Africa Rise & Shine

Flooding disaster in Malawi has left a trail of devastation, with at least 13 people confirmed dead and thousands of households affected following days of torrential rain. Authorities say nearly 10,000 homes have been impacted, dozens injured, and entire communities displaced as rising waters swept through multiple districts. Emergency response teams have set up evacuation camps while relief efforts continue, amid warnings that the full scale of the damage is still being assessed. To better understand the magnitude of this catastrophic disaster,  Malawi's Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Commissioner, Wilson Moleni........

The Global Terrorism Index has revealed that deaths from terrorism in the West surged by 280 per cent in 2025, contrasting starkly against a global decline of 28 per cent. In the wake of the widening Iran conflict, the report warns that future trends in terrorism will be shaped by emerging conflicts, breakdown of international norms and declining economic conditions.To discuss this further is Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Institute for Economics and Peace IEP.

Several civil society organisations led by the Aids Healthcare Foundation gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, to call on the European Union( EU) to stop blocking Health Equity ahead of the final negotiations of the World Health Organisation Pandemic Treaty. They say the treaty cannot move forward until the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing ( PABS) Annex is finalized.   The Annex determines how pathogen samples are shared and whether all countries benefit from vaccines. Sisi Segalo attended the joint media briefing by the organisations and has more on the story…

The British Council, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, has recently been recognised by UNESCO as a member of the Global Education Coalition and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030. These initiatives aim to support global education recovery, tackle teacher shortages, and promote inclusive, high-quality learning worldwide. To help us understand what this recognition means for education globally and in Africa, Asanda Beda spoke to Caroline Grant, Senior Global Education Adviser at the British Council.

Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.

UNICEF has issued a flash update on the escalating crisis in Jonglei state, South Sudan. Following a government-ordered evacuation of Akobo town, tens of thousands of families have fled, hospitals have been looted and closed, and malnutrition rates among displaced children are alarmingly high. Joining us now is Angela Travis, Chief of Communications for UNICEF South Sudan, to discuss the scale of the crisis and the urgent humanitarian response underway.

We take a look now at the West Africa region, in terms of newa making healines, with Dr David Matsanga,  Political scientist and Conflict Resolution expert.... Talking Points: -Nigeria has announced a renewed push onto the global stage, using President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's high-profile royal visit to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. -The United States has announced a major re-engagement with Africa, with Senegal signing onto a $12.6 billion health partnership as the 26th participating nation. -Ghana has announced an emergency evacuation plan for its nationals in Qatar amid rising regional tensions. -Algeria has announced its renewed engagement in the Sahel, aiming to boost cohesion within the Alliance of Sahel States. -African nations have announced strengthened coordination on security and crisis response across key regions, focusing on stability and cooperation..

The Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP) in Zimbabwe has escalated its opposition to the controversial Constitutional amendment bill, which seeks to extend the tenure of the presidency and Parliament, by appealing to international organisations in an effort to block the proposed changes. The move comes as Parliament prepares for public hearings on the bill later this month, which has heightened political tensions across the country. The group's convener, Jameson Timba says the DCP has written to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) ,the African Union (AU)and the United Nations to express concerns over Constitutional Amendment Bill Number Three.

Nigeria has taken a major step to protect consumers from unsafe cosmetic products. After nearly two decades of stalled attempts, the country has approved its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health. To discuss what this means for public health and consumer protection,  WHO Nigeria's Dr Edeh Edwin Isotu, Technical Officer for Public Health and Environment....

Let's now turn our focus on this now, next week Wednesday Channel Africa in partnership with Wits Business School will be hosting the first ever Africa Matters summit.   This year's theme is Climate Change "financing Africa's recovery". The summit will bring together thought leaders, experts and researchers to discuss issues pertaining to climate change and solutions to some of the challenges. Today we speak to Tebogo Maake who is a Senior Manager:  Sustainability and ESG at Nedbank....

The International Organisation for Migration - IOM says almost one million people have been displaced in the Middle East, as the region is facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis with escalating conflict in both Lebanon and Iran.  The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon - UNFIL says the situation in south Lebanon has deteriorated since Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on  Israel. With the current rapid and intense escalation of violence, UNIFIL says it's been deeply concerned that the situation would deteriorate further. Thuto Ngobeni reports.

On the Round Up Wrap segment of the show resident analyst Mighti Jamie, joined Peter Ndoro to speak about some of the stories highlighted earlier as well as throw forward to the week ahead..

Liberia's electoral body is facing renewed uncertainty following the resignation of its chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah. Her departure comes just over two years after she oversaw Liberia's closely watched 2023 presidential election, which resulted in the peaceful transfer of power from former president George Weah to current president Joseph Boakai - a moment widely seen as a positive example of democratic change in West Africa.However, Browne-Lansanah's resignation follows months of reported internal tensions within the National Elections Commission and growing political pressure. The development has sparked debate about the independence and stability of electoral institutions in Liberia and across the region.To help us understand the implications, I'm joined from the United Kingdom by global affairs analyst Paul Ejime.?

