, and opportunity. Will Nigeria's 2026 agenda reshape industri...
Uganda's debt burden: Who pays the price?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda has approved a controversial loan of UGX 9 trillion ($2.5 billion), sparking concerns over the country's soaring public debt. Analysts fear cit...
Burundi's growing influence in the Congo conflict
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new player is reshaping the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo — and it’s not who most people are watching. Burundi's cooperation wi...
Ghana vs. Nigeria: Who owns 'Detty December'?
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's now synonymous with music, festivals, and non-stop year-end celebrations. But beyond the glitter, Ghana and Nigeria are competing for bragging ri...
Will US strikes curb terror in Nigeria?
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just after Christmas, the United States targeted ISIS-linked militants in northwest Nigeria. Coordinated with Abuja, the airstrikes signal a major shi...
Is AFCON 2025 living up to hype?
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Africa's marquee football tournament has kicked off in Morocco, with all the stars and dazzling talent in. But there have been few goals, some dull ma...
Has Christmas Celebrations Changed in Africa?
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Across Africa, Christmas has long been a cherished time for families to return home, reconnect, share joy, and mend broken bonds. It’s a season of l...
Zimbabwe's big business gamble
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zimbabwe will require foreign-owned businesses in some sectors to transfer majority control to Zimbabwean citizens within three years. It aims to upli...
Can Tanzania's security forces be brought to book after post-election chaos?
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to Amnesty International, there's compelling evidence that Tanzania's security forces deployed unnecessary and disproportionate force — in...
Nigeria: Why getting home for Christmas is hard for many
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods in Nigeria. Millions journey across the country to reunite with family and loved ones. But year after y...
Malawi school fire crisis: What's fueling the unrest?
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
School fires and student protests have shaken Malawi's education system. Why are schools burning, pupils rioting, and what's next for the country's cl...
Trump targets Somali community in Minnesota raids
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown hits Minnesota's Somali community, sparking outrage and fears of mass deportations.
US new security strategy: Good or bad for Africa?
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, US policy in Africa has centered on aid and development. But what if the future lies in trade, investment, and strategic partnerships? Ad...
Ghana's bid to 'make math great again' in class
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 2025, more than half of Ghana's high school certificate exam candidates failed in mathematics, marking the worst performance in seven years. What w...
Nigeria's hair debate: Natural or wigs?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A viral video of Malian model Zahra Haidara burning her wigs has reignited Nigeria's long-running conversation about natural versus artificial hair. E...
Uganda's human rights crisis
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Human Rights Day, Uganda is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. New laws criminalize identifying with the LGBTQ+, activists are tracked, an...
Rwanda-Congo deal: Peace or illusion?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rwanda and the DRC signed a US-brokered peace deal under Trump, but clashes continue on the ground. Observers warn that the agreement may prioritize U...
Why Nigeria gave asylum to Guinea-Bissau's opposition leader
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigeria's asylum for Guinea-Bissau's opposition leader has sparked debate. What does it mean for West Africa's fragile democracies?
Uganda's marriage exodus: Why women are walking away
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do marriages fall apart, who pays the price, and what actually helps couples in Uganda stay together?
How Kenya fights HIV with tech and activism
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From digital tools to village activists, Kenya is rewriting the HIV story — combining technology and community action to fight stigma and save lives...
Ghana confronts sexual harassment crisis
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ghana faces a sexual harassment crisis in schools, with alarming rates among female students. During 16 Days of Activism, what steps can curb abuse an...
Why is the US weighing sanctions on Nigeria?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As violence against Christians escalates in Nigeria, Washington is considering tough sanctions against Nigeria and even Pentagon involvement. What's d...
Migration Reset: EU–AU Summit presents new mobility agenda
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Europe and Africa marked 25 years of partnership at the 7th AU-EU summit in Angola. Leaders discussed legal migration pathways and skills mobility dea...
Why is violence against women rising in Kenya?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A UN report shows that Kenya loses one woman a day to femicide or gender-based violence, with 2024 marking the deadliest year yet. At least 170 women ...
What's behind the rising suicide cases among Nairobi’s youth?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suicide among Kenya's youth has reached alarming levels, with funeral homes reporting dozens of cases every weekend. Economic hardship, unemployment, ...
G20 in South Africa: Can grassroots change global policy?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the G20 Summit kicks off in Johannesburg, civil society groups and NGOs are pushing for a people-first agenda — on issues like climate justice, d...
Why is Zimbabwe facing a shortage of 14,000 health workers?
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Zimbabwe's health system is on life support. Hospitals are understaffed, patients are waiting, and thousands of professionals have left for better opp...
Ghana revamps army recruitment after deadly stampede
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A deadly stampede during a recent Ghanaian army recruitment event killed six. How is the military fixing safety and restoring trust?
Nigeria faces diabetes 'emergency' on World Diabetes Day
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can Nigeria curb its diabetes crisis with tech, awareness, and policy reforms on World Diabetes Day?
How Africans are being recruited for Russia's war in Ukraine
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many Kenyan and South African men promised jobs end up fighting for Russia in Ukraine. How are Africans being drawn into the war?
Uganda's election race heats up as campaigns begin
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Uganda's parliamentary campaigns kick off ahead of January's high-stakes election. The opposition pushes for change as the ruling NRM fights to keep p...
Malawi women demand legal power in politics
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Malawi's women want real power. Activists are pushing for legal quotas to boost female representation in politics, and say bold reforms are the only w...
Tanzania's democracy: Who will lead reform?
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tanzania's recent elections have drawn sharp criticism from the African Union and European Union. What must Tanzania do to restore democratic credibil...
UN protection for Ghana's iconic Kente cloth
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The UN has moved to shield Ghana’s most iconic textile from imitations. What does Kente cloth's Geographical Indication status mean for those who we...
Christian and Muslim Nigerians push back on Trump
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nigerians are rejecting US President Donald Trump's allegation of Christian persecution and threats of US military action against the West African nat...
Why do Nigeria's university lecturers strike?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lecturers are teaching at universities in Nigeria again — but for how long? They've been on strike over unpaid salaries and long-promised funding. W...
Samia Suluhu Hassan sworn in as Tanzania's president
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Tanzania concludes its 2025 general election, attention is sharply focused on Samia Suluhu Hassan and the deterioration of political freedoms in th...
Tanzania election 2025: Was it free and fair?
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tanzania's October 29 general election saw internet blackouts sweeping the nation and violent protests erupting. The unrest has left Tanzanians questi...
What's next for Cote d'Ivoire after Outtara's election win?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a high-stakes vote returned President Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term, DW's AfricaLink podcast unpacks what this means for Cote d'Ivoire’s...
What does Paul Biya's election victory mean for Cameroon?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At 92, President Paul Biya was declared the winner of Cameroon's presidential election, extending his decades-long rule. But opposition parties are re...
The hidden cost of Ghana's illicit gold trade
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Ghana, gold is more than just a precious metal. From environmental destruction due to galamseys (illegal mines), to alleged funding of extremist vi...
Tanzania election 2025: Who will voters pick?
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces voters for the first time, while the opposition hopes to chip away a...
Kenya after Raila Odinga, 'the people's president'
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, he was the face of the opposition in Kenya — a political giant who shaped the democracy through protest, persistence, and power-sharing...
Cameroon: Can one of Africa's oldest governments endure?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will Paul Biya extend his 40-year presidency in Cameroon, or will a new leader emerge? The country is tense as voters prepare to hear the result of a ...