Focus on Africa Folgen

Pope Leo XIV has started his 11-day visit of four African countries. The Pontiff arrived in Algeria on Monday, where he called for peace, forgiveness and justice at the Martyrs monument in the capital, Algiers. The Pope is expected to visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Pope Leo XIV wants to "turn the world's attention to Africa" according to a senior Vatican official. More than a fifth of the world's Catholics are in Africa, making it one of the fastest-growing regions for the Church.Also - we hear from the Head of African Music at YouTube on how creators can earn more on the platform. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla

15 April marks three years since the Sudan war began, as the vicious power struggle between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Yet even in the darkest moments, music lives on. Sudanese musicians are using their voices to spread hope - and to heal. We hear from one of Sudan’s most influential bands, Aswat Almadina, on how music is helping them survive. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti and Bashar Osman Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editor: Maryam Abdalla

Voters in Benin will head to the elections on April 12 to choose a new president. The winner of the vote will take over from the current leader, Patrice Talon - who is stepping down after two terms and a decade in power. The two candidates in the poll are 49-year-old finance minister Romuald Wadagni, who will face off against opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. We hear the priorities of young voters in the election. And we get up close with Ify Adenuga, mother to British-Nigerian Rapper, Skepta as she shares what it was like raising a child who wanted to be a rapper?Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla