Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has assured that Trinidad and Tobago has no agreement with the United States or any nation for a military attack on Venezuela. Speaking after talks with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Persad-Bissessar said no local facilities such as Teteron Barracks or Staubles Bay have been pledged for foreign use. She stressed that bases would only be offered if Venezuela attacks Guyana, citing Caricom solidarity.

Ex-finance chief warns of record $15B budget deficit

Colm Imbert, PNM deputy leader and former finance minister, warned that the upcoming 2025-2026 budget could carry a record $15 billion deficit , calling it “disastrous” for the economy. Speaking after a party meeting in San Fernando, Imbert said such a shortfall would push debt levels dangerously high, far beyond the sustainable 2-3% of GDP range. He noted the figure reportedly excludes billions in promised wage hikes and back pay, which could raise the gap further. “Hopefully it’s not true,” he said. 

Foreign minister says T&T is neutral in US-Venezuela standoff

Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has assured citizens that Trinidad and Tobago will remain neutral amid growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, saying there is “absolutely no need for any concern, panic, worry, trepidation.” Speaking on CNC3, Sobers said TT has taken no side in the dispute and has not discussed allowing US forces to use local bases. While acknowledging the presence of a US naval fleet in nearby waters, he said its deployment has not created insecurity and defended TT’s non-interventionist approach.

Workers’ union takes gov’t to court over URP Firings

The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union ( BIGWU ) has filed 160 trade disputes over the dismissal of 400 Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) workers and plans to take the government to court, accusing Minister Khadijah Ameen and her ministry of breaching the Retrenchment and Severance Benefit Act. Union president Don Devenish said BIGWU will seek damages for defamation and the manner of dismissal, not reinstatement. He argued that the government failed to follow proper retrenchment procedures under Section 25 of the Act. The September 10 terminations affected workers across 12 regional offices and were described by Ameen as part of a restructuring effort to eliminate corruption and “ghost gangs.” BIGWU says severance pay must still be provided under the law.

Fishermen group calls for referendum on T&T’s US Alignment amid Venezuela tensions

Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) is urging a national referendum to decide Trinidad and Tobago’s geopolitical alignment following a deadly U.S. military strike that killed 11 alleged Venezuelan gang members in Caribbean waters. Corporate Secretary Gary Aboud warned citizens, especially fishermen, to stay off the seas, saying tensions with Venezuela have made the situation “very dangerous.” Aboud criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support of the U.S. strike, calling it “reckless irresponsibility” that could put lives at risk. 

Indonesia has allocated Rp 757.8 trillion ($46.4 billion) for education in 2026, the largest budget in the country’s history. President Prabowo Subianto announced the figure during the presentation of the 2026 Draft State Budget. Of the total, Rp 178.7 trillion ($10.9 billion) is allocated for teacher and lecturer allowances covering salaries, competency development, and welfare. The government will also fund scholarships for 21.1 million students under the Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP) and 1.2 million under the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) for College.

Anti-scam centre launched to curb online fraud losses

The Indonesian government has launched the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) to handle complaints, coordinate enforcement, and raise awareness on digital fraud and illegal financial activities. Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, said the IASC has received 225,000 public reports and blocked 71,000 accounts linked to scams. She added that the ministry will continue blocking suspicious sites, stressing the importance of public vigilance in avoiding online fraud.

Indonesia to establish 500 territorial development battalions by 2029

The Indonesian government has announced plans to establish 500 territorial development battalions across the country within five years, with 100 units to be formed annually. According to the Defence Ministry, the initiative has secured budget support from the Ministry of Finance. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that 100 battalions have already been created and emphasised that the units will assist government programmes, particularly in supporting downstreaming and national self-sufficiency efforts.

Prabowo targets zero state budget deficit by 2028

President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to eliminate Indonesia’s state budget (APBN) deficit by 2028, aiming for a surplus between 2027 and 2028. “I want to stand before this assembly and convey that we have succeeded in having a state budget with no deficit whatsoever,” Prabowo said during the 2026 Draft State Budget presentation on August 15. However, economists have questioned the feasibility of the plan. Paramadina University’s Wijayanto Samirin said a deficit-free budget is “unrealistic” given Indonesia’s spending needs on infrastructure, jobs, and human resources. He argued a 2% deficit would be more sustainable. Celios Executive Director Bhima Yudhistira also warned that forcing a surplus could hinder growth, noting that deficits below 3% of GDP are permitted by law.

