Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 18 February 2025

[Bulls n Bears]

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Major International Business Headlines Brief:::  18 February 2025 

 


 


 


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ü  Nigeria: Cardoso Urges Stronger Economic Ties With Middle East

ü  Nigeria: Federal Govt Needs Alternative Funding to Maintain 35,000km Road
Networks - Minister

ü  South Africa: L20 Launch in Gqeberha Sets the Stage for Workers' Agenda
in the G20

ü  Nigeria: Govt Wants Liberalised Visa Policies for Nigerian Businesses

ü  Nigeria: Concerns As Cyber Threats, Attacks Soar in Banking, Education
Sectors

ü  Nigeria: Bolstered By AfDB's $1bn Support, Nigeria to See Improved Power
Generation in 2025 - Report

ü  Africa: AU Endorses Nigeria As AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion

ü  Africa: Slow Uptake of Digital Tools Hampers Breakthroughs for African
Healthcare

ü  East Africa Poised for Fastest Economic Growth in Region - AfDB Report

ü  Tunisia: President Kais Saied Stresses Need to Reschedule Debts Owed By
Subscribers of Steg and Sonede

ü  Nigeria: Electricity - Senate Panel Meets South Korean Firm, Explores
Coconut for Alternative Power

ü  Nigeria: APC Determined to Take Over Enugu in 2027, Says Minister

ü  Hundreds fired at aviation safety agency, union says

ü  Meta plans globe-spanning sub-sea internet cable

 


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Nigeria: Cardoso Urges Stronger Economic Ties With Middle East

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has canvassed
stronger economic ties with the Middle East and the Nigerian diaspora
community in the region.

 

Speaking during a meeting with the assistant governor for monetary affairs,
Saudi Arabia Central Bank, Talal Al-Humond, on the sideline of the
just-concluded inaugural Conference on Emerging Markets Economies organised
by the ministry of finance, Saudi Arabia, and the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) regional office in Riyadh, Cardoso said there were lessons to be
learned from Saudi Arabia in terms of infrastructural development and
tourism.

 

 

According to a statement that was issued by the CBN on Monday, Cardoso said
Saudi Arabia's dedication to diversifying its economy through innovative
environmental projects, large-scale transformation, and tourism investment
is essential for development.

 

Cardoso also reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with the Nigerian
Diaspora community in the Middle East to improve remittance flows and
strengthen Nigeria's financial sector. He stated that the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN) will continue enhancing macroeconomic fundamentals to
establish an enabling environment that will facilitate the growth of the
private sector and the generation of high-quality jobs for Nigerians.

 

Responding, Talal Al-Humond assured Cardoso that the Saudi Central Bank will
work with the CBN to ensure the attainment of mutually beneficial
objectives.

 

Meanwhile, during a panel discussion moderated by the director, middle east
and central Asia department, IMF, Jihad Azour, at the conference, Mr.
Cardoso cited reforms in the financial markets that addressed distortions in
the Nigerian foreign exchange market, which had previously experienced a gap
of up to 60 per cent between the official and parallel market exchange
rates.

 

He noted that due to consistent policy direction, improved market
confidence, and enhanced transparency in forex trading, the gap has
significantly narrowed to approximately 4-5 per cent.

 

Governor Cardoso also highlighted the adoption of an electronic matching
system to improve transparency in the market and the introduction of a
foreign exchange code of ethics, which all Nigerian banks signed to ensure
adherence to market rules.

 

As a result of these measures, he reported that the country's foreign
reserves had exceeded $40 billion, marking the highest level in nearly three
years.

 

He acknowledged that Nigeria had faced significant economic challenges,
including capital flow exits, multiple exchange rate regimes, currency
depreciation, high inflation, and a backlog of foreign exchange
transactions, which led to a loss of confidence in the country's currency.

 

Upon assuming office, he stated that his team prioritised restoring
confidence in the market by addressing the backlog of foreign exchange
transactions and demonstrating a commitment to economic stability.

 

Cardoso emphasised that Nigeria implemented a tight monetary policy stance
to tackle inflation and restore macroeconomic discipline. Over the past
year, he explained that the Bank raised interest rates by 850 basis points
and shifted away from quasi-fiscal interventions that had distorted the
economy. He stressed that Nigeria's approach had remained firmly rooted in
orthodox monetary policies, a stance that was consistently communicated to
market participants.

 

Another significant reform, he noted, was the removal of the fuel subsidy,
which, along with multiple exchange rate inefficiencies, had cost the
country approximately six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
annually. He acknowledged that previous administrations had lacked the
political will to remove the subsidy, but its elimination has had a profound
positive impact on Nigeria's fiscal outlook.

 

On financial sector reforms, he explained that the CBN had mandated banks to
recapitalise to strengthen the financial system and build buffers to
withstand future economic shocks. He noted that these measures had so far
proven successful in bolstering the sector.

 

Addressing the broader global economic climate, he emphasised the importance
of tailoring policy decisions to each economy's unique needs. He recounted
how Nigeria continued to tighten monetary policy even when global trends
suggested otherwise. Despite the initial skepticism , he noted that a year
later, many financial practitioners and international colleagues recognised
that Nigeria had made the right decisions based on its specific economic
conditions.

 

Speaking on the actions required to enhance financial inclusion and the role
of digitalisation and financial technology in mitigating potential risks,
the governor referenced Nigeria's experience, where the financial inclusion
rate currently stands at 74 per cent.

 

He stressed the critical need to expand this aggressively to ensure that
economic growth benefits all segments of society. As the economy rebounds,
he emphasised reducing disparities and ensuring broad-based financial
access.

 

Highlighting digitalisation as a key driver in advancing financial
inclusion, he stated that expanding mobile money services, leveraging
technology and prioritising gender-focused initiatives due to the positive
economic impact of empowering women across the African continent would
significantly close the financial access gap, particularly for underserved
populations.

 

He reaffirmed the CBN's commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability,
sustaining policy consistency, and ensuring long-term resilience for the
Nigerian economy.

