With new polishing hubs, traceability standards, and policy reforms, the continent is seeking a bigger share of diamond wealth SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | A new diamond polishing facility in South Africa has sparked discussions about beneficiation and ethical trade, as the continent seeks to capture more value from …

WASHINGTON | Xinhua | The White House has warned federal agencies to brace themselves for a wave of layoffs if Congress does not come to an agreement to keep the government funded before Oct. 1. Congress is approaching a deadline to make a deal to fund the government. If no …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INEDEPENDENT |  Uganda’s mining sector took center stage this week as government officials, financiers, and industry players gathered at the Kampala Serena Hotel for the 14th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference. The two-day meeting, organized by the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals in collaboration with the Ministry …

BEIJING | Xinhua | Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended congratulations to Peter Mutharika on his election as president of Malawi. In his congratulatory message, Xi said that China and Malawi are sincere, friendly and mutually supportive good friends and partners, noting that President-elect Mutharika made significant contributions to the …

Africa’s fashion heritage is increasingly becoming a high-value export as designers secure trade deals at global fashion events and build supply chains. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | When David Tlale stepped onto the Moscow Fashion Week stage this month, it was not just another runway appearance but the continuation …

CAIRO | Xinhua |  The revenues of the Suez Canal, a major source of foreign currency for Egypt, have dropped by some 9 billion U.S. dollars over the past two years due to a challenging regional environment, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said Friday. Speaking at the Egyptian Military Academy in …

KAMPALA | Xinhua | The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Uganda has officially handed over nine Chinese hybrid goats, also known as the Jianzhou big-eared goats, to two local research institutes to improve goat breeds and boost production in the East African country. The goats — three males and …

Nebbi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Protect SRHR Project consortium, comprising the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), Humanity & Inclusion and World Vision, has held the inaugural Brave Girls Festival that brought together young people, parents, cultural and religious leaders, and policymakers to discuss urgent issues around …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In a bid to strengthen institutional capacity for legislation, oversight and representation, Parliament will start an e-Parliament project. This is contained in Parliament’s Strategic Plan for the financial years, 2025/2026-2029/2030 that was launched at Parliament on Friday, 26 September 2025. The Speaker of Parliament, …

UNITED NATIONS | Xinhua |  When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began to deliver his speech during the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, many delegates walked out of the UNGA hall in protest. In his address, Netanyahu criticized those countries …