Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 31 Jul 2025

Thu Jul 31 11:28:10 CAT 2025

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Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  31 Jul  2025 

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ü  Africa: Fields, Funds, and Digital - How Women Are Driving Africa's Economic Future

ü  South Africa: Golden Arrow Bus Fares Go Up on 11 August

ü  Nigeria: We've Released N766.7bn for Nigeria's Electricity Sector - AfDB

ü  Rwanda Steps Up Efforts to Boost Local Sugar Production, Cut Imports

ü  Ghana's Affirmative Action Act is a Crucial Step Towards Gender Equity - But Now the Real Work Begins

ü  Africa: Toolbox to Help Accelerate Food Systems Transformation

ü  Angola: Taxi Strike Over Fuel Hike Spurs Deadly Riots in Angolan Capital

ü  Kenya Faults Tanzania's New Tax, Business Rules

ü  Tanzania: Govt Bans Foreigners From 15 Business Activities

ü  South Africa: Eastern Cape Speeds Up Housing for Flood Victims

ü  Nigeria: National Grid - Govt Targets 4,200mw From Renewable With Battery Energy Storage System

ü  Nigeria: Light Rail Projects in Northern States to Commence Soon - Transportation Minister

ü  Tanzania: Envoy Lauds Uranium Project, a Significant Step in Tanzania-Russia Ties

ü  Tanzania Strikes Gold in Newly Opened Uranium Plant

ü  Trump announces deal to impose 15% tariff on South Korea

ü  Ford says Trump tariffs to cost it about $2bn this year

ü  Meta profits surge helps drive Zuckerberg’s AI ambitions

ü  Trump signs order ending global tariff exemption for low-cost goods

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Africa: Fields, Funds, and Digital - How Women Are Driving Africa's Economic Future

>From agricultural lands to technology startups, African women are not only building, but they are endlessly reinventing the economy. Even when women are said to be the backbone of the family and the foundation of a nation, they are almost never credited for their victories.

As we mark Pan-African Women's Day 2025 on July 31, we celebrate the power, resilience, and leadership of African women who are shaping the continent's future. Women in Africa are not only taking a seat in the economy, but are actively participating in its transformation from a farm field to a tech hub. Despite significant progress, critical barriers such as limited access to education, financial resources, equal opportunities, and inadequate learning environments still hold back many women and girls from reaching their full potential.

African women are increasingly emerging as leaders in agriculture, pioneers in digital innovation, and champions of financial inclusion, driven by several targeted initiatives and broader structural changes across the continent.

"Agriculture, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and financial inclusion aren't just development priorities, when aligned, they unlock transformative economic opportunity across Africa, especially for women," said Natalie Africa, Interim Director of Economic Opportunity at the Gates Foundation.

Africa, a leader in the field of women's economic empowerment, in a conversation with allAfrica's Melody Chironda, shared how women are increasingly becoming agricultural leaders, pioneers in digital innovation, and champions of financial inclusion. She said that agriculture remains the continent's largest employer, particularly in rural areas where women make up 66% of the workforce. However, many face systemic barriers and gender norms that limit their access to resources like land, credit, and markets, preventing them from growing their incomes or scaling their impact.

"National systems like digital IDs, mobile payments, and interoperable data platforms make it possible for women to have identification that enables them to access credit, government services, and agricultural inputs directly and securely," she said.

However, integrating DPI, like digital IDs and mobile payments, with inclusive financial tools can help dismantle these barriers, allowing women to access credit, services, and markets more directly and securely. She said that connecting these systems doesn't just increase access, it shifts power, enabling women to move from economic participants to leaders.

Women move from being participants in the economy to becoming leaders within it.

The Gates Foundation's Interim Director of Economic Opportunity cites a Kenyan program supported by the Gates Foundation as an example of how digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, and agricultural support intersect to drive a measurable impact. The initiative provides women farmers with digital extension services through mobile platforms, offering tailored advice on planting, harvesting, and climate adaptation, which boosts their yields and income.

"In 2024, a microfinance initiative was launched with support from the European Union, the European Investment Bank, the Gates Foundation, and KCB Bank Kenya, with a bold goal: to direct at least 80% of its financing to women. By lowering interest rates, adapting digital services to women's needs, and removing barriers like lack of collateral or credit history, the program is directly addressing the structural exclusions women face in accessing finance," she said.

She said such initiatives show how integrated solutions, rooted in digital access, sector knowledge, and financial inclusion, can unlock women's full economic potential.

Women in agriculture are often viewed as beneficiaries rather than leaders

Women in agriculture are frequently perceived more as beneficiaries of aid and interventions rather than as leaders who shape agricultural policy and practice. This perception is deeply rooted in cultural norms and traditional gender roles that often limit women's participation in decision-making and access to resources like land, financing, and education.

"African women have always demonstrated agency and leadership, whether in the household, in the community, or at the sovereign level... just look at the history of African women as warriors and queens. However, colonialism and development narratives have often stripped women of their leadership role, which has exacerbated poverty and poor development outcomes," she said.

She said that the Gates Foundation is "very intentional about positioning women as agents of transformation, not just recipients of support." This approach, she said, is part of the Foundation's gender transformative strategy, which aims to elevate women as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers throughout the agricultural value chain.  "This is what we call a gender transformative approach," said Africa.

In Nigeria, for example, the Foundation is working with women's producer cooperatives in rice and cassava value chains.

"These cooperatives receive business and digital training, access to markets, and are integrated into local agricultural policies," said Africa. "Women have always formed and led these groups. They are used to coming together to find solutions. By leveraging these groups and enabling them to have better access to information and finance, they can go even further in influencing decisions and increasing their incomes and standing in the community."

Africa said that women across the continent are already driving innovation and building resilient systems - what's missing is the visibility. "Their stories just haven't been told loudly enough," she said.

She also gave examples such as Dr. Clare Mukankusi in Uganda, who is developing climate-resilient bean varieties to boost nutrition and income for women farmers, and Josephine Kimonyi in Kenya, who returned to her family's land, doubled milk production with improved breeds, and turned that income into education for her five children, reinvesting in poultry and growing her farm into a thriving business. "These women, scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs are leading agricultural transformation in real time," she said. "Our job is to recognize them, invest in them, and ensure that systems work for them."

