Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 23 January 2025
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Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 23 January 2025
<mailto:info at bulls.co.zw>
ü Somalia: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Arrives in Cairo for
Official Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
ü Rwandan Youth to Win Cash Prizes As Ayute Agriculture Competition Returns
ü Nigeria: NLC Rejects 50% Hike in Telecoms Tariff Approved By NCC
ü Liberia: Central Bank Blames High Exchange Rate On Christmas
ü South Africa: SASSA Is Making Progress Against Fraud, Our Study Shows
ü Botswana Closes Doors On Foreign Teachers, Truck Drivers
ü Nigeria's New BRICS Partner Status Sparks Economic Optimism, Debate
ü Congo-Kinshasa: Chinese Mining Operations Devastate Congo's Protected
Lands
ü Nigerian Researchers Find Pathway to Next-Generation Battery Technology
ü Nigeria: NASS Panel Threatens to Withhold Aviation Budget Until
Ex-Nigerian Airways Workers Are Paid
ü Uganda: Entebbe's Kitooro Taxi Park Opens After Six-Year Refurbishment
ü Nigeria: Keyamo Reveals Govt's Plan to Establish Aircraft Manufacturing
Firm
ü Trump puts all US government diversity staff on paid leave 'immediately'
ü LinkedIn accused of using private messages to train AI
ü EU 'could consider' UK joining pan-Europe customs scheme
<mailto:info at bulls.co.zw>
Somalia: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Arrives in Cairo for
Official Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,
along with a high-level delegation, has arrived in Cairo for an official
visit to Egypt, following an invitation extended by the President of the
Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
During the visit, President Mohamud and President El-Sisi will hold
discussions aimed at strengthening their countries' efforts to combat
terrorism and enhance cooperation in regional security and stability.
The two leaders are also expected to explore ways to accelerate the
implementation of joint initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security
across the Horn of Africa.
Beyond security issues, the two heads of state will focus on advancing
economic ties between Somalia and Egypt.
They will discuss strategies to promote economic development, increase
trade, and attract investment. Both governments have emphasized the
importance of enhancing trade and investment opportunities as key components
of their future cooperation, with a shared vision of bolstering their
economies for mutual benefit.
President Mohamud expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for the warm
invitation and acknowledged Egypt's consistent support for Somalia,
particularly in terms of political and humanitarian assistance.
He highlighted that the strong relationship between Somalia and Egypt is
founded on a shared sense of brotherhood, strategic cooperation, and mutual
interests aimed at benefiting both peoples.
The visit is expected to further solidify the growing partnership between
the two nations, marking another step forward in the longstanding
relationship between Somalia and Egypt.-Radio Dalsan.
Rwandan Youth to Win Cash Prizes As Ayute Agriculture Competition Returns
Young Rwandan agritech innovators are set to benefit from cash prizes and
business support as the AYuTeAfrica Challenge Rwanda 2025 returns.
Organised by Heifer International Rwanda, a global development organisation
committed to eliminating hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions,
the competition is part of the AYuTe Africa NextGen initiative. It aims to
empower young innovators by providing cash grants, mentorship, and business
development opportunities.
This year, the top three winners will share a total of Rwf50 million, along
with resources to enhance their ventures and compete at the regional level.
Eligibility criteria and application details
The challenge is open to youth-led startups and innovators who are Rwandan
citizens aged 18-35 years, reside in Rwanda, and have developed
technological solutions that address challenges faced by smallholder
farmers, with strong potential for scalability.
Applications are open to individuals, companies, and groups driving
agricultural innovation. Interested participants can apply online at
ayute.africa/rwanda starting Thursday.
Applications for this year's competition will open on Thursday, January 23,
and run until February 20
ALSO READ: New agritech competition to offer Rwf20 million to young
innovators
Empowering the next generation of agritech leaders
Beyond cash prizes, the AYuTe Africa Challenge provides winners with expert
mentorship, business training, and networking opportunities to scale their
ventures and increase their impact.
Verena Ruzibuka, Interim Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda,
said, "Through this challenge, we aim to accelerate the growth of youth-led
agritech initiatives by offering financial support alongside crucial
business development support.
"Our goal is to transform the passion and ideas of young innovators into
tangible, sustainable benefits for communities in Rwanda and beyond," she
added.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Rwanda's economy, employing over 60 per
cent of the workforce. However, youth participation in the sector remains
limited.
The challenge seeks to inspire young Rwandans to view agriculture as a
pathway to prosperity by fostering innovation in agritech and social
enterprises.
ALSO READ: Heifer International awards three top young agri-tech innovators
Building on past success
The first edition of the challenge uncovered remarkable talent and impactful
innovations. Last year's winner, Israel Niyonshuti, founder of Tech Adopter,
secured the top prize of $10,000 for his smart device that enhances crop
processing efficiency.
"Winning the AYuTe Challenge changed my life.The cash prize gave me the
resources and confidence to expand my business. Our production has grown
from two to five machines per month, and we now serve 2,400 farmers,
doubling our monthly sales to 10 million Rwandan Francs," said Niyonshuti.
