Schools and state functions in Africa stall in wake of Iran war despite continent’s rich oil resources
Across Africa, from north to south and from east to west, the war waged by the US and Israel on Iran is wreaking havoc, bringing to life the old cliché, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
China’s zero-tariff policy injects new dynamism into Africa’s economic modernisation, says economist
Since December 2024, China has already granted zero-tariff on 100 per cent of tariff lines to 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic ties. This has benefited exports from several key Madagascar sectors, particularly agriculture, fisheries and textiles.
UAE exit from OPEC signals desire for autonomy in an increasingly volatile oil industry
On a larger scale, Jumaa Mohammed, a politics professor at Iraq’s Tikrit University, argues that the OPEC has increasingly struggled to balance the differing production strategies of its members.
When God comes calling: How meeting with Pope touched film celebrity Dolores Hart who ditched Hollywood fame for the serenity of the convent
“In 1957, a 19-year-old actress nobody had heard of was handed the role of love interest to the most electric performer on the planet. Her name was Dolores Hart. His name was Elvis Presley. Filming began on Loving You. On her very first day on set, the director told her...
Banking, insurance and financial services provider Old Mutual Holdings rakes in $6.6m to double its profits
The profit was driven by double-digit growth in asset management and strong performance in life business and represents a two percent increase from Ksh838 million recorded in 2023.
‘Godfather of vaccines’ tries to defend himself eight years later but can’t reset truths
Despite his best efforts, he was not able to put the truths he was forced to admit in that deposition back in the bottle; nor have his efforts succeeded in bullying everyone into injecting without thinking.
Stakeholders in North Rift submit views on Kenya’s draft National Trade Development Bill
Chief Officer for Trade, Industrialisation and Energy in West Pokot County Limakina Joel said the Bill will strengthen trade in historically marginalised regions by providing a clearer legal framework to support service delivery, resource mobilisation and economic growth under devolution.
Thirteen artisanal minors killed, six injured in gold mine collapse in South Sudan
Sudan has sought to boost gold production as a key source of foreign currency since losing three-quarters of its oil revenue following South Sudan’s secession in 2011.
High-speed trains cruising at 200kph derailed and collided, kill at least 40 dead in Spain
The Andalusia region’s President Juan Manuel Moreno said at least 40 people had perished, and emergency crews faced difficulties bringing in the heavy equipment needed to lift the wreckage and reach those still lying beneath it.
PMI: Kenya closes 2025 on positive note as private sector business environment expands
Kenyan firms also reported a strong increase in sales volumes in December. Anecdotal survey reports pointed to several factors enhancing growth, such as improved tourism and demand in general, greater advertising and passing on subdued cost pressures to customers via more affordable prices.
