Nokia sees ‘challenging’ 2024 after profits plunge

Nokia sees ‘challenging’ 2024 after profits plunge

Finnish telecommunications equipment maker Nokia warned Thursday that it expects another tough economic environment in the first half of this year after its net profit sank in the 2023. Nokia and its Swedish rival Ericsson have launched cost-cutting programmes as their customers have reduced spending amid a slowing global economy. The Finnish firm reported a profit of 679 million euros ($739 million) for last year, down 84 percent […]

January 25, 2024 19

World

Europe’s top rights body blasts Serbia over police abuse

The Council of Europe on Thursday slammed Serbia for failing to rein in police abuse, saying in a report that alleged violence by officers could amount to torture. The new report comes less than a year following a visit to Serbia in March 2023 by a delegation from the council's anti-torture committee. During its research trip, representatives from the committee found individuals in police custody in Serbia run the […]

January 25, 2024 16

Lifestyle

Big deal or small beer? Saudi debates first store for booze

The news that Saudi Arabia will allow its first alcohol shop has citizens and foreigners alike mulling one question: is this a minor policy tweak, or a major upheaval? Sources familiar with preparations for the store disclosed details of the plan on Wednesday, as a document circulated indicating just how carefully leaders of the teetotalling Gulf kingdom will manage its operations. Located in the capital's Diplomatic Quarter, the store will […]

January 25, 2024 14

Africa

Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern

From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city. That image could soon change if the local Lagos State government manages to implement its recent ambitious ban on the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics. Sunday's announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics, "with […]

January 25, 2024 24

Sport

Warriors pay tribute to coach Milojevic in first game after death

The Golden State Warriors paid an emotional tribute to Dejan Milojevic on Wednesday as the team returned to play for the first time since the Serbian assistant coach died last week from a heart attack. In a moving pre-game ceremony ahead of the Warriors' 134-112 home win over Atlanta, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr led a lengthy ovation to salute the 46-year-old affectionately known as "Deki". Warriors players […]

January 25, 2024 6

Africa

African MMA fighters are not just flourishing on the global stage, they’re igniting a wildfire of growth back home.

By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency The triumphs of African fighters in global mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments are not just fueling a new generation of competitors entering the rigorous sport; they are establishing a distinct presence for MMA on the continent. Dricus Du Plessis, the 30-year-old South African professional mixed martial artist who kicked and punched his way into carrying the UFC middleweight championship belt on Saturday, […]

January 25, 2024 4

Sport

England win toss, opt to bat against India in 1st Test

England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the opening Test of a five-match series on Thursday. The tourists named their XI on the eve of the match in Hyderabad and handed left-arm spinner Tom Hartley his first Test cap. England have brought in three specialist spinners as well as Joe Root, a veteran batsman who also bowls. Mark Wood remains […]

January 25, 2024

APO International

Verdant Capital advises UsPlus on EUR 2 million debt capital raise

Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce that it has facilitated and advised on the raising of EUR 2 million of debt funding for US Plus Limited (“UsPlus”), an innovative specialist SME financing firm based in South Africa. The funding increases UsPlus’ capacity to finance SMEs in South Africa, thereby contributing to the country’s development agenda. The new funding further broadens the institutional funding base of UsPlus following the USD […]

January 25, 2024 9

Africa

Nigeria has a democracy deficit – corruption and a lack of welfare policies are to blame

By Fidelis Allen, University of Port Harcourt Democracy refers, at a minimum, to a political system that guarantees some involvement in decision-making. It gives citizens opportunities to choose and replace their leaders or representatives via free and fair elections. But that’s not all. Democracy also protects citizens’ socio-economic, political and cultural rights. Its success turns on its ability to bring changes to the living conditions of citizens. It […]

January 25, 2024 8