Argentine President Javier Milei released a Christmas message on Wednesday, December 24, reviewing his administration’s first year in office, highlighting the elimination of the fiscal deficit, a drop in inflation, the lifting of currency controls and recent electoral gains by La Libertad Avanza (LLA). In a video shared on Instagram, Milei said the consolidated deficit had been reduced from 15% of GDP to zero and claimed that inflation had been brought under control, lifting 12 million people out of poverty. He also praised Security Minister Patricia Bullrich for ending roadblocks, tightening crime policy and creating a Federal Directorate of Investigations. Milei celebrated the adoption of the Single Paper Ballot and LLA’s performance in the legislative elections, which made the party the largest minority in the Chamber of Deputies and secured 20 Senate seats. He closed the message by urging Argentines to “fasten your seatbelts,” signalling further reforms as Congress prepares to debate the 2026 Budget.

Government pushes for Senate approval of 2026 Budget

President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza gained backing from four senators in the Convicción Federal caucus, boosting government confidence that the 2026 Budget bill will pass its first reading in the Senate. If approved, it would be the first budget sanctioned under Milei since he took office in December 2023. The main uncertainty centres on Article 30, which proposes repealing laws that earmark funding for education, science and technical schools. While the government expects broad support for the overall bill, several Peronist senators backing the budget have said they will not vote for that article. The Casa Rosada is seeking to secure more than 40 votes and avoid reopening debate after setbacks in the Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers failed to repeal university funding and disability emergency laws.

Economy minister signals shift away from Wall Street debt

Economy Minister Luis Caputo said the government will try to avoid issuing new debt under New York law in January, as part of a strategy to reduce Argentina’s reliance on U.S. financial markets. Writing on X, Caputo said the aim is to make Wall Street only a marginal source of financing. His comments followed a recent US$1 billion bond auction that drew higher yields and weaker demand than expected. Caputo said Argentina’s market debt is equivalent to about 25% of GDP, with Wall Street exposure accounting for less than five points. He added that proposed labour reforms include a severance assistance fund that could help develop a domestic capital market of around US$4 billion per year.

San Juan launches Argentina’s first solar highway

The province of San Juan inaugurated Argentina’s first solar highway on the Avenida Circunvalación, integrating photovoltaic generation into road infrastructure. The project includes 36 solar systems mounted on metal monopoles that feed electricity into the grid during the day and power road lighting at night. Developed entirely with local labour and expertise, the initiative aims to optimise existing infrastructure without using additional land. Provincial authorities say the project reduces emissions, cuts long-term energy costs and positions San Juan as a national leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development.

Report shows sharp rise in security incidents

A national report by private security firm Verisure recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in security incidents across Argentina, highlighting a fragmented and regionalised crime pattern. Tucumán topped the ranking with a 65% rise, followed by Córdoba at 50% and Mendoza at 40%. The Atlantic coast saw a 30% increase, while Buenos Aires Province registered a 15% rise overall, masking a sharp increase in violent robberies in the Greater Buenos Aires area over the past decade. Despite the rise in robberies and violent incidents, Argentina’s homicide rate stood at 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in two decades. According to the report, 74% of Argentines now cite insecurity as their main concern, pointing to public safety as a key social and political challenge.

To achieve this transformation, the country estimates a required investment of $23.2 million. The priority areas for intervention include transitioning to low-carbon mining operations, replacing diesel-powered machinery with renewable energy , limiting deforestation, improving land management, enhancing water conservation, and building infrastructure that can withstand climate-related shocks.

The rehabilitation efforts will focus on refilling abandoned pits and restoring vegetation with native tree species to reduce erosion, improve stormwater absorption, and support biodiversity. Flood-impact assessments will be mandatory to ensure rehabilitated areas remain free of pollutants during extreme weather events.

The government aims for 90% of mining operations to integrate climate-compatible practices, such as water-efficient processing techniques and dry-stack tailings systems, by 2030.

Rwamagana District, located in the Eastern Province, has been identified as a priority site for restoration. During Mining Week, observed from 2 to 5 December under the theme "Minerals for a Smarter and Green Future", environment al organisation Save Environment Initiative partnered with MMB Mining Company to plant 3,650 tree seedlings.

Tree species planted included Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Umuhumuro, Umusave, and Iminyinya.

"Mining continues to play a vital role in Rwanda's development, but unsustainable practices have caused serious environmental degradation – from soil erosion and water contamination to biodiversity loss," said Concorde Kubwimana, CEO of Save Environment Initiative. He noted that damaged wetlands and unstable landscapes are an increasing threat to both ecosystems and communities.

Rwanda remains a significant global producer of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3Ts), while also exporting gold, gemstones, rare earth elements, and lithium. 

