trade

In a significant stride toward reconciliation and cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures that were taken from the former Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria over a century ago. These remarkable artifacts, widely referred to as the Benin Bronzes, were the spoils of conflict during a turbulent chapter in history; they were seized in 1897 when British forces invaded and subsequently exiled the kingdom's ruler. This return marks not just a physical relocation of art but a profound…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In an unsettling chapter of international diplomacy, two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have finally returned home after enduring over two years of confinement in an Equatorial Guinea prison. Their ordeal stemmed from what the United Nations described as arbitrary and illegal drug charges, raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process in that country. The engineers were apprehended in February 2023 when authorities allegedly discovered illicit substances in their luggage.…

Business leaders and influential figures from across Africa have converged in Luanda, Angola, for the much-anticipated 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit. This significant event is organized by the Corporate Council on Africa and proudly hosted by the Angolan government. Participants range from heads of state representing nations such as Algeria, Botswana, and Ethiopia to policymakers and industry leaders eager to explore new opportunities and forge stronger economic collaborations. Imagine the bustling atmosphere of the…

A recent review conducted by the European Union on Israel's military engagement in Gaza has found the country to be "in breach" of its human rights obligations as stipulated in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This is according to excerpts from the report obtained by RTÉ News. The review was commissioned by Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, who emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical standards in international relations. As Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement highlights, both parties are…

East Africa Fashion Life Show 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Collaboration, and Creativity On June 20, 2025, the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, buzzed with excitement as the much-anticipated second edition of the East Africa Fashion Life Show commenced. This remarkable event, which took place from Thursday to Saturday, attracted over 70 exhibitors hailing from both Kenya and China. It was a vivid showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, diverse cultural expressions, and the ever-evolving fashion landscape in East Africa. As…

U.S.-Africa Business Summit: Bridging Opportunities and Building Relationships The U.S.-Africa Business Summit, orchestrated by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), serves as a crucial platform that unites heads of state from African nations, high-ranking U.S. government officials, business leaders, and development partners. Each gathering invites thoughtful consideration of the intertwined futures of these diverse players. This year's summit arrives at a pivotal moment in history. In the wake of years marked…

The Uplifting Affirmation of Trade Relations: A New Dawn for Nigerian Exports During a recent courtesy visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, reinforced the enduring trade relationship between the UK and Nigeria. The exchange between Montgomery and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, took place in Abuja, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration aimed at boosting Nigeria's export capacity. Both representatives affirmed the significance of the Developing…

In a notable warning, law enforcement officials have called on religious leaders across the nation to refrain from making predictions regarding the outcome of the upcoming presidential election set for September. During a recent assembly aimed at fostering a spirit of peaceful electoral participation, police representatives expressed that such "prophecies" could act as a volatile "recipe for chaos." Superintendent Martin Mwanyongo highlighted a growing concern when he stated, "The authority of the police has been…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…