 

The two-day event, which served as a key platform for addressing structural
changes in the global economy and their impact on emerging markets, brought
together policymakers and economic experts from across emerging markets. It
was held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, from February 16 to 17, 2025.

 

Leadership.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Federal Govt Needs Alternative Funding to Maintain 35,000km Road
Networks - Minister

The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has disclosed that
the over 35,000 kilometres of the Federal Government road network across
Nigeria could not be funded through annual budgets alone, hence the need to
source for alternative funding outside the government's coffers.

 

Goronyo stated this on on Monday while addressing the Management and staff
of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kogi State Field Office at
Lokoja during a maiden visit alongside its MD/CEO, Engr. Chukwumeka Agbasi.

 

The Minister, in a statement by the Director Information of the Ministry,
Mohammed Ahmed, said: "About 35,000 kilometres of roads cannot be funded and
maintained overnight. We have to look for alternative sources of funding so
that we can continue to maintain our physical assets, which are the roads.
We have to create new ways of funding and new alternatives."

 

 

He assured that the federal government was focused on ensuring that projects
are completed in a timely and efficient manner with robust oversight and
contractors' compliance.

 

He added: "I am calling on all of you to support us to ensure that President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu succeeds in his mandate to deliver on the 8-point Renewed
Hope Agenda. We must put Nigeria first before our interests. Let us fix our
roads, we must think positively."

 

Goronyo reaffirmed that President Tinubu's administration was determined to
fix all the roads to ensure a drastic reduction in the level of
unemployment, rate of crimes, and insecurity.

 

According to him, "Let me commend President Tinubu, GCFR for his
determination. I have never seen a President so committed to sustaining
physical assets nationwide. The administration gives priority to various
road projects scattered across the country. This shows that he is a
patriotic Nigerian. He is undertaking these projects so that our economy can
be improved, and the rate of unemployment, poverty, and crimes will be
reduced. We are seeing the Super Highways from Ilelah to Sokoto to Badagry
and another from Lagos to Calabar."

 

Goronyo, who commended the staff of FERMA for their resilience and hard work
over the years, noted that despite insecurity, and inadequate funding,
Nigerians have been commending them for their excellent work.

 

He urged them to bear with the Ministry of Works over their entitlements,
disclosing that their requests for adjustment and increment in consequential
salaries have been forwarded to the Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission
for consideration and approval.

 

Earlier, the MD/CEO of FERMA, Engineer Chukwumeka Agbasi, commended the
Ministry of Works for its determination to ensure that the 8-point agenda of
President Tinubu was realised, especially road projects across the country.

 

He informed the agency staff that before the end of the year, there would be
an increment in their salaries and he appealed to them to continue to
support and partner with the Ministry to achieve their targeted goals.

 

In his remarks, Engineer Muktar Abdurahim, the officer in charge of the Kogi
Field Office of FERMA, informed the Minister that the office has 37 staff
comprising 25 permanent and 12 casual workers. He disclosed that Kogi State
has16 federal roads with a total of 1,263 kilometres, emphasising that the
2024 nationwide flood incident did not affect any of the roads in the state.

 

Engr. Abdulrahim revealed that out of six roads under construction in the
state, five have been successfully executed, while one was at 60% completion
stage. He informed the Ministerthat they were facing challenges such as
insecurity, and hyperinflation on the cost of construction materials,
amongst others.

 

Furthermore, the Director, North-Central Zone I, Engr Omotayo Awodun,
commended the Federal Government's commitment to fixing all the federal
roads across Nigeria, especially those in his zone, he also applauded the
leadership style of the Minister of Works for his innovation, where new
techniques and stricter supervision were being enforced.

 

Leadership.

 

 

 

 

South Africa: L20 Launch in Gqeberha Sets the Stage for Workers' Agenda in
the G20

The Labour 20 (L20) was successfully launched in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on
17 February, marking a pivotal moment for workers in South Africa, Africa,
and the Global South. Co-hosted by the Congress of South African Trade
Unions (COSATU), the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), the
National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU), and the South African Federation
of Trade Unions (SAFTU), the launch set the stage for the upcoming L20
Summit, scheduled to take place from 18 to 19 February.

 

As the official labour engagement group within the G20 framework, the L20
seeks to ensure that workers' interests remain central to global economic
discussions. Under the theme "Living and Working in an Unequal World:
Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives," the L20 is advancing an agenda that
prioritises inclusive growth, youth development, gender equality in the
workforce, the declining labour income share, and the challenges posed by
digitalisation and platform work.

 

During the launch, speakers addressed key issues, including:

 

South Africa's Ambitions for the G20 Presidency - A discussion on how South
Africa is leveraging its leadership to advocate for a progressive workers'
agenda.

 

L20 Priorities for the G20 in 2025 - An outline of the L20's key demands and
strategies to ensure that workers' issues remain central to G20
decision-making.

 

The Role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the G20 - An
exploration of the ILO's role in safeguarding workers' rights and promoting
social justice within the G20.

 

The Role of Labour in the G20 Presidency - A critical discussion on how
organised labour is influencing South Africa's leadership within the G20.

 

The Relevance of the G20 to the African Continent - An in-depth examination
of Africa's place in the G20 and strategies to ensure that the continent's
development remains a global priority.

 

Speaking on the significance of South Africa's G20 presidency for the
African continent, ITUC Africa President Martha Molema stated: "The G20 must
not be an exclusive club that overlooks entire regions but must champion
solutions that account for diverse voices and leave no one behind."

 

As part of the G20, which represents 85% of the global economy and 67% of
the world's population, South Africa has a responsibility to champion a
pro-worker agenda that places Africa's development at the centre of global
economic reforms. Organised labour is demanding accountability for past
commitments on collective bargaining, social protection, job security, and
inclusive economic growth.

 

The L20 launch served as a bold assertion that workers' voices must not be
sidelined in global economic governance. The federations reiterated their
collective call for the transformation of multilateral institutions, debt
justice, fair taxation, and binding agreements to ensure that commitments
made during South Africa's presidency result in tangible, long-term benefits
for workers.

