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Uganda Partners With Bukona Agro Processors to Boost Its National Biofuel Program
The agreement, signed in Malaba, involves over 10,000 Nwoya District farmers supplying 30,000 tonnes of maize annually to Bukona’s Malaba depot for ethanol production and petrol blending.
The partnership links national energy policy with grassroots economic development, offering:
🟠guaranteed market for ethanol feedstocks;
🟠stable income for farmers in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs);
🟠reduced transport costs through local ethanol blending.
Nwoya District officials highlighted:
🟠Strong farmer associations and VSLA groups ready to support the initiative;
🟠Solutions to challenges such as funding and climate change, which include: credit lines and irrigation projects
❗️Bukona Agro Processors' Managing Director, Praviin Kekal, outlined their commitment to the project, noting a $698-838k investment in Malaba, stating they'll initially source ethanol externally but transition to in-house production, buying raw materials directly from VSLAs at guaranteed prices.
The Malaba depot aims to blend 450 million liters of petrol per year, requiring:
🟠22 million liters of ethanol annually (5% blend);
🟠Potential increase to 88 million liters with a 20% blend.
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Fire at Abadan Oil Refinery in Iran
🚒 A fire has broken out in block 75 of the refinery, according to its public relations service. Firefighters are currently working to contain the blaze.
No further details are available at the moment.
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Three BRICS Countries Among Top Five in Terms of Industrial Contribution to Economy
According to Sputnik's analysis of World Bank data for 2024:
🟠China stands as the world's leading industrial power, with its industrial sector's share of GDP rising by nearly 2% to $6.8 trillion.
🟠India, in fourth place, saw its industrial output grow by 4% to $957 billion.
🟠Russia demonstrated the strongest growth among the top ten economies, with its industrial contribution to GDP increasing by 6% immediately to $668 billion, catapulting it to the fifth spot.
The United States and Germany held the second and fourth positions, respectively.
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Third Parties' Involvement 'Not Very Much Encouraged': Ex-Ethiopian GERD Negotiator on US Mediation
Donald Trump's renewed offer to mediate the Nile water conflict between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt is an attempt "to score additional successes in his track record of reconciling countries", according to Fekahmed Negash, former lead negotiator for Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
"At this time, I don't see why he's very much interested because the dam is already full and soon it will be fully operational," Negash told Sputnik Africa. "I think the best way is just to engage Egypt and the Sudan. They are the relevant parties and they are also the ones who are very much related to the issue."
"The water is actually flowing between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt – [it's not] coming from the US," he argued. "Third parties do not understand the fears, concerns and interests of the countries. But rather the countries can understand each other's fears, concerns and interests."
#viral | 🐈⬛ Cutest Excuse Ever: Woman is Late for Work Because of Persistent Kitten
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Zimbabwe Eyes Mines & Minerals Bill: First Reading After Nine-Year Delay
The bill, gazetted in June, aims to replace the outdated 1961 Mines and Minerals Act.
Repeatedly delayed over the past decade, the bill offers a comprehensive legal overhaul, including:
🟠establishing a Mining Affairs Board;
🟠improving governance and transparency;
🟠enhancing environmental safeguards;
🟠recognizing small-scale miners.
The bill also covers:
🟠Mining rights acquisition and registration;
🟠Prospecting and pegging regulations;
🟠Exploration licenses;
🟠Mining leases;
🟠Payments to local authorities;
🟠Special grants.
It also addresses strategic minerals, defined as nuclear energy sources or minerals vital to Zimbabwe's economic, social, industrial, or security interests.
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Kenya's Visa-Free Policy to Boost African Trade and Tourism, Says Kenyan Lawyer
Kenya's decision to grant visa-free entry to African travelers is a progressive step toward boosting intra-African trade and reducing dependence on traditional external markets, says Kelvin Mugambi Kubai, a lawyer for the African Center for Corrective and Preventive Action.
"In the short term, it will increase movement for visitors of African descent and the Caribbeans coming to Kenya. And there will be a hike in tourism activities," Kubai told Sputnik Africa. "The only downward effect would be the security mechanisms and policies in place because we may have some other not well-meaning visitors."
Zimbabwe Coffee Exports Rebound, Production Expected to Rise
Zimbabwe's coffee exports saw a significant recovery in 2024, jumping 14% to $902,311, with volumes increasing 20% to 195,518kg following a drought-affected year. However, the average price per kilogram fell by 5% to $4.61.
In an interview with Zimbabwean media, a local contractor projected further growth in coffee production this year, particularly among smallholder farmers. He attributed this to:
🟠improved rainfall,
🟠the adoption of regenerative practices,
🟠the maturation of new plantations.
Smallholder output is expected to reach approximately 100,000kg at $6.50/kg, up from under 70,000kg in 2024. The impact of the previous El Nino-induced drought is still being assessed.
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Cholera Outbreak Escalates in Sudan’s North Darfur Amid Mass Displacement
In Tawila, over 300 cases were recorded in just two weeks among 330,000 displaced people fleeing violence near the Zamzam refugee camp, the UN reported. In nearby Umm Keddada, five have died, with healthcare facilities non-functional and water sources likely contaminated.
