By Rafiyat Sadiq A new directive by the Tanzanian government prohibiting foreign nationals from owning and operating businesses in 15 small-scale sectors has triggered backlash in neighbouring Kenya and renewed concerns over regional trade relations. The sweeping ban affects activities such as mobile money transfers, tour guiding, small-scale mining, crop buying on farms, beauty salons, …
By Rafiyat Sadiq United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says ongoing trade negotiations with China are progressing well but have yet to be fully concluded. Speaking to journalists during a media appearance on Thursday, Bessent expressed optimism about finalising a trade agreement with China but noted that “a few technical details” remain unresolved on Beijing’s …
By Rafiyat Sadiq President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day extension to the current trade arrangement with Mexico, delaying the imposition of steep new tariffs. The announcement came on his social media platform, Truth Social, following talks with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Under the proposed terms, the revised agreement includes a 25% tariff on fentanyl-related …
By Rafiyat Sadiq Widespread criticism has trailed Kenya’s latest attempt to tighten control over the sale and consumption of alcohol, following the unveiling of a far-reaching draft policy that proposes raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and banning alcohol sales in supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport. The policy, presented Wednesday by the …
By Rafiyat Sadiq Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following five days of deadly clashes along their shared border. The violence has claimed at least 33 lives and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. The ceasefire was announced Monday night in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar …
By Rafiyat Sadiq An infant was among at least 15 Palestinians who died of hunger-related complications within 24 hours across the Gaza Strip as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory worsens. Health officials at al-Shifa Hospital confirmed the deaths on Monday, bringing the total number of starvation-related fatalities to 147 since Israel launched its …
By Rafiyat Sadiq In a sharp diplomatic setback, the United States (US) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposed tough new visa restrictions on Nigerian travellers, sparking outrage and concern among citizens, government officials, business leaders, migration experts, and students abroad. The coordinated clampdown, announced within hours of each other on July 9, 2025, marks …
By Rafiyat Sadiq The United States government has issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens against travelling to Nigeria due to rising insecurity, widespread crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and poor healthcare services. The advisory, posted by the US Mission in Nigeria on its official website, categorised Nigeria under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”, one level below …
Lawmakers say new policy unfair, harmful to relations By Rafiyat Sadiq The House of Representatives has asked the United States government to reverse its recent visa policy that reduces visa validity for Nigerians from five years to three months. The lawmakers made the demand during plenary on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance …
By Esther Ososanya In the vast, sun-drenched stretch of Southern Africa, bordered by Angola, Botswana, Zambia, and the Atlantic Ocean, lies Namibia, a country better known for its deserts, diamonds, and dramatic dunes than its political experiments. But in 2025, this nation of just 2.6 million people, one of the youngest democracies in Africa, having …