"I encourage every young person with an idea to apply. This is your chance
to turn your dreams into reality and contribute to Rwanda's agricultural
transformation," he added.
The second runner-up, Norman Mugisha, CEO of Afri-Farmers Market, also
witnessed significant growth after receiving $6,000. His organisation, which
connects smallholder farmers to stable markets, now supports over 10,000
farmers, up from 7,000.
"The cash prize allowed us to expand our operations and reach more
customers," said Mugisha. "I encourage others to apply, not just for the
cash prizes, but for the opportunity to grow their businesses and make a
bigger impact." -New Times.
Nigeria: NLC Rejects 50% Hike in Telecoms Tariff Approved By NCC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned recent approval granted to
telecommunications operators in the country by Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC), to effect a 50 percent increase in telecommunication
tariffs.
Weighing in on the matter, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection
Commission (FCCPC) said it was crucial that the approved 50 percent
adjustment in telecommunications tariffs, "directly translate into
demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers."
However, the tariff hike approval has continued to spark widespread debate
among industry stakeholders and consumers.
In a statement signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the Labour movement
urged the federal government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the
implementation of what it described, "as ill-advised" hike to allow a
reasonable conversation around it.
"NLC expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the federal government's
recent approval, through the NCC of a 50 percent increase in
telecommunication tariffs.
"This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are
grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their
welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
"The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this
unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective
action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of
telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive
increase," it stated.
The NLC noted that telecommunication services are essential for daily
communication, work, and access to information, adding that average Nigerian
workers already spends approximately 10 percent of their wages on telecom
charges.
"For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an
increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 percent of his
salary--a cost that is unsustainable.
"This hike exemplifies the government's apparent ease in prioritising
corporate profits over citizens' welfare. It is shocking that the government
approved this 50 percent tariff increase for telecom companies within a
month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for
workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing
power," it added.
The NLC accused the federal government of deliberately aligning with the
interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and
citizens it is meant to serve.
It stated that it would remain resolute in defending the interests of
Nigerian workers and the masses, adding that it will not allow the people to
bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality.
Meanwhile, the FCCPC yesterday said it was crucial that the approved 50 per
cent adjustment in telecommunications tariffs "directly translate into
demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers."
The commission though acknowledged the economic pressures faced by telecom
operators, including increasing operational costs, insisted unequivocally
that "consumer interests remain paramount".
In a statement, FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the
consumer rights agency said, the NCC's approval of a 50 per cent adjustment,
which was lower than the over 100 percent increase initially proposed by
operators, demonstrated a thoughtful effort to balance industry
sustainability with consumer protection.
Ijagwu said, "We are also pleased with the NCC's directive to operators to
ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of
hidden charges or complexities.
"Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including
the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan.
"The FCCPC acknowledges the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years
to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced
by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times."
The FCCPC also commended the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured
approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to
commensurate improvements in service quality while implementing measures to
mitigate the impact on consumers.
Ijagwu said, "Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from
their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without
worrying about unexpected charges or surprises.
"Consumers have consistently expressed the desire for measurable
improvements in the quality of service before any tariff increases are
implemented.
"Issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet
speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have remained
prevalent concerns.
"It is therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into
demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers."
He noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between
the FCCPC and NCC highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring robust
consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative
practices in the telecommunications sector.
The agreement reinforces the principle that any regulatory or pricing
adjustment must balance the sustainability of the industry with the
interests of consumers.
The statement added, "It is non-negotiable that telecom operators must
prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability,
speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment.
"The rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for
consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business
purposes.
"Operators are expected to allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an
emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements.
"Clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how these funds are
utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments."
Among other things, it said, "Operators must also clearly communicate the
rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers. This includes ensuring
that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, their
benefits, and how they align with efforts to improve service delivery and
infrastructure.
"The MoU between the FCCPC and NCC provides a unified framework to oversee
the implementation of this tariff adjustment in a manner that meets the
needs of consumers.
"The partnership ensures that the increase does not become a justification
for exploitative practices but rather an opportunity to foster fairness,
transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
It added, "We are committed to closely monitoring the impact of these tariff
adjustments to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards.
Operators are reminded that the FCCPC is actively working with NCC to
address concerns that may be raised by consumers during this transition
period and beyond.
The commission encourages consumers to report any unfair practices or
concerns through its official channels to ensure effective resolution.
"As Nigeria embraces rapid technological advancements and increasing
reliance on digital connectivity, it is imperative that the benefits of a
thriving telecommunications ecosystem extend to all stakeholders,
particularly consumers.
"The FCCPC assures the public that, together with the NCC, we will continue
to pursue measures that uphold these objectives."
In the meantime, the recent announcement of a 50 percent increase in
telecoms tariff by the NCC has continued to spark widespread debate among
industry stakeholders and consumers.
The hike, which raised call rates from N12 to N18 per minute and SMS charges
from 4 to N6, also increases data costs from N300 to over N400 per gigabyte.
While operators cite rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign
exchange volatility as justification, critics argue that the burden of
inefficiencies is being unfairly transferred to subscribers.
