BBC Africa

Anne Soy reports on how an alternative rite of passage is replacing female genital mutilation.

Choosing a child's name is an important task for parents. We look at some of Africa's unique naming traditions.

Buhari's gaffe, #OromoProtests and death of Papa Wemba among stories that lit up African social media in 2016.

The Gambia's ruler is urged by his rival to transfer power peacefully, like the ex-colonial power did.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the cast for Gabon as the hosts become the first team to name their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Egypt will be without the services of their Al Ahly defender Rami Rabia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon because of injury.

Nigeria's military says it will turn a former bastion of militant Islamists into a training centre.

Ghanaian's love for jewellery has created a thriving industry for goldsmiths and jewellers.

The booming kaftan industry is bringing financial independence to Moroccan women.

It has been an eventful year for democracy in Africa. The BBC's Dickens Olewe looks back at some of the elections and lesson learned.

A new study estimates there are just 7,100 now left in the wild as they face growing conflict with humans.

Suranga Lakmal's four wickets helps Sri Lanka restrict South Africa to 267-6 on the opening day of the first Test in Port Elizabeth.

Thirty people drown after a boat carrying a football team and fans capsizes in Uganda, police say.

In 2007 Tresor Riziki fled the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo in search of his musical dream. Today, he is an award winning musician based in Johannesburg.

The disputed Western Sahara is a popular kitesurfing destination, even though conflict could resume.

More than 20 Chibok girls freed in Nigeria by Boko Haram reunite with their families for Christmas.

Nigeria's army drives Boko Haram from their last camp in the Sambisa forest, the president says.

Nigerian novelist and writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani picks out some of 2016's quirkier stories.

Perfume maker Agata Karolina tells the BBC about the business of making scents from scratch.

Filming of a plane hijacking movie at Malta airport is halted amid the real hijacking of a Libyan Airbus A320.