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 Sweden Consumer price inflation in Sweden rose to 5,4% for the first time in almost a year in January, after falling to a 22-month low in December, according to data from Statistics Sweden
Asia United Arab Emirates 9 out of 10 UAE residents prefer to deal with human customer service agents rather than automated chatbots to resolve their concerns, according to a poll conducted by Khaleej Times
Europe North Macedonia As of Wednesday, the exchange of driving licences and vehicle registration certificates will be free of charge due to the obligation under the Prespa Agreement
Asia Qatar In an effort to address evolving paediatric nutrition concepts related to metabolic diseases, Qatar University will host its second Child Nutrition Conference on 21-22 February at the College of Education building
Africa Namibia In response to a request from the government for technical assistance to support the design and implementation of an index-based agricultural insurance programme for small farmers, a diagnostic report was prepared by the World Bank
Africa Senegal Senegalese took to the streets to protest against the possible extension of President Macky Sall's term of office beyond 2 April, the date for the handover of power, after the Constitutional Council rejected a law to postpone the presidential elections
Asia Armenia The ECW First Emergency Response grant, provided by UNICEF, will support the Armenian government's refugee response plan with $1 million and improve access to early education services for refugee and host community children
America Nicaragua The US restricted visas for over 100 Nicaraguan municipal officials, citing their role in President Daniel Ortega's government, condemning the alleged fraudulent 2021 reelection, and accusing the regime of a crackdown on opposition
Europe Belarus The Minsk metro transported 234 million passengers in 2023, +8 million (or 3,5%) compared to 2022; in 2023, the metro improved energy efficiency by 3,9%, exceeding the energy saving target of 3,4% in 2023
Africa Burkina Faso The 'National Support Fund', established in January 2023 to support counter-terrorism efforts in the country, successfully raised 99 billion CFA francs (USD $162,2 million) in the past year
Africa Gabon IMF experts welcomed the efforts of Gabon's transitional authorities in managing public finances
Africa Comoros The country recently reaffirmed its unwavering support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the plan for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only serious and pragmatic solution to this regional dispute
Europe Italy An accident on a building site in Florence killed 5 workers and reignited debate on work-related deaths, which are tragically high in Italy notwithstanding one of the most restrictive safety-at-work regulations