Tuesday, 22 September 2026

GABON GOVERNMENT MOVES TO TIGHTEN PUBLIC FINANCES AS ECONOMIC REFORM ENTERS NEW PHASE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

GABON GOVERNMENT MOVES TO TIGHTEN PUBLIC FINANCES AS ECONOMIC REFORM ENTERS NEW PHASE

GABON - Gabon is moving to strengthen public finances as the government seeks greater control over state revenue and expenditure.

One of the latest measures is the suspension of tax and customs exemptions.

Gabonese authorities announced the immediate suspension as part of efforts to improve public revenue collection.

The decision comes as Gabon continues its political transition and attempts to restructure the country's economy.

An Oil-Producing Economy

Gabon has long depended heavily on oil.

Petroleum exports provide a major source of national income.

However, the government is seeking to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Mining, forestry, agriculture and tourism offer alternative opportunities.

Public Finance Reform

Tax exemptions can reduce government revenue when they are not carefully controlled.

By reviewing or suspending exemptions, the government can potentially increase the resources available for public services.

The challenge is ensuring that reforms do not discourage legitimate investment.

Businesses require predictable taxation.

Natural Resources

Gabon is rich in natural resources.

Manganese is particularly important.

The country also possesses large forest resources.

Responsible management of those resources could provide long-term economic value.

Forestry and Climate

Gabon is part of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Its forests are important for global climate stability.

The government therefore faces the difficult task of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Sustainable forestry could create employment and export revenue while protecting ecosystems.

Urban Development

Recent government attention has also focused on Libreville's public spaces and infrastructure.

The beach area opposite Lycée National Léon Mba has undergone urban improvements, according to Gabon's national press agency.

Urban development can improve tourism and quality of life.

Healthcare

Gabon is also focusing on healthcare.

The country's paediatric medical community recently opened a new congress addressing child health.

Healthcare remains a critical component of development.

Political Transition

Gabon has been undergoing a major political transition following the end of the Bongo family's decades-long political dominance.

The government must now demonstrate that political change can deliver institutional reform.

Public finance will remain central.

Gabon needs enough revenue to finance infrastructure and public services while creating an environment attractive to investors.

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ETHIOPIA ENTERS A NEW ECONOMIC PHASE AS REFORMS, REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE NILE SHAPE THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

ETHIOPIA ENTERS A NEW ECONOMIC PHASE AS REFORMS, REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE NILE SHAPE THE COUNTRY'S FUTURE

ETHIOPIA - Ethiopia is entering a critical period as the government pushes economic reforms while continuing to manage unresolved security and regional diplomatic challenges.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration has placed economic transformation at the centre of its national agenda.

The government says Ethiopia has reached important economic milestones and is continuing efforts to attract investment and strengthen financial institutions.

A Growing Economy

Ethiopia has one of Africa's largest populations.

Its domestic market gives the country significant economic potential.

Agriculture remains central to employment, while manufacturing, construction, telecommunications and services are expanding.

The government's economic reform programme seeks to attract greater private-sector investment.

Mortgage finance

One recent development is a partnership between Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation to establish the country's first mortgage refinance company.

The institution is expected to be capitalised at 100 billion Ethiopian birr.

Housing is a major challenge in a rapidly growing country.

Improved mortgage financing could help more households access formal housing while supporting construction and financial-sector development.

The Nile

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam remains one of the country's most important strategic projects.

Ethiopia sees the dam as essential to expanding electricity generation and economic development.

Egypt and Sudan have raised concerns about the management of Nile water.

The dispute remains one of Africa's most significant transboundary water issues.

Tigray

Security and political tensions in the Tigray region remain another major concern.

The 2022 Pretoria peace agreement ended the major phase of the Tigray war, but unresolved territorial and political disputes continue to create tensions.

Recent analysis has highlighted renewed concerns about the political and security environment in the region.

Red Sea access

Ethiopia is landlocked.

That makes access to ports a strategic priority.

The country relies heavily on Djibouti for international trade.

However, Addis Ababa has repeatedly expressed interest in expanding its access to the Red Sea.

This issue has major regional implications because neighbouring Eritrea and Somalia also have strategic coastlines.

