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 Zimbabwe The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe expects annual inflation to fall sharply to just 5% by the end of the year, supported by the stability of Zimbabwe's currency and exchange rates
Europe Sweden The bilateral military agreement with the United States was approved by a majority in the Swedish Parliament, despite concerns from the ecologist and far-left opposition about the transfer of nuclear weapons to Swedish soil
Asia Sri Lanka The new Electricity Act has received the approval of the Speaker of Parliament and is therefore in force: it provides for the establishment of the National Electricity Advisory Council and the appointment of the Sri Lanka Utilities Commission
Africa Sudan There is a risk of famine in 14 areas of Sudan with more than 750.000 people at risk of starvation, said a global hunger watchdog, noting that these are the 'worst levels of acute food insecurity' ever recorded in the country
Europe Vatican City The Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva has launched an appeal for the protection of women and girls who continue to be trafficked, especially for surrogacy and prostitution
Asia United Arab Emirates With temperatures approaching 50°C recently and the possibility of hotter days in the future, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the launch of an initiative to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses
Oceania Vanuatu Phase 2 of the Vanuatu Hospital Redevelopment Programme will begin soon, following the approval of clinical service models for three hospitals: Vila Central Hospital in Vila, Norsup Hospital in Malekula and Lenakel Hospital in Tanna
Asia Yemen The UN Security Council extended the mandate requiring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to report monthly on attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea
Oceania Tuvalu The Asian Development Bank, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and the governments of Australia and Tuvalu attended the handover ceremony of the Nui Island boat harbour to the local community
Asia Uzbekistan The BYD Uzbekistan Factory joint venture in Jizzakh province has produced its first electric vehicle, in a $160 million project to produce 50.000 electric vehicles per year
Asia Turkmenistan Employees of the Turkmenistan State Customs Service held a meeting at the international port of Turkmenbashi with specialists from the transport industry to learn about innovations in customs legislation
Oceania Solomon Islands Solomon Islands Premier Jeremiah Manele visited Australia on his first overseas trip and discussed security and policing with his Australian counterpart
America Costa Rica A visa-free entry policy for travelers from over 150 countries has been introduced to boost the tourism industry, aiming at more tourist arrivals, economic growth, hotel occupancy and improved air travel connectivity