 

With the launch now concluded, momentum is building for the L20 Summit,
where organised labour will further solidify its positions and demands. The
stakes are high, and workers' voices must extend beyond conference
discussions into actionable policies that drive real change. Organised
labour remains resolute in ensuring that South Africa's G20 presidency
serves as a transformative platform for workers worldwide.

 

Issued by COSATU

 

COSATU.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Govt Wants Liberalised Visa Policies for Nigerian Businesses

Abuja — President Bola Tinubu has called for more liberal visa policies to
support Nigerian businesses seeking to expand globally.

 

His call came barely days after the Chief of Defence Staff, General
Christopher Musa, was denied a visa by the Canadian government to travel for
the Invictus Games for wounded soldiers in action in Vancouver.

 

The President, who made the call on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary
Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, weekend, noted that Nigeria had continued to create
favourable environment for foreign companies to operate within its borders.

 

 

Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation,
Mohammed Idris, Tinubu said it was only unfair for other nations to
reciprocate by easing visa requirements for Nigerian businesses looking to
establish themselves abroad.

 

The minister in a statement by media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, yesterday, shared
his experience from Indonesia where he observed that while more than 50
Indonesian companies operate in Nigeria, fewer than five Nigerian companies
were present in Indonesia.

 

He stressed that such reciprocal arrangements needed to include simplified
visa processes for Nigerian companies and their representatives.

 

Idris said: "Last year, I was representing Nigeria in Indonesia and found
out that about 50 big Indonesian companies are operating in Nigeria but we
do not have five Nigerian companies operating in Indonesia.

 

"If they want to come to our country to trade because of our population and
ability to purchase their goods and services, then there should also be that
reciprocal arrangement where Nigerians are also given the rightful place;
and the visa issue is the same problem you find in Ethiopia and Indonesia.
It becomes very complex for people to give Nigerians visas."

 

Idris also addressed concerns raised by the Nigerian community in Ethiopia
about the Ethiopian government's recent cancellation of the e-visa and
Visa-on-Arrival options for Nigerian travellers.

 

"Every relationship with other countries is reciprocal. So if we give them
Visa-on-Arrival, there is no reason they should not give us
Visa-on-Arrival," he said.

 

He assured them that the issue would be escalated to the minister of foreign
affairs for appropriate diplomatic intervention.

 

Idris explained that visa policies between countries were typically based on
reciprocity, and called for balanced visa arrangements to foster better
international relations and business opportunities.

 

He encouraged Nigerians living abroad to represent their country with
dignity and responsibility, stressing that their conduct played a
significant role in shaping how Nigeria was perceived internationally.

 

The minister advised: "We do not allow bad people to represent us and that's
where you come in. You are the ones who are here and if you don't represent
us well, there is no way we will look good.

 

"The visit of the President to Ethiopia from time to time or the visit of
any minister here cannot do it. It is those who are here and living with
them that can change whatever perception they have about our country."

 

He also shared updates on the progress of the Tinubu administration,
highlighting several key achievements, including efforts to revitalise the
economy, improve infrastructure, address security challenges and restore
investor confidence.

 

He noted that Nigeria recently secured $1.07billion in foreign direct
investments, FDIs, for the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing
industries.

 

Idris stated further that under the government's Student Loan Scheme, over
N32billion had been disbursed in less than 250 days to support students in
need of financial assistance.

 

He added that the government had also made significant strides in security,
with Nigerian forces neutralizing 8,000 terrorists and bandits in 2024,
rescuing 8,000 kidnapped victims and making over 11,600 arrests.

 

The minister highlighted improvements in security along the Kaduna-Abuja
expressway which, according to him, is now cleared of criminal activities.

 

The President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Muideen Alimi, shared
plans to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, to
organise a workshop focused on enhancing economic development through
intra-African trade.

 

He also urged the federal government to support the establishment of an
African Central Bank and strengthen its presence in the African Remittance
Agency.

 

Vanguard.

 

 

 

Nigeria: Concerns As Cyber Threats, Attacks Soar in Banking, Education
Sectors

Nigeria's critical sectors, including banking, education, and government
sectors, are facing an increasing wave of cyber-attacks, with the country
climbing to 11th place among Africa's most targeted nations, according to a
report, raising concerns about safety of confidential information, finances
and personal data of individuals.

 

The report by Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.'s Global Threat Index
for January 2025 highlighted a surge in cyber threats across Africa, with
Nigeria's cyber threat risk ranking 11th among African countries in January
2025, up from 14th in August 2024.

 

Eight African countries were listed in the top 20 most attacked in the
Global Threat Index for January 2025.

 

 

According to the report, Artificial Intelligence is being leveraged by cyber
criminals to automate, scale their tactics, and enhance their capabilities.

 

In 2024, Nigeria was considered one of the most vulnerable to attacks in
Africa.

 

The federal government issued at least 33 cyberattack advisories in the past
year, the highest number on record.

 

Banking Sector

 

The banking and financial sector in Nigeria faces approximately 4,718
attacks weekly.

 

In one incident, a banking trojan attack compromised 100,000 customer
accounts, resulting in $3 million losses.

 

Cybercrime cost Nigeria $706 million in 2022, with banks alone losing N8
billion.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had to freeze over 300
bank accounts to protect the naira from further cyberattacks.

 

Digital asset scams and AI-powered attacks are major threats.

 

Technical glitches in the banking sector, resulting from system migrations
and upgrades, have raised concerns about potential cyberattacks exploiting
vulnerabilities.

 

Education Sector

 

Education is one of the most attacked industries.

 

Ethiopia remains the most attacked country, while other African nations,
including Zimbabwe, Angola, and Uganda, also feature among the top 20 most
targeted globally.

 

In Nigeria, the education and government sectors have also emerged as prime
targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in digital
infrastructure. FakeUpdates, a persistent malware threat, continues to
dominate the cyber landscape, while attackers increasingly leverage
artificial intelligence to automate and scale their operations.

