The News An energy price spike in Nigeria is renewing fears of an inflation rise and concerns that Africa’s top oil producer remains vulnerable to global shocks despite growing domestic refining capacity led by a giant facility owned by the continent’s richest man Aliko Dangote. The Dangote Refinery, whose shares ...
Month: September 2026
US approves Africa investments as it challenges China’s influenceUS approves Africa investments as it challenges China’s influence
The US approved new investments in Africa aimed at challenging China’s preeminence on the continent. Washington’s bets include $414 million in financing for a uranium project in Niger — a country that expelled all US forces two years ago — and hundreds of millions for digital infrastructure providers. China has ...
Germany’s Merz under pressure ahead of state electionsGermany’s Merz under pressure ahead of state elections
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced growing pressure on his leadership ahead of state elections in which polls suggest his governing party will fare badly. In one region, his CDU party is barely above the threshold required to enter the state assembly, and it faces the prospect of falling to second ...
New tanker orders spike as Iran war redraws trade routesNew tanker orders spike as Iran war redraws trade routes
Shipowners have this year commissioned more than twice the number of tankers than in all of 2025 as they look to keep up with soaring demand sparked by the Middle East conflict. The $20 billion buying spree, the biggest in at least a quarter century, comes as global conflicts redraw ...
AI cybersecurity risks explode as Claude used to break into ChatGPTAI cybersecurity risks explode as Claude used to break into ChatGPT
Researchers used Anthropic’s Claude technology to break into OpenAI’s ChatGPT systems, underlining the immediate dangers of AI even as regulators fret over its long-term risks. The effort, part of a bug-hunting program, was the latest in a series of cybersecurity breaches aided in large part by fast-developing AI technology, The ...
Poorest countries hit hardest by UK aid cuts under Keir Starmer government, new figures revealPoorest countries hit hardest by UK aid cuts under Keir Starmer government, new figures reveal
Aid to lower-income countries fell by almost 7%, while higher-income countries saw their share of Britain’s aid budget increase The world’s poorest countries were worst hit by British aid cuts under Keir Starmer’s government, while higher-income countries saw their share of aid increase, new figures reveal. The latest figures released ...
Robert Kraft’s attempts to silence Macklemore have backfired spectacularly | Arwa MahdawiRobert Kraft’s attempts to silence Macklemore have backfired spectacularly | Arwa Mahdawi
The billionaire’s attempted crackdown on Ed Sheeran’s tour only amplified pro-Palestinian statements. It’s been a joy to watch A few weeks ago, the worst thing you could say about Ed Sheeran was that his music was a bit bland. A Guardian music writer once compared it to “aural wallpaper”. Which ...
Iranian actor Laheh Marzban faces severe threats after Venice film festival speechIranian actor Laheh Marzban faces severe threats after Venice film festival speech
Marzban, who won a best actress award for her portrayal of a woman held hostage by her father in Falling House, has received condemnations from authorities after dedicating her prize to ‘the women of Iran’ An Iranian actress who won the best newcomer award at the Venice film festival has ...
MI5 accepts it gave evidence based on lies in neo-Nazi spy caseMI5 accepts it gave evidence based on lies in neo-Nazi spy case
It is the first time MI5 has confirmed the BBC’s revelation that it gave evidence based on lies in court while defending the violent informant. ...
‘I spend a bagful of money and don’t fill a bag’: the energy crisis hits Bangladesh‘I spend a bagful of money and don’t fill a bag’: the energy crisis hits Bangladesh
The country has been left in the dark as it endures power cuts caused by the Iran war and reliance on gas imports At 1am, Halder’s alarm goes off and the 34-year-old Bangladeshi bank employee rises and heads to her kitchen. She is up at this time not for work ...