Digital Ethiopia

Technology is becoming increasingly important.

The government's "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" programme is intended to expand digital skills among young people.

Digital skills could help Ethiopia develop software, online services and technology-enabled businesses.

Population pressure

Ethiopia's large population creates both opportunity and pressure.

The country needs millions of jobs every year.

Agriculture cannot absorb the entire workforce indefinitely.

Manufacturing and services therefore need to grow.

Ethiopia's economic reforms could significantly reshape the country's economy.

But success will depend on political stability, security, access to foreign investment and stronger regional relationships.

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ESWATINI SEEKS NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AS TRADE, INVESTMENT AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT REMAIN KEY PRIORITIES

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

ESWATINI SEEKS NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AS TRADE, INVESTMENT AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT REMAIN KEY PRIORITIES

MBABANE ESWATINI - Eswatini is continuing to position itself as a small but strategically connected economy in Southern Africa, with trade, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism remaining important components of its development strategy.

The kingdom is deeply integrated into the Southern African regional economy.

Its geographic position between South Africa and Mozambique provides access to major transport corridors and consumer markets.

A Regional Economy

Eswatini's economy is strongly connected to South Africa.

South Africa is its largest trading partner and provides access to ports and international markets.

This relationship provides opportunities but also creates vulnerability.

Economic difficulties in South Africa can affect Eswatini through trade, employment and investment.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is one of Eswatini's most important non-agricultural industries.

Sugar, beverages, textiles and other manufactured goods contribute to exports.

The country's participation in regional and international trade agreements can help attract manufacturers seeking access to larger markets.

Agriculture

Sugar remains a major agricultural commodity.

The sector provides employment and export revenue.

But climate change presents increasing risks.

Drought, water shortages and extreme weather can affect agricultural output.

Tourism

Eswatini has significant tourism potential.

Its cultural heritage, mountain landscapes and wildlife reserves attract visitors.

The kingdom's traditional ceremonies are also important cultural attractions.

Tourism can create jobs in rural communities.

Digital Economy

Technology offers Eswatini another development opportunity.

Improved internet access can support businesses, education and digital services.

Small businesses increasingly depend on online platforms to reach customers.

The government and private sector therefore have incentives to improve digital infrastructure.

The Trade fair Economy

The Eswatini International Trade Fair continues to provide a platform for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Recent reporting from the country's media has highlighted commercial and cultural activity around the trade fair, including participation by performers and businesses.

Such events are important because they connect local producers with consumers and investors.

Youth Employment

Youth unemployment remains a central concern.

Young people need opportunities in manufacturing, technology, tourism, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Vocational training can help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Regional Integration

Eswatini benefits from being part of the Southern African Development Community.

Regional infrastructure projects can improve movement of goods and people.

The kingdom's location also makes it potentially valuable as a logistics and manufacturing hub.

Eswatini's Economic future depends on Diversification.

The country needs to reduce dependence on a limited number of industries and develop new sources of employment.

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ERITREA REMAINS AT A STRATEGIC CROSSROADS AS RED SEA TENSIONS RAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HORN OF AFRICA

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

ERITREA REMAINS AT A STRATEGIC CROSSROADS AS RED SEA TENSIONS RAISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HORN OF AFRICA

ERITREA - Eritrea's strategic importance is increasing as instability around the Red Sea and Horn of Africa creates new security and economic pressures across the region.

The country's coastline along the Red Sea gives it a geographic position of enormous significance. Eritrea sits opposite Yemen, close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

The latest escalation in Yemen has heightened concerns about regional shipping. Houthi forces have reportedly captured the coastal city of Mokha and advanced toward islands in the Red Sea, bringing the conflict closer to the strategic maritime corridor.

For Eritrea, developments across the water cannot be treated as distant events.

A strategically located country

Eritrea's coastline stretches for more than 1,000 kilometres when its islands are included.

Its position provides access to shipping routes linking Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

That geography could potentially make Eritrea a major logistics and maritime economy.

However, political and security considerations have limited the country's ability to fully exploit its location.

The Red Sea Economy

The Red Sea has become increasingly important to global trade.

Ships travelling between Asia and Europe can use the Suez Canal, making the Bab el-Mandeb route essential.

Any major security disruption can force ships to take longer routes around southern Africa.

That increases fuel consumption, insurance costs and delivery times.

Eritrea therefore has a direct interest in maritime stability.

Ports and Infrastructure

Massawa and Assab are Eritrea's two major ports.

Their development could create opportunities for trade, logistics and regional connectivity.

Ethiopia's enormous economy and population also create potential demand for access to Red Sea ports.

The political relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia, however, remains sensitive.

Eritrea and Ethiopia

The two countries fought a devastating war from 1998 to 2000.

A peace agreement was reached in 2018, but relations have remained complicated.

Developments in Ethiopia's Tigray region continue to have implications for Eritrea.

The wider Horn of Africa remains politically fragile.

Economic pressures

Eritrea has a small economy compared with its neighbours.

Mining has become an important source of export revenue.

The country possesses gold and other mineral resources.

Agriculture remains important for livelihoods, but drought and water shortages create significant challenges.

Young people and Migration

Migration remains a major issue.

Large numbers of Eritreans have sought opportunities outside the country.

For Eritrea, retaining skilled young people is an important economic challenge.

Creating employment and educational opportunities could help reduce migration pressures.

Regional Diplomacy

Eritrea has historically pursued an independent foreign policy.

The government places strong emphasis on national sovereignty.

The country's relationships with Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti and Gulf states are therefore strategically important.

The Red Sea crisis could create both risks and opportunities.

Greater regional instability could threaten shipping and security.

But the strategic importance of Eritrea's coastline could also attract new investment.

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MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR SETTING GIRLFRIEND ALIGHT

MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR SETTING GIRLFRIEND ALIGHT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Fanyana Simon Gama (50), who has been sentenced to 20 years' direct imprisonment by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Mbombela for the murder of his girlfriend, Bonisiwe Mahlikilane Masinga (42).

The sentence follows the successful prosecution of a brutal act of domestic violence in which Gama doused the deceased with petrol and set her alight, resulting in injuries that ultimately claimed her life.

The court heard that on the night of 15 February 2025, the accused and the deceased were consuming alcohol at a neighbour's house in Lehawu Trust, Pienaar. During the night, the deceased left and was later found sleeping on the veranda of the home she shared with the accused. The following morning, an argument ensued regarding each other's whereabouts.

The accused then went to a nearby fuel station where he purchased petrol and matches. Upon his return, the argument continued. In a fit of anger, he poured petrol over the deceased and ignited it with matches.

Despite suffering extensive burn injuries, the deceased managed to flee to a neighbour's house, where she reported that the accused had poured petrol on her and set her on fire. The neighbour immediately transported her to the nearest medical facility for treatment. Although medical personnel made every effort to save her life, she succumbed to her injuries approximately one week later.

The accused was subsequently arrested. In his plea statement, he admitted that his conduct was unlawful, wrongful, and punishable by law.

He further expressed remorse for his actions and sought forgiveness from the court, the deceased's family, and the community. He also stated that after setting the deceased alight, he attempted to extinguish the flames.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that the deceased died from septic burn wound complications arising from the severe injuries she sustained during the attack.

During sentencing proceedings, Advocate Itumeleng Phatudi argued that the offence was serious and prevalent, particularly because it constituted an act of domestic violence committed against a vulnerable intimate partner.

The State submitted that courts have a responsibility to send a clear message that gender-based violence and domestic violence will not be tolerated, and that perpetrators must face the full consequences of their actions.

In imposing sentence, the court found that substantial and compelling circumstances justified a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court considered the accused's personal circumstances, his cooperation with law enforcement, as well as his confession and guilty plea.

However, the court emphasised the exceptionally brutal nature of the offence, the irreparable loss suffered by the deceased's family, and the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in society. The court consequently sentenced Gama to 20 years' direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA strongly condemns all forms of violence against women and children and remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide. This conviction and sentence demonstrate the criminal justice system's resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and to secure justice for victims and their families.

Human life is sacred, and every successful prosecution of this nature reaffirms the message that those who commit such cruel and senseless acts will be brought to justice and face the full might of the law.

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Tuesday, 22 September 2026