Speaking yesterday on ARISE News Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY
Newspapers, a legal expert, Frank Tietie, criticised the tariff adjustment,
highlighting the lack of a public inquiry as stipulated by Sections 57 and
58 of the NCC Act.
"There must be public hearings where consumers can represent their
grievances and demand accountability. Nigerians deserve a platform to
question poor service quality and the lack of investment in sustainable
energy alternatives like solar power," Tietie said.
He faulted telecom operators' over reliance on diesel and their failure to
explore green energy solutions despite global commitments to sustainable
practices. He also pointed out the absence of significant consumer
protection mechanisms within the NCC, describing them as 'out of reach for
the ordinary Nigerian', adding that complaints, such as incessant SMS
advertisements and drop calls, are often ignored, forcing consumers to bear
the brunt of inefficiencies.
Defending the hike, industry proponents cited inflation rates, which have
surged from 9 per cent a decade ago to over 30 per cent today, and the
challenges of maintaining telecoms infrastructure amidst insecurity in some
parts of the country. Tietie, however, dismissed these justifications,
stating that systemic issues, such as unresolved debts between telecom
operators and banks over USSD charges, should not be transferred to
consumers. "The NCC has failed to prioritise consumer interests, instead
shielding operators from accountability," he added.
As Nigerians grapple with rising costs, the debate underscores the need for
a balanced approach that protects consumers while sustaining the telecoms
industry. Tietie advised ordinary citizens to demand better service quality
and accountability, urging the government to enforce stricter oversight and
explore innovative solutions to reduce operational costs.
President of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology,
Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers' of Nigeria
(ATICEN), Adede John Williams, yesterday, commended the Minister of
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the
EVC/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, for
taking a proactive measures concerning tariff hike in Nigeria, insisting
that it will further ensure the operational sustainability of the
telecommunications operators in Nigeria.
Williams emphasised the role the telecommunications sector and the ICTs
subsector plays in Nigeria's economy through its contributions to foreign
direct investment (FDI) and GDP growth.
He called for collaboration between subscribers and telecoms operators, to
further drive development in the telecoms sector.
-This Day.
Liberia: Central Bank Blames High Exchange Rate On Christmas
The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has attributed the recent rise in the
exchange rate to the high demand for foreign currency during the Christmas
season.
According to CBL, this surge was driven by increased spending on imports for
holiday-related purchases during the festive season. "Any time Christmas
passes, we will experience an increased exchange rate because of these
economic factors" " the CBL says.
"What is happening is normal and temporary. The rate will adjust. This is
happening because people spent more money during Christmas to buy goods in
U.S. dollars, which increases the demand for foreign currency, putting
pressure on the exchange rate," Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Central Bank during the Ministry of Information,
Cultural Affairs, and Tourism's (MICAT) regular press briefing here Tuesday,
January 21, 2025, Jerolinmek Mathew Piah revealed that as of November 2024,
the amount of Liberian dollars in circulation accounted for less than four
percent of the country's nominal GDP and less than 15 percent of the total
money supply.
He also said that the net U.S. dollar remittance for goods at the end of
November 2024 was estimated at $661.8 million.
According to him, the low proportion of Liberian dollars in circulation
limits its influence on the overall economy and exchange rate fluctuations.
However, he assured the public that the government is working to address
these challenges and that the rate will readjust.
Piah also encourages citizens to invest in the Central Bank's bills, which
he claims offer an attractive 17 percent interest rate.
"The CBL remains committed to collaborating with the community and other
stakeholders to closely monitor the foreign exchange market and ensure
stable macroeconomic development', the minister said.
Meanwhile, the government urges the public to desist from speculative
behavior in the foreign exchange market, so the economy can maintain its
stability.
The CBL reassures that these exchange rate spikes are recurring and steps
are being taken to address their long-term impact. Editing by Jonathan
Browne
- New Dawn.
South Africa: SASSA Is Making Progress Against Fraud, Our Study Shows
We found that SASSA has made good progress but there are likely still a
large number of fraudulent successful grant applications.
On Tuesday, GroundUp reported that the South African Social Security Agency
(SASSA) will suspend payments of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress
(SRD) grant to fraudulent beneficiaries.
We decided to investigate how seriously SASSA is addressing the issue. We
obtained a sample of 2,400 applications that we know to be fraudulent. They
were sent to us by the N4aughtySec Group, a hacker group that emerged after
taking public responsibility for an attack on TransUnion and Experian in
March 2022. The group claimed to have demanded a ransom of $30-million from
each company. In November reports emerged that N4aughtySec had stolen
R175-million through SASSA SRD Grants they opened through TymeBank.
In November 2024 N4aughtySec provided GroundUp with its evidence. We could
not validate the claim that R175-million was stolen, but were able to
isolate a list of 2,405 known fraudulent SASSA SRD Grants and their
associated fraudulent phone numbers.
SASSA categorises applications into one of four categories:
Invalid: The SASSA grant does not exist or the phone number registered to
the SASSA grant does not match.
Awaiting Identity Verification: The SASSA SRD Application has been blocked
until the person verifies their identity by facial scan.
