AFRICA – The African Development Bank Group and international accounting organisation KPMG South Africa have launched a report setting out an innovative approach to mitigating the foreign currency risks that often undermine the delivery of energy infrastructure projects across the continent. The report was launched during this week’s Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, where African heads of state and government, multilateral development banks, private sector, development partners, policymakers, and civil society representatives gathered to explore opportunities to leverage Africa’s natural resources to drive sustainable economic growth and bridge the continent’s funding gap. The report, “New Mechanism for…
Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER
The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sisira Senavirathne assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Cairo on 27 January 2025. In his address to the Embassy staff following the assumption of duties, Ambassador-designate Senavirathne highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt. Further, he emphasized the immense potential for enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, education etc. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening these partnerships during his tenure and reiterated the importance of collective efforts by the entire Mission in achieving these…
News reports have indicated that Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman will miss the Barcelona UCL fixture for Atalanta due to injury.It has been reported that the African Player of the Year 2024, Ademola Lookman will not be available for selection in the UCL this week in the highly anticipated fixture against Barcelona due to an injury he sustained.Ademola Lookman’s knee injury comes as a major setback for Atalanta BC, especially with their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against FC Barcelona on Wednesday fast approaching. The Nigerian forward, who has been in outstanding form this season with 14 goals and 7 assists…
After Rwanda-backed rebels seized the Congolese city of Goma in 2012, powerful nations across the world registered their disapproval, announcing sanctions against Rwanda and other measures that led to the rebels’ defeat a year later.When those same rebels battled to capture Goma on Sunday, several nations once again voiced their criticism, but they have yet to apply the level of pressure on Rwanda that eventually led the rebels to stand down more than a decade ago.As hundreds of thousands of civilians fled escalating violence in recent days, seeking sanctuary in Goma, the rebel group M23 was right behind them. M23,…
The Miami Heat are exploring potential trades for Jimmy Butler as the veteran serves an indefinite suspension, and they may have an All-Star big man on their radar.Minnesota Timberwolves star Julius Randle could potentially factor into trade talks surrounding Butler, SNY’s Ian Begley reported on Tuesday.The Heat had interest in Randle before the former first-round pick was traded to Minnesota in October. Begley says Randle is a player who has “remained on the Heat’s radar during the Butler saga.”It is unclear if there have been active talks between the Heat and Timberwolves about a potential Butler deal, but the two…
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini says Israel’s ban would ‘heighten instability and deepen despair’ at a ‘critical moment’.The head of the United Nations agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has warned that an impending Israeli ban on the organisation would cripple humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip and undermine the Israel-Hamas ceasefire there. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UNRWA, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that the ban, due to come into effect on Thursday, would “heighten instability and deepen despair in the occupied Palestinian territory at a critical moment”. The move would also undermine recovery and reconstruction efforts for the…
Federal enforcement agencies are targeting three U.S. cities per week for large-scale immigration arrests, with Aurora, Colorado, to come next, three sources familiar with the planning told NBC News. So far this week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, have focused arrests in Chicago, in an operation that began Sunday, and New York City, where arrests began Tuesday. Those efforts will next shift to Aurora for an operation beginning Thursday morning, the sources said. Aurora, about 40 minutes outside of Denver, was a focus for President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign as he said the city had been…
The US oil giant has launched multiple efforts to collect international arbitration awards against the Caribbean nation. By Ricardo Vaz CARACAS, (venezuelanalysis.com) – The World Bank’s state-corporate arbitration tribunal has dismissed Venezuela’s challenge against a US $8.5 billion arbitration award granted to ConocoPhillips. On Friday, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) issued a 356-page ruling rejecting Caracas’ request to annul the award. Venezuela was also ordered to reimburse the company’s $6.46 million in legal fees and $1.35 million in other court costs. “Venezuela’s applications to annul the award are dismissed,” the document read. The case does not allow for further appeals.…
President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over a high-level meeting yesterday afternoon at State House to review preparations for the 13th Edition of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games. The regional sporting event is set to take place in Seychelles from August 1-10, 2025. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the organizing committee to address critical challenges and ensure the smooth execution of the games. President Ramkalawan evaluated initial proposals and swiftly proposed actionable solutions, particularly concerning infrastructure upgrades and athletes’ training needs. To mitigate disruptions caused by ongoing renovations, the President suggested alternative…
The songs 2Baba sang for Annie Idibia have played a significant role in narrating the story of their love over the years. From their early days of courtship to their marriage, these songs served as love letters, expressions of reconciliation, and odes to their bond. Now, with 2Baba’s recent announcement of their separation, the significance of these songs takes on a new dimension, as they offer a window into the journey they shared.In this article, we look back at some of the most memorable songs 2Baba sang for Annie Idibia, exploring the moments that inspired them and the emotional journey…