Africa eSwatini 11 000 jobs have been added in 2023-25; though it may appear as a positive development for Eswatini’s economy, economists fear that Eswatini’s labour market is expanding in low-productivity jobs rather than sectors building long-term economic security
Europe Switzerland Drivers will be allowed to use self-driving technology on Swiss motorways and let go of their steering wheel starting 1 March 2025; following the decree recently adopted by Federal Council, they must be ready to take control at any time
America Canada Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend, with forecasts going from the -40°C in central areas to 110km/h winds on the Atlantic coasts, that would be also at risk of flooding due to heavy rain, and high waves
America Dominica Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited announced that the physical implementation phase of the strategic water sector development project is approaching, after having been under consideration for a long time
Asia Turkmenistan Authorities have begun confiscating passports of those who have outstanding bank loans: documents are seized upon leaving the country and given back once the loan is repaid; many of them are migrant workers heading abroad to earn money to send home
Europe Finland On New Year's Eve, a demonstration took place in the Helsinki metro with over 200 protesters gathering to oppose the imminent increase in public transport fares by Helsinki Region Transport
Asia Brunei Muslims in Brunei can now pay zakat harta - a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation, next after prayer in importance - on their account through eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan platform, promoted in alignment with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025
Africa Gambia 'Musoolutaa', the first resource app for women to find information on health, safety, job opportunities, access to the women's enterprise fund, was launched by the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Welfare
Africa Djibouti Four employees were selected for punctuality, attendance, efficiency and personal involvement and awarded certificates of recognition to its best employees of the year 2024 in a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Energy
Asia Bahrain Bahrain’s Alba, aluminium smelter, will continue pursuing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Europe, after its multi-billion-dollar agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden will be officially signed, presumably in the first half of 2025
Oceania Samoa Samoa Airways has been ordered to shift from the international terminal at Faleolo Airport to the new USD9,12 million regional terminal; the airline reportedly said it was not given any choice and the change will impact its services to and from Pago Pago
Europe Portugal The Convent of Christ in Tomar, a World Heritage monument, will undergo two requalification projects in 2025 for 5,2 million euros, fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan to "give new functional values and qualified visiting conditions"
Europe Croatia In response to last month's knife attack at Zagreb's Prečko primary schools, which tragically resulted in the death of one child and the injury of several others, the country has introduced new security measures to increase safety in schools
Africa Equatorial Guinea After recording an increase in defaults by the owners of social housing, a commission will be set up to visit homes and ascertain that the occupants of the homes are the true owners; the government is also considering to start with evictions