Prabowo cabinet member arrested in KPK sting ops

Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel “Noel” Ebenezer Gerungan was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a sting operation on August 21. He was detained at the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta. KPK deputy chair Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirmed the arrest, saying Noel was implicated in an alleged extortion case but declined to give further details. Noel was appointed deputy minister on October 21 after backing President Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 election. He previously led Jokowi Mania in support of Joko Widodo and later shifted allegiance to Prabowo. Noel, who also joined the Gerindra Party, is the first member of Prabowo’s cabinet to be arrested by the KPK.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tripoli repeatedly demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah amid recent militia clashes, which claimed at least eight lives. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for governmental reform as protests persist in a divided Libya, where the UN-recognised GNU faces opposition from Khalifa Haftar's eastern administration. The unrest follows an announcement by Dbeibah aimed at dismantling rival armed factions, exacerbating tensions within the capital, Le Monde reports.

UN reports surge in Sudanese refugees

The United Nations has reported a significant rise in the number of Sudanese refugees entering Libya since the onset of conflict in Sudan, with nearly 313,000 refugees arriving to date, according to The Libya Observer . The UNHCR has projected a potential total of 621,000 Sudanese refugees by the end of 2025, while the WFP has called for urgent funding to continue food assistance to vulnerable populations, warning of a looming aid suspension due to critical funding shortages.

Budget passed by Eastern Parliament raises concerns

Libya’s eastern-based parliament has approved a budget of 69 billion Libyan dinar ($12.71 billion) for a development and reconstruction fund, seeking to distribute the funds over three years. However, uncertainty surrounds the actual disbursement of these funds, as the Tripoli-based Central Bank, responsible for Libyan oil revenues, remains under the control of a rival government, potentially hindering implementation of the budget.

Mass graves discovered in Libya confirm human rights violations

Dozens of bodies have been uncovered at various detention sites in Tripoli, affirming deep-rooted concerns regarding abuse and torture within these facilities, as highlighted by the UN human rights chief. The Mirage reports that the grave findings indicate possible extrajudicial killings linked to the Stabilisation Support Apparatus, an armed group in Tripoli. The High Commissioner has called for immediate forensic investigations and accountability for these human rights abuses amid ongoing protests against violence.

Tonga became the first Pacific Island country to host a Climate Finance Readiness Writeshop and Validation Exercise (4–7 March 2025), marking a major step in boosting its capacity to access climate finance. Co-hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) and MEIDECC, the event trained 42 participants from government, civil society, and private sectors on developing quality funding proposals using tools like the Woven Logical Framework and PINT. The programme included a field visit to a mangrove restoration project and concluded with a Validation Exercise refining Tonga’s Climate Change Fund proposal. Lu’isa Tu’iafitu Malolo, MEIDECC’s Climate Change Director, emphasised that the workshop strengthens Tonga’s capacity to develop, implement, and monitor effective climate projects—a model for other Pacific nations.

PM presents Tonga's biggest budget $992.8 million

Tonga’s largest budget yet— $992.8 million for 2025-26 —was presented by Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke to Parliament on 3 June. This includes $748.9 million in cash and $243.9 million in in-kind aid from development partners. Dr. Eke said the budget aligns with His Majesty’s address, the National Development Summit, and government strategic plans, aiming to address Tonga’s economic and social challenges and enhance prosperity. A $29.1 million deficit is projected, mainly due to infrastructure investments, and will be financed by $30 million in local bonds.

Key priorities include:

Samoa and Tonga ready for clash

Oceania Rugby and the Samoan and Tongan Under-20 teams are set to clash at Apia Park on Saturday , June 7, despite heavy rain from Tropical Disturbance 07F. Oceania Rugby’s Wayne Schuster said preparations are on track and alternative plans are in place if needed. If the match is cancelled, Tonga would be awarded the trophy. The winner qualifies for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Spain. Samoa’s captain, East Timor Xanana Viliamu, said the team is prepared for Tonga’s physicality, having practised against local teams using Tonga’s style. “It’s an honour to lead the team,” Viliamu said.

Pacific Central Bankers and Alliance for Financial Inclusion meet in Tonga

Six Pacific central banks are meeting in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, this week to discuss how financial inclusion can boost economic resilience and social equity. Prime Minister Hon. ‘Aisake Eke opened the meeting on 3 June 2025, hosted by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), with over 70 participants from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, plus guest delegates from Seychelles and Kenya. Topics include digital innovation, cross-sector collaboration, data governance, and the launch of Tonga’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox. Tonga’s Reserve Bank Governor, Tatafu Moeaki, emphasised its role in fostering safe testing of digital financial solutions. On 6 June, PIRI governors will endorse the Nuku’alofa Pledge for inclusive and climate-resilient financial systems.

Seabased secures 10MW wave energy project in Tonga

Seabased has signed an MoU with Tonga and SIDS DOCK to build a 10MW wave energy plant offshore Tonga. The project will start with a 2MW phase, expected to save $2 million, displace 2 million litres of fuel, and power 2,800 homes. The second phase will add 8MW, saving up to $10.5 million and 42 million litres of fuel. The plant aims to meet half of Tonga’s energy needs and cut emissions by 20%. Tonga’s minister, Albert Vaea, emphasised the relief renewable energy could bring to high-cost island economies. Seabased CEO Laurent Albert highlighted additional benefits like desalination and green hydrogen production.

