According to data compiled from Guinness World Records , the current leader is Pepper X, officially recognised by Guinness as the hottest pepper in the world.

Tested at an average of 2.69 million SHU, Pepper X was developed by American grower Ed Currie, the same breeder behind the Carolina Reaper. For context, a jalapeño typically measures around 5,000 SHU. Pepper X is not designed for casual eating; it exists at the outer edge of biological tolerance.

Close behind is the famous Carolina Reaper, which held the Guinness World Record for nearly a decade. With heat levels reaching 2.2 million SHU , the Reaper became globally known not just for its burn, but for popularising competitive chilli challenges and hot sauce culture.

Other peppers dominating the top tier include the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (about 2 million SHU) and 7 Pot Douglah, both native to Trinidad and Tobago. These varieties get their names from the claim that a single pepper can heat seven pots of stew, which is a true testament to their intensity.

The list also includes peppers that once held world titles or remain infamous among spice enthusiasts. The Naga Viper, bred in the UK, briefly held the Guinness title in 2011. The Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) was the first chilli ever verified to exceed 1 million SHU, marking a turning point in chilli research and breeding.

Lower down the ranking but still dangerously hot are the 7 Pot Barrackpore and the Red Savina Habanero, which once set records before newer hybrids overtook them.

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for spiciness, is studied for its effects on pain response, metabolism, and even potential medical applications. That said, Guinness World Records and health authorities strongly caution against consuming super-hot peppers raw, as they can cause severe physical reactions if eaten irresponsibly.

What this ranking ultimately shows is how far chilli cultivation has evolved. Through careful cross-breeding and testing, growers have pushed natural limits, transforming peppers into global icons of extreme flavour and endurance.

The concerns come amid rising trade tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Ecuador recently announced a 30 per cent security tariff on all Colombian imports, citing insufficient cooperation on cross-border crime, including drug trafficking and illegal mining. Colombia responded by suspending electricity exports to Ecuador and imposing its own tariffs on a range of Ecuadorian goods, including rice.

Producers argue that Ecuador would bear the brunt of the dispute. While Colombia could source rice from alternative suppliers or rely on subsidised domestic stocks, Ecuadorian farmers have fewer options to redirect their exports. Industry representatives warn that uncertainty over access to the Colombian market is already discouraging some growers from planting new crops.

The impact could extend beyond farmers themselves. Ecuador relies heavily on Colombian imports such as fertilisers, plastics and vehicle parts, creating an imbalance that leaves rural communities particularly exposed to trade disruptions. With the tariffs set to take effect on 1 February, agricultural groups fear the measures will add to the economic strain faced by farm workers and small producers in one of Ecuador’s most important farming regions.

Its development has been closely tied to Singapore’s push for digitalisation. The farm’s AI capabilities were built with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Digital Leaders Programme, which also helped the firm hire data engineers and software developers.

Technology underpins much of the operation, from monitoring crop conditions to optimising energy consumption. Automation has reduced reliance on manpower, a critical advantage in a city where labour is costly and scarce.

Greenphyto has also been backed by the Singapore Food Agency’s Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund, which supports local farms in adopting new technologies and raising productivity as part of national food security efforts.

Beyond production, demand remains a decisive issue. Drumming up interest in, and sales of, local produce is essential if urban farms are to thrive alongside cheaper imports.

As the company continues to scale up, managing costs will be critical.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad said it was important for production costs to be controlled so vegetables remain affordable and comparable in price to imported alternatives.

Greenphyto is also positioning itself as a technology exporter. The company has set up offices in Malaysia and the Netherlands to sell its vertical farming system globally.

It is additionally exploring plans to export its vegetables to Malaysia, extending its commercial footprint beyond Singapore’s domestic market.

To broaden its reach further, Greenphyto is planning a technology spin-off, Arber.ai, which will offer consultancy services to help other farms and local small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital solutions in their operations.

According to the latest figures, peppercorns account for the largest share of global spice exports and generate approximately US$1.7 billion in sales, representing 38% of the total world spice trade.

This dominance reflects the continued strength of major producers such as Vietnam , India, Indonesia, and Brazil, all of which rank among the world’s leading pepper exporters. Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) confirms pepper as one of the most traded spice commodities globally, driven by consistent demand from Europe, North America, and emerging Asian markets.

Beyond pepper, the market is increasingly diversified. Processed pepper, spice mixtures, and turmeric together account for a significant share of exports, reflecting growing demand for value-added products rather than raw agricultural outputs alone.

The ITC notes that spice blends and prepared seasonings are among the fastest-growing subcategories in global food trade, supported by the rise of ready-to-cook meals and international cuisine consumption.

Cinnamon, ginger, cumin seeds, and nutmeg follow as mid-tier export earners, each contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Meanwhile, saffron, despite its relatively smaller export volume, continues to punch above its weight in value terms due to its labour-intensive production and limited growing regions, particularly Iran, Afghanistan , and parts of the Mediterranean.

At the lower end of total export value, vanilla represents a modest share of global spice trade, though it remains one of the most price-volatile commodities. Recent global news coverage has highlighted how climate shocks in Madagascar, the world’s largest vanilla producer, continue to disrupt supply chains, reinforcing concerns about climate resilience in agricultural exports.

New data from World’s Top Exports shows that Spain and Mexico dominate the global pumpkin market in 2024, together accounting for more than 64% of worldwide pumpkin exports.

