DW AfricaLink

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.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other politicians. The move comes amidst political instability in the region and has sparked a national debate about democracy. DW’s Josey Mahachi spoke to Nigeria’s former minister of transport and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

African teams are fighting it out at the CAF World Cup qualifiers for a chance to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 offers several countries a unique chance to qualify. How are the matches going, and which teams seem likely to make the cut? Josey Mahachi talks to Annet Mugabo, a sports journalist and commentator in Rwanda, and DW’s Ololade Adewuyi.

A recent survey reveals that 40% of young Africans spend more than a quarter of their income to secure water. To delve deeper into this critical issue, DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Abdikadir Aden Hassan, a Kenyan environmentalist and peace ambassador, who focuses on finding solutions for communities hardest hit by water scarcity and climate challenges and DW correspondent Andrew Wasike.

West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, has introduced a standby force that could serve as a regional shield, ready to respond to crises. But what does this really mean for West Africa? Josey Mahachi talks to a Nigerian Lawyer, Kajit John Bagu, the Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for the Movement for Cognitive Justice in Kaduna Nigeria and DW's Correspondent Ben Adam Shemang in Abuja.

One of Zimbabwe’s most wanted political fugitives is calling for protests on March 31. Blessed Geza, a war veteran and fugitive, has urged those opposed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stage an uprising. But given the history of police brutality, will the protests take off? Josey Mahachie talks to DW's Columbus Mavhunga in Harare and political analyst and researcher Takura Zhangazha.

Germany is temporarily closing its embassy in South Sudan due to the worsening conflict. Why does a nation that sought independence to avoid conflict with Sudan now find itself in another war? Why have leaders failed to secure lasting peace? DW delves into these pressing questions with political analyst Abiol Lual Deng and Patrick Oyet, President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan.

South Africa says improving ties with the United States is a "priority" after Washington expelled Pretoria's ambassador. Tensions escalated when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool a 'persona non grata.' What's next for the relationship between the two countries? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with journalist Thuso Khumalo and political expert Ntsikelelo Breakfast.

Rwanda has accused Belgium of undermining it constantly and cut diplomatic ties. Brussels is leading calls for the European Union to sanction Kigali over its support for the rebel group at the centre of crisis in DR Congo — the M23. Josey Mahachi talks to Fredrick Golooba Mutebi, a researcher on the Great Lakes region and DW's correspondent Nasra Bishumba in Rwanda.

Zimbabwe faces a spike in drug use, particularly among youths, with 1 in 30 households affected. Economic struggles and high youth unemployment drive substance abuse. Recent police campaigns have led to arrests and drug hauls, but can Zimbabwe end the drug scourge?

Stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking in Cameroon are alarmed by the scale of the issue after security forces rescued 100 children from traffickers in the country's western region. Victims' testimonies highlight the dark side of trafficking.

Nigeria's drug agency (NAFDAC) is cracking down on counterfeit medicines, advocating life imprisonment and the death penalty for those involved in their trade. Recently, NAFDAC seized and destroyed fake drugs worth 100 billion naira. The infiltration of these medicines into pharmacies, markets and hospitals endangers lives and erodes trust in healthcare.

M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma and Bukavu in the DR Congo, controlling all commercial points to Rwanda. With Western sanctions about to hit Rwanda for supporting M23 rebels, Rwandans are bracing for impact.

Kenyan President William Ruto's contributions of 20 million Kenyan shillings to the Jesus Winner Ministry and the African Inland Church Fellowship-Annex have stirred controversy. Critics argue these donations blur church-state lines, while supporters claim they reflect a leader committed to faith and community.

Since Ghanaian President John Mahama took office, thousands of government employees — including nurses and teachers — have lost their jobs. The opposition demands reinstatement, calling the move politically motivated. Trade unions have warned of severe consequences.

Thousands of Mozambicans who fled post-election unrest to neighboring Malawi are eager to return home. Rights groups report that over 300 people lost their lives in the political disputes and local clashes following the October 2024 elections. Now, the governments of Mozambique and Malawi have initiated a repatriation drive to help these displaced individuals return to their homeland.

The number of single mothers in Uganda has significantly increased, prompting calls to introduce a marriage unit course at universities. Single mothers aged 18-35 rose from 20% to 30%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024 report. Marriage counselors aim to educate young people on marriage dynamics, preventing breakups, and upholding family sanctity.

In Malawi, second-hand clothing traders are protesting price hikes due to a scarcity of forex. As the government aims to reduce costs, economists call for a ban on imports to protect the local textile industry. What's the way forward for Malawi's second-hand clothing market?