The crisis is compounded by heavy rains, ongoing conflict, and critical funding gaps, raising fears the outbreak could spread to regions like West Kordofan.
Cholera, a deadly disease spread via contaminated food and water, poses a growing threat as Sudan’s humanitarian situation continues to unravel following the civil conflict that erupted in April 2023.
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#viral | Hundreds of Dolphins Swim Alongside Humpback Whales Near Brazilian Coast
🐬A video of a rare, stunning natural spectacle is going viral on social media.
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Putin Calls Europe's Intention to Refuse Russian Mineral Fertilizers Complete Nonsense
"From an economic point of view, from the point of view of the interests of our own agriculture, this is complete stupidity, as far as I understand," Putin said at a meeting with Russian Association of Fertilizer Producers President Andrey Guryev.
Hague Group Member States Suspend Defense Trade With Israel
A joint statement of the group, uniting about 30 countries to hold Israel accountable for its anti-Palestinian aggression, said that the members are:
⚫️suspending trade in arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items;
⚫️banning Israeli ships;
⚫️starting an urgent review of all public contracts to prevent supporting "Israel's illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory and entrenching its unlawful presence."
The statement was signed by South Africa, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
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🇺🇸🤔From tariffs to talks: Trump may be easing up on China
Trump is now focused on striking quick purchase deals in a bid to secure a summit with Xi Jinping, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
The insiders called Trump “the least hawkish voice in the room” during recent meetings with his staff.
The hawks in his administration are concerned about the possible ease, especially after the US’ surprise decision to let Nvidia resume sales of its H20 chip to China — a move seen as walking back a firm tech red line.
Secretary of State Rubio, formerly one of China’s toughest critics, said earlier his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were “very constructive and positive.” Rubio confirmed a Trump–Xi summit is likely.
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#viral | 🇵🇰🌊 Dedication Level: Submerged
💪🗞 When the flood says "go home" but journalism says "go live" — respect to this Pakistani reporter who’s literally neck-deep in the story.
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African Union Welcomes DRC-M23 Peace Declaration
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat hailed the agreement as a key breakthrough bringing "renewed hope for regional cooperation and sustainable peace" in the Great Lakes region.
👇 Mediated by Qatar and the US, the declaration commits both sides to:
🔹 An immediate ceasefire;
🔹 Starting direct negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal within 10 days.
This Doha deal follows the the June 27 DRC-Rwanda peace agreement signed in Washington, which included respecting borders and disarming rebels. A planned presidential summit in Washington this summer aims to finalize peace and potentially seal US-backed joint mining projects.
The conflict has involved DRC accusing Rwanda of backing M23, while Rwanda accused Congo of harboring rebels attacking its territory.
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Why 'Nigeria First' Policy Could Be Turning Point for Local Industry
"This particular framework, the Nigeria First policy, is very good and very important. If we get the implementation right, it will change the game for local industry."
Major World Events by Evening of July 18
⚫️Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Recep Tayyip Erdogan;
⚫️Clashes have resumed between Arab tribes and Druze groups in the area around the Syrian city of Suwayda;
⚫️The new EU sanctions package against Russia must be carefully analyzed to minimize its impact, the Kremlin said. The EU has detailed some of new sanctions, including a price cap mechanism for Russian oil, ending Czech import exemptions, and banning oil products made from Russian oil via most third countries;
⚫️Kremlin also stressed that Russia will be compelled to take steps to ensure its security in response to NATO’s hostile stance;
⚫️South Korea is facing an emergency situation as several days of heavy rain have triggered severe flooding, destroyed homes, disrupted air traffic, and left at least four people dead;
⚫️Uruguay’s government is examining the possibility of joining the BRICS Bank, according to the country’s foreign minister;
⚫️Ethiopia has set a target of creating 5.6 million jobs in the 2025/26 fiscal year and is expanding opportunities for overseas employment;
⚫️AI could contribute an additional $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035, the Russian Ministry of Finance estimated.
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#viral | 🛩 New Chinese Drone Takes Off & Lands Like Rocket
The aircraft boasts a wingspan of 2.6 meters and a length of 1.8 meters. Its design enables it to soar at speeds surpassing those of quadcopters and nearly matching the pace of fixed-wing drones.
The drone's capabilities were tested during a rescue exercise in the mountains of Sichuan province.
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Uganda's Currency in Circulation Rises by Shs100 Billion Amidst Economic Growth
The Bank of Uganda (BoU) published the latest data on the value of currency in circulation:
🟠8.614 trillion Ugandan shillings (about $2.4 billion) in April 2025;
🟠8.718 trillion shillings (about $2.43 billion) in May 2025.
📈 This growth is primarily attributed to the expanding size of the Ugandan economy nominal (GDP):
🟠Shs203.71 trillion ($53.9 billion) in FY 2023/24;
🟠Shs226.34 trillion ($61.3 billion) in FY 2024/25.