It is critical that women have access to agricultural finance and services through digital public infrastructure (DPI), which includes mobile money systems and digital IDs.

"It's essential," she said. "Without a digital ID, a woman farmer might be invisible to formal systems, unable to open a bank account, register her farm, or receive subsidies. She said that without a digital ID, many women farmers are excluded from formal systems and opportunities, such as opening bank accounts or accessing subsidies. The Gates Foundation, she said, is focused on building an inclusive DPI that is designed for women and other more excluded groups.

Africa said that DPI acts as "the connective tissue of the digital economy that enables people to prove who they are, receive money, and securely share information, and when thoughtfully designed, it expands participation, reduces service delivery costs, and creates fairer, more dynamic markets."

She said that in Tanzania, as an example, the Foundation has supported efforts to digitize agricultural input subsidy programs. "Women receive their entitlements directly through mobile platforms. This reduces leakage, increases transparency, and strengthens women's agency in how they invest those funds," said the interim head of Economic Opportunity at the Gates Foundation.

Financial inclusion acts as a catalyst for a larger economic ecosystem by boosting productivity, fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing social equity, and supporting sustainable economic growth beyond just the agricultural sector.

Africa said that financial inclusion is a gateway to broader economic empowerment. "Try and imagine any business or economy thriving without access to capital. It just wouldn't be possible," she said.

She said that when women have access to financial tools like savings, credit, and insurance, they are empowered to take productive risks, such as investing in quality seeds or hiring labor. They can also better manage through tough seasons, maintaining household stability and building long-term resilience. In sub-Saharan Africa, where women make up nearly half of the agricultural workforce but face a $42 billion financing gap, access to finance can be transformative.

Drawing on experiences from Uganda, she said that women who save collectively are more likely to invest in their farms, educate their children, and participate actively in household decision-making. When women gain control over financial tools, their economic influence expands beyond agriculture. They're more likely to start small businesses, contribute to local markets, and invest in healthcare and education.

Digital tools play a transformative role in reshaping rural food systems by enhancing productivity, efficiency, transparency, and connectivity across the entire food value chain. These tools enable farmers to optimize resource use, improve crop yields, and reduce losses.  Digital platforms also connect farmers to wider markets and reliable information, lowering transaction costs and expanding economic opportunities, especially for smallholders in rural areas.

Africa said that digital tools are fundamentally transforming rural food systems across Africa, making them not just more efficient, but more inclusive and resilient. "For smallholder farmers, many of them women, digital access can mean the difference between reacting to climate shocks and planning for them," she said.

She said that tools like mobile apps and SMS platforms help farmers to receive timely information, such as weather forecasts, input prices, agronomic advice, and market trends, enabling them to make faster, more informed decisions. In Ethiopia, the Gates Foundation has backed the Agricultural Transformation Agency's 8028 Farmer Hotline, a free mobile platform offering agronomic advice in local languages, which has helped millions of farmers improve planting and harvesting decisions.

"We have also supported efforts to digitize the input subsidy system, allowing farmers, particularly women, to access e-vouchers for seeds and fertilizers directly, reducing their reliance on informal brokers. These kinds of tools help women negotiate from a position of strength, make timely decisions, and increase their income, key markers of growing economic agency," she said.

The strongest solutions are those developed by Africans, for Africans. 

Africa said that local organizations understand context, culture, and what drives behavior change. She said that's why the Gates Foundation prioritizes working with national governments, local NGOs, women's associations, and agribusinesses to drive lasting change.

"We believe the strongest solutions are those developed by Africans, for Africans. The real engine of progress lies in Africa's own resources, government leadership, private-sector investment, and local innovation. As African institutions expand their capacity, we're committed to amplifying those efforts. Through every partnership, our goal is to nurture self-reliance and elevate local solutions, not just to solve challenges at home, but to shape global thinking on sustainable development."

The Gates Foundation supports a partnership with a local fintech company delivering microloans and agricultural training via mobile platforms in Senegal. "Their local presence ensures trust and usability, two things global solutions often lack," she said. "Scale happens when local systems own and adapt innovation."

She said that they look beyond participation to ownership and decision-making. Are women deciding how to use credit? Are they controlling income from their harvest? Are they influencing local policies?

In Rwanda, she said, the Foundation supported a digital land registration project that ensures women's names are on land titles, legally securing their right to farm and invest. When women gain secure assets and digital footprints, their bargaining power and economic agency grow. She said that economic agency also means enabling women to pursue their ambitions beyond agriculture, be it starting a business, entering the workforce, or advocating for change. And when this is done in a manner that lifts up the entire household and community, men also see the benefit and buy into such initiatives.

Closing the gaps

While digital systems hold transformative potential for agricultural inclusion, overcoming infrastructural, economic, educational, content-related, and governance challenges through coordinated, context-sensitive and sustainable approaches is critical to fully realize these benefits for rural farmers and the wider economic ecosystem. Africa is making progress in digital innovation, but fundamental infrastructure gaps still threaten to keep its benefits out of reach for millions.

"The digital divide carries real risks, especially for women," she said. "Globally, 1.4 billion adults remain excluded from formal financial services, and 54% of them are women. Without intentional design, digital systems can reinforce these gaps, limiting women's access to credit, markets, and opportunity."

Africa said that without intentional design, digital systems can actually reinforce inequality.

"Women face persistent barriers: less access to mobile phones, limited digital literacy, and lower trust in tech-driven platforms. If unaddressed, digital systems can deepen exclusion," she said. That's why the Gates Foundation focuses on a gender-intentional approach from mobile interfaces in local languages to agent networks that reach last-mile users.

She urged governments and development partners to place women at the center of their strategies, especially in agriculture and digital innovation.

"Start with women. When systems are designed for those most excluded, everyone benefits."

"Start with women, because when systems are designed for those most excluded, everyone benefits," she said. "That means designing for the real barriers women face: unpaid care burdens, limited mobility, restricted access to capital, and deeply entrenched social norms. It means investing in infrastructure, digital, financial, and social, that connects rather than isolates. And above all, it means trusting and elevating local systems and voices that know what works."

She said that the Gates Foundation is committed to catalytic partnerships that unlock women's economic power as a driving force for inclusive growth. "Because when women gain agency, income, and opportunity, the ripple effects lift families, strengthen communities, and power entire economies," said Africa.

