Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
African Arty Beats
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
Uganda elections analysis: Godwin Toko
Ugandans went to the polls yesterday in a high-stakes election as President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term after more than 40 years in power. The vote took place amid heavy security and an internet blackout, raising concerns about transparency and access to information. Joining us now to reflect on election violations and the line between irregularities and systemic illegality is Godwin Toko, a lawyer and activist in Uganda currently the deputy team leader at Agora, an activists' organisation in Kampala
Assessing Uganda voting process: Tendai Mbanje
As Uganda emerges from its elections, observers and the United Nations are closely watching the situation, with particular concern over communication restrictions. To assess how the voting process went, we are joined by Tendai Mbanje, governance and election expert at the University of Pretoria...(He is not in Uganda, but they have a situation room with some of his colleagues in Uganda).
Friday Market Update: Makwe Masilela
Time now for our Friday Market Update, and we turn our focus to African markets and the global financial landscape, where central bank policies, rising commodity prices, and strong regional stock performances are capturing investor attention. These developments are influencing borrowing costs, economic growth, and market confidence both at home and abroad. To help us make sense of the trends and their implications for investors, we're joined by Makwe Masilela, Chief Investment Officer…from Makwe Fund Managers.
Severe rainfall continues to batter parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces: James Reeler,
As severe rainfall continues to batter parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, climate experts warn that these extreme weather events are no longer isolated incidents, but signs of a rapidly warming world. Environmental organisation, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says South Africa's current floods, fires and water shortages reflect the real and growing impacts of climate change. We now speak to James Reeler, Senior Climate Specialist at WWF South Africa on what this summer of extremes means for the country, and why urgent climate action can no longer be delayed
The humanitarian situation in the south-east of the Central African Republic is deteriorating: Philippe Beauverd
The humanitarian situation in the south-east of the Central African Republic is deteriorating sharply, following renewed fighting in the town of Zémio. Hundreds have been displaced, with many now sheltering in a hospital and a church, as access to food, clean water and medical care becomes increasingly limited. To help us understand what's happening on the ground, I'm joined now by Philippe Beauverd, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in the Central African Republic.
Uganda held its presidential election on Thursday: Muguzi
Uganda held its presidential election on Thursday, in a tense atmosphere marked by internet shutdowns and heavy security. Long-time President Yoweri Museveni faced opposition from figures including singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who mobilized many young voters. To help us unpack how the vote unfolded and what it could mean for the country's political future, we're joined by Henry Muguzi, Executive Director of the Alliance for Finance Monitoring and Coordinator of the African Election Observers Network. Mr. Muguzi, thank you for joining us.
Severe flooding across parts of the Kruger National Park
Severe flooding across parts of the Kruger National Park has forced the evacuation of visitors, closed several camps and access routes, and raised concerns about the impact on wildlife. Heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused rivers to overflow, altering habitats and disrupting animal movement within the park. To help us understand how the floods are affecting wildlife, conservation efforts, and what measures are being taken to protect animals during this period, we're joined by Rey Thakhuli, General Manager for Communications at the Kruger National Park
SAHRC monitoring school admissions programmes
The South African Human Rights Commission -SAHRC, says it has been monitoring school admissions programmes over the years and has noted a systemic problem of learners not being placed or not being placed on time in the Gauteng province and other parts of the country. The Commission says this amounts to a direct threat to the constitutional right of every child to basic education, which, under section 29 of the Constitution and jurisprudence, is immediately realizable and not subject to the availability of resources, with the SAHRC saying failure to admit learners disrupts continuity in teaching and learning. To discuss this issue further, we're joined on the line by Zamantungwa Mbeki, Provincial Manager at SAHRC Gauteng province.
Lagos eviction: Esther Bimbo Osobe
Slum Dwellers International, a global movement representing informal settlement communities in more than 30 countries, has condemned the ongoing forced evictions and demolitions in Makoko and nearby waterfront communities in Lagos, Nigeria. The organisation says the demolitions, which were still underway as of the 14th of January, have displaced thousands of residents without proper notice, compensation or resettlement, and are putting vulnerable communities at risk. Joining us now to further discuss this matter is Esther Bimbo Osobe from the Slum Dwellers International Federation in Nigeria.