Uganda's political scene remains tense following the disputed January presidential election. Opposition leader Bobi Wine, who had been in hiding for two months after alleging electoral fraud, has reportedly left the country, vowing to return. His campaign, he says, was heavily constrained by security forces blocking rallies and arresting supporters. Joining Peter Ndoro to provide insight into what this means for Uganda's politics is veteran journalist turned political analyst, Timothy Kalyegira.

Nearly three decades after the end of apartheid, some families of victims of political killings and disappearances in South Africa say they are still waiting for justice. Many of the cases were identified by the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the late 1990s, but investigations and prosecutions were never completed. Now, a new Commission of Inquiry chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe is examining allegations that political interference may have blocked those cases from moving forward. Survivors and families of victims held a briefing this weekend, expressing concern about legal challenges that could halt the inquiry. To discuss what this means for the families who have waited decades for accountability, Kasia Zdunczyk, Programme Manager for the TRC Programme at the Foundation for Human Rights.

Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.

Burundi is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands of people flee violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 100,000 refugees, mostly women and children, have crossed into Burundi since late 2025, putting immense pressure on health services and infrastructure. The World Health Organization is supporting the government to expand health services and strengthen preparedness. We now speak to Dr Marie-Roseline Belizaire, Emergencies Director at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, about the urgent health response on the ground.

A group of 150 small and medium-sized enterprises from South Africa's Gauteng Province, have completed the Township Digital Market Access Programme, a year-long initiative run by the UK-South Africa Tech HUB - a startup campus and entrepreneurship hub, designed to help township businesses access e-commerce platforms and expand online. To tell us more about the programme, we are joined live by Vukani Mnyandu, spokesperson for the Wholesale and Retail SETA and Head of Communications, Marketing, and Stakeholder Management.

Chinese brands accounted for 17 percent of total vehicle sales in South Africa's automotive market in the last quarter of 2025.This is according to the TransUnion South Africa Q4 2025 Mobility Insights Report, which states that the country's automotive market closed 2025 at its strongest level in more than a decade, supported by easing interest rates, improving vehicle pricing, and a decisive shift in how consumers evaluate vehicle affordability. Thuto Ngobeni reports

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola has warned that rising geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and climate-related shocks are increasing pressure on economies across Southern Africa. Lamola was speaking on Thursday at a two-day Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers, currently underway in the capital Pretoria. The meeting has brought together regional ministers to review progress on SADC programmes, assess the implementation of decisions taken at previous summits and council meetings, and discuss priorities aimed at strengthening regional integration and accelerating development across the bloc. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report..

Breast cancer has cost seven African countries over 10-billion USD in lost productivity, mostly affecting women in their prime working years. Research at Roche Africa Press Day 2026, shows that every dollar invested in innovative breast cancer treatments generates up to USD 12.40 in economic return. Kenya's EMPOWER initiative, which has helped over 235-thousand women, was highlighted as a model for early diagnosis and care. To further discuss this is Dr. Paul Chilwesa, Head of Policy, Population Health & Health Systems Strengthening at Roche Pharma Africa

Today marks Independence Day in Mauritius, commemorating the moment the island nation gained independence from the United Kingdom on 12 March 1968, before becoming a republic in 1992. Over the decades, Mauritius has built a reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies and one of the continent's strongest performing economies, known for its financial services sector, tourism industry and strategic role linking Africa and Asia. As Mauritians celebrate both at home and across the diaspora, the day is also an opportunity to reflect on the country's development journey and its partnerships across the African continent.  To discuss the significance of the day and Mauritius' outlook for the future,  Her Excellency Mrs Maria Francesca Mireille Martin, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to South Africa.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Ghanaian leaders to uphold international legal protections that guarantee the rights to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and privacy for all citizens. This appeal follows the reintroduction of a draconian bill targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. While Ghana's parliament passed a version of the bill in February 2024, it lapsed without the approval of then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, who maintained that he would not allow the country to "backslide" on human rights. Channel Africa Reporter Sisi Segalo spoke to Researcher and LGBT Rights Specialist at Human Rights Watch Larissa Kojoue about this bill

The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe as crises across the Middle East and other regions continue to escalate. The UN's emergency relief chief, Tom Fletcher, says conflict is costing the world one-billion USD a day, even as billions are still needed to save millions of lives. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.

South African Minister at the Department of Internatioanal Relations, Ronald Lamola has called on the United Nations Security Council to prioritize lives over geopolitical preferences. This comes as tension in the Middlle East between Iran, Israel and the United States escalates. Lamola condemned all parties involved in the war saying they are violating the UN charter as South Africa prepares to host the Southern African  Development Community - SADC Council of Ministers in Pretoria for the next two days. Thuto Ngobeni reports.