The sector has become Rwanda’s top export revenue source , surpassing tourism. Export revenues grew from $373 million in 2017 to $1.75 billion in 2024, with a target of $2.17 billion by 2029.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva expressed the government's continued support for a responsible mining sector that aligns with international standards and contributes to local communities.

"Mining is not only about the extraction of resources; it is about creating opportunities for growth, innovation and shared prosperity," he said.

The sector currently employs around 92,000 people, according to the Prime Minister.

This year, all nations are expected to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their strategies for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to help meet the global goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5ºC and preparing for the effects of climate change. The NDCs are revised every five years in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

However, Jusper Machogu, a 30-year-old farmer from Kisii, Kenya , questions the morality and fairness of rich countries, asking Africa to abstain from the very path they used to industrialise.

Machogu, a prominent advocate for the use of fossil fuels in Africa through his social media, presents a counter-narrative—one he says is grounded in the lived experiences of many Africans and shaped by a critique of international climate policy dynamics.

 “Why should Africa stop exploring fossil fuels?" he questioned. "There is no country that has developed using solar and wind. Every developed country is literally burning a lot of oil, coal, and natural gas,” Jusper told Global South World.

He suggests that Africa be given a century-long window to use its fossil fuel resources to lift itself out of poverty before committing to a full transition.

 “We can listen to them once we beat poverty and hunger in Africa—maybe by 2100. That is when we should stop burning fossil fuels, after ensuring every other person in Africa is fed, housed, and has access to water and energy.”

Africa contributes just 4% of the world's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in absolute and per capita terms.

Machogu points out the global inequality in energy consumption, highlighting the stark gap between Africa and developed nations.

“The US consumes about 20 million barrels of oil per day. Their population is 330 million people. Africa consumes 4 million barrels per day—our population is 1.5 billion people.”

 “Why should those people expect me to care about the climate?” he questions.

This imbalance, he argues, disqualifies the moral authority of developed nations to lecture Africa on its energy choices.

While renewable energy dominates global discussions, he argues that most of Africa already uses "renewable" sources—but not the kind typically promoted.

 “Almost 90% of our energy in sub-Saharan Africa is from biomass—cow dung, firewood, charcoal, crop residue. That is it.”

He distinguishes between real energy needs and electricity, arguing that the conversation around solar and wind often misses the point.

 “When they say renewable energy, they’re referring to solar and wind. But solar and wind only produce electricity. They cannot run industries, they cannot power transportation... Our energy needs are far broader.”

Africa has historically made much larger investments in fossil fuel infrastructure than in renewable energy initiatives. In the region, solar and wind projects received only $1 USD for every $3 USD invested in fossil fuel power plants between 2015 and 2024. But for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa's history, investments in wind and solar energy exceeded those in fossil fuels in 2023. 

Leaders set a goal last year to raise $1.3 trillion a year from all international sources to support climate action in developing nations by 2035.

It is pledges like this that he says have fuelled African leaders into chasing green funds for political gain. 

“The green energy industry has got a lot of money... Of course, African leaders are going to say, 'we want solar and wind'—that is what gives them funds. But they’re not doing it for the people.”

Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh, emphasising cooperation in trade, business, and investment. The statement was made during a credential presentation ceremony on July 22, where Dr. Zokey Ahad, the non-resident High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Seychelles, officially presented his credentials at the Office of the President. Both parties expressed interest in exploring new areas of bilateral cooperation. President Ramkalawan also conveyed condolences over the victims of the recent Bangladesh Air Force aircraft crash in Dhaka and expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.

New Seychelles ambassador to the UN appointed 

Syechelles has appointed Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave as its new ambassador to the United Nations in New York, effective August 1, 2025. She will also be accredited to the United States and other countries under the Seychelles Permanent Mission in New York. She has served in multiple ambassadorial roles, including postings to the European Union, the Holy See, the United Nations Office at Geneva, China, Japan, and South Korea. 

Seychelles leads ocean and climate action among island states

On 22 July, the Republic of Seychelles presented its Second Voluntary National Review at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. The presentation outlined progress and challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting advancements in ocean governance and climate action. The delegation emphasised inclusive development, strategic partnerships, and the country’s efforts to balance economic resilience with environmental sustainability as a Small Island Developing State. Principal Secretary for National Planning, Elizabeth Agathine, reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to global SDG implementation.

