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US President Donald Trump has announced plans to discuss potential resolutions for the ongoing Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call scheduled for Monday. During a recent trip to the Gulf, Mr. Trump had extended an invitation to meet in Turkey, contingent upon Mr. Putin's attendance. However, the Russian leader declined the offer. The US president has been actively urging both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a ceasefire agreement in the protracted…

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun rises over Baghdad, anticipation is palpable. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is gearing up to attend the esteemed 34th Arab League Summit this Saturday. This summit, taking place in Iraq’s capital for the first time in over a decade, is themed "Dialogue, Solidarity and Development," a phrase that resonates on multiple levels in today’s geopolitical landscape. The importance of this summit cannot be overstated. In a world rife with conflict and uncertainty, the commitment to address…

Countdown to the 34th Arab League Summit: Focus on Unity and Resolution This Saturday marks a pivotal moment for the Arab world as foreign ministers gather in Baghdad for the 34th Arab League Summit. In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, the theme of this summit—“Dialogue, Solidarity, and Development”—serves as a timely reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of a united front. Iraqi government spokesperson, Bassem al-Awadi, elaborated on the summit agenda, which places the Palestinian cause at…

Gold Fields Expands Its Footprint: A Bold Move to Acquire Gold Road Resources In a significant development within the mining sector, South Africa's Gold Fields, through its subsidiary Gruyere Holdings, has unveiled plans to acquire Gold Road Resources in a deal valued at a staggering A$3.7 billion (approximately US$2.39 billion). The announcement, which emerged on a bustling Monday morning, is more than just a mere transaction; it represents a strategic pivot in the intricate landscape of the gold mining industry,…

Somalia and Türkiye's Hydrocarbon Partnership: A New Beginning In a remarkable moment for Somalia's natural resources landscape, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has expressed deep enthusiasm about the country's budding partnership with Türkiye. This collaboration, heralded as a “timely boost,” aims to unlock Somalia’s significant yet largely untapped natural resources. During the İstanbul Natural Resources Summit: INRES 2025—an esteemed gathering that convened policymakers, industry…

Exploring E-Commerce Niches on the Rise in 2025 As we step into a new era of technology and consumer behavior, the landscape of e-commerce continues to evolve. With a projected market size exceeding $6.56 trillion, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for online businesses. What’s Fueling E-commerce Growth in 2025? The rapid expansion of online shopping can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the sheer convenience of shopping from the comfort of one's home cannot be understated. With just a few clicks, customers…

The world has been watching as vital health funds have faced interruptions, particularly in Africa, due to the turbulent political landscape in the United States following Donald Trump's election. This decision has put essential services at risk, leaving many vulnerable populations in dire straits. The chaos within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a focal point of growing concern, and the stakes couldn't be higher. A recent report sheds light on the ramifications…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

The impact of a high GDP growth rate on any economy is profound and far-reaching. It’s not just about numbers; it's about the real lives transformed by this growth. So, what does it truly mean for a nation and its citizens when the GDP begins to rise? For starters, a positive GDP growth usually signals a surge in job opportunities. Picture this: businesses are buzzing with activity, and the demand for their products and services swells spectacularly. To keep up, they begin hiring. This leads to increased…

Just one week ago, Pope Francis graced St. Peter's Square, leading many to believe his health was stabilizing, if not improving. However, within hours, the world learned that his heartfelt welcoming of pilgrims this Easter Sunday during a Jubilee Year would mark one of his final public appearances. In the days that followed, Rome bid farewell to its pope and bishop through a lying-in-state and a funeral that, while more intimate than previous papal farewells, nonetheless became a significant international event. As…