South Africa: Golden Arrow Bus Fares Go Up on 11 August

Golden Arrow bus fares will go up by 4% from 11 August due to rising operating costs, reports EWN. The company said it understands the financial strain on passengers but has no option but to implement the increase. Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said that fare hikes were previously delayed beyond the usual December period. Dyke-Beyer said that in December 2024, they deferred the increase. However, due to continued and widespread increases in operating costs across our supply chain, they can no longer able to delay any further.

Spaza Shop Owner Sentenced for Corrupt Sassa Card Deal

The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Vryburg has sentenced Ethiopian national Etebo Lapso Wangore to a R60,000 fine or eight months in prison for corruption linked to a Sassa fraud scheme, reports SABC News. He also received a suspended 12-month sentence. Wangore, an asylum seeker turned spaza shop owner, was part of a syndicate involving Sassa employees who created fake beneficiaries. In November 2022, he offered a Post Office agent R20,000 to help obtain 250 Sassa cards, plus R1,000 for each additional card. The agent alerted police, leading to a sting operation and his arrest in February 2023.

Likhona Fose's Family Still Hopeful for Justice After Suspect Released

The family of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, whose mutilated body was found in Durban Deep in June, says they still have hope that justice will be served, reports EWN. This comes after charges against the only suspect, Mduduzi Mnisi, were withdrawn in court due to new information clearing him. Speaking on behalf of the family, Fose's uncle, Mthobile Fose, said they hold no resentment toward Mnisi and remain focused on finding the real killers. He added that police assurances and community support have renewed their hope in the search for justice.

More South African news

Nigeria: We've Released N766.7bn for Nigeria's Electricity Sector - AfDB

The African Development Bank says it has disbursed $500m (N766.7bn) to Nigeria to advance critical power sector reforms.

Speaking during inaugural/inception workshop on Nigerian Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) feasibility study, AFDB's Director General, Nigeria Country Department, Dr. Abdul Kamara, said the fund which is through its $1bn Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Programme, seeks to help Nigeria have an improved and robust energy sector to provide electricity for its citizens.

Kamara said the second phase which is on track, is part of the bank's commitment to ensure electricity is accessible to every community in the country.

He said the BESS project, which is organized by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is an important enabler to bring electricity to an estimated 90m people still without access to electricity.

"Africa holds almost Sixty Per cent (60%) of the world's best solar resources, yet accounts for only Two Per cent (2%) of global energy storage capacity. That gap presents a challenge but more importantly, an opportunity. Battery storage is central to unlocking the full potential of our renewable energy resources and delivering stable, reliable power across the continent."

He said the battery storage is already seeing inspiring progress in South Africa with a 1,400 Megawatt-hour battery storage project supporting grid stability and solar integration while Kenya's Olkaria geothermal-battery hybrid is delivering reliable energy to millions.

"Now, Nigeria is poised to take a bold step in that same direction. In addition, under our One Million Dollar grant Africa Energy Sector Technical Assistance Programme (AESTAP), we're supporting implementation of the Electricity Act, building state-level electricity markets, and strengthening governance.

On his part, the MD of TCN Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the feasibility study is both timely and presents an opportunity not only to understand the technical and commercial dimension of BSSE, but also to determine the institutional readiness, operational protocol and capacity building priority that will underpin successful implementation.

"From grid code and safety standard to workshop training and asset management framework, we must ensure that our planning today is comprehensive and forward-looking," he said.

Read the original article on Daily Trust.

Rwanda Steps Up Efforts to Boost Local Sugar Production, Cut Imports

The government is exploring ways to increase domestic sugar production to cut heavy reliance on imports, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Data from the ministry shows that Rwanda imported 308,000 tonnes of cane/beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose valued at $238 million (over Rwf340 billion) in 2024 (representing an increase of 24 per cent, up from $192 million in 2023).

Currently, domestic sugar production accounts for approximately 7.5 per cent of Rwanda's total demand, with the remaining 92.5 per cent being met through imports, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, told The New Times.

"This heavy reliance on external supply highlights the strategic imperative to boost local production and reduce the economic impact associated with high import volumes," he said.

Indeed, due to high dependence on imported sugar, Rwanda has been staying the application of the East African Community (EAC) External Tariff on sugar, among other "strategic" foodstuffs, to apply a lower rate and reduce the cost of such items for consumers, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

In the current fiscal year, sugar imports are charged a 25 per cent duty, which is a quarter of a 100 per cent rate or $460 per tonne (whichever is higher) under the EAC tariff.

ALSO READ: 2023/24: Why 35 Rwandan firms can import sugar duty-free

In line with addressing the gap, the government is planning to allocate 8,000 hectares of land for sugarcane cultivation and attract at least $50 million (over Rwf73 billion) in private investment to strengthen processing capacity and boost local sugar production, the Ministry of Trade and Industry indicated earlier this year.

ALSO READ: Rwanda eyes $50m investment in sugar production

Sebahizi said that the government of Rwanda is currently engaged in negotiations with interested investors who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to investing in the country's sugar sector.

The ongoing land identifition targets the Eastern Province and is currently undergoing assessment to determine its suitability for sugarcane cultivation.

"It has not yet been secured pending confirmation of its viability," he said.

Following the assessment of the land's suitability for sugarcane cultivation, he said, various investors have indicated readiness to facilitate expropriation processes where necessary, in alignment with regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement protocols.

This will be affirmed upon conclusion of the ongoing negotiations, he pointed out.

He observed that the feasibility study will inform the production capacity of the sugar plant required and as well as the overall investment projections associated with the initiative.

Rwanda currently faces a significant deficit in domestic sugar production, he said. This results in importing more to bridge the supply gap.

"This imbalance underscores the urgent need for strategic investments in the sector to enhance national self-sufficiency and reduce foreign exchange losses," he observed.

Joel Uwizeye, Director of Corporate Affairs at Madhvani Group Rwanda, which owns Kabuye Sugar Works, told The New Times that the company is working with the government to expand the factory's capacity.

Kabuye Sugar Works which is located in Gasabo District is the only sugar-producing plant in Rwanda, so far.

