In a significant move India plans to leverage a new case filed by its Indian Ocean partner South Africa challenging the strict food safety regulations imposed by the EU on citrus fruit. Interestingly, it is election season in S Africa as the country votes for new Parliament end of May. And a disorganized Opposition may hand over ANC yet another victory. Moody’s Investors Service has cautioned bumpy road ahead for S Africa if a coalition government is formed. African states along the Indian Ocean Region are facing a severe weather challenge this week. Meanwhile, Tanzania which is politically and economically the most stable state in Eastern Africa has extended an invitation to Saudi Arabian businesses to invest in a range of sectors within the country, including agriculture, industry, livestock, energy, mining, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and real estate.
India to leverage South Africa’s WTO case to push for relaxation of EU food safety standards
The Mint | 5th May 2024
India plans to leverage a new case filed by South Africa challenging the strict food safety regulations imposed by the European Union (EU) on citrus fruit to also call for relaxations in standards that currently hinder a whole range of Indian food exports, two people aware of the development said.
Why South Africa’s opposition may struggle to unseat the ruling ANC
AlJazeera | 2nd May 2024
For the first time in 30 years, South Africa’s governing party faces an electoral crisis with expectations that its support will dramatically reduce and it may lose its parliamentary majority in this month’s election. But even as the African National Congress (ANC) – which has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994 – struggles to attract voters, it has one key advantage that could help it stay in power, analysts say. A splintered, disorganised opposition.
Seychelles’ cabinet approves signature of extradition agreement with France
Seychelles News Agency | 25th April 2024
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signature of an extradition agreement between Seychelles and France to allow the transfer of persons accused or convicted of crimes between the two countries. A bill is expected to be presented to the National Assembly for approval for this agreement with France, to help each other in criminal matters. This agreement follows the rules set by the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act of 2022.
Seychelles News Agency | 25th April 2024
President Wavel Ramkalawan highlighted Seychelles’ efforts to join the world in a collective action to resolve the world’s most pressing ocean challenges in his opening remarks at the Ocean Decade Alliance meeting, State House said on Tuesday. Ramkalawan, one of the Patrons of the Ocean Decade Alliance, is in Barcelona, Spain to participate in the United Nations (UN) Ocean Decade Conference 2024.
Next South African government has tough reform job, Moody’s says
Club of Mozambique | 3rd May 2024
South Africa may struggle to make much more progress on resolving the country’s longstanding challenges if a coalition government emerges after elections this month, Moody’s Investors Service cautioned. “These include stimulating years of sluggish economic growth, curbing chronic power shortages and reducing very high unemployment,” said Aurelien Mali, vice president – senior credit officer at Moody’s. “The current government has made incremental progress on these issues.”
Government invites Saudi businesses to invest in diverse Tanzanian sectors
IPPMEDIA | 1st May 2024
The government has extended an invitation to Saudi Arabian businesses to invest in a range of sectors within the country, including agriculture, industry, livestock, energy, mining, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, warmly received the traders along with her delegation during a meeting and discussions with Hassan Al-Huwaizi, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia.
Cyclone Hidaya has completely lost strength but expect rains – Met
The Star | 5th May 2024
The Kenya Meteorological Department now says the anticipated Cyclone Hidaya has completely lost its strength after making landfall in Tanzania. However, Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said that despite the weakening of the cyclone, rains are still expected in the Kenyan coastal regions.
