tax

Robust Security Operations in Jubbaland State: A Community Effort In the vibrant and complex landscape of Kismayo, a significant operation unfolded recently, aiming to reclaim peace for local farmers burdened by unlawful taxation. The Jubbaland State Police Force executed a well-coordinated operation in the picturesque Jammaame district along the riverbanks of the Lower Juba region. This operation targeted sites exploited by the Al-Shabaab group, which has long been a thorn in the side of the local populace. Imagine the…

Tragic Violence in Garowe: A Call for Accountability Garowe (AX) — A deep sense of sorrow and alarm has enveloped Garowe following a tragic incident on Monday, during which two local government tax officials lost their lives. Three others were left with serious injuries after a Northeastern State security officer unleashed gunfire on a Brobax vehicle in which they were boarding. What could lead someone to turn to violence so swiftly? This question resonates deeply, underscoring the urgency of evaluating our approach to…

Remittances to Somalia represent a lifeline in a landscape marred by challenges. In 2023, the Somali diaspora generously sent approximately $1.73 billion back home, a staggering figure that surpasses the total of all development and humanitarian aid received. This essential flow of funds is crucial—it’s estimated that these remittances account for between 30% and 50% of Somalia's GDP. Families depend on this support for their basic needs, including food, education, healthcare, and even access to clean water. However, as we…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken a firm stance against the recently imposed 30% tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump. He characterizes this decision as a "unilateral" action that lacks solid backing from trade data. Announced to take effect on August 1, this tariff highlights a peculiar dynamic, as South Africa is the only sub-Saharan nation singled out in Trump's proclamation. This distinction underscores a complicated and often strained relationship between the two leaders. In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa, Trump…

In a recent announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared an end to trade negotiations with Canada, a move he labeled as a response to new taxes affecting U.S. tech companies. He indicated that Ottawa would be informed of the updated tariff rates within a week. President Trump was specifically addressing Canada's digital services tax, which was introduced last year and is projected to generate approximately Can$5.9 billion (US$4.2 billion) over the next five years. As noted by the Computer & Communications…

On a recent Monday, Judge Issa Aguibou Diallo made a pivotal ruling that has shifted the course of one of Africa's most precious mining assets. He instructed that Zoumana Makadji, a chartered accountant and former Malian Minister of Health, be appointed as a provisional administrator within 15 days. This critical move effectively places operational control of the mine into the hands of an external authority, prompting questions about the future of this vital resource. Dispute Over Taxation…

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives has passed a significant tax relief and spending cuts bill championed by President Donald Trump. Critics have raised concerns that it could severely impact healthcare while significantly increasing the national debt. This legislation, which now heads to the Senate, reflects Trump's vision for a new "Golden Age." It proposes to scale back social safety net programs to facilitate a ten-year extension of the tax cuts initiated in 2017. In a post on Truth Social, Trump…

Indonesia’s recent announcement to raise its export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) from 7.5% to 10% is stirring ripples across global markets. While this change is significant for many countries worldwide, the ramifications are particularly acute for Africa, which heavily relies on palm oil imports from Southeast Asia. For many African nations, the news of this new levy, set to take effect on May 17, 2025, poses a troubling scenario: heightened import costs. It’s a reality that can significantly affect local economies and…

Recent analysis paints a sobering picture for policy makers in Ghana. Projected reforms aimed at alleviating the financial stress on its populace and businesses are estimated to drain the nation's coffers, leading to a revenue loss somewhere between GH¢5.5 billion and GH¢7.1 billion. But what does this mean for the nation's economic blackboard? While many acknowledge potential advantages in the short term, such as tax reductions on pivotal goods and services for low-income households, Professor Boadi,…

Today, the Australian government has unveiled a series of new tax cuts and additional cost-of-living assistance, aiming to reconnect with dissatisfied voters while taking a bold step that will shift the budget back into deficit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's administration is gearing up for a crucial May election, currently finding itself in a tightly contested race against the conservative Coalition opposition. The stakes are high, and according to Albanese, “We must address the immediate concerns of everyday…