Stories about Economics & Business from June, 2020
Network marketing in Tanzania turns billionaire dreams into nightmares
Network marketing companies have mushroomed in Tanzania over the last five years, preying on vulnerable youth with billionaire dreams that often end in huge financial losses.
Fish prices spike as Cameroon’s mangroves face total depletion
Cameroonians rely heavily on mangroves for fish and firewood, but exploiting its resources has pushed it to the brink. A spike in fish prices is largely blamed on mangrove depletion.
No medicine, no healing: Sudan’s pharmaceutical crisis
Since 2016, medicine prices in Sudan have risen exponentially. To make matters worse, the government’s central bank lacks the foreign currency necessary to import essential drugs from abroad.
Migrant workers face racism and rampant human rights violations across the Gulf
Migrant workers in the Gulf region are being subjected to a fierce campaign calling for their deportation that is riddled with racist speeches and hatred.
Surprise in Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister rejects the renewal of license for major gold mine
Papua New Guinea's decision not to renew a major mining lease has ignited an intense discussion about its economic impact and the future of the country’s mining sector.
Tanzanian women’s savings and loan groups in flux during COVID-19
In Tanzania and around the world, COVID-19 exposes the vulnerability of microfinance savings and loan groups during large-scale crises.
In Guinea, COVID-19 roadblocks result in bloody protests
On May 12, Guinea was rocked by bloody violence between security forces and citizens exasperated by power cuts and COVID-19 prevention roadblocks.
Silicon Valley tech giants race to build Africa's internet infrastructure. Should Africa worry?
Google and Facebook are building undersea internet cables for Africans with access to high-speed internet — but 33 nations in Africa still don't have comprehensive data privacy laws.
Restarting Caribbean economies under threat of COVID-19
As a major source of foreign exchange and employment for most of the region, safely opening up borders to overseas visitors has become ever more pressing.
Is the Caribbean winning the fight against COVID-19?
Could the region be past the worst — or simply enjoying a quieter period before the much-feared second wave?
