Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
UNICEF launches the First Food Africa initiative
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has launched the First Food Africa initiative to address child food poverty and malnutrition. The initiative is funded by the Child Nutrition Fund in partnership with the African Union, the Government of Benin, other African governments, regional bodies, and private-sector leaders. Globally, 181 million children under the age of five live in severe food poverty, consuming at most two out of eight defined food groups, which is insufficient for their physical growth and cognitive development. To find out more about the First Food Africa initiative, Channel Africa reporter Sisi Segalo spoke to Christiane Rudert, Regional Advisor for Nutrition at UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa.
Arty Beat
Here's this week's segment of the African Arty Beats.
Joburg Mining Indaba debates the future of coal amid energy uncertainty
As the world races to cut carbon emissions and embrace renewable energy, coal, one of the oldest fuels, continues to defy predictions of its demise. Global demand hit record highs following energy uncertainty caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The debate over the future of coal took prominence on the second day of the Joburg Mining Indaba, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. Dimakatso Leshoro attended the event and filed this report.
Celebrating 25 years: Takalani Sesame promotes diversity and accessibility for children
Every October, World Sight Day reminds the world to protect vision and care for those who see differently. In South Africa, the educational television show Takalani Sesame has turned that message into something even brighter, teaching children that inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Through characters who speak different languages, come from different cultures, and live with different abilities, Takalani Sesame is showing millions of young viewers that everyone belongs. Over the years, this initiative has impacted countless lives. Today, we speak to Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop International South Africa, to reflect on this year’s World Sight Day and discuss why it is so important that children’s programmes like Takalani Sesame reflect the diversity and abilities of children across the African continent. In marking Takalani’s 25th anniversary, Dr Nwaneri visited one of the show’s first visually impaired cast members, Maymoona Chouglay. Let’s now take a listen to the episode in which Maymoona appeared.
English-speaking regions of Cameroon tense as elections approach
As Cameroon heads towards national elections this Sunday, October 12, tensions are once again rising in the country’s English-speaking regions. On October 1, the self-proclaimed Federal Republic of Ambazonia marked its Independence Day, with Vice-President Dabney Yerima declaring that no French Cameroon elections would take place on Ambazonian soil. He said that once those elections are concluded, Ambazonia will seek dialogue with Yaoundé as equals and on neutral ground. But what does this mean for the peace process, and how united are English-speaking Cameroonians behind the Ambazonian cause? To discuss this and reflect on the significance of Ambazonia’s Independence Day ahead of the elections, my colleague Peter Ndoro spoke to Dabney Yerima, Vice-President of the self-proclaimed Federal Republic of Ambazonia. Peter began by asking him what October 1 meant.
FAO unveils new initiatives to boost animal health and sustainability in livestock
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has unveiled a series of new initiatives to strengthen animal health and promote sustainability in the livestock sector. At its second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, held in Rome, the FAO brought together governments, farmers, researchers, and industry experts to explore solutions for climate-friendly and resilient livestock systems. To unpack the key outcomes and what they mean for farmers and communities worldwide, we’re joined by Dr Alejandro Acosta, Policy Officer at the FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division.
South Africa's priciest resort comes to KwaZulu-Natal
A $116 million tourism investment on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast is set to become South Africa’s most expensive resort development to date. The new Club Med South Africa, developed by the Collins Residential Consortium, is more than just a leisure destination, it is being positioned as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth. Channel Africa’s Lebogang Mabange has more.
Universities urged to address growing mental health issues among students
As the world marks Mental Health Day today, the growing prevalence of mental health challenges among students in higher education has become one of the most urgent social and institutional issues of our time. Across South Africa, university students are navigating complex academic, emotional, and financial pressures that can severely impact their well-being. Universities have a duty to respond to and address this matter with the urgency it deserves. For more on this issue, we’re joined by Dr Alucia Mabunda, Head of the Nelson Mandela Bay Campus at IIE Rosebank College.
Cameroon votes Sunday as President Biya seeks eighth term
Cameroon heads to the polls this Sunday, with 92-year-old President Paul Biya seeking an eighth term after more than four decades in power. His hold on office has long been unshakable, but the opposition remains divided, and questions about electoral fairness and voter security loom large. On the ground in Yaoundé, Channel Africa’s Moki Kindzeka reports on the mood among voters and the challenges facing the country ahead of the election.
