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
Africa Rwanda Forest4Life aims to educate young people in environmental protection by preparing areas for planting, distributing saplings to children and asking them to name their trees to encourage them to create an emotional bond with nature
Oceania Nauru The first electric bus came into operation in the Yaren district, showing the commitment of the government to reduce emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions
Africa Niger A 'vital' development project for the Agadez region and village of Eladep, severely affected by warming and drought, has been launched by the Turkish cooperation and coordination Agency by creating an agricultural production and experimentation centre
Europe Slovenia On 1 January, the country became a full member of the European Space Agency; the move is considered a milestone that will create opportunities for local business and science strengthening Slovenia's competitiveness in the global space industry
Asia Saudi Arabia At the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, a professional training programme in generative artificial intelligence was launched for 4.000 Saudi citizens, offered by the Gen AI Academy
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Premier of Nevis listed the completion of the Solar Desalination Plant at Maddens, the Bath and Butler’s Village road projects and the Oualie Water Taxi Terminal Building, as well as the opening of another International Bank as major achievements of 2024
Asia Turkey 1.149 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to the country in 2024 and added to the over 13.000 objects returned to the country since 2002
Africa Tunisia Reported investments in the industrial sector increased by 3,7% last year compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency
Oceania Vanuatu The Vanuatu Cricket Association has recognised cricket clubs and communities across Australia that contributed to fundraising and support following the devastating earthquake that struck the country a fortnight ago
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The resident population increased from 187.356 in 2012 to 209.617 in 2024, according to provisional data from the 5th general population census released by the National Institute of Statistics
Europe Norway A combination of stable and probably lower interest rates next year, together with an imminent reduction in capital requirements for first-time homebuyers, is likely to facilitate entry into the Norwegian market for high-priced homes
Asia Tajikistan Further funding will be attracted for the completion of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant, featuring a 335-metre-high clay core and rockfill dam on the Vakhsh River that will be the tallest in the world; around US$ 3 billion are needed to be completed