Africa has extraordinary genetic diversity and a significant burden of disease, but the continent still plays a relatively small role in developing the biotechnology products and treatments used around the world. South African biotech company Altera Biosciences believes that represents an opportunity.

To discuss Africa's potential in biotechnology, the investment required and why more scientific innovation should be commercialised on the continent is Alexandra Miszewski, co-founder and CEO of Altera Biosciences speaking to Mpho Sithole.

Africa has extraordinary genetic diversity and a significant burden of disease, but the continent still plays a relatively small role in developing the biotechnology products and treatments used around the world. South African biotech company Altera Biosciences believes that represents an opportunity.
To discuss Africa's potential in biotechnology, the investment required and why more scientific innovation should be commercialised on the continent is Alexandra Miszewski, co-founder and CEO of Altera Biosciences speaking to Mpho Sithole.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

Africa lags in global biotechnology development

On this day, 15 October 1987, Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara was assassinated during the military coup that brought his former comrade Blaise Compaoré to power.

 Sankara was just 37, but decades later his ideas around Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and resistance to imperialism continue to resonate across the continent. Thirty-nine years on, what explains Sankara's enduring appeal, and how relevant is his political philosophy to Africa today?

Mpho Sithole spoke to David Letsoalo, a Sankarist, activist and law academic, to reflect on Sankara's life, death and legacy.

On this day, 15 October 1987, Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara was assassinated during the military coup that brought his former comrade Blaise Compaor&eacute; to power.
&nbsp;Sankara was just 37, but decades later his ideas around Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and resistance to imperialism continue to resonate across the continent. Thirty-nine years on, what explains Sankara's enduring appeal, and how relevant is his political philosophy to Africa today?
Mpho Sithole spoke to David Letsoalo, a Sankarist, activist and law academic, to reflect on Sankara's life, death and legacy.

Remembering Thomas Sankara: 39 years since his assassination

South Africans head to the polls in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with political parties battling for control of municipalities amid persistent concerns around jobs, water and basic service delivery.

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, led by Floyd Shivambu, is among the newer entrants and has set its sights on the municipal vote. Its campaign has focused on jobs, water and service delivery.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Floyd Shivambu about what his party is offering voters, why South Africans should trust another new political formation, and what it would do differently if given the opportunity to govern municipalities.

South Africans head to the polls in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with political parties battling for control of municipalities amid persistent concerns around jobs, water and basic service delivery.
The Afrika Mayibuye Movement, led by Floyd Shivambu, is among the newer entrants and has set its sights on the municipal vote. Its campaign has focused on jobs, water and service delivery.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Floyd Shivambu about what his party is offering voters, why South Africans should trust another new political formation, and what it would do differently if given the opportunity to govern municipalities.

South Africa Votes: The Battle for Municipalities

Today marks World Food Day, highlighting the urgent challenge of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food while protecting the environment that sustains us. 

This year's theme is "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow." Mpho Sithole spoke to Chris Nash, Head of Restoration at Greenpop, about food insecurity, environmental degradation and the nature-based solutions that could help build a more food-secure South Africa and continent.

Today marks World Food Day, highlighting the urgent challenge of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food while protecting the environment that sustains us.&nbsp;
This year's theme is "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow." Mpho Sithole spoke to Chris Nash, Head of Restoration at Greenpop, about food insecurity, environmental degradation and the nature-based solutions that could help build a more food-secure South Africa and continent.

Africa lags in global biotechnology development

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