 

The vice president of Research at Check Point Software, Maya Horowitz,
warned that traditional cybersecurity defences are no longer sufficient,
urging organisations to adopt AI-driven security strategies to stay ahead of
evolving threats.

 

"AI is transforming the cyber threat landscape, with cyber criminals rapidly
evolving their methods, leveraging AI to automate and scale their tactics
and enhance their capabilities. To effectively combat these threats,
organisations must move beyond traditional defences and adopt proactive,
adaptive AI-powered security measures that anticipate emerging risks,"
Horowitz stated.

 

Leadership.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Bolstered By AfDB's $1bn Support, Nigeria to See Improved Power
Generation in 2025 - Report

Nigeria will likely experience improved power supply in 2025, bolstered by
several factors, including the planned $1 billion support by the African
Development Bank (AfDB), a new report on the electricity sector by Olaniwun
Ajayi has stated.

 

In its 2024 power wrap-up and 2025 outlook, the company stated that 2025
will likely see increased power generation through continued investments and
partnerships.

 

Progress aside, the report stated that a number of hurdles will also have to
be crossed by the sector, including surmounting the gas supply challenge as
well as distribution inefficiencies, which had hobbled the growth of the
sector.

 

 

The report said, "In 2025, Nigeria's power sector will likely experience a
duality of progress and hurdles. While advancements in generation, grid
infrastructure, and regulatory reforms offer optimism, persistent challenges
around gas supply, distribution inefficiencies, and funding limitations will
need to be addressed for sustained growth."

 

The report said Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and other
initiatives, particularly in renewables were projected to yield higher
capacity, with solar positioned for growth as Nigeria pursues its Renewable
Energy Master Plan (REMP).

 

According to the report, "This shift toward renewables could be bolstered by
collaborative projects like the African Development Bank's planned $1
billion support and USAID's pledged funding for clean energy, expected to
drive investments in solar hybrid mini-grids and standalone systems,
especially in underserved rural areas.

 

"As a result of these developments, Nigeria presents a compelling investment
opportunity for both domestic and international investors which will
increase generation capacity, improve transmission and distribution
infrastructure, and enhance overall system reliability."

 

Olaniwun Ajayi said infrastructure improvements were anticipated through
large-scale investment in transmission and distribution networks, notably,
the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of kilometres of
transmission lines, which were expected to enhance the efficiency and reach
of the national grid, reducing losses and boosting reliability.

 

The company said, "The new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
system, unveiled in 2024, promises to bring improved grid stability and
management in 2025, contributing to a more resilient energy system.

 

"Nigeria's continued engagement with the West African Power Pool (WAPP)
reflects a strategic effort to integrate the national grid into regional
energy systems, facilitating cross-border electricity trade.

 

"This integration not only enables more balanced power distribution but also
positions Nigeria as a key player in regional energy stability. The North
Core Project under the WAPP is expected to be completed by 2025 and bring
power to schools, clinics and businesses in Nigeria."

 

The report said the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System
Operator (NISO), expected to be completed by early 2025, marked a
significant step towards a decentralised electricity market.

 

By transferring system and market operation functions from the Transmission
Company of Nigeria (TCN) to NISO, the report said Nigeria will potentially
see enhanced efficiency in system operations, with a focus on generation
scheduling, transmission management, and market regulation.

 

It said, "In 2025, decentralisation is anticipated to make energy access
more inclusive, especially in rural and underserved areas. States with
established markets are expected to create targeted incentives to attract
private investment, expand renewable energy projects.

 

"The state-level control over electricity markets will be key in making
electricity more accessible and affordable for Nigerian communities, thereby
boosting economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life.

 

"By establishing independent power markets, states can implement tailored
policies, streamline regulatory processes, and incentivise the development
of localised power generation and distribution solutions. This decentralised
approach has the potential to accelerate rural electrification, stimulate
economic growth, and empower communities."

 

According to the report, the potential unbundling of the Nigerian Bulk
Electricity Trader (NBET) will lead to a more mature, competitive
electricity market in Nigeria, enabling direct, bilateral trading between
Generation Companies (Gencos) and Distribution Companies (Discos), thereby
allowing for transparency in electricity pricing.

 

It said, "The market driven approach is expected to incentivise investments
in power generation, as Gencos will have the ability to negotiate rates that
reflect actual supply and demand dynamics.

 

"For the power sector, unbundling of NBET means more stable revenue streams,
reduced dependency on government subsidies, and a financially healthier
environment for growth."

 

Meanwhile, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday inaugurated a
550kwp interconnected mini-grid in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities in
Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State.

 

At the event, Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, stressed that the
initiative will not only provide power for the residents of the communities,
but also give them access to reliable, clean energy to power their homes and
businesses.

 

Aliyu stated that the commissioning was part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid
Accelerated Scheme (IMAS), which was established to accelerate the
development of Nigeria's mini-grid market and provide clean, renewable
energy to underserved communities.

 

Through the scheme, he said the agency aimed to reach 125,000 beneficiaries
across Nigeria, across the six geopolitical regions, with the collaboration
of development partners, including German Cooperation, European Union (EU),
and GIZ.

 

According to him, the implementation and scaling of mini-grids across the
country will also help to tackle energy poverty, improve the standard of
living, and support socio-economic growth.

 

With Bakin Ciyawa having a 390 kwp system, and Kwande, a 160 kwp out of the
550 kwp, Aliyu, who was represented by Executive Director, Rural
Electrification Fund (REF), Doris Uboh, explained that together, these
systems will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 3,500
households and countless Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

 

He said the reliable electricity will unlock new economic opportunities,
support local businesses, and improve access to key services such as
education and healthcare.

 

Aliyu stated, "The socio-economic impact of these projects is already being
felt and will continue to grow. Access to reliable energy is crucial for
businesses to thrive, particularly MSMEs in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande.

 

"With consistent power, local businesses will be able to reduce operational
costs, extend working hours, and improve productivity, resulting in an
overall boost to the local economy.

 

"In terms of sustainability, we are committed to ensuring that these systems
are not only operational today but continue to serve the communities well
into the future. For this, we urge the residents to take ownership and
safeguard the infrastructure by protecting it from vandalism and energy
theft.

