This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Nigeria, students and their parents are dealing with the after-effects of an eight-month public university strike. In Kenya, mothers in poor areas look for help in managing their children's health disorders. And in Sudan, women and girls mount yet another form of protest by riding their bicycles. For this week’s podcast, Nigeria correspondent Poloum David talks to Chairman of the ASUU Lecturers union Emmanuel Osodeke, and Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige. University students Rhoda James and Grace Adams speak of the dilemma they are in now that school is back, and Adebayo and Celina Abduljelil speak of the financial hardships they have had as their son was off of school for eight months like the other students. From Kenya, reporter Victor Moturi sits down with mothers Rose Lihavi, Lydia Kerubo, and Ann Awuor, who speak of the health challenges facing their children. Clinical officer Bonface Mwangi Njoroge, who works at Mary Immaculate hospital, and Kennedy Kipchumba, medical expert at Lengo hospital in Nairobi talk about the reasons behind certain disorders in children. Mary Killeen, director at Songa Mbele na Masomo health centre, addresses how the centre tries to help the parents and the children in need. Sudan correspondent Yassir Haron interviews Enass Mazamel of the Sudanese female cyclists’ initiative and Hind El Tjani a member of No to Women’s Oppression, a group that fights for women’s rights in Sudan. Haron spoke to Ahmed Al Zubair, deputy secretary of the Sudanese Cycling Federation, who wants bicyclists to feel protected while Mohammed Abuelnour, a teacher of religious education, wants women to comply with religous teachings. Bike messenger Salma Awad and teacher Noha Mohsin shared their biking experiences. Listen to the Fela Kuti-inflected Ezra Collective, featuring Sampa the Great as selected by Erwan Rome. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Nicolas Doreau and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

Kenyans go to the polls to elect their next president on 9 August, and Africa Calling is on hand with a special edition from Nairobi in conjunction with RFI's Kiswahili service. We take a look at the top contenders for president and the issues and concerns that will drive voting. We also have a report by correspondents on preventing violence during the elections as well as the perspective of farmers and what they hope will happen.  For this week’s podcast, RFI Kiswahili editor Emmanuel Makundi interviews fellow Kiswahili editor Victor Abuso on the issues and concerns surrounding the upcoming election. In Nairobi, correspondent Ayub Mwangi goes to Kibera informal settlement to speak to  artists and musicians about initiatives to prevent violence during and after the election. He speaks to Faith Atieno, popularly known as Fei, a celebrated graffiti artist who runs the Kibera 360 arts centre, George Ochieng Ouma also known as Jexx Kenya, an afro-pop musician, Daniel Okoth, a music producer who says he is behind the production of songs that speak against violence. He also speaks to  Everline Mbowa, the executive director of Agape women and child empowerment foundation, a community-based organization in Kibera. Correspondent Victor Moturi went to Kiambu county to interview farmers on their thoughts about the election, including small-scale farmers Mungai Njoroge and Jane Kabui. For possible political solutions involving farmers to food security issues, he spoke with Dr Elizabeth Kimani-Murage, a senior research scientist and  leader of the nutrition and food systems unit at African Population and Health Research Center, and Dr Martin Oulu, coordinator at Inter-Sectoral Forum for Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity. You can also listen to African powerhouse Angelique Kidjo chosen by RFI's Alison Hird. This is our last podcast of the season-- thank you for listening! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Bamenda, people are still dealing with the Anglophone crisis, but some enterprising entrepreneurs are ensuring there's fresh fish. In Kenya farmers embrace GMO cotton seeds, but some experts warn about the negative impact. Elsewhere in Kenya, refugees are struggling with red tape and a long wait. For this week’s podcast, Cameroon correspondent Sylvie Yukfu talks to entrepreneurs Ayere Levis, an electrical  engineer, and environmentalist Amah Wilson, founder of the Organisation known as Kizisky Biomass, Energy and Engineering Services, who both raise fish as a side hustle.  