trade

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

In a poignant ceremony, Liberia recently conducted a reburial for its former President, William Tolbert, precisely 45 years after his tragic assassination during a coup in 1980. This event served not only as a remembrance but also as a vital chapter in the nation’s complex history, marked by trauma and resilience. To chronicle such a narrative, we must delve deeper. Just ten days following Tolbert's brutal murder, 13 of his Cabinet members were subjected to a summary execution that remains seared into the collective memory…

Namibia has officially embarked on a pivotal journey by launching its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This significant milestone is the culmination of years of commitment and strategic planning, marking a promising chapter for the nation within the broader African trade landscape. As one of the earliest ratifiers of AfCFTA, Namibia has set a precedent. The government's proactive approach culminated in the gazetting of its tariff offer in December 2024, a critical step designed to…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently hailed the remarkable advancement in Mali’s legislative efforts to safeguard the rights of stateless individuals. This new law is not just a piece of legislation; it marks a transformative step toward addressing the complexities of statelessness in the country. By creating a clear pathway to nationality for its citizens, defining what it means to be stateless, and ensuring accessibility to healthcare and education, Mali is sending a powerful message about…

The emergence of kush, a synthetic concoction derived primarily from marshmallow leaves, marks a troubling chapter in West Africa's battle against substance abuse. First surfacing in Sierra Leone during the early 2020s, this alarming trend quickly gained traction, infiltrating neighboring nations such as Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. What drives this rapid proliferation? Is it the ease of production or the allure of a cheap high that beckons many into its addictive embrace? Initially, kush might…

In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his unwavering commitment to his supporters. He recently proclaimed his intention to contest against President Bola Tinubu once more in the upcoming 2027 election. Such announcements stir a mixture of hope and skepticism among the populace. Could Obi’s steadfastness transform Nigeria’s political narrative? While some might regard his promise as mere rhetoric, others see a glimmer of possibility in his…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

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…

In a significant legal setback, the African Union Court on Human and Peoples' Rights has dismissed a petition from former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex-prime minister Guillaume Soro. They sought to annul a ban preventing them from participating in Côte d’Ivoire's imminent election, a crucial political event. Both Gbagbo and Soro contended that the Ivoirian judicial system infringed upon their rights, a claim that they believed warranted the court’s urgent attention. However, the court’s ruling on Thursday underscored a…

On June 27, a momentous event is set to unfold: the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will ink a peace agreement that could redefine the trajectory of their enduring conflict. This accord is not merely a piece of paperwork; it symbolizes hope emerging from years of turmoil marked by violence and loss. The stark reality of the region’s past cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, armed conflict has wreaked havoc, resulting in unimaginable suffering. The forthcoming agreement explicitly…