Uwizeye said that the company plans to establish a new plant capable of producing 60,000 tonnes of sugar annually, along with ethanol that could replace at least 90 per cent of current ethanol imports into the country.

"One major challenge is getting the land for growing enough sugarcane and setting up the new factory," Uwizeye said.

He added that the existing factory, which has an annual capacity of 17,000 tonnes, is currently producing just 12,000-13,000 tonnes due to sugarcane shortages caused by floods that damage plantations.

The company is working with the government to get flood-free land in districts not far away from Kabuye, such as Bugesera, Kamonyi and Rwamagana, to ensure a consistent sugarcane supply and allow the plant to operate at full capacity.

He reiterated that Madhvani Group is ready and committed to continuing to invest in Rwanda.

Read the original article on New Times.

Ghana's Affirmative Action Act is a Crucial Step Towards Gender Equity - But Now the Real Work Begins

July 31 marks the official launch of Ghana's Affirmative Action Act. One year ago - on July 30, 2024 - Ghana's Parliament made history by passing this groundbreaking piece of legislation, taking a critical step toward building a more just, equitable and inclusive society.

The Affirmative Action Act is both a victory for women and a national milestone in the country's democratic development. It addresses the structural and cultural inequalities that have long hindered women's access to leadership and decision-making roles. The Act does not merely seek parity in representation; it affirms the principle of equity by recognizing historical disadvantages and instituting targeted mechanisms to redress them.

But true gender equality requires more than just a legal framework. In Ghana, it will take a widespread mindset shift, as well as a powerful political and collective will in order to achieve true equity. Cultural transformation must go hand in hand with legal reform, dismantling deeply entrenched inequalities and challenging patriarchal norms through education, public discourse, and sustained policy engagement. The Affirmative Action Act's success depends on comprehensive public education and awareness campaigns led by government, academia, and civil society.

Gender equity is not solely a women's issue; it is a national issue, and it must be regarded as such. Without a fundamental shift in the way our society views women, families and communities across Ghana will continue to be prevented from reaching their full potential.

Why the Affirmative Action Act Matters

Ghanaian women have always been significantly underrepresented throughout governance, public service, and economic leadership, a gender imbalance that undermines both democratic representation and national development.

In 2024 women held a mere 14.9% of parliamentary seats. At the 2023 district-level elections, women clinched only 4% of assembly member positions. The judiciary is similarly imbalanced: today, only 4 of the 18 Judicial Council members are women.

These gaps are not due to a lack of qualification or ambition, but to persistent patriarchal norms that systematically marginalize female leadership. These include cultural biases, including the widespread perception within political parties that male candidates are more electorally viable. By proactively addressing gender inequality, the Affirmative Action Act provides a necessary correction.

The pursuit of equity is not opposed to excellence; rather, it broadens the talent pool and fosters more inclusive and effective leadership. Institutions such as Stanbic Bank Ghana have demonstrated this through two initiatives – "Blue Heels" and "Ignite Women in Leadership" – which have successfully advanced gender equity without compromising merit.

The Affirmative Action Act sets forth phased targets for women's representation: 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030. These benchmarks are not arbitrary quotas; they are time-bound commitments to correct institutional bias and ensure women's substantive inclusion in national governance.

In order to support these ambitious goals, the Act contains provisions to educate and promote the next generation of female leaders. These include focused STEM education support for girls entering male-dominated fields, gender-responsive human resource policies across the public and private sectors, and annual reporting by institutions on gender balance and progress. The Ministry of Gender has already established a Gender Equity Committee to oversee monitoring and evaluation of the Act's impacts.

An International Precedent

Affirmative Action is not unique to Ghana. It emerged from the 1960s Civil Rights Movement in the United States, where it was designed to address the racial inequalities that persisted despite legal guarantees of equality.

In South Africa, Affirmative Action has been a pivotal tool in addressing apartheid-era inequalities. The Employment Equity Act of 1998 sought to promote equal opportunity, eliminate unfair discrimination, and implement redress measures in employment. In the first five years after the Act's implementation, black women made significant gains at both the highest and lowest employment levels. Today South Africa enjoys near-parity representation, with 46% of national assembly seats occupied by women as of 2023.

Rwanda has gone even further: its constitution mandates female representation of at least 30%, and as of 2023 61.3% of seats in the country's Lower House were occupied by women - the highest proportion in the world. In Senegal, women held 41.2% of parliamentary seats last year thanks to the country's 2010 Gender Parity Law.

A Continental Leadership Opportunity

Today, Ghana too is poised to play a decisive role in the continent-wide movement toward gender equality. Ahead of the national policy dialogue on July 31, 2025, all stakeholders – including government, the private sector, academia, civil society and the general public – must be prepared to work toward the Act's full and faithful implementation.

The passage of the Affirmative Action Act presents a historic opportunity. Let us rise to meet it with resolve, vision and collective action.

Professor Deborah Atobrah is the director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) at the University of Ghana

Africa: Toolbox to Help Accelerate Food Systems Transformation

Agrifood System transformation is at the heart of the new Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which aims to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This is because the what, when, how, and who of the decisions made about food production, processing, storage, transport, marketing, preparation and consumption drive so much that profoundly affect the human condition: food and nutrition security, decent jobs, resilience, climate mitigation and adaptation, and environmental stewardship.

The Kampala Declaration, introducing the new CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, has a strong focus on acceleration. Dr. Mayaki, the AU’s Special Envoy for Food Systems, talks about the imperative to speed up agrifood system change, because progress is too slow. The Food Systems Countdown Report, anchored by FAO, notes that globally only 20 of its 42 food system indicators are trending in the right direction and none of them fast enough to meet the SDGs.

Accelerating agrifood system transformation is not easy. Agrifood systems are intricate networks of stakeholders, policies, budgets, incentives and investments that are not necessarily self-aligning. But rather than viewing them as a single machine needing horsepower, we prefer to think of them as a vast woven fabric. Each thread - farmers, processors, traders, governments, civil society - adds strength, colour, and purpose to the whole. When threads are tangled or frayed, the fabric weakens. When they are aligned, the weave is strong, adaptable, and beautiful. Put simply, for Africa, the stakes could not be higher: so many livelihoods depend on farming, and what people eat has a direct impact on their health, wellbeing and productivity on farms, and in towns and cities.

Of course, none of these things are easy.

Our task is to help tighten and align the weave. To support this and to make it easier for decision makers to accelerate agrifood system transformation, we have presented a set of tools that have been developed in several countries, including 8 from Africa, over the past 8 years.  These tools have been developed by collaborations between hundreds of experts and dozens and dozens of institutions, many from Africa. We encourage African food system leaders from all walks of life to engage with these tools:  to adapt, improve, and - above all - to use them to make more strategic and catalytic decisions.

The tools include:

Food System Dashboards that pull together food system data from multiple sources into one location to quickly describe and diagnose food system opportunities and vulnerabilities. How to target scarce resources for the best impact

The Policy Coherence Tool shows how aligned or not policies in different sectors are behind key food system goals. Avoiding one hand not knowing what the other is doing.

The Political Economy Assessment Tool helps to identify the political opportunities for action. Applying analysis in the real world of political choices

The 3FS tool, which helps to map government, DFI and ODA budgets—how well are financial resources lined up behind stated government priorities?  Helping advocate for better spending

The Diet Quality Questionnaire, a 5-minute questionnaire that allows governments and communities to quickly assess the diet quality of its people.  Diet quality is a leading-edge indicator of crisis.  It is affected by shocks long before hunger strikes. Real-time data, not relying on statistics from the past.

I-CAN, the initiative on climate action and nutrition, which helps governments, businesses, and civil society to identify and seize opportunities to accelerate climate and nutrition goals at the same time.  This is especially helpful for climate champions and was born at COP27. Bringing climate and food strategies together.

The Food System Countdown Initiative, helping governments at all levels track the progress made in their food system transformation. Tracking performance and helping with accountability

Together, with our partners, we seek to rise to the acceleration challenge of Dr. Mayaki.  Food system change is hard, but the opportunities are immense.  These tools, if adapted, used and acted on, can help describe, diagnose, prioritise, and formulate concrete projects that are financeable, implementable and impactful. They can help us weave a fabric that is strong, resilient, and inclusive.

In these turbulent times, when trade, aid, and debt burdens are all under threat, we need to keep calm and speed up agrifood system action. UNFSS+4 is the perfect time to pick up the weaving shuttle and strengthen the tapestry of Africa’s food systems, accelerate and realise Africa’s huge potential to meet its people’s needs—for today and for future generations and for the Africa we want.

Ms. Estherine Fotabong is Director of Agriculture, Food Security & Environmental Sustainability, AUDA-NEPAD.

Dr. Lawrence Haddad is a former World Food Prize winner and currently the Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Angola: Taxi Strike Over Fuel Hike Spurs Deadly Riots in Angolan Capital

At least five people have been killed and more than 1,200 arrested in Luanda after a taxi strike over fuel prices turned violent. Shops were looted, cars were damaged and large parts of Angola's capital came to a standstill.

The unrest began on Monday when drivers of candongueiros - blue and white minibus taxis that carry nearly 90 percent of Luanda's commuters - launched a three-day strike.

They were protesting a government decision to raise the price of subsidised petrol from 300 to 400 kwanzas per litre (about €0.29 to €0.38) earlier in July.

By Tuesday evening, police spokesperson Mateus Rodrigues said 1,214 people had been arrested. He said shops, banks and cars had been vandalised, and warned that "pockets of disorder" were still being reported.

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Luanda at a 'standstill'

Many shops and businesses have closed their doors. "The city centre is quiet," activist Laura Macedo told RFI's Portuguese service. "But all the shops were shut since Monday afternoon. Luanda is at a standstill."

Macedo said the calm was deceptive, adding that "people can see the government is not in the slightest bit concerned about them".

A single taxi trip that once cost 700 kwanzas, she said, was now up to 1,800 kwanzas in some areas.

"We don't have public transport. The government allowed drivers to raise their prices, trying to prevent a revolt. But that created even more anger," she explained.

Macedo, an organiser of peaceful marches in recent weeks, said police often broke up the gatherings before they could finish.

"Angolans have been struggling for years. Even middle-class families can no longer manage," she said.

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Oil wealth, rising anger

Angola is the second-largest oil producer in Africa, behind Nigeria. But many people say they are not seeing any benefit from Angola's oil wealth.

"This is a paradox we've lived with since independence," said Macedo, criticising President João Lourenço for promoting Angola's 50th independence anniversary while much of the population continues to suffer.

"He cannot be a happy man. How can you accept that there are still children on the streets, and that the drought in southern Angola continues to kill people?" she asked.

The ANATA taxi drivers' union, which called the strike, has distanced itself from the unrest.

Its leader, Geraldo Wanga, condemned the violence and said his members were not involved in the destruction. He criticised what he called the "arbitrary" arrest of drivers wrongly accused of inciting violence.

The protests reflect growing frustration with Angola's economic struggles and political leadership. The MPLA has ruled since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Many are calling for change as inflation rises and jobs remain scarce.

Read or Listen to this story on the RFI website.

Kenya Faults Tanzania's New Tax, Business Rules

Nairobi — The Kenyan government has raised alarm over fresh trade restrictions and tax measures introduced by Tanzania, warning that they risk undermining the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda.

Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui criticised Tanzania's new Finance Act 2025 and changes to the Excise (Management and Tariff) Act 2019, which introduce an Industrial Development Levy and additional excise duties of between 10% and 15% on imported goods.

He said the move makes Kenyan products less competitive in the Tanzanian market, with some items now costing up to 65% more.

More contentious is the new Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, which bans foreigners -- including EAC citizens -- from engaging in 15 business categories, including micro and small-scale industries.

"These measures undermine the spirit of the EAC Common Market Protocol, which grants partner states equal rights to establish and operate businesses," said Kinyanjui, urging Tanzania to rescind the new restrictions.

Kenya has initiated bilateral engagements and is also working through EAC mechanisms, including the recent Extraordinary Sectoral Council on Finance and Economic Affairs, which directed the EAC Secretariat to audit all taxes and charges that contravene regional trade agreements.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Tanzania: Govt Bans Foreigners From 15 Business Activities

Dar es Salaam — THE government has banned non-citizens from engaging in 15 types of business activities, following rising concerns over the growing presence of foreign traders in local markets.

