insert_link APO International African Development Bank approves ZAR 2.5 billion loan to City of Johannesburg for critical urban infrastructure development The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a ZAR 2.5 billion (approximately $139 million) corporate loan to the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, marking the Bank's first direct lending to a subnational entity in Africa. The transaction will finance critical infrastructure projects in electricity, water, sanitation, and solid waste management, directly benefiting over 6 million residents in South Africa's economic powerhouse. The approval marks […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Iran Egypt Foreign Ministers hold telephone conversation Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Badr Abdelatty, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, held a telephone conversation on Monday, to discuss the latest regional developments following the cessation of the Zionist regime’s military aggression against Iran. In the conversation, Araghchi pointed to the widespread condemnation of the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran by the international community—especially Islamic countries and key regional organizations. He […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Ryzhenkov holds negotiations with the Minister of International Relations of Botswana On July 1, 2025 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, held a meeting with the Minister of International Relations of the Republic of Botswana, Phenyo Butale, who is paying an official visit to Belarus. This is the first visit by the head of Botswana's foreign ministry to our country in the history of Belarusian-Botswana relations. During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to strengthen […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Hexavalent in Senegal: A step forward for immunization coverage and child health On the morning of July 1, 2025, Aissatou, a young mother from Diamniadio, arrived early at the health center, her two-month-old baby snuggled against her. She hadn’t come for a routine consultation—today, her child was receiving the new hexavalent vaccine. “Before, I was afraid of multiple injections for my baby. Today, the health workers explained to me that a single dose protects against six serious diseases. It’s reassuring to know […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link APO International The 2025 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Awards honour organizations from Colombia, Egypt, and the Philippines for their contributions to agrifood systems transformation The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced the winners of the 2025 FAO Awards, recognizing organizations from Colombia, Egypt, and the Philippines, whose work has led to outstanding progress in building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. On Monday, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu presented the Champion Award and Partnership Award during the 44th FAO Ministerial Conference held in Rome. “These Awards are more than an […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics FNB introduces affordable banking FNB Namibia has launched its 2025 annual pricing structure, introducing measures to make banking more affordable and accessible. Effective today, the bank has eliminated all fees on local card swipes—a first in the Namibian market. According to FNB Group Communication Manager Kirsty Watermeyer, the zero-fee swipe policy is part of a broader strategy to foster financial inclusion and promote digital banking. “Banking should be simple, fair, and aligned with the […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa Former Transnet executives granted bail Photo: Daily Maverick Four former Transnet executives have each been granted bail of R50,000 by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gauteng. They face serious charges that include corruption, fraud, and money laundering in connection with a R93 million locomotive tender from 2015, part of a broader R54 billion deal tainted by ties to the Gupta family network. The accused are former Transnet CEOs Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, former […] today1 July, 2025
insert_link Health / Medical Health Ministry welcomes private doctors to ease pressure on public health facilities Health Minister, Dr. Esperance Luvindao The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, has announced that 11 private-sector doctors have volunteered to provide pro bono evening care at Katutura Health Centre. Starting this week, the doctors will work from 17:00 to 23:00 to help reduce long patient wait times and alleviate strain on public health staff. Katutura Health Centre, one of Windhoek’s busiest facilities, has faced continuous overcrowding due to […] today1 July, 2025
Africa Seven killed in crackdown on anti-government protests in Togo Togo protests At least seven people, including minors, were killed during anti-government protests in Togo’s capital last week, civil society groups reported. The protests, sparked by a cost-of-living crisis and demands for President Faure Gnassingbé’s resignation, escalated into violent clashes. Witnesses say security forces used tear gas and batons, with arrests, beatings, and property damage widespread. According to a coalition of 12 human rights organisations, bodies were recovered from multiple […] today1 July, 2025