Category: World

China’s dominance in the global rare earths market has been challenged by its recent move to curb exports of these crucial minerals. The decision has sent shockwaves through industries dependent on rare earths, which are essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to smartphones. In response, the United States and its allies are now looking for alternative sources, with Latin America, particularly Brazil, emerging as a potential new supplier.China controls roughly 60% of global rare earth production and over 90%

Cairo-based African Export‑Import Bank has outlined a bold agenda at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, urging the continent to seize the dual opportunity of sustainable development and industrialisation through a just energy transition. Under its new president George Elombi, the institution emphasised the urgency of aligning Africa’s low-carbon ambitions with its economic growth pathways.Afreximbank is advocating for climate finance mechanisms that recognise Africa’s unique context: a continent responsible for under 4 per cent of

The African Development Bank has approved a USD 310 million financing package to FirstRand Bank aimed at scaling up lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs and agribusinesses across South Africa. The funding represents one of the most significant private-sector-focused interventions in the country’s development finance space this year and reflects a deliberate pivot towards inclusive growth and gender-responsive financing.The financing has been structured into three main components: a USD 200 million credit line for general MSME

A civilian death and multiple injuries have reignited tensions along the frontier between Cambodia and Thailand, casting doubt on a peace understanding signed in October. Cambodia reported that one resident of Prey Chan village in its Banteay Meanchey province was killed and three others wounded when gunfire erupted across the border near Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province. Cambodia’s Prime Minister informed that the incident occurred in the late afternoon, and described it as unprovoked action by Thai forces. Thai military representatives

The Trump administration has unveiled a controversial twist on its stance towards the H-1B visa program, a cornerstone of the US's immigration policy for skilled workers. The proposal, set forth by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, appears to strike a delicate balance between maintaining the flow of skilled foreign workers and the administration's "America First" agenda. Under the new policy, foreign workers would be brought to the US on a temporary basis, tasked primarily with training American workers in critical industries,

Nigeria will kick off its 2025 oil licensing round in December, according to an announcement made by the country’s oil regulatory body in London. This new auction, which is expected to attract significant attention from both local and international energy companies, forms a key part of the Nigerian government’s strategy to revitalise dormant oil assets and bolster production levels.The licensing round is aimed at unlocking valuable offshore and onshore blocks that have been under-utilised for years. With the nation’s oil

UNESCO's General Conference has officially recognised Kiswahili as one of its official languages, a significant move towards enhancing linguistic diversity within the organisation. This decision marks a milestone in the global promotion of African languages and elevates Kiswahili to a prominent status in international discourse.The decision, which was made during the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference, reflects the growing importance of Kiswahili not only as a widely spoken language across East Africa but also as a symbol of

The U. S. Senate is making significant strides towards bringing an end to the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history, following a pivotal agreement by a bloc of moderate Democrats to advance a bill without securing an extension for crucial healthcare subsidies. This decision has sparked backlash within the party, particularly among progressive members, who view the move as a concession to Republican demands that could undermine public health initiatives.The shutdown, which has been ongoing for weeks, has caused

Belgium has become the latest nation to fall prey to a series of mysterious drone incursions that have unsettled Europe’s security landscape. This wave of drone activity, which has increasingly targeted critical sites across the continent, has prompted fears about potential espionage, sabotage, and escalating tensions in the region.For weeks, drones have been spotted hovering near strategic locations in various European countries, including military bases, nuclear plants, and key infrastructure. The sudden surge in these incidents has left authorities perplexed,

The Trump administration has urged U. S. states to reverse the full payments of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which were issued under court orders last week. This push comes after the U. S. Supreme Court intervened, issuing a stay on the judicial rulings that mandated the expanded benefits. The move has reignited a fierce legal and political battle surrounding the administration’s efforts to overhaul the nation’s anti-hunger program, which serves approximately 42 million Americans.For months, the Trump administration

