Focus on Africa Folgen

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected. We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film maker and the founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians. Priscilla grew up in Iran to an Iranian mother and Congolese father, she speaks to us from South Africa where she is currently living. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the US-Israel war with Iran escalates, its global effects are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in the petroleum products supply chain. The situation follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route between Iran and Oman that handles the transit of more than 20 million barrels of crude oil daily. We take a closer look at how African countries are responding and how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting the continent. And ahead of Ghana’s 69th Independence Day on Friday, hip-hop artist Sarkodie shares insights on the country’s music scene and the push for greater female representation. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla