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In an exciting collaboration, the South African tourism company Tourvest has partnered with LTR, aiming to tap into the burgeoning airport travel market across Africa. With a solid foundation already established in West and East Africa, this partnership signals a promising new chapter in the region's travel retail landscape. Currently, LTR's operations span six African nations: Benin, Gambia, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal, and Tanzania. This diverse geographical footprint illustrates the company’s commitment to…

Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, recently characterized a new agreement between the EU and the UK as particularly "significant." This milestone was reached yesterday, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighting that it could potentially inject nearly £9 billion (€10.6 billion) into the UK economy by 2040. Central to this agreement is the establishment of a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal covering plant and animal products, a framework that is not bound by time constraints. In an…

Nigerian fuel traders are navigating a challenging landscape filled with unmet expectations. Despite proclamations made six months ago that the state-owned Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were ready for operation, traders still find themselves struggling to secure gasoline from these facilities. It raises an important question: How long can a nation, rich in resources, rely on aging infrastructure? This situation has led traders to maintain their dependence on imports and the privately-owned $20 billion Dangote…

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is stepping onto the stage with considerable resolve. Representing 19 member states and a population nearing 390 million, COMESA faces a formidable challenge: adapting to the U.S. tariff measures that have cast shadows over various African nations, both within and outside its bloc. The economic ramifications of these tariffs, implemented by former President Donald Trump, have begun to weigh heavily on the economies of eight…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable display of military prowess and community solidarity, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local defense forces from Hiiraan, has successfully thwarted a series of Al-Shabaab attacks along the border between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Over the span of just 48 hours, more than 70 militants were neutralized, according to various government sources. This potent counter-offensive is not merely a tactical victory but a powerful statement against the persistent threats posed by extremist…

Turkey's Strategic Oil Deal with Somalia: A Turning Point In an unexpected twist in the global energy market, recent discoveries off the shores of Somalia, projected to contain up to 20 billion barrels of commercially viable crude oil, signal a monumental shift. This development reflects Turkey's escalating interest in Somalia and the broader energy landscape of East Africa. According to the Somali Guardian, the initial yields from two pilot oil blocks have been promising. Meanwhile, a third block continues to undergo…

Workforce Trends Amid Technological Evolution In an ever-evolving work landscape, one cannot help but ponder: what drives companies to downsize their workforce? The reasons for these sweeping reductions can be as varied as the companies making the decisions. However, one underlying factor seems to emerge with striking regularity—cost-cutting measures, increasingly influenced by the dizzying rise of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent World Economic Forum survey revealed that approximately 41% of…

Somali Forces Reclaim Al-Shabaab Strongholds: A Journey of Resilience MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a series of courageous and strategic moves, Somali forces have taken significant strides in reclaiming important territories that were once under the grip of the militant group, al-Shabaab. This marks yet another pivotal chapter in the ongoing battle for stability and peace within the nation. The militants are now retreating, offering a glimmer of hope to a nation weary of conflict. Local officials, resonate with optimism;…

Disturbing Power Outages Hit the Iberian Peninsula On the evening of Monday, a significant power outage plunged large portions of the Iberian Peninsula into chaos. As night fell, both Spain and Portugal found themselves grappling with a situation that disrupted daily life—grounding planes, halting public transport, and forcing hospitals to suspend their routine operations. The magnitude of this event has been unprecedented in recent European history, marking a moment that will inevitably be part of discussions in boardrooms…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant development for Somalia's ongoing battle against extremism, Northeastern State security forces have reported the elimination of more than 40 ISIS fighters while reclaiming a pivotal stronghold in the northeastern Bari region. This decisive encounter unfolded during a 24-hour offensive and is seen as a landmark achievement in their campaign against the militant group. The operation, which commenced late Friday night in the rugged Togga Miiraale valley, is part of the third and final phase of…