 

"Ensuring that the pay-as-you-go payment model and other feasible payment
schemes are embraced will provide the funds necessary for ongoing
maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades, the REA will continue to monitor
and support the maintenance and optimisation of these mini-grids to ensure
their long-term sustainability."

 

Aliyu added, "Together with our Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)
partner, we will ensure that the systems remain effective and continue to
serve the communities for years to come."

 

He stated that one of the most profound benefits of the solar mini-grids was
the impact on the environment, stating that by replacing traditional fossil
fuel-based energy sources, such as diesel generators and kerosene, the
mini-grids are significantly reducing carbon emissions.

 

The mini-grid is expected to reduce an estimated 600 tons of CO2 emissions
annually, equivalent to taking approximately 130 cars off the road or
planting about 15,000 trees each year.

 

Aliyu said the reductions were crucial in mitigating climate change and
moving towards a greener future for Nigeria. He explained that the shift to
solar energy will help align with global sustainability targets, such as the
Paris Agreement.

 

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture
and Tourism, Corlenus Doeyok, pledged to continually seek partnership with
private organisations to give people the people of Plateau State good
governance.

 

"We want to thank the German government, the European Union, the federal
government, through the Ministry of Power, for all the support they've been
giving to Plateau State," Mutfwang stated.

 

He highlighted Plaleateu State's Ease of Doing Business environment,
stressing that the state will continue to support businesses.

 

Community Head, Hubert Isa, described the launch of the power project as a
momentous occasion. Isa said it was proof that the federal government had
not forgotten the rural areas.

 

"The promise of providing electricity to underserved communities is now
becoming a reality. This project gives us hope, and it signifies that
development is on its way to our doors," he added.

 

This Day.

 

 

 

Africa: AU Endorses Nigeria As AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion

The African Union (AU) has endorsed Nigeria as the Digital Trade Champion
for the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA)
Digital Trade protocol, following the impressive record of the Federal
Government in promoting digital enterprise and innovation.

 

The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government,
which ended on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognised Nigeria's
proactive role in advancing the implementation of the digital trade protocol
adopted in February, 2024.

 

According to a statement issued yesterday, by presidential spokesperson,
Bayo Onanuga, the protocol features an agenda to develop eight annexes
covering critical areas, including rules of origin, digital identities,
cross-border data transfers, legitimate and legal public interest reasons
for disclosing source code, online safety and security, emerging and
advanced technologies, and financial technology.

 

 

In his annual report on the progress of the AfCFTA's digital trade protocol,
former president of Niger Republic and AU AfCFTA champion, Mahamadou
Issoufou, lauded Nigeria's leadership for convening the Digital Economy
Roundtable in January.

 

He noted that the gathering was pivotal in driving the digital trade agenda
forward.

 

According to him: "No organisation, region, or continent has negotiated or
adopted such a comprehensive legal instrument on digital trade, positioning
the African continent to benefit from the digital economy for innovation and
job creation."

 

The ex-Nigerien leader observed that young Africans are leaders in digital
innovation, particularly in mobile banking and other digitally enabled
services.

 

"The AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade will establish a conducive environment
for these young people to fully participate in Africa's digital economy," he
added.

 

Reflecting on the Digital Economy Roundtable in Abuja, Issoufou commended
President Bola Tinubu and his administration for convening the event and
inviting the AfCFTA Secretariat to participate.

 

"The Roundtable was attended by young pioneers in Fintech, mobile banking
and other areas of the digital economy.

 

"It was evident from the discussions that young people are eager to take
advantage of Africa's digital economy through the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital
Trade," the former Niger president said in his progress report to the 38th
Assembly.

 

Commenting on the significance of the AU endorsement of Nigeria, Minister of
Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, told the summit that:
"Africa has demonstrated global leadership by pioneering the
first-of-its-kind AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade--establishing a
comprehensive regulatory framework.

 

"The Assembly of Heads of State and Government has officially designated
Nigeria as AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion. The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol
is a game changer in advancing Africa's economic development.

 

This Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Africa: Slow Uptake of Digital Tools Hampers Breakthroughs for African
Healthcare

The recent loss of funding in African healthcare is driving the medical
fraternity to rethink solutions for accessible medical care for all
Africans. On the 11th of February 2025, I spoke at the 15th Kenya Medical
Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) conference.
The conference is attended by senior medical professionals and policy makers
from around the world speaking about the advances in precision medicine in
Kenya and regionally. As a pioneer digital pathologist in Kenya, my
excitement to posit opportunities and challenges with peers was clouded by
the massive losses Africans are witnessing in health funding. African
governments are grappling to fill these gaps, but are still slow to fully
embrace the possibilities provided by digital advancements in medicine.

 

Grounded in this year's theme "Research Technology and Innovation for
Sustainable Health Systems: A Community Driven Agenda" the conference
highlighted advances in precision and personalised medicine. It was
fascinating to see this novel aspect of health sciences discussed in a time
when Kenya and other African countries can leverage technological
advancements and innovate in healthcare in ways we could have only dreamed
of in a pre-covid world.

 

 

My rallying call during this meeting was rooted in the vital need to
digitise pathology as it is revolutionising diagnosis, as well as
facilitating advancements in precision and personalised medicine. With the
creation of high resolution digital slides from traditional glass slides to
the development of artificial intelligence software models that can read
those digital slides and identify pathologies, these developments can
significantly improve patient outcomes.

 

However, as a practising physician, I am aware that these futuristic
discussions are being had against the backdrop of ailing systems that delay
diagnoses for most African populations. I called on more investment in
digital pathology from governments and international partners in a recent
article. Readers' responses were united in their perception of prevalent
misdiagnosis in Kenya. "That's why all patients are going to India," a
friend recently told me.

 

So, how do we bridge the gap between this present and the future being
discussed at high level discussions such as the KEMRI KASH conference? The
bottom line obviously must approximate the top level. All efforts should be
applied to ensure that universal basic healthcare is a reality, and this
includes educating the community about ways to live healthy lifestyles such
as healthy diets, and physical activity to avoid illness.

