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Zimbabwe breaks ground on a $300 million Lithium Project Multimillion-dollar Zimbabwe lithium plants boost global supply chain control: China secures lithium leadership In Zimbabwe, several mining companies have completed multimillion-dollar lithium processing plants, giving China a head start in the global lithium rush. Major Chinese companies, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group, and Chengxin Lithium Group, completed the construction or upgrade of lithium processing plants in Zimbabwe last year. Lithium-ion batteries, made from the country's hard rock lithium rese ..read more

During his visit, Sudani plans to discuss regional dynamics and tensions with US President Joe Biden, focusing on collaborative efforts to de-escalate conflicts. Biden and Sudani will also discuss the joint efforts of the Iraqi High Military Committee and the international coalition, aiming to establish a timeline for completing the coalition's mission. He revealed plans to meet with key US officials, including the Secretary of Defense, Treasury Secretary, National Security Advisor, and US Chamber of Commerce representatives and oil and gas industry executives. Prime Minister Sudani visit ..read more

  Despite Iran's threats to retaliate against its regional adversary, the United States restricted its employees and their families from traveling outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva areas. As tensions rise in a region already strained by the Gaza conflict, Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus. The US embassy announced on Thursday that, as a precaution, US government employees and their family members are prohibited from traveling outside Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be'er S ..read more

 According to a World Bank report, the Shilling is the best-performing currency in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to its Africa Pulse Report released in April 2024, the Kenyan currency appreciated 16 percent this year. As a result of recent monetary policies implemented by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the Shilling has appreciated due to increased demand for the local currency. Furthermore, Kenya's participation in the Eurobond market in February also contributed to the Shilling's gains against the Dollar. Kenyan shillings have seen a 16 percent appreciation so far this year, maki ..read more

 If Trump is convicted, can he run for president? The answer to this question is yes. There are only a few requirements for becoming president. You must be 35 years old, be a "natural born" citizen, and have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. While some states prohibit felons from running for state and local office, these laws do not apply to federal positions. Republican and Democratic Parties have guaranteed places on general election ballots in every state, and the parties tell election officials which names to put on the ballot. It would be legal shaky for states ..read more

  Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani meets with the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.  Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq on Sunday, April 7, 2024.  The Iraqi News Agency (INA) received a statement from the Prime Minister's Office saying, "During the meeting, they discussed the relationship between Iraq and the United Nations, highlighting the main files and programs that the UN organization provides for Iraq." According to recent UN re ..read more

  UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert updated ambassadors on key developments since her last briefing in May by presenting the Mission's latest report. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, she highlighted the recently adopted federal budget, long-awaited banking and finance reforms, and a new law on social security. Hennis-Plasschaert noted that despite the admirable commitments of the government, "it is clear that the intricate web of graft and vested interests that have developed in Iraq over decades will not be dismantled overnight." “Th ..read more

On Friday,  April 5, 2024, Zimbabwe's central bank unveiled a new "structured currency" backed by gold to combat sky-high inflation and stabilize the economy. According to Reserve Bank governor John Mushayavanhu, the ZiG will replace the Zimbabwean dollar, which has fallen in value over the past year, pushing inflation through the roof. "As of today, banks will convert their current Zimbabwe dollar balances into the new currency," he said. Additionally, he slashed the bank's main interest rate from 130 percent to 20 percent. Mushayavanhu said the ZiG would be "fully anchored and fu ..read more

 Taif Sami, the Iraqi finance minister, confirmed on Monday, April 2nd, 2024, that the government had developed plans to accelerate financial and banking reforms. A statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that Sami made his remarks during a meeting with Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department, Richard Abdulnour, World Bank Country Manager and Special Representative in Iraq, and financial experts. Meeting participants discussed development initiatives the World Bank supports to enhance the investment climate and boost the busin ..read more