Asia Sri Lanka Digital marketplace LilyLanka has been launched to connect small and medium enterprises with customers; the platform includes products, online sales and delivery services and aims to digitalize local trade, expand market access and support SMEs recovery
Africa Guinea Following decreasing international financing, the fight against HIV in Guinea is rethinking funding mechanisms; REGAP+ and MSF organized a conference-debate on resilience strategies for HIV programs in Africa at Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry
Asia Armenia For the first time, a shipment of grain has been sent to Armenia by rail from Russia’s Volgograd region - and via Azerbaijan; others will follow, for a total of 2.000 tons of produce
Africa Ghana Traders at the Accra Central Business District have recounted a stampede that occurred on Monday, December 22, as intense Christmas shopping pressure led to overwhelming congestion at the market, causing several people to collapse
Africa Rwanda The Mayor of Rubavu District assured visitors planning holidays on the lake about safety during the festive season; remarks were made at the inauguration of Beach Expo 2025, an annual event organised by the Private Sector Federation in Western Province
Oceania Vanuatu Over 1.000 members of the Vanuatu Teachers Union, who have been on strike for the past 18 months, will return to the classroom following the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the government
Africa Benin Constitutional reform has been promulgated after its validation by Benin’s Constitutional Court; the revision extends presidential term from 5 to 7 years and establishes a bicameral system by creating a Senate
Africa Algeria Children’s Parliament was officially established for the first time at the People’s National Assembly session, marking a vital political moment as Algeria will see its first-ever election of a Children’s Parliament speaker through secret individual ballot
Asia Jordan The apparel sector is witnessing a lively commercial activity as festive shopping gains momentum, driven by Christmas offers rolled out to stimulate demand, targeted promotions and shifting consumer priorities amid ongoing economic pressures
Africa Mali The official opening of the Confederal Investment and Development Bank of the AES in Bamako represents a major step for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso towards their economic independence and regional integration
Europe Malta Law requires non-residents to obtain a permit before buying property preventing wealthy foreigners from speculating in Malta real estate, PM Robert Abela reminded to curb controversial affirmations made by officials at Shanghai Luxury Property Exhibition
Africa Zimbabwe Patients and doctors across Zimbabwe are raising alarm over inconsistent test results from medical laboratories, a problem linked to the rapid growth of diagnostic testing facilities that, doctors say, do not always meet professional standards
Oceania Papua New Guinea A fire destroyed a commercial building housing a number of businesses in Mendi, southern highlands; started at the generator house after a power failure, it was fought by local boys with buckets, lacking fire brigade service and water tankers
Asia North Korea The Biological Specimen Factory in Kaesong Municipality has been renewed and equipped with temperature control; stuffed specimens of birds and mammals are preserved in their original aspect, intended for educational units use, a press release reports