Africa Nigerian breaks world record with 215-hour reading marathon Nigeria's Samson Ajao has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest reading-aloud marathon. The 27-year-old achieved the record by reading for 215 hours – just one hour short of nine full days. Ajeck Mangut reports. todayAugust 29, 2024 6
insert_link World UK’s Starmer in France for post-Brexit trade talks United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in France for talks with President Emmanuel Macron on issues such as migration, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Catherine Barnard - Professor of EU law at the University of Cambridge - says any improvements to the UK's post-Brexit trading relationship with Brussels will be a challenge. todayAugust 29, 2024 8
insert_link Business / Economics Letshego reports 14% revenue growth in 2024 For the first half of 2024, Letshego Holding Namibia recorded a strong growth of 14% year-on-year increase in total revenue, driven by a 21% rise in interest income. Net interest income grew by 15% to N$251 million, strengthened by a 3% increase in net advances to customers and strategic repricing of low-interest loans. CEO of Letshego Holdings Namibia, Dr Ester Kali says the bank has maintained a stable cost-to-income ratio […] todayAugust 29, 2024 17
insert_link Namibia Windhoek enforces new water saving rules Following the declaration of a category D severe water scarcity drought by the Council on 31 July 2024, and in line with the City of Windhoek's water management plan, new water-saving measures will be implemented starting 1 September 2024. City spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, has more. Earlier this week, the municipality announced that between 19 and 26 August 2024, it managed to reduce water consumption by 6% which still falls […] todayAugust 29, 2024 42
insert_link APO International International Trade Centre (ITC) and West African Association for Cross-Border Trade (WACTAF) partner to enhance cross-border trade data and facilitation in West Africa Informal traders account for a significant share of commerce among West African countries. Better data collection, digital tools and on-the-ground support can help their businesses thrive. That's the goal of the latest collaboration between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade (WACTAF). Working together making it easier to trade food products within the region. The collaboration was cemented on 8 August 2024 with the […] todayAugust 29, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Committee Welcomes Preparations for Implementation of Two-Pot Retirement System The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration received a briefing yesterday from the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) on the fund’s state of readiness to implement the two-pot system to its almost 1.3 million public servant members when the new system comes into effect on 1 September 2024. The committee welcomed the preparations that aim to ensure GEPF members have a user-friendly experience when using the online application system […] todayAugust 29, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Zambia must immediately halt downward spiral of infringements on fundamental freedoms: UN experts Independent experts* today expressed concern about multiple allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions on charges of, inter alia, unlawful assembly, espionage, hate speech and seditious practices against opposition political party leaders and members, parliamentarians, human rights defenders and activists, as well as restrictions on gatherings, meetings, peaceful protests and rallies in Zambia. Since January 2022, at least 26 such cases have been brought to the attention of the experts. Information […] todayAugust 29, 2024 4
insert_link APO International United States (U.S.) and Ghana Nuclear Firms Sign Landmark Commercial Agreement for Small Modular Reactor Project in Ghana At the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in Nairobi, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins, joined by U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary Aleshia Duncan, Ghana Deputy Minister of Energy Collins Adomako-Mensah, and Ghana Ministry of Energy Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah, observed a significant milestone in civil nuclear cooperation between U.S. and Ghanaian nuclear industries — the signing of a commercial agreement between Nuclear […] todayAugust 29, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Statement by Binance Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Tigran’s Deteriorating Condition after 6 Months of Unjust Detention We are now at the six month mark of Tigran’s unjust detention. Tigran’s physical and mental conditions have deteriorated rapidly with his situation being more dire than ever. He is in severe pain and unable to walk due to a herniated disc. Despite his conditions, the Nigerian government has refused adequate medical care, including basic needs such as providing access to a wheelchair. Furthermore, they are refusing to provide access to his legal […] todayAugust 29, 2024 14