Active Application: These are applications currently active and not marked
as fraudulent.
Awaiting Reapplication: These require people to reapply for the SRD grant.
The results of our analysis are summarised in this table:
Initially, we examined the data in November 2024 to establish a baseline
understanding of how fraudulent applications were being managed. We noticed
a significant number of these applications remained active or were in the
"Awaiting Identity Verification" category, raising questions about SASSA's
ability to handle such cases efficiently.
Note that this is a sample. There are many more fraudulent grants. But
assuming this sample is representative - and there is no reason to think it
isn't - it can tell us how much progress SASSA has made.
When we revisited the data on 21 January 2025, we were able to compare the
changes that had occurred over the past two months. This comparative
analysis allowed us to measure the extent of SASSA's efforts and determine
whether there had been tangible progress identifying and suspending
fraudulent grants.
The shifts in the numbers demonstrate that SASSA has made considerable
progress, although some fraudulent applications persist.
The number of applications flagged as "Awaiting Identity Verification" more
than doubled, indicating that SASSA is actively blocking grants until
identity verification is completed.
Active applications dropped by 73%, suggesting an effort to stop known
fraudulent grants.
A slight increase in "Invalid" applications (up 4%) further reflects ongoing
system adjustments. (The Awaiting Reapplication category has too few entries
to reach meaningful conclusions.)
Based on our findings, SASSA has made progress in addressing fraudulent
applications. But SASSA needs to continue to improve its processes,
detection systems, and ensure that fraudulent cases are resolved swiftly.
SASSA also needs to make sure its verification system is up and easy-to-use.
At the time of writing it is down.
-GroundUp.
Botswana Closes Doors On Foreign Teachers, Truck Drivers
Gaborone, Botswana A Botswanan official said this week the nation will no
longer issue work permits to foreign teachers and truck drivers in order to
protect local jobs.
Minister of Labor and Home Affairs Pius Mokgware told a group of unemployed
teachers protesting in Gaborone that the government already has stopped
issuing permits to foreign educators and truck drivers.
He said that last month the government rejected 140 applications for work
permits.
Thabang Kopelo, who was representing the unemployed teachers, said they want
the new government, which took office in October, to go a step further.
"We now demand the cancellation and the immediate suspension of issuing of
work permits to teachers who come from outside of Botswana. ... There are
[already] thousands and thousands" of local teachers, Kopelo said.
The group's actions weren't xenophobic, Kopelo said, but a plea to the
government to prioritize citizens in hiring teachers.
"In other countries ... they are being attacked," Kopelo said. "Derogatory
language is being used against them. We are not moving in that approach; we
are fellow brothers and sisters."
In neighboring South Africa, clashes between migrants and locals have often
turned deadly, with citizens arguing foreigners are taking their jobs.
Gaborone-based Congolese teacher Patrice Okomi said there is not much
foreign workers can do except abide by the host government's regulations.
"We are here at the mercy of the government, and it is entirely up to the
Botswana authorities to decide our future," Okomi said. "If the feeling is
that we have overstayed our welcome, there is not much we can do except to
prepare for our exit."
Botswana's stable economy has attracted migrant workers, the majority
fleeing hardship in neighboring Zimbabwe.
According to figures from the government office Statistics Botswana, there
are 4,581 holders of foreign work permits in Botswana, with teachers
comprising 18% of the total.- VOA.
Nigeria's New BRICS Partner Status Sparks Economic Optimism, Debate
Abuja, Nigeria Nigerian authorities said this week that the nation's new
partnership status with the BRICS bloc could unlock critical opportunities
in trade, investment and agriculture.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's special adviser told Lagos-based Channels
Television that the partnership, which became official Friday, is pivotal to
promoting trade, investment, food security, infrastructure development and
energy security.
The adviser, Daniel Bwala, said the pact enables Nigeria to forge deeper
strategic relationships with BRICS members beyond traditional bilateral
partnerships.
BRICS -- an acronym for the founding members of Brazil, Russia, India and
China, with South Africa added a year later -- is a political and economic
bloc. BRICS introduced the "partner country" category in October. Partner
nations are a step below full membership.
Economist Emeka Okengwu praised the arrangement.
"Look at the members of BRICS and the economies that they bring to the
table. Brazil is probably the biggest producer of livestock and its products
globally, then to aircraft, aviation and renewable energy," Okengwu said.
"Look at Russia, India, China and South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. These
are big populations.
If you put them together, they probably bring 10 times the value of whatever
Europe and America can give to you," he said.
In total, the 10 BRICS member states make up 40% of the global economy and
55% of the global population.
In a statement, Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the country's
participation in BRICS reflects its commitment to leveraging global economic
opportunities to advance national development goals.
Last December, Nigeria intensified efforts to join not only BRICS but also
the G20 organization of the world's major economies and the BRICS New
Development Bank.
Okengwu said the partnership will help Nigeria at "being productive, taking
goods and services in there, being able to meet global standards and being
competitive."
"It would've been horrible if Nigeria was not in BRICS and then we would've
been left hanging with all these challenges we're having with our neighbors
in the Sahel," Okengwu said.
Despite the optimism, analysts say Nigeria faces significant hurdles.
The country's struggling economy and inadequate infrastructure raise
concerns about its capacity for meaningful growth through BRICS. There's
also concern about how Nigeria will balance its alliances with Western
nations while deepening ties with BRICS.
However, Ndu Nwokolo, an economist with Nextier, suggested the challenge is
manageable.
"It's about how smart you are to benefit from everybody," Nwokolo said.
"With what we're seeing by some of the pronouncements of [U.S.] President
[Donald] Trump, Nigeria may benefit from it because already Trump is talking
about increasing taxes [tariffs] even within ally states.
"So, if he's going to do that with countries we think are traditional
partners, so who's telling you that he will not do more with countries that
he considers outsiders," he said. "So, we're looking at a situation where
countries that are not originally traditional allies of America will try to
pull together, and Nigeria may benefit from that." - VOA.
Congo-Kinshasa: Chinese Mining Operations Devastate Congo's Protected Lands
In the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, an environmental
catastrophe is unfolding at a rapid pace. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a
UNESCO World Heritage site once home to some of Earth's rarest species, is
being systematically destroyed by Chinese mining operations.
These activities, which have bypassed international protection standards and
Congolese law, are wreaking havoc on the landscape along the Ituri River.
What was once a lush forest sheltering endangered wildlife is now dominated
by Kimia Mining Investment's industrial complex, complete with machinery,
worker housing, and processing facilities. This Chinese-run operation
exemplifies the unchecked resource colonization taking place across Africa,
even in areas meant to be protected.
The mining operations were made possible by a questionable redrawing of the
reserve's boundaries. Originally, the protected area prohibited mining, but
in what officials describe as "opaque circumstances," these boundaries were
altered, conveniently making space for Kimia Mining's activities. Despite
claims that official maps are being followed, the ICCN (the body managing
Congo's protected areas) refutes this, insisting that the original
boundaries should remain in force.
The environmental destruction extends beyond the visible deforestation.
Former employees of Kimia Mining have exposed disturbing practices, such as
the use of mercury in gold extraction, which has poisoned local water
sources and soil. The company's abandoned mining pits are hazardous to both
wildlife and local communities, and the contamination has caused dramatic
crop yield losses for nearby farmers.
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, home to 15% of the world's remaining 30,000
okapi, is facing an existential threat. As mining expands, poaching has
surged, with local hunters reporting increasingly scarce game animals. The
reserve, once a sustainable hunting ground for local communities, is now an
industrial wasteland.
This devastation is part of a broader pattern of Chinese resource
exploitation in the DRC. In South Kivu Province, 17 Chinese nationals were
arrested for operating illegal gold mines, underscoring the widespread
nature of these unauthorized operations, which lack proper documentation or
environmental safeguards. These activities are further exacerbating the
environmental and human toll on local communities.
The human cost of these operations is severe. Local communities, once
reliant on traditional mining and agriculture, have lost their livelihoods,
with Kimia Mining charging exorbitant fees for locals to mine leftover
materials, forcing many into poverty. This mirrors China's broader strategy
in the DRC, exemplified by the controversial 2008 Sicomines deal. The $6
billion agreement promised infrastructure development in exchange for mining
rights, but the infrastructure investment amounted to only a fraction of the
promised sum, while Chinese companies secured control of the DRC's richest
cobalt and copper sites.
Between January and May alone, the reserve lost more than 480 hectares of
forest--equivalent to 900 American football fields. This destruction
threatens not just local biodiversity, but the global climate, as the Congo
Basin rainforest serves as the world's second-largest carbon sink. Despite
claims of respecting environmental standards, Kimia Mining's actions suggest
otherwise, as their spokesperson's comment that Congo "can't place a higher
value on the environment than on mining" reveals a stark disregard for
environmental protection.- Capital FM.
Nigerian Researchers Find Pathway to Next-Generation Battery Technology
He noted that these advancements are crucial for emerging technologies such
as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.
A team of Nigerian scientists has made a significant breakthrough in solving
one of the most critical challenges in energy storage technology.
Led by Salawu Akande, a computational scientist specialising in multi-scale
modelling and energy materials, the research team has developed a
sophisticated approach to improving lithium-ion battery performance.
Other key contributors include Temitayo Ikuerowo, a PhD student in energy
engineering, and Olusegun Tomomewo, an assistant professor of energy
engineering.
Their study, published in the Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics journal,
employs advanced computational techniques to enhance the performance and
durability of lithium-ion batteries.
In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Akande explained that the
collaborative work opens new pathways for developing next-generation energy
storage solutions.
He noted that these advancements are crucial for emerging technologies such
as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.
Major Findings
The research focuses on LiNi0.9Co0.1O2, a material commonly used in battery
cathodes.
It revealed that replacing 10% of the material's composition with cobalt
enhances lithium mobility and structural stability.
The scientists' "molecular-level investigation" uncovered critical
mechanisms that have long hindered the optimisation of high-capacity battery
materials.
"Key findings demonstrate a novel strategy for reducing lithium migration
barriers and minimising antisite defect formation--two critical factors that
typically degrade battery performance," the statement read in parts.
