Larry Madowo
BBC Africa Business Editor

The popular video streaming service Netflix has hired a producer of a popular Kenyan TV series to commission more African content.

Dorothy Ghettuba will join Netflix in June with the title of Manager, International Originals for Europe, Middle East and Africa. She will be based in the Dutch city of Amsterdam.

"We are excited to confirm that Dorothy is joining the International Originals group, which produces original series across the world, such as Dark, The Protector and Baby," a spokesman told the BBC in a statement.

"She will focus on adding shows across countries in Africa to our strong and growing International Originals slate."

Ms Ghettuba is the CEO of Spielworks Media, an 11-year-old Kenyan production company behind a range of TV formats.

Her shows have aired on Kenyan TV stations as well as on continental channels like Africa Magic.

"Telling our African stories," she posted on her Instagram page, referring to her appointment. "Onwards and upwards."

Netflix has recently increased the number of African movies and series, mostly from Nigeria and South Africa, on its platform.

Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut Lionheart, external started streaming in late December 2018.

Netflix's first African original series, Queen Sono, starring South African actress Pearl Thusi, is also expected to debut shortly.

The company did not reveal how many subscribers it has in Africa.

Its main competitor is Showmax, a similar streaming service, owned by South African pay TV company Multichoice.

Eritrea's Minister of Information Yemane Meskel has tweeted his condolences following the killing of Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose father was born in the African state:

The rapper was shot dead and two other people were wounded in the attack outside his clothing shop in South Los Angeles.

Nipsey Hussle's album Victory Lap received a nomination for best rap album at this year's Grammy Awards.

Read the full BBC story here

The lion is known as the king of the jungle. Now researchers at the Zoological Society here in London say they've made what sounds like a surprising discovery.

Over the course of the last century Africa's big cats have become genetically weaker, not stronger.

What's the reason for it? BBC Newsday's Alex Ritson spoke to Simon Dures, who was the lead researcher on the study:

Image source, Getty Images

South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele will accompany his International Relations counterpart Lindiwe Sisulu to a crisis meeting with African diplomats later today to discuss the wave of anti-foreigner attacks in the coastal city of Durban, reports the BBC's Milton Nkosi from the commercial capital, Johannesburg.

The attacks are embarrassing for South Africa, as other African states gave refuge to many South Africans during white-minority rule, he adds.

At least two people were killed and more than 100 were displaced in the violence last week, police said.

See previous post for more details

Image source, Getty Images

South Africa's firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has condemned the spate of attacks on African migrants in the coastal city of Durban, telling his supports: "There is no foreigner that took your jobs. If you fail in business, do not blame other people."

Mr Malema - the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - took a tough line against xenophobia while on the campaign trail in the North West and Free State provinces ahead of a general election on 8 May.

"I know you call foreign nationals derogatory names, but they are Africans like yourself," Mr Malema said.

"From Cape to Cairo, Morocco to Madagascar. African unity is key," he added.

See earlier post for more details

A Nigerian journalist has been arrested by the country's state security department, just months after being released following two years in detention without trial.

Amnesty International says Abiri Jones was arrested in Yenagoa in the Niger Delta, and is calling for his immediate release.

In 2016 he was arrested on suspicion of being part of a separatist group.

He was held without access to a lawyer and without charge until last August when a court ruled that his detention was illegal.

BBC World Service

Image source, Reuters

Parliamentary and local elections have taken place in three areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo - three months after they were postponed.

People voted in Beni and Butembo in the east of the country where more than 650 people have died from the Ebola virus.

Elections were also held in Yumbi in western DR Congo - where they were postponed because of ethnic violence. All three areas are opposition strongholds.

December's controversial presidential election was won by Felix Tshisekedi.

Many observers believe another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu, got more votes but the result was rigged in order for the outgoing president, Joseph Kabila, to retain influence.

Read: The man who has stepped out of his father's shadow to lead DR Congo

Image source, Getty Images

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, after weeks of protests to demand his resignation.

State TV reports 21 of the country's 27 ministers have been replaced.

Noureddine Bedoui will remain as prime minister, says Ennahar TV.

President Bouteflika keeps his title as defence minister, just days after Algeria's powerful army chief, Gen Ahmed Gaed Salah, urged the ailing president to stand down.

Other new cabinet members include Sabri Boukadoum who will reportedly replace Ramtane Lamamra as foreign minister.

Mohamed Arkab will take over from Mutapha Guitouni as energy minster, while finance minister Abderrahamane Rouia has been replaced by central bank governor Mohamed Loukal.

Read the full BBC story here

Will Ross
Africa editor, BBC World Service

Image source, Getty Images

South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Lindiwe Sisulu, will meet ambassadors from several African countries today to discuss a recent spate of attacks against foreigners in the city of Durban.

The talks come after dozens of people - many from Malawi - were forced from their homes by angry mobs that have also looted shops.

South Africa's unemployment rate has reached more than 27% and many people take out their anger on foreign workers, accusing them of stealing their jobs.

It's a key issue ahead of May's election. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) says the governing African National Congress' (ANC) policy has failed - with corruption, porous borders and a vast number of undocumented foreign nationals.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni recently spoke of the need to attract highly skilled people and said narrow nationalism led to economic stagnation.

But many more jobs need to be created to help reduce the xenophobia in South Africa.

Read: Five things we've learnt about African migration

Our African proverb of the day:

Click here to send us your African proverbs.

Welcome to BBC Africa Live where we will bring you the latest news and trends from around the continent.