With international demand rising for year-round cooking, health foods, and processed pumpkin products, the industry has become more important to farmers and exporters across Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

According to the 2024 export rankings, Spain leads the world with 32.8% of global pumpkin exports, valued at about $574 million. Mexico follows closely with 32%, earning $559 million.

The large market share held by both countries reflects their strong agricultural infrastructure, export-oriented farming, and access to major global markets.

The rest of the top exporters include:

How global events are shaping the pumpkin market

Climate change is shifting growing seasons

Farmers across Europe and North America are adjusting planting cycles due to unpredictable rainfall, heat waves, and changing soil conditions. Some regions in Spain and Mexico have benefited from longer warm seasons, allowing for stronger yields.

Food security continues to be a global priority

With conflicts disrupting trade routes , such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, countries are looking toward more stable and diverse agricultural suppliers. Pumpkins, being versatile and widely cultivated, fit into this wider push to secure reliable food imports.

Rising global celebrations and food trends

Pumpkin has become more than a seasonal item . From soups and baked goods to the globally popular “pumpkin spice” trend, food producers are buying more pumpkin for processing and export. This helps keep demand strong throughout the year.

The number is striking, and it puts fresh attention on how something as ordinary as clothing can quietly strain global water supplies at a time when droughts and climate pressures are rising worldwide.

The figure aligns with research from the Water Footprint Network , which estimates that cotton is among the most water-intensive crops on the planet. Their global calculations show that cotton farming can demand anywhere between 7,000 and 29,000 litres of water per kilogram, depending on the region.

Why cotton uses so much water

Cotton grows mainly in hot, dry regions, where water is most scarce, which forces farmers to rely heavily on irrigation. Over time, this has drained rivers, damaged soils, and contributed to ecological disasters.

WaterAid, a charity focused on global water access, notes that water-intensive farming practices often compete directly with people’s basic needs. In communities where clean water is already limited, growing cotton can worsen shortages for households.

This issue is not limited to one region. The Guardian has reported widely on how cotton farming contributed to the near-collapse of the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest inland lake. Massive cotton irrigation projects in Central Asia diverted the rivers that fed the sea, causing it to shrink dramatically and leaving behind health crises, dust storms, and economic collapse.

Today, similar pressures are appearing in India, Pakistan, China, and parts of Africa — all major cotton producers. These regions face rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall linked to global climate change, making cotton even thirstier and more difficult to sustain.

This conversation comes as major fashion brands face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact . Several companies are rethinking their supply chains after new 2024–2025 regulations in Europe and the U.S. began demanding clearer reporting on water usage and climate risk.

Meanwhile, the ongoing droughts affecting North Africa , the American Southwest, and southern Europe have sparked new questions about which crops should be prioritised in a warming world. Cotton, with its high water footprint, is increasingly part of that debate.

China remains the world’s largest exporter of frozen vegetables, accounting for 18.8% of global shipments valued at $1.6 billion. Belgium follows at 14.9% (about $1.3 billion) and Spain at 10.3% (roughly $883 million). Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Egypt, the United States, and Ecuador round out the top ten, each contributing between 2.6% and 7.1% of the global supply.

These numbers reflect more than trade performance. Extreme weather continues to disrupt fresh food supplies across regions such as South Asia, West Africa, Europe, and North America.

For instance, India’s recent heatwaves have damaged large portions of vegetable crops, especially tomatoes and onions, causing sudden price spikes that pushed many households toward frozen alternatives.

In East Africa, countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia have faced prolonged droughts that reduced harvests and made fresh vegetables more expensive and harder to access.

Meanwhile, severe flooding in parts of Europe , including Germany and Italy, has disrupted farm operations and transport routes, making it difficult for fresh produce to reach markets on time.

The presence of countries like Egypt and Ecuador in the top exporters list also signals a notable shift.

More countries in the Global South are investing in food processing, cold storage, and export infrastructure, and they are beginning to see results on the world stage.

For example, Egypt has expanded its network of cold storage facilities in recent years, allowing it to preserve surplus vegetables and move them into export channels instead of losing them to spoilage. According to BCC Research , the market is expected to reach $41.1 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.8%.

In Ecuador, government-backed programmes, such as grants and low-interest loans , have helped farmers transition from selling raw crops to value-added processing. As a result, the country has increased the volume of pre-cut and frozen vegetables it ships to the United States and Europe.

Global demand for frozen vegetables is expected to increase as climate pressures intensify and consumers seek practical, affordable food options. For many nations, strengthening this sector could open doors to new jobs, stronger agricultural value chains, and more resilient economies.

Workers at the Gokripa Dairy emphasise that Gujarat’s leadership in milk production is rooted in both history and the cooperative system that strengthened rural participation. “Gujarat has traditionally always been a very high milk-producing state. During Vedic times, this region… was said to be the land of milk and honey. The best milk breeds of India were developed in Gujarat, the Gir and the Kankrej,” said Dharbhashree Satyajit. “With the coming in of the co-operatives, and the farmers getting more interested, milk production… has increased, and today, Gujarat is the number one milk-producing state of India.”

According to Satyajit, the facility produces around 700 litres of milk daily from more than 250 well-bred cattle. He added that the quality of the milk reflects the state’s free-grazing tradition: “The Gir cow milk… is so sweet, because our cows are free grazing in our grasslands… the milk they produce is really like nectar.”

