A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extend of problem in the country.

Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?

And a tribute to and exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.

Presenter: Richard Kagoe

US embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected?

Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented? 

And how can AI predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya?

Presenter: Richard Kagoe

Russia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel?

Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us.

And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US over an alleged visa scandal.

Presenter: Blessing Aderogba

Uganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift.

Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities.

And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent?

Presenter:  Blessing Aderogba

The big stories from across the continent and the African perspective on major global stories. Africa Daily has now closed. You will get Focus on Africa episodes here this week. For future episodes, search for Focus on Africa, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

“My responsibilities as a captain became more… A player would receive a call telling him he’d lost a brother or a relative or a dear one.”

After war broke out in Sudan, the football team Al Hilal Omdurman had to flee from Khartoum like many of those around them. They spent months looking for a new home, but eventually were welcomed to Mauritania where they have played competitively in the league there. They've now finished top of the league with two games to play.

In this final episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja looks at how footballers and athletes have continued to compete at the highest levels – despite facing tragedy and loss.

GUESTS:

From next week, you can hear stories from Africa on the Focus on Africa Podcast.

Today, Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje sits down with Johannesburg mother Mankepe Matsoakeletse.

12 year old Mary has spent most of her life in an Internally Displaced People’s camp in north-east Nigeria.

Anyone who has spent time in hospital will know just how vital nurses are. They’re often the people we have the most contact with as they look after our comfort as well as our medical care.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains references to violence against children, which some listeners may find distressing.

Three young girls - Ingrid Maasdorp, Rosvind Fabian and Beyoncé Kharuxas - were found dead in the Namibian town of Okahandja within weeks of each other.

Their deaths, though separate, shared chilling similarities and sparked a wave of grief, protests and urgent calls for justice.

What do these tragedies reveal about gender-based violence in Namibia? How are families and communities confronting their grief and demanding change?

BBC Africa Daily’s Alan Kasujja spoke to grieving grandmother Dollie Maasdorp, Windhoek-based journalist Frauke Jensen and former teacher and activist Jané Lowesi, who helped lead one of the first protests.