Ernest Mukrongho and Nuibougho Isidore Tih, both fish sellers, spoke to Yukfu about fish in the Bamenda area, as well as Stella Selamo, a grill chef. Director of Nkwen/Bambui Fish pond, Grace Fokem, talks about her business, too. From Kenya, reporter Carole Gachacha Mucheru sits down with legal affairs, human rights monitoring and response advisor Damaris Bonareri at the Kenya Human Rights Commission, who explains the process to be followed to be declared a refugee as opposed to the process behind being declared an asylum-seeker. She also spoke to Kakuma refugee camp resident and refugee Benin Manyang. Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi interviews cotton farmers Joseph Thika, Evans Ngure, and Johnson Mwai.  Daniel Magondu, a lead BT cotton farmer and a chairman of Society for biotechnology farming of Kenya speaks of the positives of GMO cotton, while Kenya Organic Agriculture Network CEO Eustace Kiarie points out the numerous negatives of using GMO crops, with examples from Africa and around the world. Listen to Kenya's multi-talented Bensoulmusic as selected by Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Lagos, the okada ban is giving commuters and taxi drivers a major headache; Sudan's youth are on the streets for the revolution but it's taking a toll on their mental health; and in Zimbabwe women and children are risking life and limb to make enough money to eat through illegal gold mining. For this week’s podcast, Nigeria correspondent Samuel Olukoya sits down with Mustapha Saleh, a commercial motorcyclist, to talk about the ban, while Lagos resident Favour Momah talks about the difficulties in getting around the city without the okada motro taxis. Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso speaks on behalf of the government. From Sudan, reporter Yassir Haron speaks to Fadil Omar, the spokesperson for  Khartoum's youth resistance, and Mariam El-Faki, a demonstration organizer, who speak about the psychologial toll of protests. He also speaks to Dr. Sara Abdulkadir, psychiatry resident at Abdelaal El-Idrisi Hospital, about youths and mental health, as well as Abdullah Hassan, University of Khartoum lecturer, and Mikael Habibullah, a 20-year-old university student from Darfur. Zimbabwe correspondent Kudzai Chimhangwa interviews Munorwei Munyikwa of Zimbabwe's National Aids Council, about the dangers of young girls being preyed on by men in the illegal gold mining fields.He also talks to Zimbabwe Miners Federation Masvingo Regional representative, Daniel Chitenje. Uplifting music from Zimbabwe's Gonora Sounds as selected by Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani, Nicolas Doreau and Victor Uhl. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Lagos, a 3D print studio is aiding Nigerian manufacturers; one Gambian ex-footballer is sounding the alarm on the spike in kidney disease; and in Kenya, trying to prevent elephant invasions on farms. And don't miss an RFI exclusive on an Ivorian reggae recording artist. For this week’s podcast, Lagos correspondent Samuel Okocha sits down with Akinwole Akinpelu, engineer and founder of Stampar3D studio. He also talks to Fadil Ojifinni, engineering student at the University of Lagos. From the Gambia, reporter Sally Jeng speaks to former footballer John Bass, founder of the John Bass Kidney Foundation, who is promoting kidney disease awareness along with his kidney donor, Vincent Mendy. She talks to kidney specialist Dr. Babucarr Jagne, and Maire Jatta, a nurse in the dialysis unit at Banjul's main referral hospital. Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to farmers Douglas Bolton, Francis Kamau, and Alice Mukami about how elephants cause a lot of damage to farmers. John Mundia, a village elder at Mathira sublocation, talks about one solution his community has been happy with in keeping the elephants away. He sits down with Space for Giants wild animal charity officials Sammy Githui, a human wildlife co-existence manager, and Redemptory Njeri, a data coordinator there. Music this week is an exclusive look at Ivorian reggae artist Tom D Genese and his song, "Paradoxes" coming out this Fall. But listen to it here now, and check out our video of Genese, in his own words. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani, Nicolas Doreau and Thibault Baduel. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Kenya, donkeys disappearing off the streets in the rural areas are causing havoc for residents; some in Bamenda, Cameroon, are trying to improve waste disposal and recycling amidst the Anglophone Crisis, and in Malawi, one famous musician packed it in and went back to the village to preserve his culture for the community ... and posterity. For this week’s podcast, Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi travels far and wide, speaking to water vendors and donkey owners Benard Irungu and Joseph Thendu; Raphael Ngome, the supervisor at the Kenya Society for Protection of Animals at Naivasha sub county, explains the background behind the disappearances and the link to Chinese abatoirs in the country; and Dr Raphael Kinoti, a director at Brooke East Africa, an organization which deals with donkey and zebra welfare, also speaks about donkey disappearances. From Bamenda, Cameroon, reporter Sylvie Yukfu speaks to Bamendan Mary Jovita Ningitho about the waste problem and environmentalist Ebai Maurice Tambe weighs in; Cameroonians Brian Tawe and Wilson Munga discuss their novel solutions to the waste problem, while agricultural engineers John Nyouh and Erasmus Tewu share their visions on how waste collection can help create products. Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo speaks to recording artist Ben Michael Mankhamba, now called Mankhamba or Village Headman Chingalire, who has created rural homestays that are focused around his culture; dancers Victor Foutain and Elita Yosefe weigh in on their traditional performances; and Dr Mwayi Lusaka, a Lecturer in History and Heritage Studies at Mzuzu University speaks about the importance of preserving this culture.  Afrorave music from Nigeria in this episode by Rena, as selected by Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and  Laurie Plisson. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Nigeria, an unstable power supply and fuel hikes due to the Ukraine war has businesses struggling to cope; Nairobi is tackling rabies by ensuring dogs are vaccinated, and in Sudan, fishermen on the Nile say dams and climate change have changed their profession dramatically. For this week’s podcast, Nigeria correspondent Poloum David speaks to graphics designer Emmanuel Daniel, social media content creator Gracefill Godwin, and Peace Amaugo, an event planner, whose businesses are all affected by the energy crisis. Energy analyst Saddiq Abba weighs in on how it's affecting Nigeria and Joshua Okpebholo, who manages an NGO in Abuja, speaks about how it has affected productivity in the office. From Kenya, reporter Carole Mucheru examines rabies prevention, speaking to Nairobi dog owners Nduta and Muania, Director of Veterinary Services for Nairobi Dr. Daniel Karugu, and Dr. Gabriel Ouma, a veterinary surgeon who operates a private clinic in Nairobi. Sudan correspondent Yassir Haron speaks to fishermen Gasim Sajour and Moatiz Ahmed about fishing difficulties, while Omdurman market fish seller Ibrahim Abdalla speaks of the reduction in fish. Goverment officials Abdalla Mohamed, consultant for the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, and Director General of the General Fisheries Administration Nafisa Mahgoup, spoke about fishing regulations. Groovetastic Beja music from Port Sudan in this episode by Noori and his Dorpa Band as selected by Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and  Victor Uhl. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Zimbabwe, drug abuse, and using crystal meth in particular, has taken hold among the youth of Masvingo; drum-making artisans are trying to preserve their craft in Cameroon, and Benin is celebrating with theater and an exhibition as France returns royal treasures after more than a century. For this week’s podcast, Zimbabwe correspondent Kudzai Chimhangwa speaks to Masvingo city Mayor Collin Maboke, Ministry of Youth spokesperson, Jeff Warara, as well a number of crystal meth addicts and pushers. From Cameroon, reporter Batata Boris Karloff speaks to musicologist Erick Nwenty and recording artist Mola Mongombe about the importance of drums in Cameroon's musical tradition. He also speaks to artisans George Tifungton, aka Pa Drummer, and his son Stanley Tita, aka Pikin Drummer. Benin correspondent Foumilayo Assanvi sits down with Alain Godonou, the director of Benin’s Museums, and Carole Lokossou, artistic director of the evening performances created to celebrate the return of royal treasure from France. The heartfelt music in this episode is sung by Zimbabwean songstress Feli Nandi. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome and Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Kenya, waste-pickers in Nairobi are worried about their livelihoods as politicians discuss a new dump site; Ugandan consumers are misusing antibiotics, which has had a knock-on effect for the country and beyond; and in Bamenda, Cameroon, consumers are having a hard time making ends meet as a result of the anglophone crisis, Covid-19 and the Ukraine war. For this week’s podcast, Kenya correspondent Ayub Mwangi talks to waste-pickers Peter Shiraku Wambu, Benjamin Muema and Sharon Atieno as well as Chrispine Bolo, a local community elder. He interviews Tobias Ochieng, a member of the Dandora Nyuma Kumi initiative that takes care of community policing within the Dandora estate. Kenneth Lukati, programmes officer of the healthy eating NGO Passion Food Safety also speaks to Africa Calling. On the streets and markets in Bamenda, Cameroon correspondent Sylvie Yukfu interviews market shoppers Dorothy Ngu, Elvis Muluh, and Laura Ngwa. She also speaks to Abel Ghogomu, a local government authority in charge of trade in the region. And Ugandan correspondent Namale Hajara Shahista interviews pharmacy clerks Sara Birungi and Esther Makoka. At Makerere University, she speaks to Dr Hakim Ssendagire, a specialist in drug resistance, and Dr Sabrina Kitaka, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist. She interviews Abiazz Rwamwiiri, the National Drug Authority spokesperson.   Groove to the music in this episode by Pierre Kwenders, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Kenya, one company produces eco-friendly pencils for students; and in Nigeria, a slavery museum educates visitors about the horrors of the slave trade. For this week’s podcast, Kenya correspondent Anne Macharia talks to Mohammud Omari, co-founder of Momo pencils, and staff member Noel Omukubi. At Creative Minds school, she speaks to head teacher Mebal Okango, and students Nathan Muki and Joy Wangechi. At Badagry Heritage Museum just outside of Lagos, Nigeria correspondent Samuel Okocha interviews tour guide Hundeyin Isiaka, and at nearby Mobee Slave Relics Museum, he speaks to tour operator and royal family member Prince Abiodun Mobee. Danceable afropop in this episode comes from Adékunlé Gold (featuring Fatoumata Diawara), selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In South Africa, as comedy clubs reopen comedians are juggling between their live audience and their online one; from Gambia, young women are training to install solar panels to help other women; and in Malawi, farmers are trying to deal with the climate crisis by diversifying crops. For this week’s podcast, South Africa correspondent Kagiso Mnisi talks to Gavin Kelly, resident host and co-organiser of  Monday Night Comedy sessions at Cocktail on Six comedy club, comics Suhayl Essa and Loyiso Gola, cultural commentator and novelist Andrew Miller, and audience member Jap Zwidi. Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks to solar panel installation teacher Fatou Njie, her student, Jama Ceesay, businesswoman Isatou Bajan, and Malang Sambou, project coordinator at Fandema. Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera went to Salima to interview farmer Felix Jumbe, agriculture expert Tamani Nkhono Mvula, and agro-dealer Chidza Ngoma in Lilongwe. Indie underground music in this episode comes from South African quartet Blk Jks, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Erwan Rome and Cécile Pompeani. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Malawi, those affected by Cyclone Ana are struggling to get back on their feet; from Kenya, farmers are combatting antimicrobial resistance in crops; and in Nigeria, an artist leaves the hustle and bustle of Lagos for more tranquil inspiration in an historical town. For this week’s podcast, Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo speaks to victims of Cyclone Ana, including Mwandida Matias, a mother of six, and Paul Malonga, 35, who are living in a school;  he also spoke to Felix Makhaza Mkali, a health surveillance assistant for the area, and Dr. Victor Mithi, president of the Association of Society of Medical Doctors in Malawi. Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to farmers Judith Mumbua, Charles Itumo, and Peter Melonye, student Wayne Mueya, Eustace Kiarie, an organic expert at Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), and Dr. Dennis Bahati, a veterinary officer at Africa Network for Animal Welfare. Nigeria correspondent Samuel Okocha went to Ilé-Ifẹ̀ for an interview with internationally renowned artist Dotun Popoola and his mentee, artist Christiana Balogun. Back in Lagos, he spoke to Ifeanyichukwu Oraemeka, an artist and creator, about finding inspiration as an artist.   And at a time of lots of darkness, Zimbabwean signer-songwriter Stephen Chikazaza provides the perfect pick-me-up with the song, “My Good Things”, from his the Familiar People album. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Nigeria, our reporter looks into how Boko Haram and ISWAP forces children into becoming child soldiers; and from Kenya, one hair stylist brings joy to her clients who are suffering from breast cancer. For this week’s podcast, Nigeria correspondent Sam Olukoya speaks to former Boko Haram abductee Halima Audu, David Daciya, whose son was abducted by Boko Haram and murdered by child soldiers, and security expert Felix Olorunda of SSV Protection Services.  Kenya correspondent Anne Macharia speaks to beautician Diana Aketch, her client Coletta Mwende, and oncologist Dr Wanda Dulcie at Kenyatta Hospital. Beautiful Malian music in this episode comes from the late, great Khaira Arby, selected by music maven Alison Hird. We want to share some great news with you, our listeners. We’ve been shortlisted for a prize! We’re up for the Best Commercial Strategy for a podcast by the Podcast Publisher Awards! We want to thank you, the listeners, for your support of our Africa Calling podcast - African voices, African stories. And if you’re just tuning in now, check out our more than 40 podcasts for free online! We’ve been running this for over a year, and we’re always striving to bring you more interesting features from all parts of Africa—not just in urban settings, but in the rural areas, too. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Nicolas Doreau and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Kenya, our reporter looks into the Nubian community and its quest for identification cards; from Malawi, the rising numbers of suicide has the government looking into possible options; and in Ghana, we have a report on a special dance studio that helps underprivileged kids get their groove on. For this week’s podcast, Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to Nubians Hashib Obwaka, a footballer, music student Abdul Said Shaban,Hussein Obagah and Zena Ali. He also met with Ismail Ali Babala, Nubian elder and government appointee, local historian Jamaldin Yahya, Nubian Rights Forum executive eirector Shaffy Ali Hussein, and paralegal and activist Hawa Ali. Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera speaks to farmer Christopher Banda about dealing with mental health, as well as Thompson Gutani, mental health advocate from iMind in Blantyre. Ghana correspondent Pearl Akanya Ofori speaks to Dance With a Purpose Academy founder and dancer Lloyd Konadu, aka Dancegod Lloyd, and dancer Solomon Obeng.   Uplifting Nubian music in this episode comes from Alsarah & The Nubatones, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast is dedicated to the Africa Cup of Nations, or AFCON, football's greatest tournament on the African continent. We're bringing you an overview of what's happening on the pitch, a special report on how Gambia's Scorpions are faring on their first visit to the championship, and how taxi drivers in anglophone Buea are worried about security in the midst of the event. For this week’s podcast, RFI's very own Paul Myers brings you up to speed on how the football matches are gearing up for the finals, and a bit of color as to how fans are reacting to games on the ground in Cameroon. Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng is in Limbe, following the fortunes of the Scorpions -- she speaks with winger Abdoulie Jallow, and forward Musa Barrow, as well as fans Eliman Janneh and Amba. In Buea, in the South-West region of Cameroon, reporter Batata Boris Karloff speaks to Buea resident Kingsley Ndip Takang, taxi union president John Musonge Litute, and taxi drivers Eben Chu and Man El-Musa, who are caught between driving residents and football fans to matches, and their own safety. Funktastic music in this episode comes from Jean-Pierre Djeukam, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent-- and beyond! In Gambia, our correspondent gives an update on how the country is faring, two weeks after the election; from Kenya, the pros and cons of battery cage poultry farming; while from Nigeria, we hear about a new way to find fun in Lagos. Plus, special Cuban musical guests with African roots to ring in the new year. For this week’s podcast, Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks to fellow Gambians Isatou, Amadou, a small businessman, Sadibou, an opposition supporter, and Sainey Njie, a taxi driver. Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi goes to Kiambu to speak to chicken farmers Stella Njoroge and Peter Kinyua, chicken buyer Judy Kinoti, and Dr Victor Yamo, campaign manager for World Animal Protection. In Nigeria, reporter Samuel Okocha speaks to Uzo Umeh, co-founder of EXP Lagos, and urban explorers Sabin, Efosa, and Obianuju. Our special musical guest is Afro-Cuban band San Cristóbal de Regla, with a special shoutout for African listeners. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent. In Cameroon, our correspondent looks at why banned single-use plastics are still on the market; from northern Ghana we have a report on the hardships of women who process shea butter; while from Malawi, we hear about a river cleanup with an artistic angle. For this week’s podcast, Cameroon correspondent Batata Boris Karloff speaks to trader Julius Nga, butcher paper wholesaler Collins Njoh, orange seller Elizabeth Ngomo, Hamlet Tandy, founder of Packaging by Ekose, a paper bag manufacturer, and South West region environment chief Patience Asanji Dufela. Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo goes to Mudi River to speak to Blantyre city council environmental committee chair Gertrude Chirambo, Art Malawi founder Malota Mphande, Blantyre resident Mario Chikunkhuzeni, Forestry and Natural Resources Minister Nancy Tembo, and artist Kondwani Hara. In northern Ghana, reporter Zubaida Mabuno Ismail speaks to shea butter processors Amina Issahaku, Memunatu Salifu, Iddi Zakaria, Abiba Zakaria, Memunatu Salifu, national coordinator of Shea Network Ghana. Environmentally friendly music in this episode comes from Benin songstress Angelique Kidjo, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent. In Ghana, our correspondent looks at the perils of skin whitening products, from Malawi there is a report on an inventor who is creating a new mode of transport, while from Lagos, Nigeria, we hear how rising waters is changing the fabric of one neighbourhood. For this week’s podcast, Ghana correspondent Pearl Akanya Ofori speaks to certified skin care specialist Nikki Boa-Amponsem, and Chorkor–Chemuenaa resident Naa Dei. Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo goes to Lilongwe to speak to inventor Eston Nkhoma and  mechanical engineer Alexander Maononga. In the Okun Alfa community near Lagos, Nigeria, reporter Sam Olukoya speaks to resident Evelyn Adeleke, Philip Jakpor, of the Friends of the Earth Nigeria, and the head of the Nigerian Bar Association’s sub-committee on climate change, Oladotun Hassan. Music in this episode comes from the soulful, dynamic sound of Nigerian singer Wayne Snow, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Yann Bourdelas, Cécile Pompeani, and Laurie Poussin. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including two reports on infrastructure. From Malawi, our correspondent looks at  a presidential promise to build secure homes for people living with albinism. We speak to a renowned Zambian civil society activist on President Hakainde Hichilema's first 100 days in office. And in Kenya, a new water service to Kibera informal community brings better quality of life. For this week’s podcast, Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera speaks withLand's Ministry spokesperson Enock Chingoni, Association of Persons with Albinism National Coordinator Menard  Zacharia, and Fagetsi Laisani and her son, Alfred Misoya, who is a person with albinism. We also speak to veteran Zambia civil rights campaigner Laura Miti, executive director for the Alliance for Community Action, on the sidelines of the Africa-France Summit to get more on President Hakainde Hichilema's first 100 days in office. Elsewhere, Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks with Kibera residents Ruth Atieno, Christine Layla, water kiosk attendant Vivian Awuor, Peter Shanthe, who owns a public  bathroom business, Jamleck Mutie, water expert at Shining Hope for Communities, and Emmanuel Karanja, a medical officer at Neptune medical center in Kibera. Music in this episode is by the powerful and talented Sampa the Great, selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including a report from Gambia on the presidential alliance struck down by former ruler Yahya Jammeh. We speak to the Burkinbé documentary film winner on the sidelines of Fespaco, the Pan-African film festival in Ouagadougou. And in Nigeria, whether it's out of lack of choice or preference, use of roadside herbal concoctions to cure ailments is on the rise in the capital city, Abuja. For this week’s podcast, Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks with Dodou Jah, deputy spokesperson of the expelled APRC, Seedy Njie, NPP’s deputy spokesman, who was Jammeh’s Information minister during the 2016 political impasse, Nyima Sonko, wife of Solo Sandeng, a political activist who was killed by the alleged notorious national intelligence agency under Jammeh’s regime and Essa Njie, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia. We speak to Burkinabé documentary filmmaker