Local workers note that the cooperative model has enabled villages to expand production, make better use of natural resources such as grasslands and water , and maintain ownership of the value chain from procurement to processing. This structure helped encourage families to stay in rural areas and scale up livestock rearing. Today, Gujarat produces about 20 million tonnes of milk a year, while India accounts for roughly a quarter of global output, keeping the country firmly at the forefront of the global dairy industry.

According to recent statistics, the world ’s largest coconut producers in 2024 were Indonesia with 17.13 million tonnes, the Philippines at 14.77 million tonnes, and India close behind with 14.68 million tonnes.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) shows that global coconut (in shell) production was estimated at roughly 62.4 million metric tonnes in 2022.

In Indonesia, for example, coconut cultivation spans across the archipelago and supports millions of smallholder farmers. The Philippines, aside from being a leading producer, also exports large volumes of coconut oil, water and related products. India’s figures similarly underscore the importance of coconuts for both rural livelihoods and domestic consumption.

The prominence of coconuts in these economies meets demand from multiple directions: rising global interest in plant-based foods, coconut-derived beverages, oils used in cosmetics, and sustainable packaging alternatives. In that sense, coconut production connects traditional agriculture with 21st-century consumer trends.

However, climate change, extreme weather events and ageing coconut plantations are pressuring the sector .

For countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, typhoons and changing sea levels remain real threats to yields. The broader agricultural system also sees coconuts competing with other crops and land uses.

The data in the image shows Cambodia at 16.6%, Vietnam at 11.9%, Myanmar at 20.8%, the Philippines at 9.1%, Indonesia at 12.6%, Thailand at 8.7%, and Malaysia at 8.2%. Some of these figures represent decreases from 2021; for example, Cambodia saw a drop of 6.2 percentage points, and Vietnam declined by 3.0 points.

These numbers come in line with World Bank data on the broader measure of agriculture, forestry, and fishing’s share of GDP globally.

As Southeast Asian economies grow and diversify, the share of agriculture in GDP often falls. That’s natural in development: the industry and services sectors tend to expand faster than farming. The image confirms that trend: many countries show declines between 2021 and 2024.

This doesn’t mean agriculture is unimportant, far from it. It remains vital for food security, rural employment, and exports. What the shrinking share often signals is that productivity improvements in nonfarm sectors are outpacing gains in agriculture.

A report from ISEAS notes that despite agriculture’s role in regional food systems and exports, it faces increasing pressures from trade volatility, land use change, and climate stress.

Climate change adds urgency to the picture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in Southeast Asia, more than 100 million smallholder farmers depend on farming, yet they face increased heat, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather.

Between 2008 and 2018, natural disasters and climate extremes caused roughly USD 21 billion in production losses across the region.

These environmental pressures may further erode agriculture’s share of GDP if farmers can’t adapt, threatening livelihoods and food supply.

The World Bank is responding to these pressures by directing more financing to agribusiness and agriculture. In 2024, it announced it would double its agri-finance and agribusiness commitments to USD 9 billion annually by 2030.

This pivot aims to support technology, infrastructure , climate resilience, and better value chains in food systems.

One real-world example of agriculture’s power: In the Philippines, the sector rebounded sharply in 2025, driving the country’s fastest annual growth in some time. According to Reuters, the Philippines posted 5.5% year-on-year growth in Q2 2025, largely led by a 7% increase in agricultural output.

The region’s agricultural highlights include key exports across countries like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico , and Chile.

According to Market Data Forecast, Latin America’s connected agriculture industry, encompassing smart irrigation, IoT sensors, and precision fertiliser systems, is projected to grow from USD 0.20 billion in 2024 to USD 0.24 billion in 2025, reaching a robust USD 0.99 billion by 2033, at a 19.5% CAGR.

Meanwhile, the Latin America intelligent agriculture segment, where technology aids livestock monitoring, crop analytics, and automation, is expected to expand from USD 1.88 billion in 2024 to USD 2.12 billion in 2025, and ultimately USD 5.57 billion by 2033, growing at a 12.8% CAGR.

This digital leap meets real-time global pressures. Just days ago, the FAO reported that global food prices hit a more-than-two-year high in August, spurred by rising meat, sugar, and oil prices, though cereals and dairy retreated. Concurrently, Brazil achieved “bird flu–free” status under EU regulation, reopening its chicken meat exports after earlier setbacks.

The region also benefits from geopolitics: as U.S.– China tariff tensions intensify, Brazil is gaining ground in China, becoming a pivotal exporter of soy, beef, and poultry, which is fuelling agribusiness optimism even amid inflationary risks.

What this means

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.

British journalist David Whitehouse, who has spent years researching cybercrime in Southeast Asia, has raised fresh concerns about state-linked cybercrime networks operating in Cambodia and Myanmar. Read more here .

Tanzania launches $180 million fertiliser plant to cut imports, boost farming

Tanzania has opened a major fertiliser plant in Dodoma as part of efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on expensive imports. Read more here .

The schoolboy fighting his parents for the right to leave Ghana

Since September 2024, a 14-year-old London-based boy of Ghanaian descent has sparked a legal debate over the rights of children in their relocation after he was sent to Ghana as a “protective measure” against criminal activities in London. Read more here .

Americas

What sparked Mexico’s new financial crime law, and who’s involved

Mexico’s Congress has passed a new law to tighten controls on money laundering just days after the United States accused three Mexican financial institutions of helping drug cartels move money. Read more here .

