Essential

The latest annual Reuters Digital News Report for Ireland 2025 reveals that 5% of the Irish population is sourcing news from AI chatbots. This finding stands out in today’s report, providing a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of media consumption. What’s Your Interest Level in News? More than half—56%—of adults in Ireland express they are "extremely" or "very interested" in news. However, looking back ten years to 2015, that figure was significantly higher at 71%. The report highlights ongoing trends that…

Understanding Global Oil Shipping Routes: The Lifeblood of Our Economy Every day, vast tankers navigate the intricate web of oil shipping routes, transporting millions of barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products. These pathways play a pivotal role in sustaining not only the global economy but also our energy security. Imagine a world where these routes suddenly ceased to function; a stark realization emerges: our daily lives, from the fuel in our cars to the heating in our homes, would be profoundly…

Somalia: SoDMA’s Controversial Contribution to Frontline Fighters MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a decision that has puzzled many, Somalia's government has delivered COVID-19 protective gear to frontline fighters, known as the Macawisley. This raises questions about the seriousness of efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militants actively challenging stability in the region. The Macawisley, collaborating closely with the Somali National Army (SNA), have courageously engaged in the fight for peace. However, the…

Embracing Digital Payments: The Key to Growth in Africa In recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged across continents—from the bustling streets of Lagos to the vibrant markets of Kenya, and even reaching into American boardrooms. Businesses are increasingly recognizing that adopting digital methods is not merely an option; it's essential for growth and sustainability in today's fast-paced world. But what does this transition truly entail for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), freelancers, and online…

In the unpredictable realm of cryptocurrency, particularly in the case of Bitcoin, its market behavior serves as a curious study of human psychology and economic dynamics in the digital age. While traditional fiat currencies dance in rhythm to the tunes of unemployment rates, inflation fluctuations, and gross domestic product growth, Bitcoin follows its own script. Yet, is it entirely detached from these macroeconomic factors? As 2024 unfolded, investors observed how various economic indicators subtly influenced…

Financing energy projects is never a straightforward art. Each endeavor is a mosaic of stakeholders with varying interests. Among the financiers of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), we find notable names such as Standard Bank, Stanbic Bank Uganda, KCB Bank Uganda, and Saudi Arabia's Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector. One can’t help but wonder, how do so many distinct entities find common ground? "The successful closing of this first tranche represents a significant…

There's an understandable intrigue surrounding the recent changes to Nigeria's visa-on-arrival (VoA) policy. A meeting of paramount importance between Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), and Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, provided much-needed clarity. A pressing question arises from this scenario: How does a nation balance security with openness? The dialogue between these key…

Friday, February 14, 2025 (FILE) A solitary figure today is seated amidst the charred remains of military vehicles. Once tools of warfare, these twisted hunks of metal stand testament to the brutal passage of suspected Islamic State militants through Somalia's rugged Northeastern State territory on January 25, 2025. In the tapestry of global terrorism, the Middle East and Central Asia have long been the focal points of concern. However, recent developments challenge this narrative—Africa, most notably the Sub-Saharan…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

FILE PHOTO: A worker cradles freshly baked bread at a bustling Nairobi supermarket, May 8, 2017. Picture taken May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Baz Ratner/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights There's a new wind blowing through Kenya’s financial corridors, touched by whispers of "Did you hear about the inflation twist?" The statistics office is sharpening its pencils and rolling out core inflation data for the first time. It's a tale as rivetting as any economic thriller (if such a thing exists). The move is akin to giving a GPS to…