BBC Africa

Spare a thought for those who are given troublesome names. In Zambia, Chris Haslam came across some very surprising choices.

An astrologer in South Africa is fighting to get "magic" mushrooms legalised for use in spiritual ceremonies.

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

A recent court case in Nigeria highlights concerns that locally made drinks may be considered unsafe for human consumption.

A look at how the seed of a South American tree is increasingly being used as an alternative to ivory.

Family portraits from the heart of the hunger crisis in Somaliland.

In our series of letters from African journalists Yousra Elbagir looks at Sudan's rich history of lyrical resistance at a time of state censorship and control.

Kenya's civil servants receive more tax revenue than those in other sub-Saharan African countries.

Colonial tweets by former party leader could end South African opposition party's chances of winning the next election.

More than 16 million people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan need food and water.

The archipelago where the landscape is idyllic but life tough.

In Cape Town, a new scheme is helping women develop web literacy.

Time is running out to save 20 million people facing famine in Africa and the Middle East, says the UN.

Doctors will receive increased allowances as negotiations on other issues continue.

How Nigerians obsess about life in the US

Gen Haftar's forces say they have recaptured oil terminals as Russia denies special forces support.

The suspect, Samson Lokayi, has been remanded in custody while investigations continue.

Millions of South Africans risk missing out on social security payments in a scandal over a government contract.

Former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien joins Indonesian side Persib Bandung.

The haul found in luggage on a flight from Ethiopia is is the biggest for several years.