Colombian police capture suspected leader in senator's shooting

Colombian police have captured a fugitive accused of planning last month's gun attack on Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, the head of the country's national police said on July 5, marking the fifth arrest in the case. Read more here .

Cuba advances green transition by phasing out climate-warming chemicals

Cuba has reported progress in environmental protection since ratifying the Kigali Amendment in June 2019, according to officials from the Ozone Technical Office (OTOZ). Read more here .

Asia

Why Thailand is cutting off Cambodia’s internet

Thailand has ordered all domestic telecom operators to cut internet and mobile connections to Cambodia, escalating tensions over rampant cybercrime operations allegedly based in Cambodian border towns. Read more here .

More than 200 measles cases in one day raise alarm in Mongolia

Mongolia is facing a major rise in measles cases, with more than 200 new infections reported in just one day, taking the total number of cases across the country to over 10,000. Read more here .

Thai opposition to hold off on no-confidence vote against government

Thailand's opposition parties said on July 3, that they will hold off on launching a no-confidence vote against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending a court ruling, but they vowed to work together to avoid political deadlock. Read more here .

The new factory, built by Itracom Fertiliser Limited, has the capacity to produce one million tonnes of fertiliser a year, with plans to triple output in the future.

The factory is seen as a major step toward solving long-standing fertiliser shortages that have affected farmers across East Africa.

Regional governments have struggled with high costs, weak infrastructure, and global supply disruptions, all of which have contributed to low crop yields and food insecurity.

The plant is located in the Nala Industrial Area and covers 21 hectares.

It employs over 1,800 workers, with thousands more jobs expected as production increases. The facility also plans to support rural economies by buying manure from local livestock farmers.

Speaking at the launch, President Hassan said the project would support agricultural growth, create jobs, and strengthen ties between countries in the region.

“This is more than just a factory; it represents agricultural transformation and regional cooperation,” she said.

Government officials say the plant will also contribute to the country’s fertiliser subsidy programme and help Tanzania meet its target of sourcing 80% of fertiliser locally.

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe confirmed the plant had already spent Sh15 billion buying manure from local communities and would play a key role in future farming strategies.

For years, farmers in Rwanda have depended on using artificial insemination as a method of producing cows in large quantities for breeding purposes.

This process has however not been without problems. One of the key problems was that the semen used for insemination had to travel long distances over rough roads, which reduced its quality.

Transporting it in large, heavy containers filled with liquid nitrogen also made the process slow and difficult.

This often caused disagreements between farmers and vets when cows failed to conceive.

To solve this, the drone delivery company Zipline Rwanda began testing how drones could carry semen directly to vets and farmers.

Their trials, which have lasted six months, show that using drones keeps the semen in better condition and increases the success rate of insemination to over 90 percent which is a big improvement from the national average of 40 percent as of 2024.

So far, around 400 cows have been inseminated during the pilot programme in two districts in Eastern Rwanda.

Farmers who used to wait several hours for deliveries are now getting semen in under an hour and one drone can carry enough semen to inseminate 40 cows and fly up to 210 kilometres in a round trip.

Meanwhile, Zipline has indicated plans to expand the service to more parts of the country after the current testing phase ends.

Rwanda announced on Saturday, June 7, that it is withdrawing from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), accusing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of manipulating the bloc with support from some member states. The decision was made at the 26th ECCAS summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, attended by Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente. Rwanda criticised the summit for denying it the rotating chairmanship and excluding it from the 2023 summit in Kinshasa under the DRC's leadership. "Rwanda denounces the violation of its rights," the foreign ministry stated, adding that ECCAS is not living up to its principles.

Health ministry warns of COVID-19

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Rwanda eyes carbon credits to attract green investment

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Rwanda is among African nations leading a record-breaking tourism boom

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Delegates call for farmer-centred solutions at Rwanda agriculture tech forum

At ACAT in Kigali, delegates called for urgent investment in farmer-centred agricultural technologies to empower smallholder farmers. Minister Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe emphasised equipping farmers with knowledge and tools to tackle modern agriculture challenges. AATF’s Canisius Kanangire noted the forum builds on innovation to address climate change, pests, and diseases. ACAT runs through Thursday, bringing together over 800 participants to discuss science, technology, and innovation for agriculture.

Retail trade sales in Brazil rose 0.8% from February to March 2025, reaching their highest level since the series began in January 2000, according to IBGE's Monthly Survey of Trade. This marks the third consecutive monthly gain, pushing the quarterly moving average up 0.6%. Growth was broad-based, with six of eight sectors showing increases. Key contributors included pharmaceuticals and supermarkets. Books, newspapers, and stationery saw a 28.2% jump, driven by textbook sales delayed to March due to changes in the school calendar. Office and tech equipment rose 3.0%, following stock adjustments linked to currency fluctuations. Other gains came from household items (1.5%), pharmaceuticals (1.2%), apparel (1.2%), and supermarkets (0.4%). Meanwhile, furniture (-0.4%) and fuels (-2.1%) declined. Extended retail trade also grew 1.9%, led by vehicles (1.7%) and construction materials (0.6%).