The government ban aims at protecting local entrepreneurs and ensuring that small scale business opportunities remain accessible to Tanzanian citizens.

The decision was formalised through Government Notice No 487A, published on July 28, 2025, under the Business Licensing Act (Cap 101).

"This Order may be cited as the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025. In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires, "non-citizen" has the meaning ascribed to it under the Tanzania Citizenship Act.

The business activities specified in the Schedule to this Order shall not be carried out by non-citizens," part of the order states.

According to the new Prohibition Order, foreigners are now banned from engaging in 15 types of business activities, including general wholesale and retail trade (excluding supermarkets and specialty outlets), mobile money transfers, mobile phone and electronic repairs and salon services (except those for tourism purposes).

The ban also applies to home and office cleaning, small-scale mining, domestic parcel and postal delivery, tour guiding, operating radio and TV stations, running museums or curio shops, acting as brokers in business and real estate, clearing and forwarding services, crop buying at farms, operating gambling machines outside casinos and owning or running micro and small industries.

The order stipulates that any non-citizen found violating the ban will face a minimum fine of 10m/-, up to six months' imprisonment and revocation of their visa or residence permit.

Tanzanians found aiding or facilitating foreigners in these restricted businesses may also face a fine of 5m/- or three months' imprisonment.

According to the government, the ban aims to protect local entrepreneurs, ensure fair competition and generate employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

It is also part of broader national efforts to formalise the informal sector, improve revenue collection and combat illegal trade activities.

The move follows mounting tensions in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam's main commercial hub, where local traders have long accused foreign nationals, particularly Chinese traders of dominating sectors reserved for Tanzanians.

To address the concerns, Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, appointed a 15-member investigative committee led by Professor Edda Lwoga.

The committee's findings revealed that many foreign traders were operating illegally or using manipulated licences, often registering businesses under Tanzanian names.

Out of 75 businesses inspected in Kariakoo, 152 workers were identified, 148 of whom were engaged in retail activities, an area legally reserved for Tanzanians.

The probe also uncovered cases where landlords rented shops to foreigners in exchange for large bribes, a practice locally referred to as kutoa kilemba.

Many of the foreign-run shops were also found to be selling counterfeit goods or operating without valid business licences.

In response, Minister Jafo ordered a nationwide enforcement operation. A special task force comprising the Immigration Department, Police, Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) was deployed to crack down on illegal foreign trading.

Over 100 business premises were reviewed and more than 183 individuals were flagged for violations, with some facing deportation.

Foreigners currently holding valid licences in the restricted sectors may continue operating until their licences expire, but they will not be allowed to renew them.

Read the original article on Daily News.

South Africa: Eastern Cape Speeds Up Housing for Flood Victims

The Eastern Cape government is accelerating efforts to house hundreds of families displaced by recent floods that destroyed over 6,800 households and left more than 4,000 people homeless, reports EWN. While long-term housing plans are underway, temporary relief is being prioritised, with 32 families already receiving aid in mass shelters. A resettlement site has been secured in New Rest, near Butterworth, where 28 temporary residential units are ready for occupation by August 7, 2025. The construction of over 1,000 TRUs is currently taking place in the municipalities of King Sabata Dalindyebo and Mnquma. Some units have been donated by partners such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the national Department of Human Settlements. The government has also secured land near essential services in areas like Mayden Farm and Old Transkei Meat Industry to support long-term resettlement. An additional 2,145 homes were partially damaged by the floods.

Govt Criticized for Inaction on Student Financial Aid Delays

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has criticised the government for its failure to resolve ongoing funding delays in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), reports SABC News. The bursary scheme funds tertiary tuition and accommodation. CGE presented a report indicating that sexual harassment is increasing in higher learning institutions. Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya Mogale said that financially vulnerable female students are increasingly being exploited by landlords. She said that this trend extends beyond students to the wider rental market, where economic hardship is leading to similar abuses. Mogale called on NSFAS and the government to urgently revisit their approach, stressing that student welfare, including their living conditions, cannot be ignored.

Teen Suspects in Bredasdorp Murder Back in Court

Two teenagers linked to the murder of 82-year-old retired teacher Sammy Cloete in Bredasdorp are expected back in court, reports EWN. Cloete was stabbed and robbed at his home on Jacaranda Street on 12 July. The suspects, aged 16 and 18, were arrested shortly after being seen driving the victim's car. However, the investigating officer testified last week that 18-year-old Shaun Swart was not involved in the murder, stating he was picked up for a joyride by the 16-year-old after the crime. Swart was granted bail and must reside at an alternative address in Struisbaai, while the minor remains in custody at a juvenile facility.

More South African news

Nigeria: National Grid - Govt Targets 4,200mw From Renewable With Battery Energy Storage System

The Federal Government has initiated plans to deploy renewable energy battery storage systems to enhance the stability of the national electricity grid.

The initiative aims to enable the integration of 4,200MWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) power into the national grid by 2030.

Speaking at the inaugural workshop on the Nigeria Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Feasibility Study, hosted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized the urgency of addressing energy storage challenges as solar and wind power continue to gain traction in the country.

According to Adelabu, BESS represents the most practical and scalable solution to support the grid and ensure reliable power supply amid Nigeria's growing reliance on renewable energy sources.

Represented by the Assistant Director, Renewable and Rural Power Access, Engr. Ben Anyangeror, the Minister noted that despite major reforms in the sector, "key challenges persist particularly the issues of power intermittency, limited dispatchability of renewables, grid instability and underutilised energy generation".

He noted that the BESS would enhance grid stability and flexibility, reduce reliance on fossil based peaking plants, enable deeper integration of renewable energy into both grid-connected and offgrid systems, improve power quality and system reliability especially during voltage or frequency disturbances, and extend access to clean energy in underserved and and remote areas.

"Particularly important is the grid-forming capability of advanced battery storage systems. Unlike traditional grid-following inverters, grid-forming BESS can establish voltage and frequency references, essentially acting as virtual generators. This makes them critical assets in maintaining grid frequency regulation, black start capabilities, and power system resilience during disturbances or partial outages. In other words, BESS does not only store energy-they actively support the grid, improving power quality and reducing the risk of blackouts", he added.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz said the workshop was an opportunity to understand the technical and commercial dimensions of BESS, and the institutional readiness to implement the system.

