insert_link Africa Fintech is sold as the answer to Africa’s problems, but digital money services have downsides which media often overlook The research assessed newspaper coverage of fintech in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images By Cathleen LeGrand, University of Leeds; Chris Paterson, University of Leeds, and Jörg Wiegratz, University of Leeds The online financial products and services known as “fintech” have become deeply embedded in the economic and social life of many African countries over the past decade. Headlines across the continent often extol […] todayMarch 12, 2024 22
insert_link Opinion Pieces As the air-raid sirens sound, I am studying Ukrainian culture with new fervour. I’m far from alone By Anastasiya Byesyedina, University of Sydney I’m an Australian-Ukrainian researcher and I moved back to Kyiv from Sydney in 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion. My life in a war zone has given me the chance to witness firsthand Russia’s brutality and Ukraine’s limitless bravery. In late 2022, Russians began targeting critical infrastructure in major cities. Many residents were left without access to electricity, heat and water. My […] todayMarch 12, 2024 26
insert_link Sport ‘Lucky loser’ Nardi stuns Djokovic in Indian Wells upset Qualifying lucky loser Luca Nardi scored the biggest win of his young career on Monday, stunning world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 at the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters. The world number 123 from Italy ended the 11-match win streak of the veteran Serb at Masters events, with Nardi bettering the childhood tennis idol whose poster hung above his bed from the age of eight. The 20-year-old was […] todayMarch 12, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa SA Electoral Commission Takes Action Against Leaked ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party Candidate Lists The South African Independent Electoral Commission has initiated proceedings against the official suspected of leaking candidate lists belonging to the ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party. The individual has been formally requested to provide reasons why their employment contract should not be terminated. The leaked lists surfaced on social media over the weekend, with an internal investigation pointing to the data breach originating from system-generated reports within the commission. IEC […] todayMarch 12, 2024 18
insert_link World Antonio Guterres says the “bombings and bloodshed” in Gaza must end United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has appealed for an end to the fighting in Gaza, as millions of muslims around the world began the month of Ramadan. Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres says as Ramadan begins – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations. todayMarch 12, 2024 30
insert_link World Biden’s budget: Higher taxes on the rich, childcare and education for the poor U.S. President Josef Biden has released a new budget proposal for 2025 that includes tax increases for the highest earners and big corporations, as well as social spending assistance on housing and education. It also pushes for the 100 billion U.S. dollars he requested last year for Israel and Ukraine aid while also strengthening border security. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. todayMarch 12, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa ANC Content with Electoral Commission’s Explanation on Candidate List Glitch with Investigation Underway The African National Congress expresses satisfaction with the Independent Electoral Commission's clarification regarding a glitch in the release of its candidates' list for the upcoming elections. The leaked lists also include the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The IEC is actively investigating the unauthorized release of the candidate lists and has committed to identifying those responsible. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula assured the media that the IEC has communicated that it was […] todayMarch 12, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Unpacking the National Budget: Insights from Independent Business and Economic Researcher Josef Sheehama As we delve into the recent national budget with the insights of independent business and economic researcher, Josef Sheehama. In a recent interview, Sheehama shared his perspective on the budget allocation, emphasizing both positives and concerns regarding the distribution of funds. Youth Allocation Highlights Positives, but Agriculture Faces Shortcomings The budget, as described by Sheehama, has some commendable aspects, particularly the allocation of 45% to youth initiatives. This is […] todayMarch 12, 2024 13
insert_link Health / Medical EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Economic Toll of Stunting: Insights from Ben Schernick, Director at the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia Ben Schernick, Director at the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia, shed light on the economic impact of stunting in the country. The discussion was framed within the context of the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study conducted between 2021 and 2022, revealing alarming insights into the consequences of malnutrition, particularly undernutrition, on Namibia's learners, human development, and economy. COHA Study: A Deep Dive into Namibia's Stunting […] todayMarch 12, 2024 49