DW AfricaLink

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.

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?

DR Congo hands over jailed Americans to US ++ Hausa replaces French as Niger's national language ++ Beijing ups diplomatic pressure on Africa

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.

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.

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.