Moumouni Sanou on the sidelines of the Fespaco Pan-African film festival in Ouagadougou about his movie, "Night Nursery", which won the top prize. Nigeria correspondent Poloum David speaks to Susan Igbudu, a herbal medicine seller in Abuja, Innocent Okpologidi, Evelyn Samuel, and Sarah Jachor, herbal medicine customers, and Tony Ochela,herbal medicine skeptic. She also spoke to medical professionals Dr. Dotun Osikoya, Judith Opara, a nurse, and pharmacists Yusuf Dauran and Adanna Uche-Okonkwo. Abubakar Jimoh, an agency official from NAFDAC, Nigeria's drug regulatory agency, also spoke to Africa Calling. Music in this episode is "Bienvenue à Ouaga" ("Welcome to Ouaga") by Amzy. He opened the Fespaco film festival this month with this song, so we thought we’d bring a little bit of Ouagadougu back to you. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including a report from Anglophone Cameroon as some students return to classrooms after four years. We speak to a Zimbabwean investigative journalist on the sidelines of the Africa-France summit on how gold could pay for healthcare, and the state of corruption in the health sector. And in Ghana, one female agripreneur provides home-grown fruit and vegetables and provides Ghanaian farmers a living wage. For this week’s podcast, Cameroon correspondent Batata Boris Karloff speaks with Hanna Entonde Mbua, South West region educational delegate, Eposi Mbua, a student who dropped out of school, and Tilarius Atiah, political analyst at the University of Buea. We speak to investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker Hopewell Chin'ono on the sidelines of the Africa-France Summit in Montpellier to find out the latest on the state of healthcare in Zimbabwe. Ghana correspondent Pearl Akanya Ofori speaks to Catherine Krobo Edusei, CEO and founder of Eden Tree, one of the country's biggest fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers; Samuel Annor, a farmer in Asutsuare, and Akosua Konadu Yiadom, a certified nutritionist. Music in this episode is "The Sahel Song", a one-of-a-kind collaboration of Vieux Farka Touré (Mali), Amadou and Mariam (Mali), Oumy Gueye (Senegal), Tal National (Niger), Songhoy Blues (Mali) and Bassekou Kouyate (Mali). The song, written by the artists, brings attention to the crisis in the Sahel, while highlighting the region’s rich musical heritage, as selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cecile Pompeani. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including a report from Cameroon and Collywood, its up-and-coming film industry. We take a closer look at Kalemie, a fishing town on Lake Tanganyika in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the challenges the fishing industry there faces. And in Kenya, our correspondent goes to the border of Uganda to find out about how one small change in newborn care can make a big difference in lowering infant mortality. For this week’s podcast, Cameroon correspondent Cynthia Ngwemoh speaks with Agbor Gilbert Ebot,a renowned Cameroonian film producer; actor Epule Jeffrey, one of Anglophone Cameroon’s leading men, and Pierre Junior Ebollo, manager of Eden Cinema in Douala. Along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kalemie, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we spoke with fishermen Shaggy, Simon and Jean-Michel, as well as Emmanuel Mwenziro, president of COPEMU, a fishing cooperative, and Simon Gatchi, president of fishing cooperative COPAKAMO. Guy Boungubetshi, fisheries expert and consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization spoke to us about the challenges for the people of Kalemie, while we spoke to Merveille Fataki, a fish seller at the port. Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi went to Busia and spoke to mothers Beatrice Akuku, Jackline Cherotich and Judith Amoit, regarding umbilical cord care. He also interviewed Magrate Nabwire Makokha, one few remaining midwives in this village of Bulandi, and Roselyne Anyango Makokha, nursing officer at Teso North Sub county Hospital. Tezra Okal, a community health volunteer in the larger Bunandi village, spoke about the newborn care situation in western Kenya, as well as David Githinji, medical project officer at Save the Children charity. Music in this episode is the quitely powerful "Bakunda Ulu" from Congolese artists Jupiter and Okwess, as selected by music maven Alison Hird. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Nicolas Doreau and Erwan Rome. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from our correspondents on the African continent this week, including a report from the Gambia after a political announcement sent shockwaves through ordinary Gambians who lived under dictatorship. There is also a look at how a group of former miners in Malawi is still fighting to get their wages from work they did in South Africa - more than 30 years ago. For this week’s podcast, Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks with Baba Hydara, whose veteran journalist father Deyda Hydara was assassinated in 2004 by members of ex-president Yahya Jammeh’s hit squad The Jungulars, as well as Sait Matty Jaw, pundit and political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia. She also interviews Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) spokesman Essa Jallow. Elsewhere, Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera speaks to John Mizati, chairman of the Chisomo former mine workers, George Phiri, a political science lecturer at the University of Livingstonia in Ekwendeni, Malawi's Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), vice chairperson Hendreson Mhango, and Odeta Donasiyano, widow of an ex-miner. Music in this episode is the melodic "Nyalezela" from South African singer-songwriter Zahara's new album Nqaba Yam. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you feature reports from our correspondents on the African continent. From atop Mt. Mulanje, Malawi, a group led by a jazz musician is calling on Malawians to protect the mountain's flora and fauna. Kenya's pastoralists are being encouraged to sign up for national healthcare by exchanging a goat for medical care. In Cameroon, we take a look at the water crisis in Buea, the anglophone South-West region. This week’s podcast went to the top of Mount Mulanje in Malawi, as correspondent Charles Pensulo speaks to people trekking to the top to call attention to deforestation, including Afro Jazz musician Lawi, and Kondwani Chamwala, communications officer for Mulanje Conservation Trust (MMCT).  He also speaks to hike participants Michael Usi, minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, as well as Wasili Chibalaka and Zipporah Kaunda. Roving Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to pastoralists in Kajiado county, including Simon Saidemo,Thomas Kapei, and Namunyaka Noladi. He also chats with village elder in Ngong sub-county Alamin Kayeiya Tianda, as well as Samson Saigilu, the county director of health services. Batata Boris Karloff, correspondent in Cameroon's South-West region, gets the details on how the water crisis in Buea is affecting university student Josiene Konyuy, Frankline, a water seller, and hairdresser Emerencia Fosuh.  He also speaks to MP Malomba Esembe, representing Buea urban constituency in Cameroon's parliament. Music in this episode is lovely Kenyan songstress Nadia Mukami, singing 'Kolo' and featuring rapper Otile Brown. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome and Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you our African Olympians special from our correspondents on the African continent. From Gambia, we hear about top sprinter Gina Bass and her struggle to get to this year's Tokyo Olympic Games. In Malawi, we take a look at judoka Harriet Boniface and her quest for a medal; and from Benin, Olympic rower Privel Hinkati speaks about the upward battle to make it to the Games and have Beninese recognize rowing as a sport. This week’s podcast features three African Olympians and their quest to get to the games. Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks to star sprinter Gina Bass, who beat out the rest of her competition to get to Tokyo. Also featured are Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie, Committee President Alhagie Dodou Capi, and Gambia team captain Adama Jammeh, the athlete representative at the National Olympic Committee. Foumilayo Assanvi, Africa Calling's correspondent in Benin, spoke to Olympian rower Privel Hinkati about trying to inform Beninese about a 'non-typical' sport in the West African country. He also spoke with Benin Rowing Federation President David Gbadamassi, and Hinkati fan and sports trainer David Talon. In Malawi, correspondent Charles Pensulo spoke to judoka Harriet Boniface about how judo isn't just a man's sport, as well as Osbourne Banda, the general secretary of the Judo Association of Malawi. Music in this episode is the inspirational "Alani" by the late Wes Madiko with DJ Robin Schultz, as selected by music maven Alison Hird. Best of luck to all our African olympians out there in Japan! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app. Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome and Nicolas Doreau. Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling