Expansion and diversification of stablecoin usage observed in Africa, according to a recent report
In today's news, we bring you a selection of significant events happening around the world.
Politics and Diplomacy
- A separate NATO meeting is scheduled for today, as international relations continue to evolve.
- The US administration is considering air support as a possible security guarantee for Ukraine, following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- China's foreign minister is due in New Delhi for talks aimed at rebuilding relations with India, five years after border clashes.
- A call between the leaders of Russia and India affirmed the countries' close ties, despite Washington's demands for New Delhi to wean itself off Russian oil.
- Uganda has not struck a deportation deal with the US, according to a junior Ugandan foreign minister, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Business and Economy
- South African banking group Nedbank sold its 21.2% stake in Ecobank for $100 million to Bosquet Investments.
- Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in South Africa, marking its Africa debut.
- Israel's defense minister approved a plan for an offensive on Gaza City, further undermining hopes for a truce there.
- The US Department of Justice is investigating MTN, Africa's largest telecommunications group, over its operations in Afghanistan and Iran.
- Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction in Africa, with people using them for remittances, savings, and payroll systems.
Health and Science
- A study led by the University of California-Berkeley and Oxford University found a 45% increase in hospital deliveries after a one-time mobile money transfer to pregnant women in rural Kenya.
- One-time transfers of $1000 in cash to households with pregnant women in rural Kenya reduced infant mortality in the area by 48%, according to a new study.
- The use of stablecoins in Africa is rising, with people using cryptocurrencies for remittances, savings, and payroll systems.
- One recent study by the World Obesity Atlas forecasted that 45% of women in Africa will be overweight or obese by 2030.
- Eli Lilly launched its drug, Mounjaro, in the country eight months earlier, though solely for patients with diabetes.
Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises
- Israel stepped up efforts to relocate Gazans while intensifying its military push on the territory.
- At least 263 people have died of starvation in Gaza.
- A deal to end the war remains far afield, as the US prepares for a potential sit-down between Zelenskyy and Russia's Vladimir Putin; possible venues include Geneva and Budapest.
- Officials will call up around 60,000 reservists in order to carry out the operation, which humanitarian agencies and experts fear will worsen what is already a burgeoning humanitarian catastrophe.
Stay tuned for more updates as the global news landscape continues to evolve.
