Category: World

Visa has officially opened its first data centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across the African continent. The new facility aims to support the growing demand for secure digital payments, a sector that has experienced rapid growth in the region.The move comes as Visa seeks to strengthen its presence in Africa, where it has long identified untapped potential. According to a statement from the company, the centre will enhance the company’s ability to deliver

Tesla has accelerated its plans for the launch of its highly anticipated Robotaxi service in San Francisco, with the service potentially set to begin as early as this Friday. The announcement comes after the company moved up its timeline, reflecting confidence in its self-driving technology and its ability to meet regulatory requirements. Some Tesla owners have already been notified that they will have the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking service.The Robotaxi service will utilise fully autonomous vehicles designed to

Humanitarian aid distribution in Khan Younis turned fatal on 16 July 2025 when a crowd surge at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centre led to at least 21 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Health officials reported that the majority of casualties resulted from suffocation as panicking crowds pressed through narrow gates following the firing of tear gas. The GHF stated that 19 people were trampled and one person stabbed during the surge.Eyewitness testimony detailed that crowd control measures—including tear

South African vehicle shipments to the United States have plunged after U. S. import tariffs were escalated, posing a serious threat to jobs and industrial hubs across the country. Export volumes dropped by 73 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 and declined a further 80 per cent in April and 85 per cent in May, according to figures from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa.The tariffs, introduced under U. S. trade policy changes that began on 2 April and expanded in

President Donald Trump has revealed plans to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air-defense systems, a move aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aerial assaults. The announcement, made during a public address, highlights the growing US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities amidst ongoing tensions in the region.The decision to send more advanced missile defence systems comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Ukraine continues to face relentless bombardment from Russian forces. The Patriot missile

Emergency crews have paused operations in Kerr County today following a new surge of torrential rain across Central Texas that renewed flood risks and prompted evacuations. Authorities withdrew search teams from river corridors, citing a high likelihood of flash flooding.The decision came as weather alerts signalled up to two inches of rainfall per hour in parts of Kerrville and along the Guadalupe River, overwhelming swollen tributaries and raising the threat level for crews working in the region. Sheriff’s personnel and

Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has accused the United States of mounting significant pressure on African countries to accept deported Venezuelans, including individuals released directly from US prisons—a demand Nigeria says it cannot meet given its own domestic challenges. Speaking from Brazil at the BRICS summit on 11 July, Tuggar emphasised that with a population of roughly 230 million and pressing socio-economic issues, Nigeria cannot shoulder such responsibilities.The diplomatic row follows a White House meeting on 9 July where President Trump met

U. S. consumers now contend with an effective tariff rate exceeding 20%, marking the steepest level observed since the early 1900s, according to estimates by the International Chamber of Commerce following the latest round of import levies introduced under President Trump’s administration. This escalation stems from a newly implemented baseline tariff of 10%, supplemented by selective duties—up to 50% on copper and 200% on pharmaceuticals—pushing the overall rate to unprecedented heights.Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the ICC, explained that

Nigeria has secured a $747 million syndicated loan, led by Deutsche Bank, to fund the initial 47.47‑kilometre phase of its flagship coastal highway spanning from Victoria Island to Eleko Village in Lagos. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the financing on Wednesday, marking a record for road infrastructure funding in the country.Lenders in the syndicate include First Abu Dhabi Bank, African Export‑Import Bank, Abu Dhabi Exports Office, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Nexent Bank and a consortium of Zenith Bank branches.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Thursday that BRICS is not an “anti‑American” bloc and will reject any “language of threats and manipulation.” This assertion followed U. S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that countries adopting what he termed “anti‑American policies” aligned with BRICS would face an extra 10 per cent tariff.Ryabkov emphasised BRICS’ focus on dialogue and constructive engagement, not confrontation. He underscored that the group will not be swayed by coercion, signalling Moscow’s intent to maintain equilibrium amid escalating

Accra Regional Police have arrested Emmanuel Akanpatiba, a principal figure in a motorbike theft syndicate accused of stealing at least 12 motorbikes across the region. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a complex network operating within Accra's metropolitan zones.Police said Akanpatiba was detained on 24 June following a tip-off after a red Royal motorbike—registration M‑25 CW 367—was reported stolen from a Madina residence. The arresting team acted swiftly on intelligence and recovered the stolen vehicle. During interrogation, Akanpatiba admitted involvement and

Stringent new visa rules now govern travel from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates, marking a sharp increase in restrictions. Transit visas have been fully suspended, while tourist visas for solo applicants aged 18 to 45 are no longer allowed. Those aged 45 and above must now demonstrate a six-month bank balance of at least USD 10,000 to qualify.A directive communicated to travel agents in Dubai on Tuesday specified that Nigerians travelling alone within the 18–45‑year age range are ineligible for tourist

Moscow has formally placed Yale University on its “undesirable organisations” list, citing the institution’s alleged role in orchestrating anti-Russian activities and training opposition figures.Russian authorities accuse Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs, particularly its International Leadership Center, of educating individuals who later joined the Anti‑Corruption Foundation founded by the late Alexei Navalny, using their acquired skills to fuel protest movements. The Prosecutor General’s Office claims this threatens Russia’s territorial integrity, supports an international blockade, and destabilises its socio‑economic and political

U. S. former President Donald Trump has warned that any nations aligning with the BRICS bloc’s efforts to challenge the U. S. dollar will face a 10 % tariff, set to take effect by 1 August unless a deal is struck. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting and in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump characterised BRICS’ currency ambitions as tantamount to “destroying the dollar,” likening such a loss to the outcome of a major war and pledging not to