trade

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered the expulsion of all Belgian diplomats, requiring their departure within 48 hours. This decisive action sparked an immediate reaction from Brussels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” its efforts, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diplomatic fracture appears to stem from a…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has divulged some staggering statistics: 1,319 fatalities attributed to diphtheria have been recorded between epidemiological week 19 of 2022 and week 10 of 2025. These figures raise critical questions about our vaccination efforts and highlight alarming deficiencies in coverage across the nation. In total, there have been at least 42,642 suspected cases spanning 37 states and over 350 local government areas. Out of these, 25,812 have been confirmed, yet 5,470…

The Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, recently expressed that Ireland stands to benefit significantly if the United Kingdom successfully negotiates an advantageous economic deal with the United States. He pointed out that while it’s still "early days" in the discussions about such a deal, he firmly believes that any enhancement to the UK economy would have a positive ripple effect on Ireland. During a press conference, Mr. Martin was queried about Ireland's potential role in the UK-US negotiation process, especially…

The year 2024 has brought remarkable news for Nigeria’s foreign trade sector, which skyrocketed to a whopping ₦138.03 trillion. Imagine an increase of 106.56% from 2023, when the trade value stood at a considerable ₦66.83 trillion. This striking information was shared by none other than the illustrious National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Numbers on a page don’t always paint a full picture, do they? So, what lies behind this surge in trade? Let’s delve into this enigmatic story. Let's explore some fascinating insights.…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

The allure of gold has long dazzled investors; it's the ultimate symbol of wealth and a steadfast safe-haven asset. This year, it has continued to shine, reaching unprecedented highs. But why, you ask, has gold captured so much attention in 2023? On a calm morning at exactly 6:30 a.m. ET, spot gold saw a notable increase of 0.4%, climbing just over the remarkable $3,001 per ounce mark. Such a milestone raises questions about what fuels this glittering rally? Investors are increasingly seeking refuge in…

The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude has unleashed chaos across Southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique, its effects rippled through southern Malawi, leaving behind a trail of destruction characterized by heavy rainfall that inundated 13 districts. As the winds howled and the skies opened up, at least 11,000 individuals found their lives upended. Homes were swept away by relentless torrents, while vital crops that had promised…

Human Rights Watch has called upon Mozambican authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent attack on opposition members in Maputo. This incident unfolded during a significant moment—the signing of a peace accord between President Daniel Chapo and various opposition parties, notably excluding former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who led hundreds in a peaceful march that day. The stark contrast between the peaceful intentions of the demonstrators and the violent response they…