Category: World

DUBLIN, Oct. 17 — The Department of Housing has confirmed that €200.047 million has been disbursed through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, returning 3,672 homes to active residential use since the scheme’s launch in July 2022. The latest figures show Q3 2025 recorded the highest-ever quarterly payments, with 760 grants issued, representing a 126% year-on-year […]

Business & Macro 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe — Chinese battery metals giant Huayou Cobalt will begin producing lithium sulphate in early 2026 from its new $400 million plant at the Arcadia mine near Harare. The facility, with an annual capacity exceeding 50,000 metric tons, marks a significant step in Zimbabwe’s push to move up the global battery […]

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 — The Trump administration is finalizing plans for a second $20 billion aid package to Argentina, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The new facility, expected to be financed through a mix of private banks and sovereign wealth funds, would come on top of a $20 billion currency swap line already agreed […]

“The Secretary-General condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday. He added that the UN stood ready to support national efforts “towards the attainment of that goal,” in collaboration with regional partners […]

YAOUNDÉ, Oct. 17 — Tensions flared in Cameroon after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared victory in the October 12 presidential election, defying official procedures and prompting clashes with security forces. Supporters of Tchiroma took to the streets in Douala and Garoua, where police used tear gas to disperse crowds. A ruling party office was […]

Let me start by reiterating that the United Kingdom has a modern relationship with all its Overseas Territories based on partnership; on shared values; and on the right of the people of each Territory to choose to remain British or not. The UK Overseas Territories are self-governing, subject only to the UK retaining powers to […]

In his policy speech to lawmakers in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu – who was reappointed by President Emmanuel Macron on Friday after submitting his resignation just days before – announced the suspension of pension reform, which a previous government forced into law without a vote in 2023. The reform raised […]

Strengthening EU Cooperation Minister Byrne is meeting with Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden’s Minister for European Union Affairs and Nordic Cooperation, on 16–17 October 2025. Their discussions are centered on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, the EU’s policy agenda, and pressing issues of security and defence. Byrne underlined that Ireland and Sweden […]

Business African Business and Human Rights Forum Pushes for AccountabilityThe 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum, held in Lusaka, Zambia (7–9 October), brought together governments, civil society, and corporate leaders to advance responsible business conduct. Discussions focused on remedy and reparations frameworks, corporate accountability, and aligning African markets with international human rights and environmental […]

Washington, 15 October 2025 — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is prepared to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a summit scheduled for later this month, underscoring that the United States seeks dialogue rather than confrontation with Beijing. The meeting is expected to take place during the Asia‑Pacific […]