Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned that growing US willingness to act unilaterally, including recent military action in Venezuela, poses serious risks to global and regional stability. Speaking at an academic forum, Lee said such interventions lack proper international authorisation and could undermine the rules-based order, a particular concern for small states like Singapore. He cautioned that while major powers may see short-term gains, war carries unpredictable consequences, urged restraint in US-China rivalry, and reiterated Singapore’s support for the one-China policy and opposition to any unilateral change to the Taiwan Strait status quo.

Singapore leads the world in AI adoption as firms chase growth

Amid global AI competition, Singapore businesses are experiencing significant “AI FOMO ,” driving strong adoption as companies pursue growth and digital transformation. Local firms are investing in generative AI tools to enhance everything from customer engagement to operational efficiency, even as challenges with data quality and integration slow progress. Singapore’s government has also backed AI through strategic initiatives to strengthen workforce skills, infrastructure and responsible governance, positioning the city-state as a hub for both innovation and enterprise-level AI deployment.

Singapore commissions its first electric tug ahead of 2026 deployment

In a milestone for green maritime technology, Singapore has completed commissioning of its first fully electric tug , a zero-emission vessel set to begin operations in April 2026. Built in collaboration with PaxOcean Group and ABB, the electric tug supports the Maritime and Port Authority’s goal of electrifying new harbour craft by 2030 and reducing air pollution as Singapore transitions to cleaner shipping solutions. This move underlines the city-state’s push toward sustainable port operations and decarbonisation of its maritime sector.

Nestlé baby formula recall spreads amid toxin fears

Singapore has ordered an immediate halt to the sale of five batches of Nestlé NAN infant and follow-on formula as a precaution over the possible presence of cereulide toxin. The affected products are NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017C1), NAN HA 2 SupremePro (batch 51420017C4), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51460017C2), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51470017C1), and NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017B1). Authorities said there have been no confirmed illnesses so far, and investigations are ongoing.

Climate patterns: 2025 sees record temperatures and heavy rainfall in Singapore

Singapore experienced significant climate anomalies in 2025, with the warmest June on record and unusually heavy rainfall in March, according to Channel NewsAsia reporting. These extremes align with broader regional trends of increasing temperature variability and heavier precipitation linked to climate change. Meteorologists warn that such patterns could have implications for water management, urban planning and heat resilience strategies in tropical cities like Singapore.

Kenya’s High Court on December 11 issued temporary orders halting the implementation of the $1.6 billion Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework. The ruling came after the Consumers Federation of Kenya filed a petition warning that the agreement could permit the transfer of confidential medical and epidemiological data belonging to citizens. The orders suspend any steps to operationalise the pact “insofar as it provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing or dissemination of medical, epidemiological or sensitive personal health data.” The legal challenge, filed under HCCHRPET/E809/2025, marks the first major attempt to scrutinise the deal signed on December 4. 

AfDB and KCB sign $150m green financing package

The African Development Bank Group and KCB Bank Kenya have entered a $150 million partnership to expand climate-smart investments and green lending in Kenya. The deal includes a $100 million subordinated debt facility to strengthen KCB’s Tier II capital and a $50 million transaction guarantee to cover non-payment risks on letters of credit. The collaboration supports KCB’s commitment to allocate 25% of its portfolio to green initiatives by 2031, targeting renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture. AfDB East Africa Director General Alex Mubiru praised the partnership as a boost for Africa’s green transition. KCB Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said the bank aims to deepen its role in financing energy transition, e-mobility and climate adaptation. Last year, KCB issued $402 million in green loans, increasing its green portfolio to 21.32%.

Danish Queen begins three-day state visit to Kenya

Denmark’s Queen Mary arrived in Nairobi on the night of December 9 for a three-day official visit, her second trip to Africa in two months. She was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. During her visit, the Queen will tour conservation projects for endangered species at the coast, inspect waste-management and circular-economy initiatives, and attend meetings at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The trip aims to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Denmark in renewable energy, climate action and environmental protection.

