Remarkable ancient African ruins

A recent study by InterNations revealed the friendliest countries for expats, with Costa Rica, Mexico, and The Philippines topping the list. Expats in Costa Rica feel very welcome and rate the local population as the friendliest worldwide, while Kuwait was ranked as the least friendly country. South Africa landed in the middle of the list at number 23. Full Article

The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have called for an immediate cease-fire in eastern Congo, following a meeting in Qatar. The move comes after the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group captured key cities in the region, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Despite international pressure and condemnation, M23, armed and commanded by Rwanda's army, continues to control a large area in eastern Congo rich in minerals. Full Article

Residents of Duduza – John Dube have come together to address poverty and inequality by creating the John Dube Community initiative, which helps repair and polish over a hundred school shoes daily for children in need. Through partnerships with local tuck shop owners, the initiative has reduced the number of torn shoes and boosted children's confidence, encouraging them to attend school. The community is seeking donations of shoe polish, new school shoes, clothing, and other...

Global and African financial experts advocate for aligning financial systems with smallholder farmers' needs, emphasizing the role of government intervention in expanding agricultural lending in Africa. The conference in Nairobi highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, with panelists proposing tailored financing solutions, risk mitigation strategies, and enhanced market access to bridge the agricultural financing gap in Africa. Key recommendations included developing specialized financial products, risk-sharing mechanisms, and digital infrastructure to attract private investment and...

South Africa's electricity prices will rise by 26% over the next three years, driving demand for innovative energy startups like Sensor Networks and Versofy offering smart technology and renewable energy solutions to help reduce energy costs. Despite challenges such as high capital requirements and regulatory hurdles, these startups are capitalizing on the trend and could play a crucial role in reducing reliance on Eskom and achieving energy sustainability in the country. Full Article

U.S. foreign aid cuts have severely impacted Sudanese refugees in Chad, leading to reduced resources for food, water, mental health counseling, and education programs. The closure of the only secondary school in Aboutengue refugee camp has left 32,000 refugee students at risk, with many expressing the importance of education for the future of their country. Organizations like HIAS have faced challenges in providing support for at-risk women and refugees due to the halt in U.S....