The move is framed by the government as a matter of fairness and enforcement, amid growing concerns that tax incentives meant to boost local economies have instead enabled loopholes, abuse and weak compliance among wealthy vehicle owners.

For years, Langkawi’s duty-free status allowed supercars that would cost up to 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million) elsewhere in Malaysia to be registered on the island for roughly half the price, making it the preferred hub for luxury car buyers nationwide.

Industry figures indicate that around 90% of Ferraris in Malaysia were registered in Langkawi, not for island use but to take advantage of lower taxes. 

After uncovering unpaid tax

Officials have also been under pressure to act after stepped-up enforcement revealed widespread non-compliance , including hundreds of luxury vehicles with unpaid road tax, forged plates or years of arrears despite their high market value.

Since July 2025, road transport authorities have seized more than 900 luxury vehicles nationwide, including Ferraris, Aston Martins and Rolls-Royces, some owing tens of thousands of ringgit in unpaid tax. 

By removing exemptions, Malaysia appears to be signalling that ownership of high-value assets must come with full fiscal responsibility, particularly at a time when the government is seeking to broaden its tax base.

The policy also aligns with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s broader reform agenda, which emphasises closing leakages, curbing elite privileges and restoring confidence in the tax system.

Backlash on economy

However, industry veterans warn the move could backfire economically, arguing that Langkawi’s tax-free status generated sustained revenue through corporate tax, customs charges, tourism spending and high-end services tied to luxury vehicles.

They say the island evolved into a niche automotive and lifestyle hub, hosting international car launches and supporting specialised workshops, logistics firms, hotels and secure storage facilities.

Dealers report immediate fallout, with cancellations already being felt amid uncertainty over implementation, while local business groups fear job losses and a decline in premium tourism.

Abdala emphasised that Uruguay's concentration of wealth provides what he called a clear “capacity for contribution”, warning that without urgent action, the impact of child poverty will become “structural” and be passed down through generations.

According to PIT-CNT, child poverty has reached 32.2 per cent among children under six and continues to rise. The proposal for a targeted wealth tax was formally presented in late November at the University of the Republic's ParaInfo auditorium, where union leaders, members of the Broad Front and government representatives gathered to discuss the growing crisis.

The government , however, has dismissed the initiative, stating that discussions on new taxes are “over” since the fiscal framework has already been defined in the national budget. Despite this stance, the proposal has triggered significant public and political debate, placing renewed attention on inequality and the social responsibilities of Uruguay's highest earners.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing to relax visa restrictions for Argentinians, acknowledging a growing alliance with Argentine President Javier Milei. The move is widely interpreted as a diplomatic reward for Milei’s vocal support of Trump’s policies and ideological stance. However, according to a U.S. State Department cable, Argentina still fails to meet a critical requirement of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program: a sufficiently low visa rejection rate. Critics argue the policy shift is politically motivated and could spark debate over merit-based immigration policies. Regardless, the effort signals a strengthening of U.S.-Argentina ties under right-leaning leadership.

Tax Reform

In a bid to strengthen fiscal stability and governance, the World Bank has approved a US$300 million project to modernize Argentina’s tax administration. The program aims to simplify tax processes, boost transparency, and improve compliance—all key to tackling Argentina’s long-standing issues with tax evasion and bureaucratic inefficiency. The reform is expected to reduce administrative costs and strengthen the government's capacity to collect and manage revenue effectively. It’s a strategic move to lay the groundwork for longer-term economic recovery amid ongoing inflation and public debt challenges.

Global Green Award

Toyota Argentina has been awarded a global sustainability prize by Schneider Electric for its significant achievements in environmental stewardship. The company has successfully reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 57%, switched entirely to renewable electricity, and implemented innovative solutions to lower environmental impact across its operations. This recognition positions Toyota Argentina as a leader in sustainable manufacturing in Latin America. It also aligns with global trends in the auto industry, where green practices are increasingly becoming a benchmark for competitiveness and investment attractiveness.