Study reveals most homicide victims in Kenya killed by people they knew

A National Crime Research Centre study has found that Kenya recorded more than 1,000 homicides over the past year, with most victims killed by people they knew. Of the 1,011 cases analysed, eight in ten victims had a prior relationship with their attackers. Men were often killed in disputes involving land, cattle rustling, mob justice and alcohol, while women were mostly victims of domestic conflicts and intimate-partner violence. Nairobi recorded the highest number at 80 cases, concentrated in informal settlements such as Starehe, Mathare, Kayole, Embakasi and Kariobangi. Rural counties, including Kilifi, Homa Bay, Narok and Trans-Nzoia, also reported high levels of fatal violence linked to land and inter-communal disputes. The report warns that economic pressures, substance abuse and weakened community support systems are fuelling preventable confrontations.

Kenya launches National Plastics Action Partnership

Kenya has formally joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), establishing the Kenya National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP Kenya) in a deal presided over by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei on December 10. The collaboration positions Kenya within a 25-country network advancing solutions to plastic pollution affecting more than 1.5 billion people. The partnership aims to accelerate Kenya’s transition to a circular plastics economy, building on the country’s environmental milestones, including the 2017 ban on plastic bags—which eliminated an estimated 6.2 billion bags—and the 2020 prohibition on single-use plastics in protected areas. Kenya has also championed the EAC Single-Use Plastics Bill, which seeks to harmonise environmental regulations across the region to curb cross-border plastic leakage.

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.”

Brazil is increasingly partnering with China to advance renewable energy and digital infrastructure. During President Lula’s recent state visit to China, he announced key agreements, including a $1 billion deal with Envision Group to produce sustainable aviation fuel and a partnership with Windey Energy to launch a renewable energy R&D centre. China also pledged $4.76 billion in additional investment. Lula highlighted the growing trade between the two nations, which has risen from $6.6 billion in 2003 to $160 billion today. As founding members of BRICS, Brazil and China continue to deepen their strategic ties.

Brazil renews tariffs and quotas on steel products

Brazil has renewed 25% tariffs on 19 steel products and extended the measure to four more, effective for another 12 months, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services. The quota system on steel imports remains in place. Initially imposed in April 2023 to counter a surge of cheap steel, mainly from China, the tariffs exclude imports under trade agreements or special regimes.

Brazil mid-May consumer prices rise below expectations

Brazil’s consumer prices rose less than expected in mid-May, easing to 0.44%—below the 0.48% forecast—despite recent floods, IBGE reported. Annual inflation slowed to 3.70%, the lowest mid-month reading since October 2020, staying within the central bank’s target range. Food inflation was milder than feared, rising 0.26%, down from 0.61% in April. Analysts say the data support a continued rate-cutting cycle, although flood-related price pressures may still emerge in the coming months.

Argentina sends troops to secure crime-plagued border with Brazil

On May 26, 2025, Argentina launched Operation Guaçurarí , a six-month security campaign targeting a 25-km border stretch with Brazil plagued by drug trafficking and violence. The effort focuses on dismantling criminal networks, including Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho gangs. The move follows a 400% rise in drug seizures and seven contract killings in 2023. Despite Brazil not being consulted, local mayors support the initiative. Federal forces will work with Misiones and Santa Catarina authorities, using drones and surveillance to monitor key routes. The operation is part of the wider Plan Roca military deployment across northern Argentina.

Brazil's budget missteps continue to unsettle investors

For the second time in six months, a Brazilian government plan to ease investor concerns backfired, sparking a market selloff and renewed doubts about President Lula’s commitment to fiscal discipline. A proposed tax hike on financial transactions, including a controversial 3.5% levy on offshore investments, triggered the backlash. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad quickly scrapped the offshore tax, denying any move toward capital controls. The episode revealed growing tension between markets and Lula’s administration, with investors questioning fiscal credibility despite a larger-than-expected budget freeze. Haddad, once seen as a stabilising force, moved ahead without central bank input, deepening the disconnect.