 

A clear starting point is that the treatment for common infectious diseases
should be accessible in our lifetimes. Malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, H-pylori
must be diagnosed and treated more efficiently to save lives. Prevention
must become core to our medical practice. For example, HPV (human
papillomavirus), whose detection and management can go a long way to prevent
debilitating incidences of cervical cancer. Health promotion as part of
universal basic healthcare is an achievable and affordable goal that would
go a long way to not only nurture a healthy population, but also reduce the
greater investment required to diagnose and treat disease.

 

As we face these resource gaps, we can look into our strengths to rebuild
health systems. This is a call to action for states to explore, and invest
in digital infrastructure which can be much cheaper than physical
restructuring. These times call for a shift in our mindsets as African
healthcare workers to use digital technology to innovate cost intensive
diagnostic and treatment modalities.

 

Dr Maureen Waithaka is a consultant pathologist at The Pathology Network.


 

 

 

 

 

 

East Africa Poised for Fastest Economic Growth in Region - AfDB Report

East African economies are projected to remain the fastest-growing in
Africa, with growth rates of 5.3per cent in 2025 and 6.1 per cent in 2026,
according to a new report by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

 

ALSO READ: Africa's economy to improve in 2025 despite global stagnation -
report

 

The Africa's Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook (MEO) report was launched
on the sidelines of the recently concluded 38th African Union Summit in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

The report looks at economic trends across the continent against the
backdrop of persistent global and regional shocks and offers short and
medium-term outlooks along with policy recommendations to sustain the
recovery and mitigate risks.

 

Kevin Urama, the bank's Chief Economist, said that Africa's economic
performance and outlook remain resilient amidst multiple challenges, noting
that gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to increase from an
estimated 3.2 per cent in 2024 to 4.1 per cent in 2025 and 4.4 per cent in
2026.

 

 

The outlook will be driven in part by economic reforms that have been
implemented in many African countries over the past two years, including
those aimed at tackling the cost-of-living crisis, with inflationary
pressures projected to recede, and fiscal and debt positions to improve.

 

"East Africa is set to be Africa's fastest-growing region, with GDP growth
projected to increase from 4.4 per cent in 2024 to 5.3 per cent in 2025 and
6.1 per cent in 2026," the report states.

 

The region's economies including South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia,
Tanzania, and Kenya are forecasted to grow by 5 per cent or more in 2025,
contributing to 0.9 per cent of the continent's growth acceleration.

 

Particularly, South Sudan is expected to be the world's fastest-growing
economy with a growth rebound from an estimated contraction of 26.4 per cent
in 2024 to a 27.2 per cent expansion projected for 2025.

 

Growth is South Sudan will be supported by the resumption of full production
and exports of South Sudan's crude oil through the Petrodar pipeline linking
oil fields in the country to the Red Sea export terminal in Sudan.

 

In Uganda, strong growth performance will be driven by expanded public
investment targeting production and export of oil, complemented by progress
in advancing productive infrastructure to support value addition in the
industry and agriculture sectors.

 

In Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya growth will be boosted by rising
private investment in energy and mining infrastructure, with government
capital spending set to improve in-country connectivity and logistics
infrastructure.

 

ALSO READ: 2024: Rwanda to lead economic growth in East Africa - UN report

 

In Djibouti, growth will be supported by increased international financing
of energy initiatives for economic diversification through increasing the
country's reliance on renewable energy and by intensified public investment
to expand and modernize transport infrastructure.

 

In contrast to other countries in East Africa, the report indicates that the
trend of economic contraction is set to persist in Sudan as the unabated
conflict continues to have devastating effects.

 

Sudan's economy contracted by an estimated 10.8 per cent in 2024.

 

Inflation outlook

 

While inflation in East African countries fell from 23.6 per cent in 2023 to
19.3 per cent in 2024 due to decelerations recorded in Rwanda and Ethiopia,
it remains high largely due to Sudan's skyrocketing prices, according to the
report.

 

Sudan's inflation rose to 176.6 per cent in 2024, as the war continues to
disrupt domestic supply chains and deepen shortages of essential items,
causing spontaneous rises in domestic prices.

 

On the other hand, depreciation of African currencies against the U.S.
dollar persisted through 2024, although prospects for exchange rate
stability are emerging.

 

Rwanda's depreciation stood at 9.4 per cent by the end of 2024, a decline
from 18.05 per cent in 2023. However, the foreign reserves remained
sufficient covering 4.4 months of imports, according to the National Bank of
Rwanda.

 

Across the continent, limited foreign exchange inflows have curbed
opportunities for currency appreciation, the report indicates.

 

AfDB recommends that countries build foreign reserves buffers to strengthen
resilience to global shocks and to the adverse impacts of exchange rate
depreciation on macroeconomic performance, trade, and the broader economy.

 

The focus, the bank said, should be on harnessing value addition in critical
and rare earth minerals so as to mobilise additional domestic resources for
complementing tax revenue in Africa, as well as leverage regional
integration and trade policies under the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) for export diversification and improved domestic competitiveness.

 

Albert Muchanga, African Union Trade Commissioner, called on the private
sector to support AfCFTA implementation through increased investments in
logistics and manufacturing.

 

"What I would expect [African businesses] to do is come up with logistics
centers and warehouses across Africa. I would also expect the African
private sector to start planning to develop an African shipping line. We are
sitting on potential, the business sector has not responded," he noted.

 

New Times.

 

 

 

 

Tunisia: President Kais Saied Stresses Need to Reschedule Debts Owed By
Subscribers of Steg and Sonede

President Kais Saied met on Monday at the Carthage Palace with Faisal
Tarifa, CEO of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), and Noomene
Mraihi, Central Production Director of the National Water Exploitation and
Distribution Company (SONEDE).

 

The meeting focused on measures ordered by the President of the Republic to
reschedule the debts of certain subscribers of both companies, including
individuals and small businesses, particularly those that have ceased
operations due to accumulated debts.