Copper drilling project

Kobrea Exploration Corp., a Canadian-based mining company, has been given the go-ahead to begin a maiden drilling program at its El Perdido property in northern Argentina. The company, which holds a 100% earn-in option on the site, has completed the construction of both an access road and a temporary camp. This marks a major step forward in unlocking what could be a high-value copper deposit, as global demand for the metal surges due to its essential role in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Argentina, with its mineral-rich terrain, is positioning itself as a serious player in the global mining sector.

First Corn Cargo to China

Argentina is set to export corn to China next month for the first time since Beijing formally cleared Argentine corn for import in 2023. The development is seen as a breakthrough in agricultural trade relations between the two nations, strengthening Argentina’s role as a key global grain supplier. It reflects broader shifts in global supply chains as China diversifies its import sources amid geopolitical tensions and climate-related agricultural disruptions. For Argentina, this milestone not only opens new revenue streams but also enhances its visibility in Asia’s growing food markets.

According to Punch Nigeria, over 1,043 people have died from violence between May 2023 and May 2025.

Global South World sought to understand the gravity of the impact and what steps have been taken so far to address these dastardly acts through an interaction with Nigerian journalist, Segun Adewole.

Just like many locals in the country, Segun believes that at least 200 people were killed from this treachery which received global attention.

According to the journalist, several measures like doubling the weapons of security personnel as well as dialogue on security are in place to tackle the insecurity menace in the country.

However, efforts at dialogue seem to be producing nothing as security forces appear overwhelmed by the consistent loss of lives in the line of duty.

“How can they go to Benue State and kill people? Killed 200 people and no police could come and do something about it. They went to Benue, killed 200 people. For 2 days, they operated, and the police could not go there. Yet we have the military, we have the army, the navy, the police, the NSCDC, and different security agencies. That shows that there's something wrong somewhere,” Segun said. 

This, Segun also attributes to a problem in the governing structure of the country.

“No matter who becomes president, if Trump should come into Nigeria, with the kind of structure we have right now, he won't be able to succeed because the structure is not created for success,” he added.

Away from the boiling insecurity, the ordinary Nigerian seems to be getting some respite from the new tax measures President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law.

In a statement , the president said “The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income.”

During the discussion, Segun explained that workers or individuals earning less than a million naira ($653.41) are exempt from paying taxes.

“The tax reforms signed into law, they affect the ordinary citizen, the ordinary man on the streets, because right about now, I think there's a portion that says if you are earning less than a million naira you won't, you'll be exempted from tax. That is one good thing because how can I be earning something little and I'm, I'll still be required to pay tax? So, the payment of tax would be for those earning above 1 million naira and the majority of the populace are earning below 1 million naira, so they are exempted from tax,” he explained.

The new tax laws are: the Nigeria Tax Act , which simplifies taxation by merging rules and scrapping 50+ overlapping taxes; the Tax Administration Act , which standardises tax collection nationwide; the Nigeria Revenue Service Act , replacing FIRS with the independent NRS; and the Joint Revenue Board Act , which boosts coordination and creates a Tax Ombudsman and Appeal Tribunal.

Watch the discussion attached to this story.

As reported by BBC Africa Eye, members of Kenya’s security forces involved in the shooting of unarmed anti-tax protesters on June 25, 2024, have been identified. According to TV47 , an analysis of over 5,000 images confirms that the protesters posed no threat while they were killed during a demonstration against the Finance Bill. Despite public outrage and a parliamentary order for an investigation, no security personnel have been held accountable.

Campaign to Combat Online Child Sexual Exploitation Launched

According to Terre des Hommes Netherlands , the new ‘Also Online’ campaign aims to enhance awareness among parents in Kenya regarding online child sexual exploitation. Following a study showing 60% of caregivers lack adequate knowledge on this issue, the campaign encourages open communication between parents and children about online safety, amidst alarming statistics revealing thousands of reported online abuse incidents.

Kenyan Broadcasting Authority Cracks Down on Gambling Ads

The Communications Authority of Kenya has mandated broadcasters to reduce betting and gambling content within 14 days or risk losing their broadcast licenses. As reported by Broadcast Media Africa , Director General David Mugonyi highlighted that many media outlets have surpassed the legal limits for gambling content, prompting this ultimatum to ensure responsible programming and adherence to national broadcasting standards.

