Author: Steven Peterson

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced plans on Friday to cut around 2,700 jobs, reducing its workforce by 43%. This decision comes as part of broader government restructuring efforts aimed at downsizing federal agencies. The SBA plays a crucial role in supporting small businesses across the nation, which are often referred to as the backbone of the U.S. economy. The layoffs are expected to take place soon, as President Trump pushes for a more efficient and cost-effective government. The Job Cuts The SBA, which currently has a workforce of 6,500 employees, explained that these job cuts would help return…

Operating in China’s rapidly evolving regulatory environment presents unique challenges for foreign companies. In 2025, a company health check is essential for businesses to identify risks, ensure compliance, and optimize operations. A health check assesses areas like financial performance, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, helping businesses adapt to local policies. With the changing landscape of China’s business regulations, foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) can avoid costly penalties and disruptions by conducting proactive assessments. Regular health checks not only ensure smoother operations but also promote long-term success in this competitive market. What is a Company Health Check? A company health check is an…

Former Attorney-General George Brandis has sharply criticized Peter Dutton’s proposal to hold a referendum aimed at allowing the deportation of criminal dual nationals. Brandis called the idea “as mad as I have heard in a long time.” The proposal came after the High Court ruled that only judges, not politicians, could strip individuals of Australian citizenship. Dutton, the opposition leader, insists the move would require constitutional change and claims it’s necessary for national security. Peter Dutton’s Proposal Faces Backlash Peter Dutton recently discussed the possibility of holding a national referendum to change Australia’s constitution and enable the deportation of criminal…

A fresh wave of investments is propelling startups in the MENA region across various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and sustainability. The latest funding rounds reflect strong investor confidence in innovative business models and emerging technologies that are transforming markets regionally and beyond. Aya Raises $1.5 Million to Expand Modest Fashion E-Commerce Saudi e-commerce startup Aya has successfully raised SR6 million ($1.5 million) in seed funding. The investment round was led by Khwarizmi Ventures, with participation from Raed Ventures, Joa Capital, and FENA Holdings, alongside angel investors including Turki Alrajhi. Aya, founded by Munira Al-Kadi and Abdulrahman Al-Ammar, aims to…

The SpaceX Crew-10 mission has successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS), completing a 28-hour orbital journey. The four-member crew docked at the ISS early Sunday morning (March 16), marking another milestone in NASA and SpaceX’s collaboration in space exploration. The mission launched on Friday evening (March 14) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance, docked with the ISS’s Harmony module at 12:04 a.m. EDT (0404 GMT) while orbiting 260 miles (418 kilometers) above the Atlantic Ocean. Meet the Crew of Crew-10 The four astronauts on this mission represent three…

Africa will soon have four new Olympic-sized swimming pools, thanks to a groundbreaking agreement signed in Algiers on March 14, 2025. The deal, made between the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA), World Aquatics, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aims to boost aquatic sports across the continent. The four pools will be built in Angola, Rwanda, Cape Verde, and Lesotho, while Senegal’s existing pool will also be upgraded ahead of the Youth Olympic Games in 2026. Four Pools for Africa The new initiative was finalized at the 22nd General Assembly of ACNOA, held at the “Abdelatif Rahal”…

Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria has been named the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, earning global recognition for his groundbreaking work in clean energy innovation. The prestigious Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work took place in London yesterday, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and youth leaders to honor outstanding young individuals driving positive change across the Commonwealth. Transforming Waste into Clean Energy Anigbogu, the founder and CEO of LightEd, was recognized for his remarkable initiative that converts waste into solar-powered solutions, providing clean energy to over 10,000 refugees across Africa. His passion for sustainable energy solutions…

Chinese artificial intelligence startups are making waves in the global tech industry, signaling a significant shift in technological innovation. During China’s ongoing Two Sessions, AI startup DeepSeek gained widespread attention for its open-source models, which excel in mathematics and natural language reasoning. Experts compare its capabilities to leading models from U.S.-based OpenAI but at a fraction of the development cost. Another AI breakthrough came from the startup Monica.im, whose AI agent, Manus, recently gained traction on social media. Unlike traditional chatbots, Manus performs complex tasks such as resume screening, stock analysis, and website creation, delivering real results rather than just…

Fidelity Bank Ghana, the largest privately owned indigenous bank in the country, has been awarded the prestigious “Best Bank in Financial Inclusion in West Africa” at the 15th Africa Bank 4.0 Summit and Awards – West Africa. The event, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, recognized the bank’s exceptional efforts in bridging the financial gap for millions of unbanked and underbanked Ghanaians. A Decade of Transformative Financial Inclusion The award highlights Fidelity Bank’s commitment to expanding access to banking services over the past decade. The bank’s innovative approach has transformed the financial landscape, ensuring that individuals…

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continues as Barcelona faces Benfica in the second leg at home. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes encounter, with both teams striving for a spot in the quarterfinals. Below, we provide all the essential details, including match timings, streaming options, and how to watch the game live. Barcelona vs Benfica: Key Match Insights Barcelona finished second in their group stage campaign, securing a direct entry into the Round of 16. In the first leg against Benfica, the Catalan giants played with ten men from the 22nd minute but still managed to secure…