Europe Norway Following ongoing reduction of sealife in the Oslo Fjord, extensive bans on fishing in three key areas will come into force from January 1. Critics and fishing firms claim farming, development and other sources of pollution should be addressed first
Africa Sierra Leone The country has been selected as a beneficiary of the Mission 300 initiative, a $50 billion programme that aims to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030 promoted by the African Development Bank, the World Bank Group and other global partners
Africa Uganda Uganda's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for as much as 90% of the private sector, employing over 3 million people; despite this key role, the sector faces systemic challenges that stifle its growth potential
America Guatemala The Trump administration began its deportation campaign from the US by using military transport planes for sending migrants back to Guatemala; the move is seen as sending a "clear message" that illegal immigration will lead to severe consequences
Europe San Marino Measures to support families, actions to counter the lowering demographic trend, the establishment of the Human Rights Guarantor and raising the alcohol threshold from 16 to 18 years of age were the topics reviewed by the First Council Commission of 2025
America Panama Panama is developing a master plan for a cross-border train connecting David to Costa Rica, focusing on passenger, cargo, and tourism benefits, with US firm AECOM conducting studies to finalize the route, costs, and environmental impact
Oceania Samoa Teachers gathered at the Ministry of Education and Culture for the annual teachers' conference; goal of the meeting is assess the available resources and organize work for 2025 with a feasible plan
Europe France Mayotte, an overseas territory in the Southern Indian Ocean, saw a back-to-school in very difficult and precarious conditions after the archipelago was hit by a violent tropical cyclone in December 2024 and then by storm Dikeledi earlier this January
Europe Spain The World Monuments Fund has chosen the city of Zaragoza as one of 25 locations around the world for which it will raise funds; the ruins of ancient Belchite are a Spanish Civil War memorial site, neglected in subsequent decades
America Colombia After tensions over Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights, President Petro agreed to US terms, allowing 201 deportees to return, easing threats of mutual tariffs, which had alarmed Colombian exporters reliant on the US
Europe Austria According to data from Austrian Wine Marketing Board, the wine exports in 2024 are expected to decrease from the previous year's record figures; for the first 9 months of 2024, export sales registered -5,1% in value to €175,3 million
Africa Guinea The Winning Consortium Simandou, a joint venture formed by Winning International Group, China Baowu and Weiqiao Group, reached a $248 million contract with WABTEC Corporation to supply locomotives for the Simandou project
Africa Cameroon The Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company, which is overseeing the construction of the 500 MW Kikot dam, has announced a pre-selection process for companies interested in participating in the project
Asia Malaysia High tide brought a massive amount of rubbish to Kampung Jawa beach in Penang, covering the shoreline with waste; Authorities and local volunteers are working to clean up the area