 

This situation has been detrimental to both the companies and the
subscribers who have had their water or electricity cut off, it was
indicated in a Presidency statement.

 

The Head of State has instructed that water supply groupings should also
benefit from debt rescheduling in order to avoid a repetition of past
problems. He also stressed the need to speed up the development of a plan
for the renewal of the drinking water network.

 

The President underscored the importance of informing the public in advance
of maintenance and repair work, so that they can take the necessary
precautions.

 

He reiterated that the Constitution requires the State to provide drinking
water to all citizens equally.

 

Tunis Afrique Presse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Electricity - Senate Panel Meets South Korean Firm, Explores
Coconut for Alternative Power

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, continues to suffer from grid
failures due to a lack of infrastructure.

 

The Senate Committee on Power held a meeting with representatives of South
Korea's BK Energy on Monday to discuss Nigeria's persistent national grid
collapse and unstable power supply.

 

During the meeting, the lawmakers explored alternative energy solutions,
including the use of coconut, to resolve the country's electricity
challenges.

 

The chairperson of the committee, Enyinnaya Abaribe, told the Koreans that
the major cause of the recurring power failure in the country was outdated
and inadequate infrastructure.

 

 

Mr Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, stressed the
urgent need for a robust and modern power transmission network and an
increase in the country's electricity generation, which is about 4,000
megawatts.

 

"Our major concern as a committee and by extension as a people is how to
break the bond and bridge the yawning gap of insufficient power generation
in the country.

 

"We want you to be very practical in your submission for us to buy into
whatever new technology or idea you have brought which should serve as
expected solutions for us," the senator said.

 

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, continues to suffer from grid
failures due to a lack of infrastructure. The grid collapsed 12 times in
2024 alone, a situation that further worsened the country's energy crisis.

 

While reports indicate additional collapses in early 2025, the Transmission
Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed recent blackouts to isolated
transmission line trips.

 

The TCN recently said Nigeria has the potential to generate 13,000
megawatts, but can only transmit 4,000 megawatts due to weak infrastructure.
However, many experts have argued that the amount is not enough for a
population of more than 200 million people.

 

Apart from weak infrastructure, armed groups are also sabotaging power
supplies. Many northern states experienced total power failure for more than
a week last October after bandits vandalised transmission lines.

 

Exploring mini-grid systems and coconut-based energy

 

In response, BK Energy representatives, Haeagwoo Lee and Sangwoo Park,
proposed a mini-grid system as an effective solution to Nigeria's persistent
grid failures.

 

Specifically, Mr Lee spoke about South Korea's energy model, where a
population of about 50 million enjoys 130,000 megawatts of electricity
without relying solely on a centralised national grid.

 

He said Nigeria is uniquely positioned to leverage alternative energy
sources, particularly coconut, which is widely cultivated in different parts
of the country.

 

"There is a need for decentralisation when it comes to wheeling or
transmission of power generation to avoid waste or incessant collapse.

 

"Nigeria is even a very lucky country where coconut is largely produced
agriculturally which can be converted to graphene for power generation as
done in South Korea. Coconut trees can also be used to build a generating
plant in any neighborhood," Mr lee said.

 

The need for local capacity building

 

Mr Udemba said BK Energy is prepared to introduce innovative power
generation, transmission, and distribution technologies to Nigeria by
establishing local factories that would train Nigerian professionals in
energy management.

 

"The BK Energy from South Korea is here to practically share with Nigeria
and Nigerians new technology of power generation, transmission and
distribution by setting up factories here to train Nigerians across the
three components," Mr Udemba said.

 

Premium Times.

 

 

 

Nigeria: APC Determined to Take Over Enugu in 2027, Says Minister

Enugu — The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji has
said that the All-Progressives Congress, (APC) remains determined to take
over leadership in Enugu State in 2027.

 

The Minister made this known in Enugu when he and other leaders of the party
received former chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Abah
and Basil Ani, alongside a former Chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Tony
Chigbo into the party.

 

Addressing members after the new members were welcomed into the party, Nnaji
said that the APC was already working hard to reposition itself ahead of the
election in 2027.

 

Nnaji declared that the APC under President Bola Tinubu has done well to
reposition the country since coming into power barely two years ago, noting
that the APC was the place to be.

 

"You can see the number of jobs we have provided both employment and
appointments. It has never been this good in the South East and Enugu State
in particular and that shows what you can expect when we come on board," he
said.

 

On his part, the state chairman of APC, Agballah commended President Tinubu
for providing visionary leadership, adding that the party was stronger now
than always to take on the PDP in the state.

 

In separate addresses, the new members assured that they would use all
resources at their disposal to grow the party in their respective local
government areas and also ensure total victory for APC in 2027.

 

This Day.

 

 

 

Hundreds fired at aviation safety agency, union says

The Trump administration has begun firing hundreds of Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) employees, according to the Professional Aviation
Safety Specialists (PASS) union, weeks after a fatal mid-air plane collision
in Washington DC.

 

Several hundreds of the agency's probationary workers - who have generally
been in their positions for less than a year - received the news via email
late on Friday night, a statement from PASS's head, Alex Spero said.

 

It is a part of a cost-cutting drive, driven by Elon Musk's Department of
Government Efficiency (Doge), that aims to drastically cut the federal
workforce.

 

Spero called the firings "shameful" and said they "will increase the
workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already
stretched thin".

 

 

The BBC has contacted the FAA and department of transport for comment.

 

According to Spero's statement, workers affected include systems
specialists, safety inspectors, maintenance mechanics and administrative
staff, among others.

 

Criticising the move, Spero said the FAA is "already challenged by
understaffing", and that the decision to cut staff was "unconscionable in
the aftermath of three deadly aircraft accidents in the past month",
including the crash near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan airport, in which 67
people were killed.

 

Jason King, who is among those laid off, said he was worried about how the
move would impact on aviation safety.

 

He told WUSA9, an affiliate of the BBC's US partner CBS, firing people
directly involved with air safety is "concerning for public safety in our
national airspace."

