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Africa News Live Updates: Illicit 'blood gold' trade fuels conflict in West Africa's Sahel region
Lagos begins ban on single-use plastics including styrofoam and straws
The Lagos State government in Nigeria has initiated a ban on single-use plastics such as disposable cups, styrofoam packs, nylon bags, and plastic straws, according to a report in Premium Times. These items are staple products for a wide range of businesses across the city, from roadside food vendors and markets to fast-food chains and restaurants. The policy is expected to have significant economic consequences for the informal sector and small businesses that depend on these low-cost materials, as well as for the manufacturers and distributors of the now-banned products. This move aligns Lagos with other African governments, including those in Kenya and Rwanda, that have previously implemented similar bans to combat plastic pollution.
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Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
CM directs mango pulp units to support farmers amid price slump
Tirupati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged farmers and pulp unit owners to set aside differences and work together to resolve the mango crisis. During his Kuppam tour, Naidu met with farmers, pulp unit owners, and stakeholders, assuring government support and consideration of their concerns. Despite a bumper harvest, mango growers in Chittoor district face heavy losses due to a price slump, despite the state's market intervention scheme. Naidu directed pulp industries to immediately purchase mangoes to ease farmers' distress, promising government support for the industries. Officials reported 1.12 lakh metric tons of mangoes procured so far, with 1.70 lakh metric tons still expected. Farmers said pulp industries hesitate to buy due to low orders and storage issues, with unloading delays of 3-4 days. The Chief Minister urged processing units to promptly buy the produce. Industry reps highlighted high import duties in Europe and no duties in Pakistan and African countries, requesting Naidu to negotiate reductions with the central government. They also appealed for GST on mango pulp to drop from 12% to 5%. Naidu said he had written to the central government and would follow up. With production ranging from 6-12 tons per acre, Naidu stressed fair prices for farmers while ensuring viability for industries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Industry reps suggested supplying mango juice to students in mid-day meals; Naidu said eggs are currently provided but would consider the proposal. Cultivate mangoes to global standards: CM Naidu advised farmers to minimize fertilizers and pesticides as the state moves towards natural farming, emphasizing the need to meet global standards through testing and certification. He urged industries to buy mangoes fully and pay farmers Rs 8 per kg without delay. The Chief Minister also warned farmers against falling prey to those trying to incite them. ----
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
India Will Soon Be World's Third Largest Economy: PM Modi In Ghana
Accra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that over the past decade, India has seen a major transformation across the spectrum, and on the foundations of stable polity and good governance, the country will soon be the world's third-largest economy. During his historic Parliament address here, PM Modi said India already contributes nearly 16 per cent to global growth. "Today, India is the fastest growing emerging economy. On the foundations of stable polity and good governance, India will soon be the third largest economy," the Prime Minister told the esteemed house. PM Modi further stated that India's demography is paying its dividend. "India now has the world's third largest start-up ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub, where global companies want to converge," said PM Modi in his address. "We are recognised as the Pharmacy of the world. Indian women today lead in science, space, aviation and sports. India landed on the Moon. And, today an Indian is in orbit giving wings to our human space flight mission," he added. The Prime Minister further stated that people of India have resolved to make India a Developed Nation by 2047, when "we celebrate 100 years of Independence". "As Ghana continues to pursue the path of progress and prosperity, India shall walk with you, shoulder to shoulder, on this road," he commented. In 2015, New Delhi hosted the India-Africa Summit. "President John Mahama was one of our esteemed guests. In 2017, India hosted the annual meeting of the African Development Bank. We have expanded our diplomatic presence to 46 countries across Africa," said PM Modi. Over 200 projects across the continent enhance connectivity, infrastructure and industrial capacity. Every year, the India-Africa Business conclave generates new opportunities. "In Ghana, we inaugurated the Tema - Mpakadan rail line last year. It is the largest infrastructure project in this part of the African region. We welcome Ghana's own efforts to accelerate economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ghana also holds great potential to become an IT and innovation hub in the region. Together, we will shape a future, full of promise and progress," the Prime Minister emphasised. Earlier, PM Modi was conferred The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country's highest civilian honour, by President Mahama. PM Modi thanked Ghana's President for the honour and called it a "matter of immense pride".
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Ethiopia's Mega Dam On The Nile Now Complete
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday said a multi-billion-dollar mega-dam on the Blue Nile that has long worried neighbouring countries is complete and will be officially inaugurated in September. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), launched in 2011 with a $4-billion budget, is considered Africa's largest hydroelectric project stretching 1.8 kilometres (just over one mile) wide and 145 metres (475 feet) high. Addis Ababa says it is vital for its electrification programme but it has been a source of tensions with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan who worry it will affect their water supply. Speaking in parliament, Abiy said GERD "is now complete, and we are preparing for its official inauguration". "To our neighbours downstream -- Egypt and Sudan -- our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity," he added. "The energy and development it will generate stand to uplift not just Ethiopia." The Pride of #Africa, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam #GERD, was proposed, built, and completed through the efforts and determination of the #Ethiopian people. The Nile nations form a #Noble family, united by #Abbaystream through the #CFA.🇪🇹 @MFAEthiopia @HItefa @GHessebon — Ethiopian Embassy Djibouti (@ETEmbassyJIB) June 22, 2025 Ethiopia first began generating electricity at the project, located in the northwest of the country around 30 km from the border with Sudan, in February 2022. At full capacity, the huge dam can hold as much as 74 billion cubic metres of water and could generate more than 5,000 megawatts of power -- more than double Ethiopia's current output. The east African country is the second most populous on the continent with a rapidly growing population currently estimated at 130 million and has growing electricity needs. Around half the population lives without electricity, according to estimates earlier this year by the World Bank. Opposition Egypt and Sudan have voiced concerns about GERD's operation without a three-way agreement, fearing it could threaten their access to vital Nile waters. Negotiations have failed to make a breakthrough. Egypt, which is already suffering from severe water scarcity, sees the dam as an existential threat because it relies on the Nile for 97 percent of its water needs. But Abiy said Addis Ababa is "willing to engage constructively", adding that the project will "not come at the expense" of either Egypt or Sudan. "We believe in shared progress, shared energy, and shared water," he said. "Prosperity for one should mean prosperity for all." The position of fragile Sudan, which is currently mired in a civil war, has fluctuated in recent years.
