Nation

Understanding the Complex Landscape of South Sudan's Debt Crisis In a significant legal development, a petition has been filed in a U.S. court in Washington, D.C., stemming from South Sudan's failure to repay a staggering $700 million loan obtained from Qatar during one of its most tumultuous periods, the civil war. With accrued interest and penalties, this debt has now surged beyond the billion-dollar mark, raising pressing questions about fiscal responsibility and the implications of sovereign debt crises.…

The arrival of Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, in Guinea-Bissau marks a significant milestone for digital connectivity in the country. This is particularly noteworthy as it represents the seventh such launch across West Africa. It’s not just a technological advance; it’s a step toward building a more informed, connected society. Back in April, Guinea-Bissau’s National Regulatory Authority for Information and Communication Technologies (ARN-TIC) gave the green light for Starlink to commence…

The Ripple Effects of Conflict: Egypt's Economic Struggles Amidst Regional Turmoil The current geopolitical climate between Iran and Israel has escalated tensions, with repercussions that extend far beyond their borders. At the center of this turmoil, Egypt finds itself in a precarious position, facing immediate economic challenges that are impossible to ignore. The instability in the region has reverberated through various markets, hitting Egypt's banking industry hard. Sadly, this was no surprise given the country's…

Tune in to Dateline's latest episode from the Netherlands on June 17 at 9:30 PM on SBS and SBS On Demand. This week, we delve deep into the life of Haruun Yussuf Sharif, a man walking the challenging streets of Immerloo, one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Netherlands. In the eastern city of Arnhem, where drug-related crime rates soar—nearly double the national average—Haruun's story offers a lens into the heart of a multicultural community grappling with the grim realities of organized crime. In this pressing…

The World Bank has made a significant commitment to South Africa by approving a loan of $1.5 billion aimed at supporting crucial structural reforms. This initiative is not merely a financial transaction; it is a binding promise to rejuvenate the nation’s infrastructure while simultaneously catalyzing economic growth. According to Bloomberg, the focus of this funding is multifaceted. The World Bank recognizes the pressing need to address challenges such as sluggish growth rates and an alarmingly high unemployment rate.…

Ethiopia’s Ambitious Naval Development: A New Dawn on the Horizon In what can only be described as a significant leap toward maritime capability, Ethiopia’s naval facility in the Janmeda area of Addis Ababa is reportedly nearing its completion. According to recent reports from Sputnik Africa, the project is an impressive 95% finished. But what does this mean for a landlocked country that hasn’t laid claim to a coastline since 1993? Let’s delve deeper. This sprawling 3-hectare site…

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Somalia is set to receive T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey. This development stems from a defense agreement signed earlier this year, which has garnered attention from policymakers and analysts alike. How will these helicopters play into Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab? The implications of this deal could be profound, as it represents not just a procurement of equipment but a step towards bolstering Somalia’s…

Nearly half of South Africa's refining capacity lies dormant, a staggering statistic that highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the nation's energy sector. In just five years, South Africa's refining capacity has been slashed by 50%, a decline attributed to a complex mix of accidents and a desperate lack of investment. At times, the magnitude of these figures can be overwhelming, but what does this really mean for the everyday South African? According to Transnet SOC Ltd., the state-owned logistics firm,…

Chad's Promising Path: An Overview of Recent Developments In May 2025, significant negotiations unfolded in N’Djamena, culminating in an agreement that now awaits the approval of the IMF Executive Board. This critical step relies not only on securing the necessary financing assurances but also on the backing of a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering Chad's long-term economic growth and stability. At the heart of this strategic vision lies Chad’s Vision 2030 framework, a blueprint intended to transform the nation into an…

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…