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

Bank of Japan holds interest rate at 0.75 percent, raises inflation forecast by 0.9 percent

Central bank keeps policy steady in 6–3 vote as market expected

India and New Zealand sign free trade deal, announce $20 billion investment commitment

The investment commitment of $20 billion from New Zealand signals strong confidence in India’s growth story

India and South Korea announce plans to double trade to $50 billion by 2030

The two sides agreed to substantially deepen economic cooperation, with a focus on industries such as shipbuilding, defense and artificial intelligence

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

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

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. inflation reaches 2-year high of 3.3 percent in March as gas price surge impacts broader economy

Gasoline prices climbed 21.2 percent in March, marking record increase since 1967

U.S. Q4 GDP growth revised lower to 0.5 percent as investment weakens

The Commerce Department reported a step down from the prior 0.7 percent growth figure for the quarter

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

Worldwide

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Canada to launch first sovereign wealth fund with $18.32 billion seed capital

Canada Strong Fund will invest in major national projects with private sector partners

Bank of Japan holds interest rate at 0.75 percent, raises inflation forecast by 0.9 percent

Central bank keeps policy steady in 6–3 vote as market expected

U.S. inflation reaches 2-year high of 3.3 percent in March as gas price surge impacts broader economy

Gasoline prices climbed 21.2 percent in March, marking record increase since 1967

U.S. Q4 GDP growth revised lower to 0.5 percent as investment weakens

The Commerce Department reported a step down from the prior 0.7 percent growth figure for the quarter