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 Belgium As part of a national action plan to combat sepsis, the country is mobilising a specialised team; a recent Belgian TV programme on this potentially lethal disease caused a stir in parliament
Oceania Vanuatu It is imperative to safeguard kava as a Pacific product, stated Vanuatu's Minister of Trade and Industry, Anatole Hymack, and to ensure its protection and recognition of its authentic Pacific origins
Europe Liechtenstein According to basic analysis, three locations for a wind turbine in Ruggell are possible, exclusing residential areas or nature reserves, and the results of a feasibility study are awaited
Africa Guinea The dramatic fire in the port of Conakry has been extinguished; the number of confirmed victims is at least 13, injured 178, of which at least 88 in serious conditions
Africa South Africa Jacob Zuma, former South African President, will withdraw his support for the ruling party, the African National Congress, of which he has been a member for over 60 years
Africa Tanzania The eviction of the indigenous Maasai people in Tanzania, has been condemned by the European Parliament, stating that indigenous rights are 'a non-negotiable part of any wildlife conservation initiative'; Tanzania claims they moved 'spontaneously'
Africa Ghana An innovative library built largely from recycled plastic bottles was inaugurated in Kokrobite, a fishing community on the outskirts of the capital, for students who have had difficult access to education
Africa Seychelles The Seychelles Association of Insurers has confirmed that the 7 December explosion at the Civil Construction Company Ltd, which caused huge damage to businesses in the area and residential homes nearby, is covered by insurance policies
Africa Tunisia A giant sculpture of a Palestinian woman symbolising resistance has been installed in Tunis, in front of the embassy of the State of Palestine; measuring 4,5 by 4 metres , is the work of artist Hassine Mokdadi and sculptor Chokri Toujani
Oceania Samoa A team of researchers from the University of Auckland, Victoria University and Sāmoa Scientific Research Organisation claims to have found two extracts from traditional Samoan medicine that have antiviral activity against the virus that causes COVID-19
Asia Cyprus Tourism revenues grew by 25% in 2023 compared to the previous year, potentially marking a new record, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis
Asia Turkey The recent incident involving a primary school student in the capital Ankara who suffered serious injuries after an attack by stray dogs has reignited the debate on the issue of stray animals, raising concerns about escalating attacks in various cities
Asia South Korea A survey released on 10 December by nongovernmental organization Workplace Gapjil 119 showed that 15,3% of South Korean workers have been subject to direct physical or verbal abuse at work, highligthing the ongoing issue of workplace harassment