Africalink | Deutsche Welle

Theft of medicines has been blamed for the US stopping funds for Zambia's fragile healthcare system. But as the southern African country now grapples with $50 million less, ordinary Zambians are bearing the brunt. Josey Mahachi talks to DW correspondent in Lusaka, Kathy Short, and Oliver Kaoma, Secretary General of the Zambia Medical Association.

Cameroon has over 300 villages, and the ongoing chieftaincy crises have affected dozens of them. However, in recent years, the country has experienced numerous chieftaincy disputes. So, what can traditional leaders do to maintain smooth transitions of power? Mimi Mefo talks to Fon ZOFOA III of Babungo Fondom in northwestern Cameroon, and correspondent Edwin Moki.

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.

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.