Zambia is marking Youth Day today, a day dedicated to recognising the contribution of young people to the country's development and future leadership. With young people making up a significant share of the population, the day also shines a spotlight on the opportunities, challenges and role of youth in shaping Zambia's future. To reflect on the significance of the day and the importance of youth participation in national development, I'm joined now by Damiano Mabingo, a Zambian award-winning writer, Model United Nations alumnus and young politician.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo Brazzaville, is expected to win this Sunday's election, extending his decades-long rule. The central African nation will on March the 19th head to the polls for the country general election. Sassou, a former paratrooper first ? took power in the oil-rich Central African nation in a coup in 1979. The 82 year old leader lost Congo Republic's first multi-party elections in 1992, but seized power ?again in 1997 after a civil war. Despite his advanced age and a term limit which has fuelled speculation about who will eventually succeed him, he has now ruled for a combined total of almost 42 years, making him Africa's third longest-serving leader, after Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang and Cameroon's Paul Biya.  Joining Peter Ndoro to unpack this further is Remadji Hoinathy, Senior Researcher for  Central Africa and Great Lake  at the Institute for Security Studies...

South Africa's Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that, in the next few weeks, the country will launch a campaign to eliminate cervical cancer using the global strategy adopted by the World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among South African women, with over 11,000 cases and nearly 6 000 deaths annually.   According to the World Health Organisation Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.   The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low- and middle-income countries. Sisi Segalo has more on the story….

Millions of people in Cameroon are facing a deepening food crisis, with families skipping meals, selling livestock, and taking on debt just to survive. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says more than 3.3 million people are struggling to find enough food, particularly in the Far North, North, and East regions. Joining us to discuss the situation and the humanitarian response is Dr Aimé Mbonda Noula, Programme Co-ordinator at the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation in Yaoundé...

We continue to look at the Africa Matters Summit, a strategic project launched by Channel Africa radio. The summit, which will take place on 25 March at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to shift the narrative, ensuring African voices and perspectives shape the discourse on critical continental issues. This year's theme focuses on climate change, "Financing Africa's Recovery." To delve further into the subject of climate change, joining us on the line is Siya Myeza, Climate & Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa and also one of the panellists for the Africa Matters Summit.

News just in a drone strike has hit a residential neighborhood in Goma in the Eastern region of the DR Congo. It is reported that the attack happend a few hours ago, leaving unconfirmed number of casualties. For the latest, Channel Africa Correspondent in the DRC, Jimmy Shukrani Bakonera, he is Goma...

Several political and security developments across West Africa are drawing attention - from rising security threats to shifts in the region's political landscape. Ghana is calling on the Commonwealth to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, while in Senegal there is debate over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next UN Secretary-General. At the same time, new data shows countries such as Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are increasing arms purchases as security concerns grow, while political tensions are also emerging in places like Guinea and Burkina Faso. To help us unpack these developments, we are joined by Dr David Matsanga, Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst. Talking Points: 1. Ghana has called on the Commonwealth of Nations to condemn an attack on its peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in Lebanon. 2. In Senegal, opinion is divided over former president Macky Sall potentially becoming the next United Nations secretary-general. 3. Mali, Senegal and Nigeria are now the biggest weapons buyers in sub-Saharan Africa as security threats grow. 4. Authorities in Niger State in Nigeria have ordered political appointees seeking to run in the 2027 elections to resign. 5. Burkina Faso is facing tensions within its military leadership while jihadist attacks continue to intensify. 6. The United States has warned its citizens in Nigeria of a possible terrorist threat and urged caution. 7. The United States is close to a deal with Mali to resume intelligence operations against jihadist groups in the Sahel. 8. Guinea has dissolved around 40 political parties, including key opposition groups, tightening control over the political space. 9. Guinea has also introduced caps on campaign spending ahead of future elections.  

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has announced that a nationwide voter registration weekend will take place on the 20th and 21st of June, ahead of the upcoming local government elections. IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo briefed the nation on the commission's state of readiness and the latest developments in the electoral landscape as preparations gather momentum toward the elections. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports....

The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, says conflict-related sexual violence remains widespread, particularly in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. A new report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office documents hundreds of cases last year, affecting more than fifteen hundred victims, most of them women and girls. Joining us to discuss what this means for regional security and civilian protection is Thomas Mandrup, Associate Professor at the Royal Danish Defence College and Extraordinary Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University.

