China says will take ‘all necessary measures’ to protect interests after US TikTok vote

China on Thursday slammed the approval of a US bill that would ban TikTok unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, vowing that Beijing would "take all necessary measures" to protect the interests of its companies overseas. The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance -- and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party -- has fuelled concern […]

March 14, 2024 24

Uncategorized

Coalition talks underway in Pakistan

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has postponed public consultations on three key legislation and policy documents to a later date. According to Elijah Mukubonda, the ministry's spokesperson, the stakeholder engagements will cover topics related to the National Informal Economy, Startups, and Entrepreneurship Development Policy.

February 12, 2024 19

Africa

The growing role of telco operators in driving financial inclusion through accessible mobile-first financial services.

By Robert van Breukelen, COO at Itemate Solutions Africa remains a hotbed of mobile innovation. Telco operators across the continent are stepping in to fill gaps left by lower levels of development in key areas, including banking and financial services. A 2022 report estimated that just over half of Africa's population remained unbanked. The same report found that banks across the continent are investing in digital transformation […]

February 8, 2024 25

Africa

Ghana: Kumasi city’s unplanned boom is destroying two rivers – sewage, heavy metals and chemical pollution detected

By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Owusu Amponsah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Ghana’s urban population has more than tripled in the past three decades, from 4 million to nearly 14 million people. Competition for land in cities has increased among various land uses. These trends have led to encroachment in ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands. Kumasi, […]

February 8, 2024 19

Opinion Pieces

Are social media apps ‘dangerous products’? 2 scholars explain how the companies rely on young users but fail to protect them

The CEOs of Discord, Snap, TikTok, X and Meta prepare to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 31, 2024. Alex Wong/Getty Images Joan Donovan, Boston University and Sara Parker, McGill University “You have blood on your hands.” “I’m sorry for everything you have all been through.” These quotes, the first from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaking to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and the second from Zuckerberg to families […]

February 2, 2024 28

Namibia

National Assembly launches 2023-2027 Strategic Plan

The National Assembly on Thursday launched the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan in the capital. The National Assembly provides an important platform for members of parliament to discuss Government policy, propose new legislation, amend or repeal outdated laws, amend the Constitution, or discuss other topics of national interest. Speaking at the launch, Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly, said, “The National Assembly has been unwavering in its pursuit […]

January 19, 2024 28

Namibia

Information Commissioner’s office regulations await National Assembly approval

With regulations for the Information Commissioner’s office, which will be tasked with the implementation of the Access to Information Act awaiting the National Assembly’s endorsement, we reached out the Ministry of Information, and Communication Technology spokesperson, Shoki Kandjimi for a progress update.

January 18, 2024 23

Africa

Ghana is behind the curve on climate change laws: expert suggests a way to get corporations on board

By Kikelomo Kila, University of Huddersfield Ghana has introduced some climate change policies and general environmental regulations but has yet to pass a Climate Change Act. This leaves the country without effective legal and regulatory instruments for addressing climate change. Climate change law expert Kikelomo Kila sets out her findings in a recent paper on why Ghana must not follow the “command and control” regulatory approach. Why hasn’t […]

January 16, 2024 28

Namibia

NamPol launches operation against GBV in Oshikoto

The Namibian Police Force and the Men and Women Network against Crime in the Oshikoto Region have initiated a three-day operation to address gender-based violence (GBV). The regional police deputy commissioner, Wynand Neels, stated during the launch in Omuthiya on Monday that the operation is scheduled to take place from 04 to 06 December 2023. It aligns with the 16 days of activism against GBV campaign which started on 25 […]

December 5, 2023 8

Legislation