Uganda is voting today in an election being closely watched: Robert Kabushenga
Uganda is voting today in an election being closely watched both at home and across the region. The polls are taking place amid concerns about the political environment, the role of security forces, access to information, and the broader question of public trust in the electoral process. To help us make sense of what matters most on this election day, we are joined by Robert Kabushenga, former Government Spokesperson of Uganda and former CEO of Vision Group. He has worked at the centre of state communication and media, giving him a unique perspective on how elections are organised, communicated, and perceived. Robert Kabushenga joins us now
Abuja has hired a US lobbying firm to improve relations with Trump
Abuja has hired a U.S. lobbying firm to improve relations with President Donald Trump's administration, after Nigeria was redesignated a country of particular concern over the treatment of Christians. President Trump has accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christian communities and has even threatened military action. The United States has already carried out an airstrike in the country - a move Abuja says targets Islamist militants, not a religious group. Nigeria insists there is no systematic persecution of Christians, saying the violence is part of a broader security crisis affecting people of all faiths. Our Nigeria correspondent, Jonathan James Lyamgohn, joins us now.
Polling has just opened across Uganda: Elias Biryabarema
Polling has just opened across Uganda as millions of voters head to the polls in the country's 2026 general elections. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including long-time incumbent Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term, and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. With a heavily securitised environment and reports of intimidation and arrests, questions remain about whether these elections will reflect genuine democratic choice or continue a pattern of authoritarian consolidation. Joining us from the capital Kampala is journalist Elias Biryabarema to give us an early snapshot from the ground
Ugandans are voting in the general elections
Today, Ugandans are voting in the general elections, a moment that many across the country and the continent have been watching closely. Long-time President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term in office, while opposition figures including Robert "Bobi Wine" Kyagulanyi contest the polls and urge citizens to engage actively in the process. With millions of Ugandans casting their ballots today, young voices are playing a crucial role in shaping the discourse around governance, accountability, and democratic change. We are joined now by Janice Nkajja, a youth policy influencer, anti-corruption activist - and one of the young Ugandans voting today.
Central Africa Wrap: Aaron Ngambi
We turn our focus now to the Central Africa region, where humanitarian pressures, justice concerns, and regional security challenges continue to shape the agenda. To help us zoom into the issues and make sense of the broader geopolitical picture, we're joined by analyst Aaron Ngambi.
UN Steps Up Gender Equality Efforts in Zimbabwe Amid Global Funding Shifts
Zimbabwe is once again under the spotlight as the United Nations steps up its engagement on gender equality. The UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, is in the country this week, at a time when global funding shifts are placing pressure on development programmes worldwide. So what does this visit mean for women and girls in Zimbabwe and how will hard-won gains be protected? To discuss this, we're joined by Loveness Makonese, the UN Women Country Representative for Zimbabwe.
KZN Schools Struggle to Open as Resource Shortages Persist, Warns SADTU
Teacher unions are raising alarm over the readiness of schools in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province ahead of the new academic year, warning that many may struggle to open their doors this week. The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) says more than half of the schools it surveyed, lack basic resources such as funding, stationery, textbooks and cleaning materials, with schools in previously disadvantaged communities worst affected. To unpack these concerns and what they could mean for learners when schools reopen on Wednesday, SADTU KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Secretary, Nomarashiya Caluza.
Iran in Turmoil: Protests Escalate After Deadly Crackdown
Massive protests have erupted across Iran following a deadly crackdown on nationwide demonstrations, with rights groups reporting hundreds killed and thousands arrested. The unrest poses one of the biggest challenges to the country's clerical leadership in decades, while the U.S. has signalled potential diplomatic or military responses.To unpack the regional and global implications is Na'eem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection.
INMED South Africa Named Finalist for 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in Food
INMED South Africa has been named a finalist for the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category, recognising its innovative aquaponics model that addresses food insecurity and unemployment in vulnerable communities. The climate-smart, cost-effective system combines fish farming and soilless crop production in a closed, recirculating setup, enabling sustainable food production with minimal resources. The model has delivered strong results, with some cooperatives boosting output by up to 300% and becoming key suppliers of fresh fish and vegetables to local schools and retailers. For more on this let's now talk to Executive Director of INMED South Africa Unathi Sihlahla
East Africa Wrap: Politics, Pressure and Humanitarian Worries Shape the Region
Now to our East Africa Wrap, where a mix of political recalibration, economic pressure and deepening humanitarian concerns are shaping the regional agenda. In Kenya, the government has reportedly paused a major trade engagement with China following diplomatic pressure from the United States. Elsewhere in the region, Malawi's president has expanded his cabinet and split a key ministry, sparking debate over governance and public spending. There are also mounting humanitarian concerns after the deaths of dozens of Congolese refugees in Burundi, as well as renewed attention on Rwanda's push to tighten control over its critical minerals sector. To unpack these developments and what they mean for the region, is Denis Beru, journalist and team leader at Grassroot Journalism Kenya.
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