Africa StreaM

South Sudan in Focus: Scores killed in Nasir Town after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the armed civilians were involved in yet another fresh clash. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Western Equatoria State denies allegations that opposition-appointed ministers have abandoned their duties. For this and more, tune in to South Sudan in Focus.

African Beat showcases the latest and the greatest of contemporary African music and conversation. From Benga to Juju, Hip Life to Bongo Flava, Bubu to Soukous and more, host David Vandy has his finger on the pulse of the hottest African music and related issues today.

On Daybreak Africa: M23 fighters have abducted at least 130 people from hospitals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's city of Goma, the United Nations said. Plus, Gabon’s military leader announces a run for the presidency in April’s elections. Namibia lays to rest its founding president. Guinea’s government tries to reduce prices of foods during Ramadan but without success. Humanitarian organizations are looking for non-traditional funding to ease the pain of those in conflict...

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, host Vincent Makori discusses the challenges of healthcare in Africa. He is joined by Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, executive director of the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in Nairobi and by W. Gyude Moore, non-resident fellow at the Center for Global Development and former Minister of Public Works of Liberia.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, we are exploring cryptocurrency on the continent. Host Vincent Makori is joined by VOA Africa technology reporter Paul Ndiho, social innovator and entrepreneur Bright Simons and the CEO of Moya Technologies Mussie Haile.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, host Vincent Makori focuses on South Africa’s recently signed land Expropriation Act which has caused tension with the U.S. Guests include Gaopalelwe Mathiba, a senior lecturer in the Department of Private Law at the University of Cape Town, Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and Phiwokuhle Mnyandu, the assistant director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa; Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and created the Alliance of Sahel States. Guest host Peter Clottey discusses what this realignment of powers may mean for the region. He is joined by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and by Christopher Ogunmodede, analyst of West African politics, security and international relations.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, we focus on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern region where M23 rebels seized control of Goma, a key trading city and the capital of North Kivu. Guest host Peter Clottey will be joined by Jean Paul Ruhosha, the executive director of Congo Today, and Mulegwa Zihindura, the former spokesperson for former Congolese President Joseph Kabila.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, we'll discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to power and what it means for U.S. relations with Africa. Host Vincent Makori speaks with VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson, Yetunde Omede, professor of Global Affairs at Farmingdale State College and Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

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On this week’s Straight Talk Africa, guest host Peter Clottey focuses on the ongoing fighting in Sudan between the nation’s army, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Guests include: Danica Damplo, policy manager at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Brian Adeba, senior policy advisor at The Sentry for Sudan and South Sudan and by Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior researcher at the...

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In this episode of Straight Talk Africa we take a look at major events that are shaping the political and economic landscape on the African continent in 2025. Vincent Makori is joined by Zainab Usman, director of the Africa Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Phiwokuhle Mnyandu, assistant director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University.

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In this special edition of Straight Talk Africa we will delve into the tech culture on the African continent. We’ll explore how tech entrepreneurs are building a thriving ecosystem for their industry in Africa and how big tech is supporting that. We look at why the pros want entrepreneurs who walk the talk, and why it’s important for big tech companies, and small startups to be mindful about the choices they make.

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In this special edition of Straight Talk Africa we’ll examine how tech startups are using "Artificial Intelligence.” Tech giants, such as Google and Microsoft, weigh in on how they support startups using AI. And founders discuss the importance of ethical and strategic uses of artificial intelligence.

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Syria's former President Bashar al Assad has fled to Russia according to Russian state media. Following his ouster, Syrian rebels have taken control of key cities and forced government forces to surrender. As rebel groups consolidate control, what’s next for Syria? VOA’s Jackson M’vunganyi spoke to former United States Ambassador to Syria Ryan Crocker about the latest developments in the beleaguered country and on how is the United States posed to remain involved there in pursuit of democracy.

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In this edition of Straight Talk Africa, host Vincent Makori discusses how the new U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump will engage with Africa. He is joined by Ambassador Rama Yade, Atlantic Council's Africa Center senior director, and by Ambassador Tibor Nagy, former U.S. assistant secretary of state for African Affairs during the first Trump administration.

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Youth-led entrepreneurship is transforming Africa, with young innovators using tech and creativity to solve big social issues. In Tanzania, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator started by supporting 20 promising startups and picked three finalists for a U.S. immersive experience. Two finalists—Frank Mussa Israel (Afya Lead) and Lusekelo Nkuwi (Go Go App)—join me in studio, along with Zuweina Farah, Director of the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation.

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Nasozi Kakembo, author of The African Decor Edit, highlights how mainstream design often overlooks the cultural depth of African décor. She describes it as more than a style—it's a celebration of identity, tradition, and craftsmanship. In her book, Kakembo shares the artistry of African design, honors artisan contributions, and advocates for transparency and respect in sourcing heritage items.

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In this episode of Straight Talk Africa, Vincent Makori discusses the elections in Ghana, where opposition leader and former President John Mahama won with 55,6 % of the vote. He is joined by VOA reporter Paul Ndiho in Accra, professor of international politics at American University Kwaku Nuamah and the director for policy engagement and partnerships at the Center for Democratic Development in Ghana Kojo Asante.

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Western photojournalism has long influenced global perceptions of Africa, often perpetuating stereotypes focused on poverty, conflict, and disaster. Cameroon-based photographer Emily Pinna addresses this issue in her photo book, Thriving Africa: Dynamic Creativity. Through her work, Pinna seeks to challenge negative portrayals by showcasing the continent's vibrant culture, resilience, and innovation. She joins me to discuss how her storytelling reshapes the narrative surrounding Africa.