Kenya Leads in Data Protection, Yet State Agencies Lag

As reported by the digital rights organisation Unwanted Witness, Kenya ranks highest in data protection compliance among East African countries, although state agencies continue to perform poorly. The report assessed 189 organisations, revealing that while the private sector adheres well to data privacy laws, government bodies suffer from significant transparency issues, highlighting a crucial area for improvement.

Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has clarified that public universities in Ghana are not affected by the government's suspension of post-retirement contracts for public service employees. Following a directive from the President's office, which mandated an immediate halt to such appointments, it's noteworthy that universities can still pursue necessary approvals for post-retirement contracts through their councils. This decision ensures that academic institutions retain the ability to engage experienced personnel without interruption, highlighting the government's recognition of the unique operational needs within the educational sector, Ghanabusinessnews reports.

Starlink urged to establish local presence

Ghana's Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has urged Starlink to establish a physical office in Accra for it to continue its operations in the country, citinewsroom reports. His requests stem from concerns regarding the company's lack of local presence, despite having obtained regulatory approval. The Minister has been vocal about the necessity of local oversight and accountability, arguing that such a presence would enhance consumer protection for Ghanaians. The operational complexities arising from international communication delays have led to calls for improved regulatory measures as Starlink aims to expand internet access across underserved rural areas of Ghana.

Traders protest criticism against second-hand clothing

In the trade sector, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is mobilising support for second-hand clothing dealers through a nationwide protest. This movement comes on the heels of a strike by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association, incited by negative remarks from the OR Foundation regarding the environmental and economic implications of the second-hand clothing trade. GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng has voiced strong opposition to these criticisms, advocating for an audit and more inclusive dialogue regarding trade regulations, according to newsghana . This situation underscores ongoing tensions within Ghana's informal economy, as it grapples with the need for effective regulation while also safeguarding employment for traders.

Gambling tax repealed

The Ghanaian government has repealed a previously imposed 10% tax on gambling winnings, a move aimed at easing financial pressures on households and stimulating economic activity. The tax, introduced by former President Akufo-Addo, had been critiqued for its disproportionate impact on a betting populace that constitutes over 70% of Ghanaians, newsghana reports. The current administration, led by President John Mahama and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has defended this decision, citing the urgent need to bolster disposable income amidst concerns of revenue loss that this repeal entails. Betting operators are responding positively, indicating a broader conversation about balancing economic relief with sustainable revenue generation.

Ghana’s hockey team withdraws

Ghana's U-21 men’s and women’s hockey teams have withdrawn from the upcoming Junior Africa Cup (JAC 2024) due to financial limitations, gbcghanaonline reports. As the tournament, set to take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 18-25, 2025, approaches, this marks a significant withdrawal for the country—one that highlights the financial strains facing sports at junior levels. With a history of competitive participation, this absence from the tournament delays opportunities for young athletes to gain essential international experience, raising concerns about the future trajectory of hockey development in Ghana.

The three countries, which are all led by military governments, announced the tax to support their new union, the Alliance of Sahel States.

This alliance began in 2023 as a security pact but now aims to become an economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer military and economic ties.

The new tax means goods from other West African countries will no longer enter Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger freely.

This marks a break from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional group that has promoted free trade across West Africa for decades.

The decision highlights the growing divide between the three Sahel countries and democratic nations like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.

Pinsai Suraswadi, who leads the Revenue Department, said influencers, e-commerce sellers, and product reviewers must report their income.

He warned that tax officers can check records going back five years. If people do not file their taxes, they will have to pay penalties. However, he added that mistakes in tax filings can be corrected.

Thailand has a booming online economy with about three million people selling products on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

There are also about two million full-time influencers and content creators, with millions more doing it part-time. Many young people in this group make good money but fail to report their earnings and pay taxes.

A study by research groups, including Tellscore and FutureTales LAB, found that Thailand’s content creator industry adds at least 45 billion baht ($1.25 billion) to the economy each year. The number of creators rises to nine million when part-time workers and “micro-influencers” are included.

Authorities say they are not trying to stop anyone from making money online, they just want people to follow tax rules like everyone else.