Abdulaziz who was represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider, Engr Olugbenga Ajiboye said: "For years, our operational teams have contended with the challenges of frequency fluctuations, peak load pressures, and limitations in reactive power support. These technical constraints affect every layer of the electricity value chain-from generation dispatch to the final delivery of power to homes and industries.

"Battery Energy Storage Systems offer us a powerful means to address these persistent challenges. For example, they enable frequency regulation, reserve capacity, and voltage support-directly strengthening grid performance and unlocking more efficient use of our transmission assets. This is precisely why this feasibility study is both timely and so important".

On his part, the Director-General, Nigeria Country Department, AfDB, Dr Abdul Kamara said the bank is supporting the study with a $1.2 million grant.

Represented by the Chief Engineer, AfDB Country Office, Chigozie Egerouh, Dr Kamara noted that "as we work toward the ambitious goal of connecting three hundred million people to electricity by 2030 under the Mission 300 initiative, battery energy storage emerges as a critical enabler. And nowhere is this mission more urgent than here in Nigeria, home to an estimated Ninety million people still without access to electricity."

Read the original article on Vanguard.

Nigeria: Light Rail Projects in Northern States to Commence Soon - Transportation Minister

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa'idu Alkali, says light rail projects in Northern States of the country will commence soon.

Alkali disclosed this at plenary on infrastructure at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation 's two-day interactive Session on Government-Citizens Engagement on Wednesday in Kaduna.

According to him, the project, which will initially focus on Kaduna and Kano, is part of efforts to enhance public transportation and boost economic productivity and growth in the region.

"The project is being supported through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI)," he said.

On the Renewed Hope Cities Project, Alkali stated that no fewer than 3,112 housing units had been completed in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He also stated that Kano has 1,500 housing units and an additional 500-unit estate under the project.

Alkali added that 250-unit estates are being planned in each state, while those in Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue states had been completed.

"The projects will create over 250,000 jobs across various sites, with workers earning an average monthly pay of ₦150,000.

"They will also stimulate the creation of building material hubs and attract over ₦70 billion in private investment.

"On the standard gauge Kaduna-Kano railway modernisation project, 53 per cent has been completed.

"In the same vein, the Kano-Maradi is 61 per cent completed.

"Additionally, a section of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri (61 km) has been finished and put into use," Alkali said.

Vanguard News

Read the original article on Vanguard.

Tanzania: Envoy Lauds Uranium Project, a Significant Step in Tanzania-Russia Ties

Ruvuma — THE Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, has lauded the launch of the pilot uranium refining plant in Namtumbo District saying it marks a significant step in the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Russia, particularly in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, and modern technology.

Speaking to the public shortly after the official inauguration conducted by the President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ambassador Avetisyan said this development positions Tanzania as a strategic global partner in the field of alternative energy.

He further explained that the partnership will open doors to a broader range of opportunities beyond the nuclear sector, including the application of nuclear technology in cancer treatment, specialty chemistry, metallurgy, and both industrial and digital technologies.

Ambassador Avetisyan highlighted that the project is being implemented by Mantra Tanzania, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom. The initiative is expected to support Tanzania's vision of energy self-sufficiency and to provide surplus energy to neighboring countries.

The Ambassador also noted that the Mkuju River project will enhance infrastructure cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the construction of roads, railways, and improvements to port facilities--steps that will contribute to economic growth and the welfare of the Tanzanian people.

He concluded by reaffirming Russia's commitment to continued collaboration with Tanzania on strategic, long-term projects that will benefit both countries.

Read the original article on Daily News.

Tanzania Strikes Gold in Newly Opened Uranium Plant

Ruvuma — The Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ahmed Abbas, has described the launch of a pilot uranium processing plant as a significant strategic move that holds great promise for both regional and national development.

Speaking on July 30, 2025, in Ruvuma during the plant's inauguration ceremony, Colonel Abbas stated that the project is expected to play a major role in boosting national income, creating employment opportunities for young people, and enhancing socio-economic development, particularly in key sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.

"Ruvuma is a region rich in resources and offers vast investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, tourism, and industry. This major uranium refining project will be a key catalyst for the development of our region," Abbas said.

He further noted that the regional government will continue to foster a conducive environment for investors and ensure inclusive participation of local communities in all strategic projects, aiming to directly benefit the people of Ruvuma.

Colonel Abbas also commended the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for allocating substantial funding toward development projects and economic empowerment of citizens. He revealed that to date, a total of TZS 1.86 trillion has been received in Ruvuma for various sectors, including education, water, roads, transport, agriculture, livestock, good governance, land, and mining.

According to Abbas, investment in the mining sector aligns with the government's vision of positioning Tanzania as a hub for mineral extraction and processing in East Africa. He encouraged citizens to seize the opportunities that will arise from the establishment of the uranium plant.

Read the original article on Daily News.

Trump announces deal to impose 15% tariff on South Korea

President Donald Trump says the US will charge a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea, in what he called a "full and complete trade deal".

It comes just a day before a 1 August deadline for countries to reach agreements with the US or be hit with higher tariffs. South Korea had been facing a 25% levy if it had not struck a deal.

Pressure on Seoul had been mounting after Japan, a key competitor in the car and manufacturing industries, secured a 15% tariff rate with the US last week.

The deal, which will also see Seoul invest $350bn (£264.1bn) in the US, has been touted as a success in South Korea - especially given the record trade surplus of at least $56bn with the US last year.

The 15% tariff rate will cover both cars and semiconductors, two of Seoul's main exports to the US.

But steel and aluminium, other big earners for South Korea, will be taxed at 50%, in line with the global rate President Trump has set.

Nevertheless, South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung has praised the deal, saying it would put his country on an equal or better footing compared with other countries.

One victory for South Korea is that it did not need to cross key red lines it had set, chiefly that it would not further open up its rice and beef markets to US imports.

Seoul has strict controls over how much US rice and what types of beef can be imported, to protect its farming industry, and farmers were planning to protest if these rules were relaxed.

Of the $350bn South Korea has promised to invest in the US, $150bn will go into helping the US build ships, including warships.

