African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate change, with the continent experiencing a significant impact from global warming, according to a new report released Monday. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that African countries are allocating up to 9% of their budgets to climate adaptation. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the accelerated warming in Africa, which is outpacing the global average and impacting food security, public health, and stability. Despite contributing less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The report, focusing on 2023—one of Africa’s hottest years—urges investment in early warning systems and meteorological services. Without adequate measures, up to 118 million Africans could face severe weather events by 2030. In sub-Saharan Africa, adaptation costs could reach $30-50 billion per year over the next decade. Recent extreme weather events, including floods affecting 300,000 people in West Africa and a severe drought in Zambia, underscore the urgency. The pattern of extreme weather continues into 2024, with significant flooding in the Sahel and an unprecedented heat wave in West Africa earlier this year.

New research shows a nearly tenfold increase in losses to Bitcoin ATM scams since 2020, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said Tuesday. “Since 2020, the amount consumers reported losing has increased nearly tenfold to over $110 million in 2023,” it said in a report. The FTC said that fraud losses to Bitcoin ATMs have topped $65 million in the first six months of this year. “During this timeframe, consumers over the age of 60 were more than three times as likely as younger adults to report losing money to Bitcoin ATM scams,” it said. “Across all ages, the median loss reported in the first half of this year was a staggering $10,000.” Bitcoin ATMs, which are machines that look like a traditional ATM, are often found at convenience stores, gasoline stations and other high-traffic areas, said the FTC. Instead of distributing cash, they accept cash in exchange for cryptocurrency. “Their use by scammers, who urge consumers to deposit cash into them to ‘protect’ their savings, is on the rise,” it added. Most scam losses involving Bitcoin ATMs come as a result of government impersonation, business impersonation, and tech support scams, according to the agency. “The lies told by scammers vary, but they all create some urgent justification for consumers to take cash out of their bank accounts and put it into a Bitcoin ATM. As soon as consumers scan a QR code provided by scammers at the machine, their cash is deposited straight into the scammers’ crypto account,” it noted. The FTC advised consumers to never click on links or respond directly to unexpected calls, messages, or computer pop-ups, adding: “If you think it could be legitimate, contact the company or agency, but look up their number or website yourself. Don’t use the phone number the caller or message gave you.” The agency also advised consumers to slow down in their actions, avoid rushing, and never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message. “Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM, buy gift cards, or move money to protect it or fix a problem. Real businesses and government agencies will never do that – and anyone who asks is a scammer,” it warned.

Aspen Pharmacare is exploring the production of mpox vaccines to address the ongoing outbreak in Africa.

Nigeria and China strengthen cooperation in Belt and Road initiative, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

China’s economic influence in Angola is growing as the nation seeks more financing to support its economic development and import of Chinese goods.

The refinery, located on the outskirts of Lagos, has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day

Nigeria grapples with a worsening fuel crisis, causing long queues, rising prices, and economic hardship for its citizens.

An examination of the potential impact of the decline in OPEC oil output on global energy prices and economic growth.

Saudi Arabia and Libya have stepped in to support Egypt’s energy crisis by financing the purchase of gas cargoes worth over $200 million.

Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed, including projects in geothermal energy and pharmaceuticals.

African leaders meet in Beijing as China seeks to boost exports of electric vehicles and solar panels.

At a Beijing summit with African leaders china has committed to strengthening its Belt and Road initiative by ensuring high-quality infrastructure cooperation.

The blockade has caused severe economic hardship and threatens to destabilize the entire country.

South Africa’s platinum mining industry is facing an irreversible decline due to low prices and decreasing demand caused by the rise of battery electric vehicles.

Nigeria aims to engage operators who can ensure the reliability and sustainability of these refineries to support the nation’s fuel supply and energy security

The Cardinal Namdini mine is expected to produce over 350,000 ounces of gold annually.

South African Reserve Bank governor believes that successful reforms could lift the country’s economic potential beyond its current growth rate.

Despite IMF pressure, the central bank continues to support the government’s spending.

From 2012 to 2018, Africa received over $10 billion annually in loans from China, driven largely by President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

A frost in Limpopo, South Africa, has damaged potato crops, leading to a 15% increase in potato prices nationwide.

Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has doubled its electricity production after two more turbines started operating.

The losses amount to billions of dollars and have had devastating consequences for the country’s economy.

The Faleme River, a vital source of water for thousands in Senegal, is facing significant pollution from gold mining.

Over 31.8 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity due to security challenges and the removal of fuel subsidies, according to a recent study.