The BBC’s reputation for providing impartial news and information has made it a significant player in covering issues about Africa.
Its documentaries offer a crucial platform for exploring the continent’s cultural, historical, and natural aspects from a unique perspective, which is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Through tales of ancient civilizations, wildlife adventures, and personal struggles, many BBC documentaries shed light on Africa’s complexities and challenge one-sided narratives.
Here are the top 10 BBC documentaries on Africa that you should watch if you want to learn more about the continent.
1. Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua
This is a 3-part investigation into the cult of TB Joshua’s church, a world-famous televangelist and preacher. The church based in Lagos, Nigeria, is where the miracles that gained global recognition took place. Not only did the locals flock to the church, but also foreigners sought healing. It all came crashing down when TB Joshua’s guesthouse collapsed, killing 116 people. People started asking questions on the validity of the miracles and terrible deeds of the supposed man of God. BBC unravels terrifying atrocities done by the religious leader as narrated by 12 survivors who are speaking out for the first time.
2. The Night They Came for Our Children
The documentary sheds light on a harrowing event that occurred on September 6th, 2022, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding anti-slavery efforts in Ghana. In a remote village in northern Ghana, gunmen abducted four children from their families under the cover of night. BBC uncovers the details of the abduction, including the children’s experiences at the hands of their captors. This eye-opening documentary sserves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against modern-day slavery, compelling viewers to engage with and reflect upon these pressing global issues.
3. Kamwe Kamwe: Inside Burundi’s Killing Machine
BBC investigates claims of detention and torture for those opposing the government in Burundi. The country’s security services are on a mission to silence anyone seen as a dissident. Though the government continues to deny any human rights violations, evidence including blood from a ‘torture chamber’ has been posted online. Anonymous sources and human rights activists confirm political violence is still happening in Burundi even as the government declines to comment.
4. Sex for Healing
Claims of spiritual healers demanding sex for healing have been rife in Sudan and Morocco. BBC News Arabic goes undercover to find out more about the widespread exploitation and sexual abuse in the two African nations. The results are astonishing, as over 80 women claim to have been manipulated into having sex and assaulted. BBC investigators work to expose the morally corrupt Sheikhs as brave survivors tell their stories.
5. Uganda’s Stolen Innocence
Northern Uganda is in the spotlight in this BBC documentary that exposes cases of incest and child sexual abuse. Reports emerged in 2020 of a 300% rise in cases of girls aged 10 to 14 falling pregnant in the area. BBC heads to Gulu Regional Hospital, where a quarter of the newborns are born to underage girls. Get to find out more about allegations of police corruption hindering justice as culprits go scot-free and have limited resources to bring about change.
6. Seychelles, Heroin and Me
Many picture lovely vacations when it comes to Seychelles, but heroin is now becoming a huge problem for the beautiful nation. Reports indicate that about 10% of Seychellois are addicted to the drug. BBC speaks to Joseph Fady Banane, who used to live on the island and was an addict. He lays bare the secret epidemic hidden behind the luxury, with drug dealers, police, and users hindering any efforts to save Seychelles.
7. Sierra Leone: The Search for a Better Life
The documentary follows the stories of twins Hassi and Husai as well as several young people who are trying to make a living in a country that has been ravaged by war, poverty, and disease. It highlights the challenges they face, including a lack of education, limited job opportunities, and the lure of illegal activities. The documentary also examines the impact of international aid and the role it plays in shaping the country’s future. Overall, Sierra Leone: The Search for a Better Life provides a powerful and thought-provoking look at the struggles faced by young people in Sierra Leone and the complex issues that need to be addressed to create a better future for them.
8. Predators on the Pitch: Inside Africa’s Biggest Football Scandal
Claims of sexual abuse are rife in Gabon, with young footballers falling prey to predators. BBC looks into claims that FIFA failed to take appropriate action after a long-serving coach was charged with rape, grooming and exploitation in 2022. Victims and eyewitnesses paint a picture of the horrible sexual abuse that’s been happening in Gabon for 30 years.
9. Breaking The Silence: Abortion Rights in Kenya
Safe abortion debates are rife worldwide, and Africa is also part of the talks. In Kenya, there are many unintended pregnancies leading to procurement of unregulated termination in backstreet clinics. BBC looks into a hidden crisis that led to the death of 7 Kenyan women due to unsafe abortions.
10.What Happened to the Baby Stealers?
This is a follow-up to an expose on child trafficking in Kenya. The expose led to leaders making numerous promises to bring the culprits to justice. But has that been the case? Have things changed?
BBC meets with the head of Missing Child Kenya, an organization that’s helped many parents locate missing children to learn more about the growing crisis in Kenya. The reporters also attend court cases for the baby stealers who might be found guilty after the court finds they have a case to answer.
