“At Global South World , we believe that stories about Africa must be told with depth, dignity, and proximity to the people living them. This partnership with Africa.com allows us to bring those grounded perspectives to an even wider audience,” said Ismail Akwei, Editor of Global South World. “By combining our on-the-ground reporting with Africa.com’s trusted platform and editorial excellence, we are strengthening the ecosystem of people-centered journalism across the continent. Together, we aim to ensure that Africa’s realities, challenges, and innovations are not just seen, but truly understood.” 

The partnership also creates opportunities for jointly developed stories that draw on both organizations’ strengths, combining GSW’s global network of reporters with Africa.com’s editorial leadership and Africa-based expertise. Coverage areas may include development trends, youth innovation, governance , current events, and cultural expression. 

“High-quality journalism that centers African experiences and elevates diverse perspectives is essential to shaping a more informed global conversation,” said Teresa Clarke, Chair and Executive Editor of Africa.com. “Global South World’s ground-level reporting brings vital nuance to Africa’s story, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to amplifying authentic voices and expanding the reach of Africa-focused news and insights to audiences around the world.” 

This partnership strengthens Africa.com’s growing network of Knowledge Partners, a group of education initiatives, policy leaders, innovation hubs, and news organizations that provide authoritative analysis, reporting, and stories shaping Africa’s future.

Qatar and Kazakhstan strengthened their diplomatic engagement this week as both countries held their third round of political consultations in Astana. Senior officials from Doha and Astana met to review bilateral ties and explore deeper cooperation across political, economic, and regional security areas. The talks form part of Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to expand its partnerships in Central Asia, reflecting a foreign policy that increasingly prioritises diversified alliances and strategic collaboration.

Gaza conflict

Doha also issued a strong condemnation of the latest Israeli attacks in Gaza, reiterating its long-standing position on the Palestinian cause. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strikes as a dangerous escalation that threatens fragile ceasefire efforts and further destabilises the region. The government renewed its calls for an immediate halt to violence and emphasised its commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace. The statement fits within Qatar’s broader diplomatic role as a mediator in regional conflicts and its consistent advocacy on humanitarian issues affecting Palestinians.

Climate change

In its weekly meeting, Qatar’s Cabinet approved several new memoranda of understanding, including agreements on climate change adaptation, green-growth cooperation, and labour sector development with multiple international partners. The Cabinet also welcomed the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 Movement — a landmark accord facilitated with Qatari support. The government framed these developments as part of its growing leadership in global conflict mediation, sustainable development planning, and international economic collaboration.

Israeli airstrike

Qatar issued another strong denunciation following an Israeli airstrike on the Ain Al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, calling the attack a violation of international law and a direct threat to regional stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that targeting civilian areas, especially refugee populations already living in precarious conditions, represents an unacceptable escalation. The condemnation underscores Doha's increasing diplomatic activism as the region faces renewed volatility, and its consistent messaging on the need for de-escalation, humanitarian protection, and accountability.

“The Chinese government agreed on a plan to stop fentanyl precursors,” Patel said at a White House briefing, describing his trip to China last week. “These substances are now banned, and they will no longer be utilised by the Mexican drug trafficking organisations or any other [drug trafficking organisations] around the world to make this drug.”

“Essentially, President Trump has shut off the pipeline that creates fentanyl that kills tens of thousands of Americans,” he added.

Patel arrived in Beijing on November 7 and stayed for about a day, Reuters reported. It was the first visit by an FBI director to China in over a decade, where Patel met his Chinese counterpart to address the issue directly.

In exchange for China’s actions, Washington halved US tariffs from 20 percent to 10 percent on Chinese goods linked to the fentanyl crisis. The synthetic opioid claimed an estimated 48,422 American lives last year, compared with 76,282 in 2023, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the country would adjust its list of drug-related precursor chemicals and require licences for exports of certain chemicals to the US, Canada and Mexico .

China’s National Narcotics Control Commission also issued a circular calling on exporters to follow international conventions and “laws and regulations of importing countries, especially high-risk countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico.” It urged them to ensure overseas customers “fulfil import legal procedures in accordance with their own national laws and regulations.”

Omani women continue to thrive under laws and policies that ensure equality and empowerment across sectors. The government has implemented initiatives promoting women’s participation in leadership, business, and education, reflecting Oman’s commitment to gender equity. On Omani Women’s Day, officials reaffirmed that women now occupy key positions in government, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship, a testament to decades of progress and policy reform.

Oman and the UK explore new avenues for economic cooperation

Oman and the United Kingdom are deepening economic and trade relations by exploring new areas of collaboration. Discussions have focused on green energy, infrastructure, technology, and financial services as both nations seek to expand mutual investments. The partnership aims to enhance Oman’s economic diversification goals under Vision 2040 while providing British businesses with strategic access to Gulf and Asian markets.

Oman to host new World Bank Group office

The World Bank Group announced that it will establish a new regional office in Oman, a move that underscores the Sultanate’s growing importance as an economic and financial hub in the Gulf. The office will serve as a base for cooperation on development initiatives, sustainable finance, and capacity-building projects across the Middle East and North Africa. Omani officials hailed this as a milestone that strengthens international confidence in the nation’s governance and fiscal reforms.

Agreements inked to localise projects in Khazaen Economic City worth over $718.9 million

Oman signed several agreements to localise major industrial and logistical projects in Khazaen Economic City, with investments exceeding OMR 276 million ($718.9 million). These projects span manufacturing, food processing, and logistics, aiming to create thousands of jobs for Omanis and boost local value chains. The initiative aligns with the national strategy to reduce import dependence, support SMEs, and transform Khazaen into a central node for regional commerce.

China and Oman join hands to promote the development of women’s causes

China and Oman have pledged to cooperate in advancing women’s development and empowerment. The collaboration includes sharing expertise in education, entrepreneurship, and community programs that enhance women’s participation in national development. Both countries highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and policy coordination to ensure that gender equality remains central to sustainable progress.