funding

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health, recently urged nations to rethink their health resource allocations, strengthen collaborative global initiatives, and investigate innovative financial frameworks. As daunting as the post-pandemic landscape is, his call for action resonates deeply amidst unraveling healthcare systems worldwide. During the G20 Health Working Group convened in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, Motsoaledi articulated a vision not just for South Africa but for the global community. He…

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…

In the bustling heart of Nairobi, amidst the blend of modern skyscrapers and vibrant street markets, Kenya's Finance Minister, John Mbadi, shared insights on the economic pathway the country is carving. During a recent interview with Reuters on February 5, 2025, Mbadi candidly discussed the emerging dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about a new financial program, sparking conversations about Kenya's fiscal future.Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times international–Monitoring. The Complex Tango with the…

Unfreezing Aid: A New Dawn In an unforeseen development, the United States has decided to thaw frozen aid funds, spotlighting a monumental moment in U.S. foreign policy. This decision arrives on the heels of a thought-provoking U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has, for lack of a better term, sent ripples across the boardrooms and communities alike. Can one decision truly alter the fabric of international relations? By revoking the freeze on aid, significant initiatives are back on track in healthcare, infrastructure, and…

Germany's parliament has recently taken a significant step by approving plans for an unprecedented surge in spending. This move marks a departure from decades of fiscal restraint, with the aim of revitalizing economic growth and increasing military expenditure in a new era of European collective defense. The Bundestag's endorsement hands a considerable advantage to conservative leader Friedrich Merz, providing the chancellor-in-waiting with access to hundreds of billions of euros for investment. This comes on the heels of…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

Amidst the intricate maze of global politics, there are moments when leaders must come together to confront towering challenges. Such was the case one Monday afternoon when US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, convened at the White House to tackle an issue that holds the world’s attention—the peace process in Ukraine. Emerging from over an hour of closed-door discussions, Trump faced the media. His demeanor was one of satisfaction as he conveyed the productive dialogue with…

Space Force: A Crucible of Modern Deterrence and Strategy Earlier this week, a comprehensive report emerged, shining light on a path we may need to take amidst the cosmos. It was not your typical address; it was born from two intense days at the Mitchell Institute's Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence, a think tank where select space virtuosos gather to deliberate our celestial future. Picture this: 55 virtuosos of spatial intelligence, banded together to probe the Space Force Chief of Space Operations' elusive…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…