Brazil industrial confidence rises to 48.9

Brazil’s Industrial Entrepreneur Confidence Index (ICEI) edged up to 48.9 in May 2025 from 48 in April, staying below the neutral 50 mark for the fifth straight month. Improved confidence came amid signs of recovery and a weaker dollar, despite high domestic interest rates. Business performance expectations rose to 51.3, while broader economic outlook improved to 42.5. Current business conditions also saw modest gains, with business confidence at 47.3 and economic sentiment at 37.3.

Brazil blacklists over 500 amazon farms in anti-deforestation crackdown

On May 6, Brazil’s Ministry of Environment blacklisted 545 rural properties in Pará for illegal deforestation, barring them from selling crops and livestock domestically and abroad. This marks one of the country’s largest satellite-driven crackdowns, replacing individual embargoes with mass penalties based on remote sensing data. Most affected lands are near Castelo dos Sonhos in Altamira—an area plagued by violence and rampant deforestation. Farmers have until June 6 to remove livestock or face fines. While appeals are allowed, many may miss deadlines for agricultural credit. The move has sparked fear and resistance among local producers.

BRICS de-dollarisation advances as Brazil eyes yuan bonds

Brazil is weighing two key financial measures : issuing its first sovereign bonds in Chinese yuan, known as “Panda Bonds,” and a Central Bank proposal to limit stablecoin transfers to non-Brazilian wallets, according to government sources. While the bond plan remains under review, its approval would mark a significant step in diversifying Brazil’s funding sources and deepening financial ties with China. The move aligns with broader efforts by BRICS nations to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. If issued, the Panda Bonds would be traded in China’s domestic market and settled in yuan, reinforcing Brazil’s growing role in the global shift toward multipolar finance.

Nigeria, Brazil to collaborate on homogeneous spirituality for tourism development

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) will partner with the Brazilian Consulate to accredit Yoruba traditional practitioners, such as babalawos, Ifa priests, and traditional kings, before they are granted visas to Brazil. NICO’s executive secretary, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, announced the initiative at a press conference on the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON) in Lagos. The move aims to curb unethical practices by individuals posing as traditional practitioners and to preserve the integrity of Yoruba Orisha traditions. NICO also plans to create a platform to support global traditional worshipers visiting Nigeria for cultural exploration. Brazilian Consul General Manuel Inocencio de Lacerda Santos Junior praised the effort to uphold Yoruba heritage in Brazil.

Only the week before, Mukoko had been visiting one of Forrest’s farms. There he saw some of the techniques that can transform his country’s economy from one powered by removing chunks of land to process into foreigners’ computer chips to one based on nurturing the earth and delivering what its own people need most.

It will be a challenging journey, as Mukuko Samba acknowledges: “So the yields are very low, food yields are low, rice, maize, and all those foodstuffs, we have very low yields. So until we see a sharp rise in the yields in the DRC, it's very difficult for us.”

But Mukoko Samba is confident - “we know what we need to do” - citing investment in infrastructure such as irrigation projects, seed production and research into better practices and technologies. Farmers also need support sourcing fertiliser and seeds, he adds.

The first step towards Africa feeding the world will be Africa feeding itself.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the DRC produced 4.1 million tonnes of cereals in 2024 but still needed to import a further 770,000 tonnes.

The government in Kinshasa sees self-sufficiency in staple crops as a ten-year project. Work has already started, but a lot more needs to be done.

Watch the full interview :

Videography: Anoir4art

The farms were taken by the government of Robert Mugabe around the year 2000.

More than 4,000 farms were seized, mostly from white owners, in a land reform plan. The aim was to give land back to Black Zimbabweans, but many farms ended up in the hands of people close to the government.

The farm seizures had dire consequences on Zimbabwe’s economy . Food production dropped, exports fell, and the country went through extreme inflation, especially in 2008.

The move aims to fix the country’s debt problems and rejoin the international financial system.

Paying the farmers is one of the steps required before Zimbabwe can get any monetary help from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund after 20 years.

The rest of the money owed to this group of farmers will be paid in US-dollar bonds but the interest rate is just 2%, which is much lower than what other countries offer on similar bonds.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said Zimbabwe is committed to making the payments.

“We are very serious about this,” he was quoted by The Guardian .

Kapinga's marital journey commenced in 1961, embracing polygamy under the influence of his father's encouragement in the 1960s.

A year later, after marrying his first wife, he had his first child, and his father encouraged him to expand the family, even offering to pay dowries for more wives.

Eventually marrying 20 women, Kapinga now lives with 16, including seven sisters who chose to marry him due to his admirable qualities.

Despite the size of his family, jealousy is not an issue in Kapinga’s home, where each wife has individual homes and kitchens.

"This is not just a home; it is a system, and it works,” Kapinga explained.

Kapinga is known to be a fair and understanding husband, keen to hear his wives of their issues instead of imposing authority. Conflicts that arise are often settled amicably among the wives or brought to him for resolution.

The family achieves self-sufficiency through farming practicalities, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, cassava, and bananas, supplemented by livestock.

Despite occasionally forgetting names among his numerous offspring, Kapinga vividly recalls them upon sight. His family has not been without tragedy, as he has mourned the loss of 40 children due to health issues and accidents.

Nevertheless, he maintains a focus on his family’s welfare. "This family runs because of the women; I am only here to guide them," Kapinga said.

Farmers currently spend a lot on labour and growing crops like corn or potatoes.

The EV tractors which run on electricity will solve this problem by replacing manual labour with modern technology.

They will also reduce pollution and protect the environment as they do not require fuel to run.