Lesotho high commissioner urges diaspora to invest in home country
Lesotho's High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Ntsime Jafeta, has called on Basotho abroad to take advantage of new economic opportunities in their home country. Speaking at the Lesotho Diaspora Investment Forum held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Ambassador Jafeta urged delegates to join hands in driving Lesotho's economic transformation by channelling investments and expertise back home. The forum, held under the theme "Taking Lesotho to the World Through Investment," sought to mobilise the Basotho diaspora to invest in key sectors and help propel the country's growth. Channel Africa's Micheal Mbewe filed this report.
WHO Africa unveils new competency-based training to boost health workforce
The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa has taken a significant step to enhance the quality of health training across the continent. During a meeting in Kintele, Republic of Congo, experts validated new competency-based curricula for ten key health professions. The initiative aims to address skills gaps and ensure that Africa’s health workers are better equipped to meet the needs of their communities. To discuss this milestone and its implications for the continent’s health workforce, we are joined by Dr James Avoka Asamani, Health Workforce Team Lead at the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
US immigration overhaul sparks legal battles and global concern
The recent amendments to US immigration policy have resulted in the arrest of at least 1 000 immigrants since a crackdown began in July. Under the new laws introduced by President Donald Trump, undocumented immigrants face arrest and deportation, even if they have lived in the United States for decades and have no criminal record. The policy has prompted hundreds of lawsuits from immigrants challenging its legality. Asanda Beda spoke to Professor Christopher Isike, Director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Pretoria, to unpack the implications of these changes.
Global Cybersecurity Forum highlights complex cyber threat landscape in Africa
Cybercrime is on the rise globally. The 2025 Global Cybersecurity Report by the World Economic Forum shows that cyberattacks have more than doubled over the past four years. In Africa, geopolitical tensions and business vulnerabilities are key factors contributing to an increasingly complex threat landscape. Channel Africa’s Innocent Semosa spoke to Dr Neal Jetton, Head of the Cybercrime Directorate at Interpol, on the sidelines of the Global Cybersecurity Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was asked to elaborate on the state of cybersecurity in Africa.
Central Africa wrap with Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Ng'ambi
Now we take a look at some of the stories making headlines in the Central Africa region. We’re joined by Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Ng'ambi.
Somalia faces deepening drought
Somalia is facing a deepening drought, leaving millions struggling to access food, water, and basic health services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a 25-million-Swiss-franc emergency appeal to support the Somali Red Crescent Society’s life-saving efforts. Joining us from Addis Ababa this morning is Abdilahi Elmi Ali, Disaster Risk Management Director at the Somali Red Crescent Society, to discuss the scale of the crisis and how his teams are responding on the ground.
South Africa observes National Nutrition Week
As South Africa observes National Nutrition Week from the 9th to the 15th of October, and World Food Day on the 16th, attention turns to the importance of early childhood nutrition in shaping the country’s future. Research shows that what children eat in their early years can determine how well they learn and thrive later in life. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more on this story.
Regional and international partners call for cessation of hostilities in South Sudan
A strong collective call for a cessation of hostilities between forces aligned with the parties to South Sudan’s peace deal was issued earlier this week by regional and international partners at the 4th Extraordinary Meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The forum focused on addressing the deteriorating political and security situation in the country. Thuto Ngobeni compiled this report.
SADC Farmers Agriculture Budget Summit 2025 calls for accelerated investment
Small-scale farmers are strengthening their efforts to advocate for increased agricultural budgeting to benefit farmers across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This was the key message at the SADC Farmers Agriculture Budget Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Farmers at the summit made a decisive call for accelerated investment in agriculture and trade as the region faces mounting climate challenges, rising food prices, and growing pressure to feed an expanding population. Nhlanhla Mahlangu reports.
Six South African activists return home after detention in Gaza
Six South African activists who were detained by Israeli forces while on a humanitarian mission to Gaza returned home on Wednesday morning. The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport after travelling via Jordan, where they were welcomed by a jubilant crowd of pro-Palestinian supporters waving flags, singing, and cheering in celebration of their safe return. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver aid and medical supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip. Their vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week, and the group spent five days in detention before being released and deported. Channel Africa’s Reporter Micheal Mbewe, filed this report.
ENS Africa warns of limited trade despite African Continental Free Trade Area
South Africa's mining sector has not been able to tap into the vast mineral riches from its neighbours and has been inward-looking. That's according to Otsile Matlou, Chief Operating Officer at ENSAfrica. Matlou told the Johannesburg Mining Indaba, which brought together hundreds of industry leaders, that there isn't adequate trade happening among African economies despite the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Dimakatso Leshoro reports.
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