"Unlike traditional experimental approaches, this computational method
allows researchers to explore material behaviour at an atomic scale,
potentially saving years of experimental trial and error."
It added that the study represents a quantum leap in materials science,
using sophisticated computational techniques to predict and understand
material properties with unprecedented precision.
Contributions
The research team lead further emphasised the research and showcased how
computational methods can accelerate materials innovation, offering a
blueprint for creating more efficient, stable, and high-capacity batteries
that could revolutionise multiple technological sectors.
"This work represents a significant contribution to our understanding of
lithium-ion battery materials, demonstrating the research team's exceptional
expertise in advanced computational techniques and innovative
problem-solving approaches," he noted.
"The research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides a
critical framework for future technological developments in energy storage,
highlighting the potential of computational modelling to drive technological
innovation at the most fundamental level."- Premium Times.
Nigeria: NASS Panel Threatens to Withhold Aviation Budget Until Ex-Nigerian
Airways Workers Are Paid
The federal government is owing the defunct airways workers a total of N36
billion.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation has threatened to withhold
approval of the allocation to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace
Development unless provisions are made for the N36 billion owed to former
workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways.
The lawmakers made the resolution when the Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, Festus Kenyamo, appeared before them to defend his
ministry's allocation in the budget.
Established in August 1958, the Nigerian Airways was the nation's carrier
until it ceased operations in 2003 due to issues like mismanagement and
accumulated debts.
At its peak, the airline operated over 30 aircraft and employed hundreds of
people.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari, approved N22 billion as part
payment of the N45 billion owed to the former employees.
Despite this, a balance of N36 billion remains unpaid, leading to financial
hardships and in some cases, the former aviation workers died while awaiting
their entitlements.
During the budget defence session, the lawmakers called on the federal
government to consider the payment of entitlements to the ex-workers of the
defunct national carrier.
Niger South Senator, Jiya Ndalikali, called the attention of the government
to the non-payment of entitlements to ex-workers of the airline, many of
whom have died or are currently battling financial hardship and ill health.
Mr Ndalikali, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised
that justice must be done for those who dedicated their lives to serving the
nation's aviation sector.
"There is an issue that is not in your budget, which is very key and
critical. The defunct Nigerian airways. There is a liability of N36 billion
being owed.
"Some have died, many are sick and dying. Yet, the government is refusing to
pay them. I think something should be done on that," the senator said.
Mr Ndalikali requested the committee to ensure that provisions for the
outstanding salaries are included in the 2025 budget of the aviation
ministry before it is approved.
"This budget should not pass without those people being provided for," the
senator demanded.
Finance ministry responsible
In response, Mr Kenyamo acknowledged the outstanding liability and confirmed
that the ministry had consistently pursued its settlement.
He explained that under the previous administration, discussions were held
between aviation sector unions and the government which resulted in an
official agreement that N36 billion was due to the workers.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu had transferred burden of the payment
from the ministry of aviation to the ministry of finance.
"Under the last administration, both the unions and the ministry sat down
and arrived at that figure, about N36 billion.
"However, there was a presidential directive for the ministry of finance to
take over the payment of the liability from the ministry of aviation,
because it would have been too much on the envelope of the ministry of
aviation. The payment is domiciled in the ministry of finance " he said.
Mr Kenyamo said he constantly sends reminder to the minister of finance for
the payment through letters and official visitations.
"We have written several letters. We went there to visit, to press for
payment. Myself and the union leaders, to show our transparency.
"I went there with the union leaders in November to meet the minister. They
were all satisfied with our efforts. All the union leaders, the joint union
aviation leaders, we went there, we appealed to him. He said he is working
hard on it. That was in November, just two months ago, sir," the minister
said.
Zamfara North Senator, Sahabi Ya'u, questioned the finance minister's
failure to release the outstanding payment to the former aviation workers.
Mr Ya'u emphasised that some of the former employees are in dire need, while
others have already died without receiving their rightful entitlements
"There was still an approval. You cannot say that he doesn't have N36
billion. Some of these people are yearning for what to eat. Some are no
more. Please, let's be sympathetic to ourselves," he stated.
One week ultimatum
The Chairperson of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation,
Abdulfatai Buhari, gave the minister of aviation one week to address
lawmakers' concerns regarding the outstanding payments owed to former
aviation workers and other issues on ongoing projects in the ministry before
the final budget will be considered.
-Premium Times.
Uganda: Entebbe's Kitooro Taxi Park Opens After Six-Year Refurbishment
The opening of the Kitooro Taxi Park represents a significant step forward
in modernising Entebbe's urban infrastructure and fostering economic growth,
offering a brighter future for the community.
The long-awaited Kitooro Taxi Park in Entebbe has finally opened to the
public, marking a major milestone in the town's urban development journey.
Construction of the facility began in 2017, supported by the African
Development Bank and the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure
Development (USMID) program.
Now complete, the state-of-the-art taxi park features 249 stalls, designed
to improve urban infrastructure, enhance mobility, and spur economic growth
in the area.
During the opening ceremony, Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda lauded the
project as transformative for the community.