Kiripost also reports that these tractors will also be smart with cameras to check crops for pests and fertilizer needs, helping farmers avoid using too many chemicals.

With this technology, farmers will soon be able to control activities on their farms using a smartphone from up to 200 metres away.

Rather than selling EV tractors to individual farmers, the project plans to have service providers own them. One owner will be able to help 100 to 300 farmers in a community. The project is also working with banks and private companies to support the production of these tractors in Cambodia.

Testing is still ongoing on the tractors with the first trials scheduled to take place in S'ang district in Kandal province and Malai district in Banteay Meanchey province, focusing on vegetable, corn, and potato farming.

The project is backed by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which is investing $6 million over five years.

Australian researchers from the University of Sydney and Murdoch University are working with Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the tractors are suitable for local farmers.

ACIAR’s CEO, Professor Wendy Umberger, said the goal is to help Cambodian farmers use modern technology while protecting the land for the future. 

The market was launched on January 27 at Rosslyn Square Shopping Centre and will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

At least 30 local farmers are taking part , offering fresh food straight from their farms.

By selling directly, they can earn more money since they don’t have to go through brokers.

The market is based on a successful Italian model called Campagna Amica, which is Europe’s largest network of direct-to-consumer farms.

 It is part of a bigger plan known as the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMi). This project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by the World Farmers Markets Coalition and CIHEAM Bari, an agricultural organisation.

According to the Italian Embassy, the market will help farmers connect with customers, making it easier for them to sell their goods and increase their income.

The initiative also promotes sustainable farming and strengthens the link between rural farmers and city residents. The Embassy says this is an important step in building a network of farmers across Africa and the Mediterranean.

U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that Minnesota stands at the forefront, producing nearly 34 million turkeys annually. The state’s success is attributed to multi-generational farming expertise, fertile land supporting abundant corn and soybean crops, and advancements in veterinary science that ensure efficient and sustainable production.

North Carolina ranks second in turkey production, with 27.5 million birds raised annually. The state's moderate climate and relatively low production costs make it a key player in the industry.

In third place is Arkansas, contributing approximately 25 million turkeys to the national supply—accounting for 12% of the total. Home to major poultry companies such as Butterball and Tyson Foods, Arkansas plays a pivotal role in feeding the nation, underscoring the importance of its poultry industry.

As Americans enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners, it’s worth recognizing the efforts of the farmers, agricultural workers, and industries that make the holiday’s centrepiece possible. From the Midwest’s vast farmlands to the South’s thriving poultry hubs, turkey production for Thanksgiving is a testament to the hard work and innovation driving American agriculture.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has commended Mozambique for its unwavering commitment towards combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as efforts are underway for the nation to be removed from the FATF's 'grey list'. The latest progress report indicates substantial advancements, showcasing updates on six specific action items, the implementation of improved risk-based supervision, and the allocation of enhanced resources to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). According to COB , despite these improvements, Mozambique still faces the challenge of fulfilling six remaining actions before the upcoming report due on November 24, a timeline dictated by its inclusion in the grey list on October 22, 2022.

Elections amid insurgencies

As Mozambique approaches critical elections this week, it is doing so under the shadow of persistent jihadist violence and severe drought-induced hunger affecting its populace. Approximately 17 million voters are set to cast their ballots to elect a new president, alongside members of parliament and provincial assemblies, marking an end to President Filipe Nyusi's extended two-term rule. Candidates are notably prioritising the cessation of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, an area that has witnessed violence leading to the displacement of 1.3 million individuals. Despite facing corruption scandals and allegations of electoral fraud, the ruling Frelimo party is anticipated to win once more, reports KSAT .

History of Mozambique

Tracing the historical context of Mozambique reveals a series of significant events since gaining independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975. The country was established after a liberation struggle led by the Frelimo party, which later transitioned into a one-party Marxist state by 1977 under President Samora Machel. Following a tragic civil war lasting from 1977 to 1992, which claimed approximately one million lives and devastated the economy, a peace accord was signed, leading to the first democratic elections in 1994, maintained by Frelimo's continued dominance in elections ever since. As reported by Barron's , from 2017 to 2024, Mozambique has faced violent attacks connected to the Islamic State group, particularly in Cabo Delgado, resulting in military interventions from foreign nations and ongoing efforts aimed at peace and reintegration of combatants into civilian sectors.

Things to know about Mozambique

Despite boasting considerable natural gas reserves, Mozambique remains one of the poorest nations globally, with over 33 million inhabitants. The legacy of a destructive civil war and ongoing challenges, such as rampant poverty (afflicting around 74.5% of its population), underscore the urgency for economic stability. The Cabo Delgado province, rich in gas, has been the site of jihadist violence that has claimed nearly 5,800 lives since 2017. Barron's reports that support from regional forces like Rwanda and South Africa have been mobilised to address this crisis, and a recent promise of substantial gas revenue—potentially exceeding $6 billion annually—brings cautious optimism for future economic growth. However, further development efforts have faced hindrances from ongoing violence. Furthermore, Mozambique's vulnerability to climate-related disasters has been starkly illustrated through the damage inflicted by cyclones Idai and Kenneth in 2019.

