VOA’s French to Africa service produces a broad mix of news and interactive programming for radio, television, and the Internet. On shortwave, VOA targets 22 francophone countries in sub-Saharan Africa. On FM, VOA is broadcast on 24/7 transmitters in Abidjan, Bamako, Bangui, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Bukavu, Dakar, Gao, Goma, Kananga, Kigali, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Matadi, Mbuji-Mayi, N’djamena, Niamey, Ouagadougou, Pointe Noire, and Timbuktu. VOA provides an alternative to state-owned and/or supported media that dominate the airwaves in many of these countries. Although independent radio and television stations are making some advances, many remain subject to government interference.

Printable Version

Programs and Features

TV

LMA TV (Le Monde Aujourd’hui) a daily television show (Monday thru Friday) with U.S. and international news, correspondent reports from Africa and in-studio analysis of business, technology, social media, and sports. LMA TV is broadcast by television affiliates in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Brazzaville, Cotonou, Douala, Bamako, Niamey, Lome, and Abidjan.

Vous+Nous focuses on the positive, even incredible things young people are doing in the U.S. and Africa to improve their lives and communities.

Carnet de Santé a 15-minute weekly health show focused on prevention and practical solutions for Africans including good health during pregnancy, easy hygiene practices, fitness and healthy eating habits. The show also informs viewers of the latest health breakthroughs – from HIV prevention and treatment to overcoming food and water borne diseases, reducing malaria rates or treating cancer.

Washington Forum an in-depth debate and discussion program. It airs via dozens of top TV affiliates in the region.

VOA60 Afrique is a one-minute roundup of the region’s top stories each day. It is published online, and shown on affiliate TV stations.

Radio

Le Monde Aujourd’hui -- a 30-minute news magazine, focuses on issues and perspectives of greatest relevance to the francophone Africa region. Following a ten-minute roundup of African, U.S. and international news, the program features interviews and Q&A’s with stringers and newsmakers who discuss in depth the latest developments and issues of interest to listeners in francophone Africa. Le Monde Aujourd’hui airs Monday through Friday at 0530, 0600, 1830, and 1930 UTC on shortwave. On most FM streams the show can be heard from 0530 to 0830 UTC and at 1730, 1830, and 1930 UTC.

A Votre Avis – This open-mike show gives voice to VOA Afrique’s listeners, who can react on various topics, every day at 1805 UTC. They leave their comments and numbers on our Facebook page to participate in this live and lively show.

L’Amérique et Vous -- a Friday 1905 UTC interactive radio program with experts, reports, and listeners by phone and Facebook who discuss American issues and U.S. foreign policy as it affects Africa.

Le Dialogue des Religions -- an interactive radio program every Wednesday at 1905 UTC in which theologians, religious leaders, and listeners use the phone and Facebook to discuss topical issues of religion, including traditional African religions.

Le Monde au Féminin -- A 25-minute radio-on-TV magazine show that focuses on women and youth issues. It airs on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1905 UTC, and the video is posted on VOA Afrique Facebook page.

Votre Santé, Votre Avenir - A 25-minute radio health show offering practical tips for taking care of your health and for dealing with diseases such as AIDS. Testimonies and medical opinions punctuate the show, during which viewers’ questions on Facebook are put to healthcare experts.

Apprenez L’anglais – Every day, for half an hour, the program helps listeners improve their proficiency in the English language.

RM Show -- a fun, lively interactive issues and entertainment show heard every Monday to Friday from 2000 UTC. The host uses music and chat to entertain and discuss serious social issues with mostly young listeners from across the continent.

Sporama -- a popular, fast-paced magazine show every Monday at 1905 for the continent’s sports fans. Scores, highlights, analysis with experts, sports reporters, and athletes plus discussion with listeners make this show a must, following every weekend’s sporting events.

LINGALA

Basango na VOA -- a five-minute live radio newscast in Lingala drawn from Africa division reporting and from Lingala stringers, broadcast at 14:00 UTC / 3 pm Kinshasa time and at 16:00 UTC / 5 pm Kinshasa time.

Bokolongono mpe Bomoyi (Health and Life) -- a five-minute pre-recorded radio health show in Lingala focusing on Ebola and HIV/AIDS drawn from Africa division’s health reporting and from Votre Sante Votre Avenir. It airs at 09:05 UTC / 10:05 am Kinshasa time and at 10:05 UTC / 11:05 am Kinshasa time following the five-minute French newscasts.

SANGO

Zia i tene – This 30-minute radio program offers several segments on national and international news, interviews, analysis and reactions on various topics, with a special section highlighting various Central African artists.