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In a significant milestone, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) gathered for its 300th meeting last Tuesday, a momentous occasion celebrated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, during a press conference in Abuja. Meetings like these often hold the weight of economic forecasts, yet they also reflect the pulse of the nation—a blend of caution and opportunity. Governor Cardoso emphasized that the committee reached a unanimous decision to maintain current policies. This choice speaks…

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, warmly welcomed the President of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, to the Amiri Diwan in Doha. This meeting was not just a formality; it signified a desire to cultivate the bond between their nations—a bond that holds the potential for growth, understanding, and collaboration. At the heart of their discussions was a focus on enhancing bilateral ties across a spectrum of vital sectors. This included key areas such as aviation, infrastructure, education,…

Indonesia’s recent announcement to raise its export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) from 7.5% to 10% is stirring ripples across global markets. While this change is significant for many countries worldwide, the ramifications are particularly acute for Africa, which heavily relies on palm oil imports from Southeast Asia. For many African nations, the news of this new levy, set to take effect on May 17, 2025, poses a troubling scenario: heightened import costs. It’s a reality that can significantly affect local economies and…

On May 8th, the vibrant city of Dakar witnessed a significant stride towards economic empowerment with the official launch of the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women's and Youth's Entrepreneurial Initiatives, known as PAVIE II. This initiative, strategically rooted in the ambitious “Sénégal 2050” national development framework, boasts a substantial budget of €163.449 million. But what does this really mean for the people of Senegal? The essence of PAVIE II lies not just in numbers but in the…

The African Space Agency (AfSA) has officially opened its doors in Cairo, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment for the continent and its aspirations. Established under the auspices of the African Union (AU), this agency is not merely a new bureaucratic entity; it embodies a collective vision. A vision directed toward addressing pressing issues such as climate change while striving to keep pace with advancements in space technology and Earth observation. As we stand on the precipice of space exploration, it’s worth noting that…

The Future of Cross-Border Payments The encouraging news is that banks are finally acknowledging the challenges plaguing international money transfers. A striking 62% of them are now actively pursuing partnerships with fintech companies in search of solutions. Let’s face it, when you send money across borders, it shouldn’t vanish into a black hole. In this guide, we’ll delve into the impending transformation of cross-border payments in 2025 and explore how innovations such as blockchain technology and digital wallets are…

In a significant development for the South African technology landscape, the government is contemplating extending a special exemption to Elon Musk, allowing his ambitious satellite internet service, Starlink, to operate within its borders. This move bypasses the stringent Black ownership requirements that characterize the country’s economic policies, particularly those aimed at promoting Black Economic Empowerment. This proposed exemption emerges amid rising tensions involving not only Musk but also former U.S.…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

The Intriguing Gift of a Boeing 747-8: An Exploration of Diplomacy and Perception Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made headlines recently by discussing the proposed gift of a Boeing 747-8 jet, valued at around $400 million. He characterized it as "a normal thing that happens between allies." This declaration raises profound questions about the nature of international gifting, transparency, and the murky waters of political influence. At the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, he elaborated on his…

In a significant development for international relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently delivered a ruling concerning the islands of Mbanie, Conga, and Cocoteros. These tiny, sparsely populated landmasses now officially rest under the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a resolution that puts a close to a territorial disagreement that has lasted for decades with Gabon. While these islands may seem inconsequential at first glance, they lie in waters believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, a detail that…