"We are excited, and we expect this to help alleviate poverty. The revenue
generated will also enable the municipal council to thrive in many ways,"
Mayor Rulinda remarked.
The taxi park is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a safe, organized,
and convenient environment for both operators and passengers.
It is expected to boost business activity, attract investment, and create
economic opportunities for local residents.
To support vendors in stabilizing their businesses, Mayor Rulinda announced
a three-month rent-free period for stallholders.
However, some vendors have expressed concerns over alleged mismanagement in
stall allocations, accusing Entebbe Municipality officials of taking over
stalls with plans to sublet them at higher rents.
In response, Mayor Rulinda denied these allegations, stating, "The claims
are unfounded, except for a few cases involving elderly individuals in the
council. These will be addressed."
Additionally, locals have raised complaints about extortion and bribery
during the allocation process, prompting calls for a government audit to
investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
The opening of the Kitooro Taxi Park represents a significant step forward
in modernising Entebbe's urban infrastructure and fostering economic growth,
offering a brighter future for the community.- Nile Post.
Nigeria: Keyamo Reveals Govt's Plan to Establish Aircraft Manufacturing Firm
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has
disclosed the Federal Government's plan to establish an aircraft
manufacturing firm in the country.
Keyamo made this known at the launch of XeJet's Maintenance, Repair and
Overhaul, MRO, facility, and flight support center in Abuja.
He said the aircraft manufacturing firm is a collaboration between XeJet and
indigenous banks.
According to him, the initiative aims to transform Nigeria into a regional
hub for aviation services, adding that it aligns with the government's
vision to support local operators.
"Since we came to office, we've been focused on attracting MRO facilities to
our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world.
"We've searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were
looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an
indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true," he said.
Keyamo added that the inclusion of additional facilities, such as a training
centre for the firm would be "a huge achievement."
"This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from
across the West African sub-region. That's the dream -- to make this
facility a regional center for excellence," the minister said.
Vanguard News
Trump puts all US government diversity staff on paid leave 'immediately'
President Donald Trump has ordered that all US government staff working on
diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) schemes be put on immediate paid
administrative leave.
The White House confirmed that all federal DEI workers had to be put on
leave by 17:00 EST (22:00 GMT) on Wednesday, before the offices and
programmes in question were shut down.
In an executive order issued on Tuesday, Trump also called for an end to the
"dangerous, demeaning and immoral" programmes.
It is unclear how many people are affected by the order, the American
Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents 800,000 federal
workers, said.
Since his inauguration, the president has acted swiftly on a number of key
pledges through a raft of unilateral actions.
He repeatedly attacked DEI practices on the campaign trail, arguing that
they were discriminatory.
In his inaugural address, Trump pledged to "forge a society that is
colour-blind and merit-based".
DEI programmes aim to promote participation in workplaces by people from a
range of backgrounds.
Their backers say they address historical underrepresentation and
discrimination against certain groups including racial minorities, but
critics say such programmes can themselves be discriminatory.
On Tuesday, a memo was sent from the US Office of Personnel Management to
the heads of government agencies, instructing them to place DEI employees on
leave.
The memo had a number of requests, including the removal of public websites
for DEI offices.
By Thursday, federal agencies must compile a list of DEI offices and
workers. By 31 January, agencies must submit "a written plan" for executing
lay-offs in DEI offices.
Trump's executive order, meanwhile, took aim at what it called the "illegal"
policies of DEI and DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility),
framing them as being in opposition to US law.
It said these policies had the capability to "violate" important underlying
civil rights laws that protect Americans from discrimination.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the move "is another win
for Americans of all races, religions, and creeds", and fulfils a campaign
promise made by Trump.
The executive order requires federal hiring, promotions and performance
reviews "reward individual initiative" rather than "DEI-related factors".
It also requires the US attorney general to submit, within 120 days,
recommendations "to encourage the private sector" to end similar diversity
efforts.
And the order revokes a civil rights era executive order, signed by former
President Lyndon B Johnson, that makes it illegal for federal contractors to
discriminate on the basis of "race, colour, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity or national origin" when hiring.
It also required them to take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity
during employment.
Revoking that order will have ripple effects in the federal and private
sector, said Alvin Tillery, a political scientist and co-founder of the 2040
Strategy Group, which does DEI training in the private sector.
He said that theoretically, a company with only white employees that now
refuses to hire black people, or Latinos, or women, for example, "can go for
a federal contract without showing that your processes are compliant" with
federal diversity standards.
It could also eliminate training programmes aimed at curbing discrimination
or reinforcing positive behaviour, critics say.
"People are going to be ill-informed about what discrimination is and what
it looks like," said Les Alderman, a DC-based civil rights lawyer who
represents federal and congressional workers.
"Good-hearted people are going to be wrong about some things that we do and
it is going to have consequences."
Unions representing federal employees have condemned Trump's executive
orders.
The AFGE argues that diversity programmes have reduced gender and racial pay
disparities in the federal workforce.
AFGE national president Everett Kelley said in a statement that removing the
programmes serves to undermine "the merit-based civil service and turn
federal hiring and firing decisions into loyalty tests".