A powerful tornado has caused widespread destruction across southern Brazil, with Parana state bearing the brunt of the damage. The violent storm, which struck unexpectedly, left thousands of residents in peril, forcing local authorities to declare a state of emergency as recovery efforts began.The tornado touched down in multiple regions of Parana, particularly affecting towns and rural communities. High winds, reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h, uprooted trees, tore off roofs, and flattened homes, with reports of significant damage

The ongoing government shutdown has forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, deepening travel chaos across the United States. Major airports in New York City, along with others nationwide, have been hit with severe delays and cancellations, as air traffic controllers and federal aviation staff are affected by the furloughs.The Federal Aviation Administration has significantly reduced staffing levels in several air traffic control centres, leading to an immediate impact on flight operations. The reduction in workforce has forced airlines

Hundreds of dogs are being evacuated from inaccessible villages in western Alaska following catastrophic flooding triggered by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, with local animal-rescue organisations racing to reunite pets with their families amid the human-evacuation effort.The village of Kipnuk and several surrounding communities in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta were hit by high storm surges and floodwaters after the extratropical transition of Typhoon Halong, forcing displacement of more than 1,500 residents.  In that context, the Bethel-based shelter Bethel Friends of Canines

Nigeria has successfully raised $2.35 billion through the sale of 10-year and 20-year Eurobonds, marking a significant achievement in its financial strategy. The transaction, announced on Wednesday, attracted a staggering $13 billion in orders, the largest-ever demand for Nigerian sovereign debt. The sale, conducted through the country's Debt Management Office, highlights strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery prospects despite ongoing challenges.The sale included two tranches: a $1.25 billion 10-year bond with a coupon of 8.375%, and a $1.1 billion

Kenya's leading telecommunications provider, Safaricom, has announced a significant 55 per cent increase in its half-year profits for 2025, driven by robust growth in data services and mobile transactions. The company, which holds a dominant position in East Africa’s telecom market, has seen a notable recovery in its performance following challenges in its Ethiopian venture.The surge in profits comes as Safaricom has navigated through the hurdles posed by its operations in Ethiopia, which had been a significant strain on its

The International Monetary Fund has commenced its 2025 Annual Research Conference, a high-profile event gathering economists, policymakers, and financial experts. This year’s theme, "The Evolving Landscape of Global Trade and Financial Systems," is expected to delve into the complexities surrounding international trade, global economic policies, and emerging financial trends.Held in Washington, D. C., the conference is hosting a mix of seasoned experts from various sectors, including finance, academia, and governmental bodies. Leading discussions are several thought leaders, with topics

A Washington D. C. jury has cleared former Department of Justice paralegal Sean Charles Dunn of a federal misdemeanor assault charge after he hurled a submarine-style sandwich at a U. S. Customs and Border Protection agent on 10 August, a moment captured on video and processed through a high-profile federal court trial. The verdict follows a grand jury’s refusal to indict Dunn on felony assault charges, triggering a downgrade to misdemeanor prosecution.The incident unfolded on 14th Street NW in

CEOs across Africa are signalling substantial confidence in their firms’ growth prospects, driven by plans for increased hiring and investment in artificial intelligence, according to a newly published survey by KPMG. The study shows that 79 % of surveyed executives believe their own organisations will grow, while 88 % plan staff increases within the next year.The survey, covering more than 130 executives across the continent, reveals that 61 % of CEOs intend to boost spending on AI, while 62

Storm-hit regions across the Philippines are grappling with immense destruction after Typhoon Kalmaegi claimed at least 114 lives and left 127 people missing, as the system gains strength while crossing into the South China Sea en route to Vietnam. The tragedy marks one of the deadliest disasters of the year in the archipelago, with authorities in the central province of Cebu reporting the vast majority of casualties. Local officials describe flattened homes, streets choked with debris and flood-waters receding to

The African Union and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering health systems across the continent, particularly in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The agreement, inked on 3 November 2025 in Geneva, commits both parties to deeper collaboration including data-driven accountability, domestic resource mobilisation and integrated development planning.Under the pact, the AU and the Global Fund will target implementation of the AU’s “Roadmap to