Business and Finance

Recently, a troubling video from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State ignited a wave of indignation across social media platforms. The footage depicted women students subjected to unwarranted physical contact from female staff members tasked with checking for bras prior to an examination. This incident raises several uncomfortable yet crucial questions about conduct, authority, and the rights of students in educational settings. The university, thus far, has opted to remain silent, not providing any immediate…

The military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

Last year, South Africa proudly took the helm of the G20 presidency, launching a robust campaign to showcase its diverse assets while advocating for a broader African narrative. This November, on the 22nd and 23rd, Johannesburg will host the annual summit, marking a historic first for the continent. Leaders from the 19 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union and the African Union, will gather to deliberate on pressing global issues. In an interview with AllAfrica, Neville Matjie, head of Brand…

In a chilling warning, labor unions have revealed that up to 20,000 jobs in Lesotho hang in the balance, driven by the looming threat of a staggering 50 percent tariff hike from the United States. This situation brings to mind George Bernard Shaw’s words: “Progress is impossible without change.” Yet, for many in Lesotho, change feels more daunting than progressive. Until the Trump administration's controversial imposition of new tariffs, Lesotho enjoyed duty-free status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act—an…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Equateur Province as at least 30 lives were lost when a boat capsized, sending ripples of sorrow throughout the community. Rescue teams are diligently combing the waters in a frantic effort to locate dozens of individuals still unaccounted for. Local officials suspect that overcrowding, coupled with the treacherous weather conditions, may have contributed to this heart-wrenching incident. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rivers and lakes serve as vital arteries for…

In a recent pivot of policy, President Joseph Boakai’s choice to transfer complete ownership of four oil blocks to the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has ignited a firestorm of criticism from industry experts. The decision, made without consulting the National Legislature, raises significant concerns about transparency and could potentially diminish investor confidence in Liberia's oil sector. This contentious move invites scrutiny. Critics question the implications of bypassing legislative input, suggesting that…

The ongoing strike by nurses and midwives has effectively paralyzed the country's healthcare system, prompting urgent calls from the government for the striking professionals to "reconsider" their actions. This drastic move is not just about wages; it embodies deeper systemic frustrations that have simmered for years. Imagine waking up in an emergency room, only to find minimal staff and a mountain of unattended patients. Such is the reality now faced by many hospitals, where the very individuals who dedicate their lives…

In a decisive moment for Gabon’s economic future, President Brice Oligui Nguema has put forth an ambitious initiative aimed at industrializing the nation’s economy. This initiative isn’t just a flash in the pan; it is a calculated effort to harness Gabon's vast natural resources, transforming them into high-value goods that can benefit the entire population. As he articulated during his announcement, Oligui envisions a Gabon that thrives on its own merits, moving beyond mere extraction and embarking on a journey of true…

In a harrowing revelation that has sent shockwaves through the international community, the discovery of numerous bodies across both official and unofficial detention sites in Libya has highlighted a dark narrative of human rights violations. Reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and the specter of extrajudicial killings are emerging from the shadows, raising urgent questions about accountability and morality in a nation steeped in turmoil. For years, human rights organizations and the United Nations have suspected…

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu's administration has implemented a series of significant economic reforms. The removal of fuel subsidies, for instance, is intended to stabilize the economy, while efforts to reform foreign exchange regulations aim to encourage investment. However, these ambitious changes have been accompanied by soaring inflation, a devalued naira, and widespread public dissatisfaction, leading many to wonder: Are these measures truly in the best interest of the Nigerian people? In…