BBC Africa

The men helping people to park their cars in Ivory Coast... for a price.

South Africans spend more than $4bn (£3bn) a year protecting themselves and their homes.

More than a century ago a former slave fulfilled her dream to meet Queen Victoria, taking with her a gift.

A selection of the best photos from across Africa this week.

When former slave Martha Ann Erskine Ricks fulfilled her dream of meeting Queen Victoria, sailing from Liberia to England in 1892, she took with her a special gift for the monarch.

Veterans of the Biafran War, which began 50 years ago this week, remember what it was like to fight on the front line and explain why they still support independence from Nigeria.

Renowned Burkina Faso architect Francis Kéré has become the first African to design the prestigious Serpentine Pavilion in London. So how did a tree inspire his design?

A new movement has emerged with a new leader Nnamdi Kanu calling for Biafran independence from Nigeria.

Portraits of Libyan migrants taken on board the vessel that rescued them.

Will a plan to create jobs for Eritrean refugees stop them from travelling to Europe?

Viral videos of 'bouncing rice balls' have fuelled fake rumours of "plastic" rice being sold in Africa.

Many refugees sent to the Baltic states later go elsewhere, creating another headache for the EU.

The story of the history of Africa written by Africans and quietly supported by Unesco

Former Zimbabwe footballer Peter Ndlovu says he would be prepared to gift his national shirt to President Robert Mugabe.

Ethiopia asks Saudi Arabia for an extension of its visa amnesty for illegal migrants so more can leave.

Nigeria left-back Juwon Oshaniwa leaves Hearts by mutual consent a year before his contract was due to expire.

Bristol City break their transfer record to sign Senegal international striker Famara Diedhiou from Angers for £5.3m.

How former Liverpool footballer Salif Diao is trying to ensure aspiring players do not abandon school to pursue a career.

Senegalese footballer El Hadji Diouf shares his unvarnished thoughts on former Liverpool team-mates Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

The claim has been made by a former British mercenary who led his own failed coup attempt in 2004.