FBI helps Seychelles tackle financial crime

The U.S. Embassy in Seychelles, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, held a workshop from July 21 to 25, 2025, on investigating and prosecuting complex financial crimes. Participants included representatives from the Seychelles Police Force, Financial Crimes Investigations Unit, Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles, Financial Intelligence Unit, Attorney General’s Office, Financial Services Authority, and Seychelles Revenue Commission. FBI experts and a former U.S. Department of Justice official delivered sessions on international best practices for investigators, analysts, and prosecutors handling complex financial crime cases.

Seychelles finalises preparations for regional youth sports event

President Wavel Ramkalawan, on July 24, chaired a high-level meeting on national readiness for the 13th Indian Ocean Youth and Sports Commission Games (CJSOI), set for August 1–10. Created in 1988, the CJSOI are a biennial multi-sport competition bringing together athletes from the seven islands of the Indian Ocean: Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles and Réunion. The Games will host athletes aged 14 to 17 from seven island nations. 

Dalhatu, an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, had already demonstrated his knack for innovation during his sophomore year with an emergency ventilator concept, which he later evolved into a portable automatic ventilator.

Explaining the inspiration behind his latest creation, Dalhatu is quoted by Vanguard Nigeria saying, "The idea came to me when I saw a vendor struggling to work at night. I knew there had to be a better, more sustainable solution."

His solar-powered kiosks, marketed under his company Dalsman Tech, dubbed the iCart Solution, cater to a variety of fast food items, ranging from noodles and snacks to fried eggs and beverages, serving both travellers and local customers alike.

Describing the iCart Solution, Dalhatu stated, "It's a movable cart used for making fast food and snacks in streets and campuses."

The kiosk boasts features like an inverter battery, cooking stove, portable desk, and even a television for entertainment, along with compartments for food storage.

The young inventor remarked that the kiosks are constructed using locally sourced materials, with each prototype taking just five days to complete.

He added that the inclusion of a solar panel enables the kiosks to operate on renewable energy, aligning with eco-friendly initiatives.

The emergence of Dalhatu's invention adds to a growing list of Nigerian innovators making waves on the global stage. Notably, four Nigerian teenage girls who made headlines with their invention of urine-powered generators, addressing the nation's chronic power outages.

Meanwhile, Mustapha Gajibo , another young inventor from Nigeria, has been tackling urban mass transit challenges by spearheading a homegrown electric vehicle industry in the northeastern region of the country.

In response to these innovative strides, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government announced plans in March to bolster the country's Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem, positioning Nigeria as a frontrunner in Africa's innovation revolution.

The Angolan government plans to establish 100 climate control and accident prevention stations across the country. The Angolan Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication at a climate disaster prevention event by Kenyan President William Ruto in Dubai on December 3 said over 80 climate control and accident prevention stations are currently operational, local media Jornal de Angola reports.

White House visit

Angola's President João Lourenço met with US President Joe Biden for the first time in the Oval Room of the White House, expressing openness to strengthening economic partnerships and interests in energy, transport, and space exploration, Angolan state media Angola Press reported. President Lourenço told reporters that President Joe Biden's pledge to see the African continent developed is demonstrated by US participation in the Lobito Corridor and other sustainable energy and telecommunications initiatives. "These infrastructures will help not only Angola but a large part of the continent," he is quoted by the Angola Press .

Persons living with HIV

About 310,000 people in Angola are living with HIV/AIDS, including 35,000 children from birth to age 14, the state-owned media reported. The Angolan Secretary of State for Health for Hospital Area, Leonardo Innocent at the World Day to Combat HIV/AIDS event on December 1 told reporters that 58% of people living with HIV are aware of their serological status and 49% of adults living with HIV benefit from retroviral treatment. He added that the number of counselling and testing services in Angola had increased from 15 in 2004 to 2,714 in 2022, and antiretroviral treatment services for adults increased from 3 to 889.

SADC High-Level Forum

Angola’s President João Lourenço chaired the High-Level Forum on the Great Green Wall of Southern Africa initiative in Dubai, UAE, focusing on mitigating environmental issues in the region. President Lourenço announced that the SADC will invest in human and financial capital in 2024 to promote sustainable industrialisation in the southern part of the continent, the Angola Press reports. He also called for more funding to trigger concrete actions before the next Summit of Heads of States. "The indicative US$27 billion for the implementation of the SADC Great Green Wall Initiative is not close to the financing needs in the region, therefore we need to increase our budget," he is quoted by Angola Press.

Tomato processing factory

Angola’s tomato concentrate factory in the Benguela province, western Angola is set to start operations in March 2024, with a processing capacity of 150 tons per day, the Angolan state media reports. The factory is part of the nation’s Agro-Industrial Complex and aims to transform tomatoes into mass or pulp also includes a cold store and a canning factory to be used as packaging. The management of the complex will be taken over by the private agriculture business group Adérito Areias, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's supervision, the state media reports.