First cashew factory

To stimulate economic diversification and bolster local agriculture, a new cashew nut processing factory has been inaugurated in Palma, Cabo Delgado, amidst improved security conditions. Funded by The Sunshine Approach Foundation with an investment of 30 million meticais (approximately US$1.3 million), this facility boasts a processing capacity of 1,500 tons of cashew nuts per year and is projected to create employment opportunities for around 100 individuals. This project is part of broader initiatives aimed at stabilizing and industrializing the region, reflecting renewed confidence from investors in Cabo Delgado, reports COB .

"There is a lot of damage. The branches hit each other and broke. After the rain, there was flooding. The river rose, submerged everything, and the trees died. During the storm, we propped the trees back up. The next day, they were flooded again. This year, it's a total loss. No harvest," she said.

Do Thi Hoa, further counting her losses shared with AFP "It’s heartbreaking because I’ve put in so much effort since the beginning of the year. Money for pesticides and labour. So much money was spent with the hope of a harvest by the end of the year. Now, with this loss, everyone in the village is worried. "

Beyond the destruction of the farms, the human cost of Typhoon Yagi is equally tragic. As of Friday, September 13, 233 people have been reported dead with many more injured or missing.

In a significant plea, graduates from blacklisted universities in Togo and Benin Republic are urging the Nigerian Federal Government to overturn its invalidation of their degrees. This ruling, which is based on a certificate racketeering report, has inflicted considerable stigma on over 30,000 graduates, prompting a call for intervention from the National Assembly. According to Punch , the affected individuals have branded the decision as traumatic, urging the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, to reconsider his stance, as they assert that the institutions in question are accredited and reputable. They highlight that systemic issues within Nigeria's education framework have pushed students to pursue education abroad.

Goal to become Africa's Shenzhen

Togo is poised to reshape its economic landscape with aspirations to become Africa's Shenzhen, supported by China. Xie Yanshen, president of the Overseas Chinese Association in Togo, highlighted the potential of China-Africa partnerships, anticipating a peak in cooperation between these regions. The emphasis is on a collective quest for modernisation, promising significant prospects for economic growth and integration as reported by ECNS . Togo's commendable business climate reforms have garnered it a ranking of fifteenth globally and first in Africa for ease of starting a business, reflecting its dedication to improving its investment landscape. This encompasses key initiatives: the establishment of specialised courts for enforcing contracts, digitisation of cross-border trading processes, and reforms in construction permit acquisition.

Ruto courts support for Raila in Togo

On September 4, 2024, Ruto met with Togolese President Faure Essozimna and Malian President Colonel Assimi Goita at the FOCAC summit in Beijing. Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the February 2025 AUC chairmanship, also attended. Ruto shared on X that they discussed support for Raila's candidacy and a pan-African Congress in Lome, Togo, later this year. According to People Daily , Ruto underscored the importance of unity within Africa to address collective aspirations, such as the Continental Agenda 2063. The upcoming pan-African Congress in Togo will serve as a platform for Odinga's bid, which faces considerable competition in a crucial election requiring a two-thirds majority.

Calls for more women in finance auditing

Togo's Court of Auditors aims for 30% female representation in public finance audit bodies by 2025. Currently, only one of 20 magistrates is a woman, and gender imbalances exist in other institutions. The Court's new law emphasises strengthening the female workforce in key agencies. This initiative was launched at an August 30, 2024 symposium in Lomé, organized with GIZ, reports Togo First .

Registration deadline for the 2024-2025 coffee and cocoa extended

The Coordination Committee for Coffee and Cocoa Sectors (CCFCC) in Togo has extended the registration deadline for the 2024-2025 marketing season to September 16. Operators with incomplete applications are urged to finalise their documents. Approved exporters will be announced after this period. Coffee and cocoa exports have risen, with the 2022-2023 season seeing increases of 9% and 63%, respectively, reports Togo First .

Countries across the region, including Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have declared national disasters due to the crisis.

In Lesotho, the situation is especially critical. The government has declared a national disaster as around 700,000 people struggle with food insecurity out of about 200 million population due to poor crop yields.

Nearly 80% of Lesotho’s population depends on subsistence farming, which has been devastated by the drought, AFP reported.

To address the crisis, Lesotho’s government has introduced a temporary employment program, offering 500 loti ($27) for two weeks of work, such as road maintenance and cemetery cleaning.

The World Food Programme (WFP) anticipates that conditions will deteriorate further as the drought continues. The crisis has also led to increased theft of livestock and a push towards planting drought-resistant crops like sorghum.

In a parched village in Lesotho, a small mountain kingdom in southern Africa, farmer Daniel Phoofolo struggles to harvest withered crops from his parched land. Once able to both feed his family and sell surplus produce, Phoofolo’s fields are now barren due to an ongoing drought affecting southern Africa.

The 40-year-old Joufi, whose land is in the central province of Najaf, shared his experience: “Using traditional methods, 10 to 15 people were required to manually get the water from here and there. Now, only one person is needed to operate the sprinklers and pump, and the field is irrigated properly," he is quoted by the AFP:

Joufi is among the farmers receiving support from the agriculture ministry, whose experts have been developing innovative methods to save Iraq’s rice production. In 2023, al-Ghari, a genotype derived from Iraq’s prized amber rice and South Asian jasmine seeds yielded good results when cultivated with small sprinklers.

"We worked on al-Ghari seed for almost 15 years and conducted all the necessary experiments on this genotype which is superior to other types that are found in Iraq, and it also withstands water scarcity," said Abdel Kazem Jawad Moussa, an official of the Agricultural Research Department in al-Mishkhab.

