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The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has unveiled ERM®-BD300, a rice-based certified reference material designed to improve the accuracy of laboratory testing for cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Cereulide is heat-resistant and can cause food poisoning, with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to, in rare cases, liver failure and death. Outbreaks… [Read More]

A recent baseline study evaluates Georgia’s Universal Health Care Program, launched in 2013, through the lens of the right to health, with particular attention to persons with disabilities. While the program has achieved notable progress, including expanded coverage and reduced out-of-pocket costs, significant challenges remain regarding equitable access, quality of care, system sustainability, and transparency… [Read More]

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has granted operational licences to promoters of a new medical-focused free trade zone designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported healthcare products. The initiative, promoted by Harvestfield Industries, is aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capacity and expanding export opportunities in the health sector. During the licence presentation in… [Read More]

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved R$148.5 million in financing for Bioo Paraná Holding SA to build a biomethane plant in Toledo, western Paraná. The total investment for the project is R$196 million, with R$101.5 million coming from the Climate Fund and R$47.1 million from the Finem credit line, which supports larger-scale projects. The… [Read More]

In 2025, African tech startups raised a record $1.64 billion through debt financing, marking a 63% increase from $1.01 billion in 2024. The number of debt deals also rose sharply to 108, up 40% from the previous year. Debt now constitutes 41% of total capital deployed in African tech, up from 17% in 2019, highlighting… [Read More]

After two years of decline, African tech funding bounced back in 2025, reaching $4.1 billion—a 25% increase from $3.25 billion in 2024, according to Partech Africa’s annual VC report. However, the growth is driven primarily by debt financing rather than a broad surge in equity. Debt financing reached a record $1.64 billion, accounting for 41%… [Read More]

The International Monetary Fund has approved approximately $91 million in funding for Niger, providing support for climate resilience, sustainable development, and economic stabilization. The approval follows the latest review of Niger’s programmes and underscores international confidence in the country’s economic prospects, with growth expected to remain robust at 6.7 percent in 2026. This financial support… [Read More]

Burkina Faso has received a $33.2 million disbursement from the International Monetary Fund following the fourth review of its Extended Credit Facility programme, signaling continued confidence in the country’s economic resilience despite ongoing security and humanitarian challenges. The IMF also approved a new $124.3 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility, set to run through September 2027,… [Read More]

In the Central African Republic, prolonged conflict and climate-related shocks have disrupted livelihoods, particularly in the prefectures of Haut-Mbomou and Mbomou. Communities in Obo, Zémio, and Rafaï face erratic rainfall, flooding, and displacement, which have severely impacted farming cycles and food security. Women and youth are among the most affected, facing limited access to resources,… [Read More]

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have announced a $300 million initiative to expand clean energy access across Rwanda. The program is designed to deliver 200,000 new electricity grid connections and 50,000 home solar systems for low-income households. It will also provide 100,000 clean cooking solutions and install around… [Read More]

The UK government has allocated £36.7 million to accelerate the net zero transition through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), supporting 25 projects aimed at modernising energy networks, reducing costs, and delivering long-term benefits for consumers. The funding, administered by Ofgem in partnership with Innovate UK, includes £31.6 million for five advanced “beta” demonstrator projects, £3.3… [Read More]

The Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saline coastal Mediterranean lagoon in Spain’s Region of Murcia, is a natural treasure renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance. Over the years, it faced near-collapse due to industrial and agricultural pollution, landscape changes, wastewater discharge, and invasive species. Excess nitrogen from agricultural runoff caused algal blooms, oxygen depletion, fish… [Read More]

Selected Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those led by youth and women, received targeted training to strengthen their capacity to participate in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The three-day programme was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, the Embassy of Japan, and Ghana’s AfCFTA… [Read More]

Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $150 million in financial assistance for municipalities outside New York City to alleviate immediate fiscal pressures. This includes a $100 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance, tripling the amount of aid available to cities, towns, and villages. The funding is distributed proportionally according to existing Aid and Incentives for… [Read More]

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the Housing Central New York Fund, a $150 million public-private financing initiative designed to accelerate housing production and maintain affordability in Central New York. The fund aims to support the development of at least 2,500 new workforce housing units during its initial seven-year term, preparing the region for… [Read More]

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of Confluence Court, a $45 million affordable and supportive housing development in downtown Binghamton. The project transformed a long-vacant historic manufacturing warehouse at 200 Court Street into 111 all-electric apartments, including 60 units with on-site services for veterans experiencing homelessness and other residents in need of support to live… [Read More]

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced program guidelines for a $200 million strategic investment initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Albany, part of her broader Championing Albany’s Potential (CAP) Initiative. The funding, outlined in the recently released Downtown Albany Strategy, will support catalytic redevelopment projects, expand housing opportunities, and strengthen community assets, transforming the city’s core into… [Read More]

The Minns Labor Government has officially opened the new TAFE NSW Bankstown City campus, marking a major milestone in the state’s record investment in vocational education. The campus replaces the former TAFE NSW Bankstown site, which is now the location for a new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital—the largest public hospital capital works project in NSW… [Read More]

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $52 million investment to support renewable manufacturing projects in New South Wales, creating over 100 construction jobs and 67 ongoing positions. This funding forms part of the broader $480 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, which aims to accelerate emissions reductions and develop technologies critical to the state’s renewable… [Read More]

Digital innovation is transforming public debt management in Africa, helping governments improve transparency, strengthen institutions, and support long-term development planning. Reliable and accessible debt data enables policymakers to assess risks, make informed financial decisions, build investor trust, and protect public resources. For 45 years, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has assisted countries in strengthening debt… [Read More]

Following a severe escalation of conflict in Sudan, the European Union, joined by 32 countries, issued a joint statement reiterating full support for the Sudanese population and reaffirming the importance of respecting international humanitarian law. The statement highlights grave concern over continued attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian operations, particularly in the Kordofan and… [Read More]

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published its final report on Moldova’s parliamentary elections held on 25 September 2025. While the elections offered voters clear choices among competing political alternatives, the process was marred by foreign interference, illicit financing, cyber-attacks, and widespread disinformation. Despite these challenges, the election administration conducted… [Read More]

During Mumbai Climate Week, the WHO–World Meteorological Organization Climate and Health Joint Programme, in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation and Wellcome, announced two new initiatives to protect South Asians from extreme heat. The initiatives aim to strengthen regional capacity to detect, prepare for, and respond to heat-related health risks, which pose growing threats to human… [Read More]