This was central to South Korea's strategy. It has a thriving shipbuilding industry, building more vessels than any other country in the world other than China, at a time when US shipbuilding and its navy is in decline.

By helping the US in this arena, it gets to address US security concerns, while bolstering its own industry.

Much of the other investment it seems will come in the form of money South Korea had already pledged to the US during the previous Biden administration that has yet to be delivered - money to help the US manufacture cars, semiconductors, and batteries from electric vehicles.

This deal also does not touch South Korea's military alliance with the US and the billions of dollars Washington spends to help defend the South from North Korea.

In the past, President Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from South Korea unless it pays more for this arrangement.

It is a threat that hangs over Seoul's head, and negotiators had contemplated trying to settle this issue alongside tariffs.

But these negotiations will now take place when President Lee visits Washington in two weeks' time for a summit with President Trump, meaning Seoul may need to offer up another vast sum of money.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has introduced a series of import taxes on goods from other countries, and threatened many more.

He argues that these tariffs will boost American manufacturing and protect jobs.

However, his volatile international trade policy has thrown the world economy into chaos, and critics have warned that the tariffs are making products more expensive for US consumers.-BBC

Ford says Trump tariffs to cost it about $2bn this year

Motor industry giant Ford says it expects tariffs to cost it about $2bn (£1.5bn) this year, which is more than previously expected, despite building most of its cars in America.

The company says it had already paid an extra $800m in duties in the three months ending in June. It also suffered losses related to cutting an electric vehicle programme.

It is the latest indication of the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariffs on major American firms and the challenges ahead as he seeks to reshape global supply chains.

But Ford is seeing a less pronounced tariffs impact than some of its competitors as much of its manufacturing is in the US.

Ford's finance chief Sherry House said the firm had raised its forecast for the cost of tariffs on its business because levies on Mexico and Canada, where it has facilities, have remained higher for longer than expected.

She also pointed to US tariffs on imported aluminium and steel.

Last week, rival carmaker General Motors said tariffs had already cost it more than $1bn, while Volkswagen put its hit at $1.5bn.

Jim Farley, Ford's chief executive, said the firm is in regular contact with the White House as the company tries to secure lower tariffs, especially on vehicle parts.

"We see there's a lot of upside depending on how the negotiation goes with the administration," he said.

Trump has raised duties on most goods, with special tariffs targeting cars and car parts, as well as the key materials used to manufacture them.

He has said the measures are intended to convince companies, in the US and abroad, to make their products in America.

Ford's shares were about 1.5% lower in extended trading in New York on Wednesday after the earnings announcement.-BBC

Meta profits surge helps drive Zuckerberg’s AI ambitions

Social media giant Meta Platforms says its profits soared and it is pumping billions of dollars more into artificial intelligence (AI) projects.

The firm - which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp - says revenue for the three months to the end of June rose 22% from the same period last year to $47.5bn (£35.86bn), while profits jumped by 36% to $18.3bn.

At the same time expenses are also rising - up 12% to $27bn - as the company ploughs money into fulfilling chief executive Mark Zuckerberg’s AI ambitions, and its spending is expected to keep rising.

Meta says the cost of building infrastructure, including servers and data centres, and workers' pay packages will be its biggest expenses.

Before Meta's earnings announcement on Wednesday, Zuckerberg posted a video on Instagram describing his plans for developing what he called "AI Superintelligence" that surpasses "human intelligence to solve complex problems".

He also said Meta will create "personal superintelligence" that uses advanced AI for everyday tasks such as helping users remember things like wedding anniversaries and then making reservations or ordering a gift.

Mike Proulx from research and advisory firm Forrester said Meta is helping "future-proof itself as a growth company" in the event that its current offerings falter.

Meta has been seeking to catch up with rival artificial intelligence developers like OpenAI and Google after the release of Llama 4 family of large language models (LLMs) left some users and investors disappointed.

It has offered $100m pay packages to top AI talent to lure them away from competitors.

Meta has also spent more than $14bn on a stake in artificial intelligence firm ScaleAI and brought in its chief executive Alexandr Wang to help spearhead its efforts.

Zuckerberg’s strategy has been to use the strength of Meta's core businesses to help fund its AI projects.

He said 3.4 billion people around the world use at least one Meta app every day.

Meta has also deployed AI to improve its advertising business.

But the the cost of developing superintelligence have raised concerns among some analysts.

"AI-driven investments into Meta's advertising business continue to pay off, bolstering its revenue as the company pours billions of dollars into AI ambitions like superintelligence,” said Minda Smiley from market research firm Emarketer.

“But Meta's exorbitant spending on its AI visions will continue to draw questions and scrutiny from investors who are eager to see returns,“ she added.

Meta's shares jumped by more than 10% in extended trading in New York after its earnings announcement.-BBC

Trump signs order ending global tariff exemption for low-cost goods

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending a global tariff exemption used by shoppers of low-cost goods.

The order, signed on Wednesday, comes into force on 29 August and broadens earlier presidential action that specifically targeted cheap products from China and Hong Kong to now cover the rest of the world.

The de minimis exemption had allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the US without paying any tariffs. US consumers relied on the exemption to buy cheap clothes and household items from online commerce sites like Shein and Temu.

The White House says the global exemption was being used to "evade tariffs and funnel deadly synthetic opioids" to the US.

The administration already ended the de minimis exemption for Chinese goods on 2 May but the rest of the world was spared until now.

While China accounted for the vast majority of shipments using this exemption, Canada and Mexico were also significant sources of low-cost goods being shipped into the US, which had been exempt from duties.

When the new rules into force, packages will face the same tariff rate as that of traditional goods from the country of origin.

Congress had planned to end the de minimis exemption for all countries when it passed the One Big Beautiful bill earlier the month. But an end to the global exemption wasn't set to come into force until July 2027.

Trump used emergency presidential powers to override the deadline set by Congress and move it significantly forward to a month from now. This was done "to deal with national emergencies and save American lives and businesses now," the White House said.

The White House said opioid smugglers were using the de minimis exemption to send illicit drugs into the US because they were less likely to be checked by customs officials.

It also said some shippers were circumventing duties by falsely reporting the country of origin for goods entering the US.

The rule does not affect personal items Americans carry with them from foreign travel valued at $200 or less and it does not affect gifts valued at $100 or less.-BBC

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