Dr. Adam Mugume, BoU's Executive Director of Research, explained that the demand for Ugandan currency rises with transaction volume, as cash is prevalent. Currency supply also increases when the government disburses funds from the central bank.
Despite global financial volatility, the shilling has remained strong, ranking among the most stable currencies in Africa.
Dr. Mugume attributes this resilience to:
🟠sound financial reform;
🟠prudent monetary policy;
🟠consistent foreign exchange inflows from exports, tourism, personal remittances, and offshore investments.
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Burkina Faso Strengthens Its Startup Ecosystem With New Legal Framework
A workshop to validate legal texts to promote startups aims to review and approve a preliminary draft law and its implementing decree.
🎯 The goal is to create a legal environment conducive to innovation.
Faced with rapid startup growth, driven by a dynamic young population and the adoption of technologies, the country is seeking to remove institutional and regulatory barriers.
🌍 The legal framework aims to make Burkina Faso an innovation hub in Africa and beyond, Issa Traoré, Director General of the Agency for Financing and Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, said.
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US Tariffs May Spur South Africa’s Shift to BRICS Markets, Says Expert
The tariffs could raise prices for American consumers and reduce demand for key South African exports like minerals and agriculture, warned Zwelethu Jolobe, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Cape Town.
📉 The tariffs would make these products "uncompetitive," potentially shrinking their US market share, Jolobe told Sputnik Africa.
👉While noting that short-term job losses in agriculture and mining are likely, he warned against overstating the importance of exports to the US. The expert cited "unpredictable" relations, stressing that it is "not the only" export destination.
"I think that the alternative is to look for new markets, number one, and number two, it is to find a lot more opportunities within the existing markets in BRICS," Prof. Jolobe said.
Burundian President Becomes AU Special Envoy to Sahel
✅Evariste Ndayishimiye will lead high-level diplomatic support efforts to address the security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel, the African Union announced in a statement.
"Ndayishimiye brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration and cooperation," the statement noted.
Paris Mobilizes Ahead of Georges Abdallah’s Long-Awaited Release
Supporters of Georges Abdallah took to the streets of Paris ahead of his scheduled release on July 25, after over 40 years in prison. At 74, the Paris Court of Appeal deemed his sentence "disproportionate" and no longer justified from a public safety standpoint.
ℹ️ Abdallah, a Lebanese communist and staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, was convicted in the 1980s for his role in attacks linked to the Lebanese Armed Revolutionary Factions. He has always described himself as a resistance fighter, not a criminal, and cited the struggle against the oppression of Palestine as his driving motivation.
🚫 Though eligible for release since 1999, political pressure—particularly from the US and French governments—has repeatedly blocked it.
Human rights activists and leftist groups have long considered him a political prisoner, and many view this upcoming release as both a legal victory and an indictment of decades-long political interference.
🇱🇧 His release is contingent on immediate deportation to Lebanon, where he plans to live out his remaining years.
Footage by a Sputnik Africa correspondent
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Ethiopia Greenlights Construction of Dangote's Second Cement Plant, Official Says
📍The second cement plant will be built in the Shaggar city — a smart city being built around Addis Ababa, a deputy head of the city's Investment Bureau told a local newspaper.
Land inspections are already underway, the newspaper noted, citing a senior Dangote executive.
✅Dangote's first Ethiopian plant, built in 2015 near the Mugher city at a cost of $500 million, produces 2.5 million tonnes of cement yearly. In February, the company announced a $400 million plan to expand the facility and double production.
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📹 British instructors trained mobilized Ukrainian soldiers to storm buildings for just 30 minutes, a POW told Sputnik
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Moscow, Kiev to Hold Third Round of Talks, Begin Discussing Draft Settlement Deal, Kremlin Says
"We are conducting direct negotiations with representatives of the Kiev regime. It is necessary to hold a third round and begin discussions at the third round of those draft memoranda that the parties have previously exchanged. And here we are talking specifically about direct negotiations, although they are being conducted with the mediation efforts of the United States," Kremlin spox Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Colombian President Announces His Intention to End Relations With NATO
"We must leave NATO, there is no other way. And relations with Europe can no longer be built with those European governments that betray their own people and participate in bombings," Gustavo Petro said on Wednesday, speaking at the closing of the Hague Group summit in Bogota.
"If they impose duties on us, no matter what, other nations will help us and buy our products," Petro said.
Eswatini Holds US-Deported Inmates in Isolation, Plans Transfer to Countries of Origin
Eswatini’s government confirmed it is holding five third-country nationals deported from the US under a deal with President Trump’s administration.
"The Nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens," said acting government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, calling it "the result of months of robust high-level engagements" with the US.
Paris Identifies Russia as Europe’s Primary Threat: ‘Caricatured Analysis,’ Denounces French Geopolitologist
“This is a dangerous policy for France, dangerous for Europe, and more broadly dangerous for the world,” Aymeric Chauprade, a former French MEP, told Sputnik Africa.
“The geopolitical analysis provided is completely biased against Russia and entirely pro-American.”