Rising global oil prices, triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, are sending shockwaves through African economies. Many countries on the continent rely heavily on imported fuel, leaving households and businesses vulnerable to higher costs.  To discuss the potential impact on inflation, transport costs, and broader economic pressures across Africa, we're joined this morning by Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief Economist at Econometrix

Now we look at some of the news stories making headlines in the East Africa Region and we speak to Dennis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya

South Africa's retirement savings reforms are drawing renewed attention as the country enters a new tax year. Under the government's two-pot retirement system, workers can access a limited portion of their retirement funds before retirement while preserving the rest for later in life. Financial services firm Alexforbes says it received more than 140,000 withdrawal claims in the first week of March alone. To unpack what's driving this surge and what it means for savers, Vickie Lange, Head of Solutions Enhancement at Alexforbes.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says relations between South Africa and Brazil remain a key pillar of the country's international partnerships. Speaking during a state visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil on Monday, Ramaphosa told Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that his leadership has strengthened the foundations of the strategic partnership between the two nations. He added that both nations share a commitment to equality, economic growth, and the eradication of poverty. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.

A new report has raised concerns about widespread fraud in South Africa's public school admissions system, with some parents allegedly submitting false information to secure places at high-demand schools. According to the Tenant Profile Network (TPN) credit bureau, schools have reported cases where applicants provided misleading addresses or falsified documents to meet feeder zone requirements. Education stakeholders warn that the practice undermines fair access to schooling and places additional pressure on already oversubscribed institutions. Our reporter Lebogang Mabange has more

International Women's Day observed on the 8th of March, is an important occasion to recognise women's achievements, raise awareness of inequalities and challenges that still exist. These are the views of South African female trailblazers. They say the day also helps mobilize support for a future where women enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.

A South African civil society alliance, Union Against Hunger, has welcomed upcoming hearings by the South African Human Rights Commission on hunger, starting on 12 March at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. The group says the hearings are urgent, as millions of people in the country experience hunger and many children suffer from malnutrition. However, it has raised concerns that major food producers and retailers are not part of the process and is urging the commission to ensure the hearings lead to real action. For more on this, isNzama Mbalati, the Chief Executive Officer of the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA).

Channel Africa will be hosting the first ever Africa Matters Summit on 25 March in Johannesburg, South Africa. The aim of the summit is to  engage and find solutions on critical  issues of development in the African continent.  This year's focus is on climate change "financing Africa's recovery". We are now joined by one of the panelist's, Eliezer Goma, CEO of Chedza Enviro & Planning Solutions. He is going to highlight his personal journey, the company's impact, practical solutions, and the broader importance of participating in the Africa Matters summit…

Guinea has just dissolved 40 political parties, including its three main opposition groups, in a move that critics say signals a further consolidation of power under President Mamady Doumbouya. To help us unpack what this means for democracy and stability in the country, Professor Douglas Yates, a political scientist and expert in African politics at the American Graduate School in Paris

South Africa's 24th Public Sector Trainers' Forum Conference opens today in Boksburg,east of Johannesburg -  bringing together government learning and development practitioners from across the country. Joining us live now is Phindile Mkwanazi, Acting Principal of the National School of Government, to discuss how the conference will strengthen public sector capacity, promote ethical governance, and drive digital transformation in government operations.

On the Round Up Wrap segment of the show resident analyst Mighti Jamie, to talk to us about some of the stories highlighted earlier as well as throw forward to the week ahead.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned the escalating Middle East crisis, bombings, killings, and humanitarian destruction across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and Gulf countries. Speaking in a media briefing held on Friday, Turk urged immediate de-escalation, adherence to international law, and protection of civilians amid evacuations and military strikes. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report

Regional senior officials from across Southern Africa gathered in Pretoria over the past weekend for a two day Ordinary Meeting of the 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers, setting the stage for high-level ministerial discussions later this week. The Minesterial Council meeting, hosted at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation headquarters, under the theme "Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC," delegates were expected to deliberate on a set of regional developmental priorities amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, climate-related shocks, and disruptions to global supply chains. Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe spoke to the Chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Tebogo Seokolo, who outlined the key issues under discussion at the meeting

Tensions in the Gulf region are escalating after unprovoked attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, raising questions about regional security arrangements and the presence of US military bases. In his recent article for the Middle East Monitor, Thembisa Fakude highlights the call by former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani for a strategic defence alliance including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, describing it as an urgent response to shifting regional dynamics. To help us unpack these developments and their wider implications,  Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues and columnist with the Middle East Monitor

Sunday marked International Women's Day, an occassion aimed at placing a spotlight on women's achievements and focus on advancing women's rights across the globe . This year's theme is Rights, Justice, Action, For ALL Women and Girls and according to the United Nations, the focus aligns with the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women( CSW20). Channel Africa's Sisi Segalo spoke with the World Health Organisation and She Powher Foundation

Flash floods have swept through Nairobi this past weekend, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens of vehicles washed away. Emergency responders, including soldiers, are on the ground rescuing residents, while relief supplies are being distributed to affected families. Flights at Nairobi's main airport have also been disrupted.  For more on the situation, Channel Africa reporter in Nairobi, Alex Kiarie.