trade

The European Commission has announced that President Ursula von der Leyen and former US President Donald Trump have decided to expedite trade negotiations and maintain frequent communication following a constructive phone conversation last night. In a positive turn of events, Trump mentioned he would suspend his proposed 50% tariffs on the European Union until July 9, describing the call with von der Leyen as "very nice." Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho addressed the media stating, "While we won’t get into the…

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has returned to Ghana after a two-month medical treatment abroad. Her unexpected health issue, surfacing just months after her inauguration alongside President John Mahama, raised considerable speculation about her condition and resilience. The warm welcome she received upon her arrival at the airport was unmistakable. President Mahama was there to greet her, flanked by a cadre of government officials. This reception mirrored the affection and respect she commands across the nation.…

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating food insecurity in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries. As 2024 unfolds, the consequences of heightened violence are becoming increasingly dire. The long-standing conflict has dramatically intensified this year, with M23 rebels capturing key cities such as Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. These developments have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but have also…

The recently released 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries sheds light on a growing concern: Nigerian seaports are rapidly becoming central transit hubs for the importation and re-exportation of counterfeit goods. These goods range from pharmaceuticals and electronics to fashionable apparel. This development raises vital questions about consumer safety, public health, and the overall integrity of international trade. Within the report's findings,…

The European Commission is calling on the United States to approach trade talks with respect rather than intimidation, following President Donald Trump’s proposal for a 50% tariff on EU goods. EU Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič emphasized that the European Union is committed to negotiating a deal beneficial for both parties. He engaged in discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to seek common ground. President Trump’s suggestion of imposing higher tariffs on…

The Douala-N’Djamena Corridor: A Pathway to Prosperity Imagine a bustling marketplace where goods from various nations converge to create a tapestry of culture and commerce. This is the vision underpinning the Douala-N’Djamena corridor, a vital infrastructure project linking Douala, Cameroon’s largest port and economic heart, to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. This corridor is not just a road; it’s a lifeline, facilitating trade and transport across Central Africa, and promising to…

As ECOWAS approaches its golden anniversary, a pressing question looms large: Do the people of West Africa still believe in an organization that was once the bedrock of regional identity and cooperation? In an era where diplomatic ties are being tested, the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States—comprised of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—stands out. This coalition, dominated by military regimes, poses not merely a provocative challenge but a seismic shift in the regional landscape. Sahel researcher Komlan Avoulete,…

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made headlines, casting a decisive vote that stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. This significant move comes amidst serious accusations linking him to the M23 rebel group, which, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in territorial conflicts in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions. In an outcome reflecting a clear majority, 88 senators supported the motion, while a mere five stood in opposition and three abstained. This overwhelming…

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have urgently appealed to lawmakers for increased funding to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak. Currently, four active cases have been confirmed. This request emerged during a recent public hearing, where the House of Representatives invited health officials to shed light on the troubling resurgence of the disease. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the head of NPHIL, emphasized the critical need for resources to enhance the institute's operations and…

At the recent 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, an impressive coalition of world leaders and philanthropic organizations came together, collectively pledging over $170 million to bolster the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO). These contributions are not merely funds; they signify a commitment to global health at a time when it is desperately needed. This financial injection aligns with WHO's ongoing Investment Round, which supports its 14th General Programme of Work. This ambitious initiative aims to save…