The order was "designed to intimidate and attack non-partisan civil
servants", said National Federation of Federal Workers national president
Randy Erwin.
Tuesday's executive order comes on the heels of a related one signed by
Trump on Monday.
That one declares that all DEI offices, positions and programmes be
terminated within 60 days, "to the maximum extent allowed by law".
Among the roles targeted for elimination are "chief diversity officer" and
"environmental justice" positions.
Several large US companies have ended or scaled back their DEI programmes in
recent weeks, including McDonald's, Walmart and Facebook parent company
Meta.
Others, like Apple and retailers Target and Costco, have publicly defended
their DEI programmes.
Mr Tillery said that, while he believes the former Biden administration's
effort to add DEI positions across government was well intentioned, it did
not meet its goals.
"The DEI jobs were underfunded, understaffed, the people doing the work were
heroes with very few resources," he said. "But now we're going to go to
zero."-bbc
LinkedIn accused of using private messages to train AI
A US lawsuit filed on behalf of LinkedIn Premium users accuses the social
media platform of sharing their private messages with other companies to
train artificial intelligence (AI) models.
It alleges that in August last year, the world's largest professional social
networking website "quietly" introduced a privacy setting, automatically
opting users in to a programme that allowed third parties to use their
personal data to train AI.
It also accuses the Microsoft-owned company of concealing its actions a
month later by changing its privacy policy to say user information could be
disclosed for AI training purposes.
A LinkedIn spokesperson told BBC News that "these are false claims with no
merit".
The filing also said LinkedIn changed its 'frequently asked questions'
section to say that users could choose not to share data for AI purposes but
that doing so would not affect training that had already taken place.
"LinkedIn's actions... indicate a pattern of attempting to cover its
tracks," the lawsuit said.
"This behaviour suggests that LinkedIn was fully aware that it had violated
its contractual promises and privacy standards and aimed to minimise public
scrutiny".
The lawsuit was filed in a California federal court on behalf of a LinkedIn
Premium user and "all others" in a similar situation.
It seeks $1,000 (£812) per user for alleged violations of the US federal
Stored Communications Act as well as an unspecified amount for breach of
contract and California's unfair competition law.
According to an email LinkedIn sent to its users last year, it has not
enabled user data sharing for AI purposes in the UK, the European Economic
Area and Switzerland.
LinkedIn has more than one billion users around the world, with almost a
quarter of them in the US.
In 2023, the company attracted $1.7bn in revenue from premium subscriptions.
It has also said that the number of premium subscribers has been growing
rapidly as it continues to add more AI features.-bbc
EU 'could consider' UK joining pan-Europe customs scheme
The European Union's new trade chief responsible for post-Brexit
negotiations has told the BBC that a "pan-European [customs] area is
something we could consider" as part of "reset" discussions between the UK
and EU.
Maros Sefcovic referred to the idea of the UK joining the
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM).
These are common rules that allow parts, ingredients and materials for
manufacturing supply chains to be sourced from across dozens of countries in
Europe and North Africa to be used in tariff-free trade.
The Conservatives did not pursue PEM as part of its post-Brexit deal but
some firms said it would help the UK rejoin complex supply chains that have
been hit by customs barriers.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Sefcovic said the idea has
not been "precisely formulated" by London yet and the "ball is in the UK's
court".
The BBC understands that the UK government has begun consultations with
business over the benefits of the PEM plan that could help cut red tape and
improve trade.
No final decision has been made yet.
Mr Sefcovic also said that a full-scale veterinary agreement that helped
reduce frictions on farm and food trade should also be reviewed.
Single market treatment for UK food and farm exports would mean "we would
have to have the same rules and we have to upgrade them at the same time, we
call it dynamic alignment", he told me.
The EU-UK fisheries deal is also due to expire next year. "A solution for
fisheries is very important for the EU, again, we communicated this on
multiple occasions," Mr Sefcovic said.
Youth mobility
He also said he was surprised at how a European Commission proposal on youth
mobility had been "spun" in the UK.
The scheme would allow 18 to 30 year-olds from the EU to travel, work and
study in the UK for a period, "with reciprocity for young UK nationals",
according to the European Commission.
Both Labour, when it was in opposition, and the then-Tory government
rejected the idea, stating that free movement within the EU had ended with
Brexit.
But Mr Sefcovic said it was hoped the scheme would "build bridges for the
future for the European Union and the UK".
"That was the idea," he said. "[But] we've been a little bit surprised what
kind of spin it got in the UK.
"It is not freedom of movement," Mr Sefcovic added. "We have been very clear
what we've been proposing."
Nevertheless, Mr Sefcovic said that relations between the UK and the EU were
"definitely" in a better place and his British counterpart Nick
Thomas-Symonds was "on speed dial".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend a defence and security focused
EU summit next month.
As well as relations with the UK, Mr Sefcovic acknowledged that the EU
needed to be "extremely cautious and responsible" in addressing trade with
the Trump administration in Washington but said he was willing to negotiate.
He added that while the EU did have a surplus in goods such as cars, the US
had a surplus in services-bbc
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