The cost of calling home

If you’re living thousands of miles from home, how do you keep in touch, especially when your loved ones don’t have reliable internet? There’s a growing market across Africa and beyond for apps helping to cut the costs of international calls to older phones. And some operators have much grander ambitions. If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Matthew KenyonBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business. Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Oluseyi Akinnibosun, Nigerian entrepreneur and app developer who's living in the Netherlands, about to make a call.)

Germany is in the throes of a demographic crisis, in which there are not enough young people entering the labour market to replace those who are retiring. There is an annual net loss of 400,000 to the workforce and the shortage is particularly acute in many of the traditional craft industries. One solution appears to lie overseas and in particular, India. We hear from young Indians who have signed up for apprenticeships in a range of industries in Germany’s south-west, close to the border with Switzerland.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Tim ManselBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Ajay Kumar Chandapaka, an apprentice mechanic from India at Dold Spedition, a haulage firm in Buchenbach in the Black Forest in Germany.)

We look at what China’s latest “Two Sessions” reveal about the direction of the world’s second-largest economy. With Beijing setting its lowest GDP growth target since 1991, the focus appears to be shifting from rapid expansion to stability in an increasingly uncertain global economy. We explore what that means for businesses, investors and young people trying to find work in China today.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]: Rahul Tandon Producer: David CannBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Chinese President Xi Jinping, centre right, and Premier Li Qiang, centre left, arrive at the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People on the 12th of March 2026 in Beijing, China. Credit: Getty Images)

We meet the founder of one of India’s largest private aviation companies who overcame several life challenges before starting the business. After doctors initially told her she had months to live, Indian entrepreneur Kanika Tekriwal went on to build JetSetGo, one of the country’s largest private aviation marketplaces. She talks about overcoming illness, sexism and family opposition to launch her company.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]: Rahul Tandon Producers: Amber Mehmood, Ahmed Adan and Niamh McDermottBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo. Credit: Kanika Tekriwal)

Ever since the US and Israel began their war against Iran, economies around the world have been coping with the impacts of energy prices and food security.South Korea has introduced an energy price cap, universities have closed in Bangladesh and India has been granted access to sanctioned Russian oil to ease pressures.We hear where is being impacted the most and how quickly, and if this will see the world move away from its reliance on imports.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]: Rahul Tandon Producers: Matt Lines and Sarah Rogers Additional reporting: Sarah RogersBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Motorists wait in line to purchase fuel at a petrol station in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, amid concerns over global oil supply disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Credit: Getty Images)

We look at the rising threat of kidnap for ransom. In West Africa, it's a growing criminal industry.But how should any of us respond if or when the worst happens to us and a loved one is taken?If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Ed ButlerBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Security officers stand guard next to a bus carrying freed worshippers at the Government House in Kaduna on the 5th of February 2026. More than 160 Christian worshippers were initially feared kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru area, on the 18th of January. Credit: Getty Images)

From humble beginnings in England in the 12th century, to landmark civil rights court cases in the US in the 1960s, class actions are now rarely out of the headlines.They’re a means of bringing together large groups of people – sometimes millions – under the umbrella of a collective claim for damages.Their popularity has spread from the US back to Europe and beyond, which is becoming a concern for businesses fearful of finding themselves in multi-million-dollar litigation cases. Now, there are growing calls for legislation to curb their rise.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Ed Butler Producer: Craig HendersonBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: High angle view of lawyers researching at a table in a board room. Credit: Getty Images)

250 years ago, on the 9th of March 1776, a book was published that didn’t just explain the economy, it changed it. The Wealth of Nations, written by "the father of economics" Adam Smith, sparked debates that still rage today, shaping everything from global trade to how much you earn. Rob Young looks at an original copy from 1776, assesses Smith's importance, and speak to economists about the state of Adam Smith's free market today.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]: Rob Young Producer: David CannBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the boom in weight-loss drugs, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, CEO of Canva Melanie Perkins, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: A first edition of The Wealth of Nations, in two leather bound volumes, with gold lettering on the spine.)

Rahul Tandon talks to a man whose family chocolate business – founded by his father in Syria in the 1980s - was destroyed by war. His family was ripped apart and he had to flee, via a refugee camp in Lebanon, to Canada where he resettled and re-launched the business.Today, it’s thriving, enjoying global sales. The company is called Peace by Chocolate, and our guest, Tareq Hadhad, is its founder and CEO.Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: Ahmed Adan If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected] Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the boom in weight-loss drugs, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, CEO of Canva Melanie Perkins, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: Tareq Hadhad. Credit: Tareq Hadhad)

From Hollywood adverts fronted by Idris Elba to glittering skylines and global events, Gulf countries have spent decades pitching themselves as stable hubs for international investment. But as conflict spreads across the Middle East, investors are watching the region more closely. In this edition of Business Daily, Sam Fenwick investigates whether the Gulf’s carefully built reputation for stability can hold — and what rising geopolitical tensions could mean for foreign investment, business confidence and the region’s economic ambitions. If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is [email protected]: Sam Fenwick Producers: Sarah Rogers, Gideon Long, David Cann and Rebecca SmylieBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the AI boom, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, CEO of Canva Melanie Perkins, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: A green motorway sign points the way to Dubai as smoke rises in the background. Credit: Getty Images)