Region

Central African Republic launches first fully digitalized Ministry

The platform was developed in partnership with the Central African technology firm EDEN TiiiT

Overcoming regulatory fragmentation is key for Africa’s $1.5 trillion digital economy potential

The African data centre market is projected to reach $6.81 billion in 2030

‘Jollof Wars’ in West Africa: Economic reforms in Nigeria and Ghana are stirring the pot

Significant competition between the two nations is unfolding over economic reforms resulting from political transitions

China pledges $51 billion in funding to Africa for infrastructure, job creation

China will provide Africa with RMB360 billion of financial support in the next three years, including RMB 210 billion in credit lines

China’s lending to Africa rises for the first time in seven years in 2023, reaches $4.61 billion

Between 2000 to 2023, Chinese lenders provided 1,306 loans amounting to $182.28 billion to 49 African governments and 7 regional borrowers

$30 million data centre inaugurated in Congo to catalyze digital economy

The 400-rack capacity facility is expected boost DRC's digital landscape

Sri Lanka secures IMF agreement for $700 million, commits to reforms for economic stability

Country implemented fuel rationing and 35 percent price hike to preserve foreign reserves

Bank of Japan updates natural rate estimate as era of ultra low rates ends

Neutral interest rate range stands between -0.9 percent and +0.5 percent

Japan initiates largest-ever strategic oil release as gasoline prices hit record 190.80 yen

State reserves drawdown equals 30 days of demand roughly 8.5 million kiloliters scheduled through April end

Japan’s Prime Minister meets with IEA’s Birol to request further coordinated release of oil reserves

Birol noted the IEA is actively consulting with governments across Europe and Asia regarding release of additional stockpiles 

China implements first fuel price control since 2013 to mitigate global oil volatility 

New price caps save chinese drivers hundreds of dollars per tonne

OECD cuts Eurozone growth forecast to 0.8 percent, lifts inflation outlook to 2.6 percent amid rising energy costs

Organization says higher energy prices will reduce demand offset investment technology, lower effective rates

ECB President Lagarde signals potential rate hikes to counter energy shock

Lagarde stated that a moderate overshoot of the inflation target could justify measured tightening 

EU awards $3.1 billion to 54 net-zero projects to avoid 210 million tonnes of COâ‚‚

Projects span 17 countries and 17 sectors reflecting diverse pipeline of scalable clean technologies

Eurozone output growth slows in March as input cost inflation accelerates: PMI

Manufacturing production increased modestly, and at a pace that was only slightly slower than that seen in February

EU and Australia reach trade deal to eliminate up to 99 percent of tariffs, secure critical mineral supplies

Deal grants EU enhanced access to Australian critical minerals like lithium manganese and aluminum

U.K. transitions to eVisa system allowing travelers to keep passports during application process

New digital status ends sticker and BRP reliance, letting applicants keep passports during decisions

Saudi Arabia

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Exclusive interview with Chris Newman, Executive Director, NEOM Hotel Development

With 95% of the land protected for nature, NEOM offers incredible biodiversity

United Arab Emirates

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U.S. new home sales rise 5.9 percent to 664,000 in November

The median sales price of a new U.S. home in November 2024 was $402,600, down from $437,300 in October

U.S. consumer confidence at six-month high in August despite lingering labor market fears

In August, U.S. consumer confidence declined among consumers under 35 while it increased for those 35 and older

Sweden’s trade surplus grows to $640 million in July 2024

Non-EU trade surplus hit SEK 22.7 billion during this period

Apple’s iPhone sales jump 52 percent in China during April 2024

Shipments of foreign-branded phones in China increased by 52 percent in April 2024 to 3.495 million units

U.S. annual inflation slows to 3.4 percent in April, monthly CPI up 0.3 percent

The main drivers of the CPI increase were the rising costs of shelter (up 0.4 percent) and gasoline (up 2.8 percent)

Exclusive Interview with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, leading Sharjah to new horizons

City renowned for being people-centric, entrepreneurial, sustainable and culturally vibrant

United States

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U.S. Federal Reserve minutes reveal policy split as officials weigh potential interest rate hikes

Fed officials forecast slower progress toward 2 percent inflation goal amid energy volatility

U.S. jobs see sharp rebound with 178,000 nonfarm payrolls added in March

Unemployment falls to 4.3 percent as 396K drop out of labor force

Trump name to be given to Palm Beach International Airport as Florida governor signs new legislation

FAA approval needed Before Palm Beach Airport officially becomes Trump Airport

U.S. approves emergency summer higher-ethanol gasoline sales to curb soaring fuel prices

Agriculture Secretary hails move as step toward American Energy Dominance supporting domestic biofuel demand

Tech leaders Jensen Huang, Mark Zuckerberg named to Trump’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

The Council of Advisors on Science and Technology will be co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios

Worldwide

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Sri Lanka secures IMF agreement for $700 million, commits to reforms for economic stability

Country implemented fuel rationing and 35 percent price hike to preserve foreign reserves

U.S. Federal Reserve minutes reveal policy split as officials weigh potential interest rate hikes

Fed officials forecast slower progress toward 2 percent inflation goal amid energy volatility

U.S. jobs see sharp rebound with 178,000 nonfarm payrolls added in March

Unemployment falls to 4.3 percent as 396K drop out of labor force

World food prices hit highest since September, FAO says

Wheat up 4.3 percent from U.S. crop fears and Australian planting cutsÂ