 

Mr King, whose work at the FAA involved directly addressing safety concerns,
said the move "threatens public trust and increases the likelihood of future
accidents".

 

"Aviation safety should never be treated as a budget item that can just be
completely cut," he added.

 

On Monday, a team from Elon Musk's SpaceX was set to visit the FAA to
suggest improvements to the US's air traffic control system, following the
Washington DC plane collision in January.

 

Though the National Transport Safety Board has not yet determined the cause
of the collision, staffing levels in air traffic control at the airport,
were reportedly below normal levels on the evening of the crash.

 

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the SpaceX team's visit to the FAA would
give them a "first-hand look at the current system", and would allow them to
figure out how they make "a new, world-class air traffic control system that
will be the envy of the world."

 

He added that he plans to visit the FAA Academy - which provides training
for the organisation's workforce - later this week, to learn more about
staff member's education "and how we can ensure that only the very best
guide our aircraft".

 

President Donald Trump caused controversy last month when he suggested
diversity programmes supported by his predecessors had lowered hiring
standards that could have affected the Washington DC plane crash.

 

'We were blindsided': Federal workers react to buy-out offer

The Trump administration has ordered government agencies to fire nearly all
of their probationary employees, who have not yet earned job protection. It
is a move that could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people.

 

Among those losing their jobs in Friday's cuts were half of the Centers of
Disease Control's so-called "disease detectives", multiple health officials
told CBS.

 

The researchers - officially officers serving in a two-year programme in the
organisation's Epidemic Intelligence Service - are often deployed on the
front lines of major disease outbreaks.

 

Many members of the scheme have gone on to rise in the agency's ranks.

 

President Trump has also asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fire the
head of an independent ethics agency that protects whistleblower federal
employees.

 

Hampton Dellinger, the head of the US Office of Special Counsel, sued the
Trump administration after being fired last month.

 

It is thought to be the first case related to Trump's series of executive
actions to reach the country's highest court.

 

Since taking office, the president has cut more than a dozen inspectors
general at various federal agencies.-BBC

 

 

 

 

 

Meta plans globe-spanning sub-sea internet cable

Meta has announced plans to build a 50,000km (31,000 mile) sub-sea cable
across the world.

 

The tech giant said Project Waterworth - connecting the US, India, South
Africa, Brazil and other regions - will be the world's longest underwater
cable project when completed.

 

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has sought to extend its
presence in technology beyond social media, including in artificial
intelligence (AI) and the infrastructure that supports it.

 

It said its new cable project would provide "industry-leading connectivity"
to five major continents and help support its AI projects.

 

Meta A Meta illustration of Project Waterworth shows a thick blue line
connecting points in the US, South America, Africa, India and Australia on a
global map.Meta

Meta says the multi-billion dollar project aims to boost connectivity along
the world's "digital highways".

"This project will enable greater economic co-operation, facilitate digital
inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these
regions," Meta said in a blog post.

 

The cable would be the longest to date that uses a 24 fibre-pair system,
giving it a higher capacity, according to the firm.

 

Sub-sea cables have become increasingly important as they provide the means
to power a variety of digital services and transfer data worldwide at speed.

 

One regularly-cited statistic suggests more than 95% of the world's internet
traffic is transferred through undersea cables.

 

Telecommunications market research firm TeleGeography says there are
currently more than 600 publicly-known sub-sea cable systems worldwide.

 

This includes the 2Africa cable, backed by Meta and mobile network operators
such as Orange, Vodafone and China Mobile, which links three continents and
spans 45,000km.

 

 

Tech's bigger stake

Tech firms that serve as major providers of web services have invested huge
sums in cable infrastructure.

 

Google said in 2024 it would build the first sub-sea cable connecting Africa
and Australia, and announced a $1bn investment to boost connectivity to
Japan with two new sub-sea cables in the Pacific Ocean.

 

"Over the past decade there has been a shift in which these cables are
increasingly laid by large technology companies," Professor Vili Lehdonvirta
of the Oxford Internet Institute told the BBC.

 

He said this is in contrast to the past, where underwater cables were laid
and financed by large groups of national telecoms firms, due to their
considerable investment needs.

 

Prof Lehdonvirta said this reflects the growing size and position of big
tech firms to be able to fund such infrastructure independently - something
that "may be significant to policy makers concerned with concentration in
digital markets".

 

Telecoms and technology industry analyst Paolo Pescatore said it spoke to
Meta's ambitions.

 

"Meta has shown a strong desire to own more of the connectivity slice," he
told the BBC.

 

"This is a further demonstration as it seeks to leapfrog rivals in providing
users with an unique experience by tightly integrating hardware, software,
platform and its growing aspirations in connectivity," he added.

 

Protecting against threats

The rising importance of sub-sea cables has increased concerns over their
vulnerability to attacks or accidents.

 

Following a spate of severed cables, experts have said undersea
communications infrastructure is a growing arena for geopolitical tensions
and conflict.

 

Nato launched a mission in January to increase surveillance of ships in the
Baltic Sea after damage to critical undersea cables last year.

 

Listen: Tech Life - how engineers fix sub-sea internet cables

The deep-sea 'emergency service' that keeps the internet running

A UK parliamentary committee recently issued a call for evidence about the
UK's resilience in the face of potential disruption.

 

This said pointed to growing concern over "Russian and Chinese capabilities
to hold undersea infrastructure at risk - particularly during periods of
heightened tension or conflict".

 

Meta said in its blog post announcing Project Waterworth it would lay its
cable system up to 7,000 meters deep and "use enhanced burial techniques in
high-risk fault areas, such as shallow waters near the coast, to avoid
damage from ship anchors and other hazards".

 

Prof Lehdonvirta said the project appeared to diverge from more established
routes, such as by skipping Europe and China and avoiding "geopolitical
hotspots" in the Suez canal and South China sea.

 

And he said connecting the US with major, contested markets in the Southern
hemisphere could be viewed as "bolstering US economic and infrastructural
power abroad".-BBC

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

 

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INVESTORS DIARY 2025

 


Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

 


Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 


 

 

 

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


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for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


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