Ahead of the scheduled meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Afrikaner farmers visited a farm attack memorial in Bothaville, South Africa. The visit coincides with a major agricultural fair attended by thousands. Despite their conservative leanings, several white Afrikaner groups rejected the Trump administration’s assertions of “genocide” and unlawful land seizures, which prompted the U.S. to suspend financial aid to South Africa.

Authorities report rise in remote jamming car thefts at South African shopping malls

South African shopping mall visitors are being cautioned about a growing trend in vehicle thefts involving remote jamming. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies, criminals are increasingly using jamming devices to block the signal between a vehicle owner's remote and their car, preventing it from locking. Bull Security, operating in Pretoria, has observed a significant rise in such incidents, particularly in eastern suburbs like Mooikloof. Spokesperson French Jooste stated that suspects typically remain in parking areas, activate a jamming device as the driver walks away, and then access the unlocked vehicle.

State-owned poultry produce faces liquidation after failed funding effort

State-owned poultry producer Daybreak Foods, which supplies approximately 7% of South Africa’s poultry, is facing liquidation following an unsuccessful attempt to raise emergency funding. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), its owner, has requested R500 million (approximately $27.8 million) from the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund to settle creditor claims. 

Ramaphosa appoints minerals minister as acting president 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantash, as acting president of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025. The appointment was made as a result of President Ramaphosa’s visit to the United States, coinciding with Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to France.

South Africa’s Treasury expected to revise budget deficit forecast upward 

South Africa’s National Treasury is expected to announce a wider budget deficit forecast for the 2025/26 fiscal year, projecting a shortfall of 4.70% of GDP, according to a Reuters poll conducted between May 8 and 19. This exceeds both the 4.60% estimate released by the government in March and the 4.55% figure predicted in a February Reuters poll. Economists’ projections ranged from a 5.10% to 4.50% deficit. The deficit is expected to narrow slightly to 4.40% in the following fiscal year but will remain above the Treasury’s previous projection of 3.80%. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to return to parliament on May 21 to seek approval for the national budget, following disagreements with coalition partners over proposed tax increases. The government currently faces a 75 billion rand ($4.1 billion) funding gap.

Grace Towobola knew she wanted to be a football coach at 12, but in Africa—where fewer than one in 11 coaches are women—her path was challenging. With support from the IOC’s Young Leaders Programme, she’s now breaking barriers through her Women’s Football Development Initiative (WFDI), empowering Nigerian women to become football coaches. Inspired by her struggles, Towobola aims to create opportunities for others to pursue their coaching dreams and promote sport among girls and children, according to The News Market .

US embassy to reschedule visa interviews for Nigeria due to system glitches

The U.S. Department of State has said Nigerians affected by recent visa application glitches will have their interviews rescheduled. The delays were due to a partial system outage that disrupted consular operations, Premium Times reported. A spokesperson confirmed that the consulate would contact affected applicants. The glitches mainly impacted the new visa appointment system.

Nigerian conglomerate plans $2.4bn cement plant in Kebbi State

Kebbi State has signed a $2.4bn deal with Nigerian conglomerate MSM to build a cement plant producing 3 million tonnes annually—about 5% of Nigeria’s output. The factory, set to create up to 45,000 jobs, will be located in the northwest. According to Global Construction Review , Governor Nasir Idris called it a major economic boost, while MSM’s founder, Alhaji Mu’azzam Mairawani, said the plant would feature cutting-edge technology. Finance Minister Olawale Edun noted the project aligns with President Tinubu’s drive for private-sector-led industrialisation. Rising demand is opening space for new players in Nigeria’s cement industry, long dominated by Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge.

Nigerian manufacturers kick against FRCN’s new annual charges on private companies

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has opposed new financial charges introduced by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) under the amended FRCN Act. MAN's Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kabir, called the charges "astronomical," warning they threaten business survival and contradict the government's ease of doing business agenda. Non-listed firms, now classified as Public Interest Entities (PIEs), face annual fees up to 0.05% of turnover, with no cap. MAN criticised harsh penalties, including a 10% monthly fine and potential jail time for CEOs. The group urged FRCN to suspend the charges and review their impact on the industry, TV360 reported.

Minister says Nigeria’s N54.99trn budget supports economic expansion

Nigeria’s 2025 budget is bold, ambitious, and vital for economic growth, said Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Speaking after KPMG’s Budget 2025 Day in Lagos, he noted the economy is on the right track. Dubbed the “Budget of Restoration,” the proposed budget—double 2024’s N27.5 trillion—aims to secure Nigeria’s future. GDP grew 3.84% in Q4 2024, the fastest since 2021, driven by services and food security initiatives, according to the NBS .