Iraq, still recovering from years of war and chaos, relies on rice and bread as dietary staples. According to the United Nations Global Environment Outlook 6 (GEO-6) , the Middle Eastern nation is identified as the world's fifth most vulnerable country to decreasing water and food availability and extreme temperatures. During the period of drought, the rice cultivation area decreased from over 30,000 hectares to just 5,000, the agriculture ministry reported .

"The last year of abundance was around 2020. After that, there was a drought, and the pandemic and other events in the country. Rice cultivation stopped mainly because of water scarcity. During these years, the farmer suffered," Fayez al-Yassiri, another farmer with a field in Diwaniyah, the capital city of Iraq's Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate said.

Since its implementation, local farming has improved with considerable growth in local produce and the country has saved money on the import bill.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) annual conference in Maun, Minister Molao said, “through these restrictions, the import bill on horticultural products was reduced by 71 percent from P634 million ($46 million) in 2018 to P186 million ($13 million) by 2023”.

“From 67, 612 tonnes in production in 2021 we are now reporting 86, 260.20 tonnes as at 2023, which translates to 21.6 percent growth in terms of what Batswana are able to produce and are able to take to the market,” Molao was quoted by local media outlet The Voice BW .

Despite this, there are still calls for more support for small-scale farmers and local farmers for the production of high-end products. The government is also investing in a collection centre for the storage of produce.

Meanwhile, Minister Molao is yet to indicate which particular fruits and vegetables will be added to the list although it is suggested that lemons and oranges may be included due to a promising first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project in the country this year.

The ban is expected to be in effect till the end of 2025.

The list of banned items includes tomatoes, carrots, beetroot, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, chilli peppers, butternut, watermelon, sweet peppers, green mealie, fresh herbs, rape, choumoellier, and strawberries.

China has handed over control of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway to a local company after being operated by Chinese companies since 2018. The handover came after years of training and the railway has become a key part of Ethiopia’s trade network, despite operating at a loss. The railway is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is just one of many rail projects funded by China in Africa, Railway Technology media reports.

Nigerian suit against Ethiopian government

The Nigerian Senate has asked the Federal High Court to dismiss a suit alleging that the Ethiopian government lacks budget to cater for the feeding and welfare of detained Nigerians. The Senate's Chief Legislative Officer Usman Abdulhameed filed a counter affidavit stating that the claims of the applicant are false and that the Senate has already probed the allegations and found them to be untrue. According to Nairametrics , the court did not sit for the hearing, and the case was adjourned to May 20. It has been reported that over 200 Nigerians are incarcerated in Ethiopian prisons, with some serving prison terms while others are detained for drug trafficking offences.

Drone attack leads to deaths

A drone attack targeted a school in the Yifat Qewot district, killing three civilians and injuring a woman in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. According to Borkena , the attack was reportedly a demonstration of the government's inability to defeat Fano forces in an infantry battle. Human rights organizations have reported recurring drone strikes targeting civilians in the region over the past nine months. The government has not yet commented on the alleged drone strike.

New bridge for Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the opening of a new 380-meter bridge over the Abay River in Bahir Dar, marking a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure development. The bridge, started 4.5 years ago, has six lanes and a dedicated bike lane. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasised the bridge's importance for economic growth and national unity. The government's commitment to infrastructure projects like the bridge demonstrates its focus on cooperation and sustainable development, TV Brics reports.

Farmers struggle with reduced profits

Khat traders in Ethiopia are facing low prices and challenges due to an abundant harvest, increased taxes, and stricter export conditions. The stimulant Khat is a significant export for Ethiopia, but farmers are struggling with reduced profits, leading some to question if it's worth growing at all, France 24 reports.

As of May 2024, the human population in Australia is approximately 26.7 million. In terms of sheep, Australia has a substantial sheep population, estimated to be around 63.5 million. This means that for every person in Australia, there are about 2.8 sheep, highlighting the country's significant sheep farming industry. From the vast grazing lands of the interior to the green pastures of the coastal regions, sheep farming plays a pivotal role in sustaining rural communities and driving economic activity.

In Mauritania, the sheep-human ratio stands at 1.8 sheep per person, with a human population of around 5 million and a sheep population of 13.7 million . Iceland follows closely with a human population of 376,500 and 527,700 sheep.

Mongolia stands out with an astonishing 4.5 sheep per person, given its human population of 3.47 million and a sheep count of about 30.9 million. New Zealand, a country with a human population of 5.25 million is also well-known for its sheep farming, with ratios of 7.7 sheep per person and a sheep count of 30 million.

With a human population of 3.4 million, Uruguay boasts a sheep population of about 7.5 million.

Vice President Netumbu Nandi-Ndaitwa expressed optimism about the success of the project, describing it as a game-changer for the region’s economy. According to her, the project aligns with global development plans including Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

“For the first time in our history, Namibia will become a producer of premium Atlantic salmon and with the new industries coming up all around Luderitz, soon this town will become one of the major economic centres of our country,” Nandi-Ndaitwa was quoted by The Namibian as saying.

Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board chief executive Nangula Uaandja also described the project as successful, indicating that it took three years to get off the ground.

The Benguela Blue Aqua Farming project is expected to create several jobs and opportunities for exports to key markets in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

It also positions Namibia as a potential leader in African salmon production and a provider amidst the growing global demand for salmon.