Global Pulse

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  • Africa leads growth in solar energy as demand spreads beyond traditional markets, report says

    Africa leads growth in solar energy as demand spreads beyond traditional markets, report says

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Defying a worldwide deceleration in renewable energy expansion, Africa has astonishingly positioned itself as the planet’s most rapidly expanding solar market in 2025. This remarkable growth, meticulously documented in a recent industry analysis, signifies a pivotal shift in the global concentration of renewable energy momentum.

    The Africa Solar Industry Association’s comprehensive report reveals that the continent’s installed solar capacity witnessed a robust 17% surge last year. This acceleration was predominantly fueled by a substantial influx of competitively priced, Chinese-manufactured solar panels. While the global solar power capacity increased by 23% to 618 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, this represented a significant slowdown from the 44% growth rate recorded in 2024, making Africa’s performance particularly standout.

    Cynthia Angweya-Muhati, Acting CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association, emphasized the crucial role of international partnership, stating, ‘Chinese enterprises are fundamentally propelling Africa’s green energy transformation. They are making assertive investments and establishing resilient supply chains within the continent’s burgeoning green ecosystem.’

    However, a notable implementation gap persists. Data indicates that although nearly 64 gigawatts peak (GWp) of solar equipment has been shipped to Africa since 2017, the operational capacity currently stands at only 23.4 GWp. A gigawatt peak denotes one billion watts of maximum potential power output under ideal conditions.

    John Van Zuylen, CEO of the Africa Solar Industry Association, attributed this sustained growth to strategic policy evolution. ‘Solar energy has transcended its status as a niche interest of a few early adopters to become a widespread continental priority,’ he commented during the Inter Solar Africa summit in Nairobi. ‘The current trajectory is not ephemeral; it is the result of policies successfully aligning with potent market dynamics.’

    The market landscape is also diversifying. Historically, South Africa was the dominant force, once accounting for approximately half of all solar panel imports. Its share has now receded to below one-third as demand skyrockets across the continent. In a striking demonstration of this broadening appeal, 20 African nations established new annual import records in 2025, with 25 countries each importing a minimum of 100 megawatts of capacity.

    Nigeria has now eclipsed Egypt to become Africa’s second-largest solar importer. The driving force behind this shift is the practical and cost-effective nature of solar energy coupled with battery storage, offering a reliable alternative to expensive diesel generators and an unstable national grid. Algeria experienced a meteoric rise with year-on-year imports soaring over thirty times, while Zambia and Botswana also recorded significant surges.

    The report further highlights that at least 23 African nations, including South Africa, Tunisia, Kenya, Chad, and the Central African Republic, now generate over 5% of their electricity from solar sources.

    A key enabler of this boom is the precipitous decline in costs. Prices for solar panels and, crucially, battery storage units—primarily sourced from China—have fallen dramatically. Battery storage costs in Africa dropped to $112 per kilowatt-hour in 2025, down from an average of $144 in 2023, thanks to technological advancements yielding more flexible and durable systems.

    Van Zuylen noted the profound impact of this trend: ‘This ever-decreasing price of storage carries game-changing implications for a continent with an acute need for stable, baseload power.’

    Policy reforms are also playing a critical role. In Nigeria, the phased removal of diesel subsidies over the past two years has made diesel progressively more expensive, effectively pushing businesses and households toward solar alternatives. This policy was implemented incrementally across sectors to mitigate economic shock. In a major development for regional manufacturing, Nigeria announced plans in September for a 1 GW solar panel factory, poised to be the largest in West Africa. Similar facilities are currently under construction in Egypt, South Africa, and Ethiopia.

    As Africa ambitiously moves to develop its indigenous manufacturing capabilities, the industry is looking towards China for knowledge transfer to mitigate the continent’s reliance on imported equipment and technology.

    The economic benefits extend far beyond manufacturing. Van Zuylen pointed to a parallel jobs boom, explaining, ‘The solar employment surge is occurring in service sectors such as installation, maintenance, distribution, and financing, where thousands of small and medium enterprises are emerging to cater to the escalating demand.’

    Despite the optimistic outlook, significant challenges remain. A primary obstacle is policy inconsistency. Unlike regions such as the Middle East, where governments publish clear, long-term energy roadmaps, many African markets lack stable policy signals. Solar firms operating across the continent cite unpredictable tax structures, fluctuating import duties, and ambiguous long-term energy strategies as factors that erode investor confidence.

    Amos Wemanya, Senior Analyst on Renewable Energy at Powershift Africa, succinctly captured the issue: ‘The problem is not the opportunity. It’s visibility. If a government announces a plan, companies need to have trust that it will remain in place.’

  • Explained: UAE updates FS1, FS2 school admission rules under new age cut-off

    Explained: UAE updates FS1, FS2 school admission rules under new age cut-off

    The UAE Ministry of Education has unveiled significant revisions to admission protocols for Foundation Stage placements in British curriculum private schools, establishing a more nuanced approach to early childhood education entry. Effective from the 2026-27 academic year, the updated framework introduces three pivotal modifications: mandatory readiness evaluations for certain age groups, a singular transitional placement opportunity, and stringent restrictions on subsequent grade transfers.

    The policy shift extends the age eligibility cutoff from August 31 to December 31, aligning placement decisions with the admission year rather than the conventional month-based system. This adjustment primarily benefits children born between September and December who previously faced challenges of joining academic cohorts alongside significantly older peers.

    Under the new provisions, institutions may conduct comprehensive readiness assessments for children born between September 1 and December 31 who haven’t reached three years of age by the academic year’s commencement. These evaluations, performed in collaboration with parents, will determine appropriate FS1 placement suitability. For those demonstrating insufficient preparedness, deferred enrollment until the subsequent academic year remains an option.

    The ministry has instituted a unique transitional measure for children born between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, without prior educational system enrollment. During the 2026-27 academic year only, parents and educational institutions may collaboratively determine optimal placement between FS1 and FS2 tiers.

    A critical stipulation mandates that once students are enrolled in a specific grade, subsequent transfers to alternative grades are expressly prohibited. The policy differentiates between academic calendars, maintaining March 31 as the cutoff for institutions commencing their academic year in April, while the December 31 benchmark applies exclusively to schools with August or September start dates.

    The updated guidelines also address other curriculum structures, clarifying that five-year-old children without prior school registration should generally enroll in KG2 if they reach five years of age by December 31 of the enrollment year. Similar to the British curriculum exception, a transitional provision exists for the 2026-27 academic year permitting children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021, to enroll in either KG1 or KG2 based on assessment results.

  • In Zimbabwe, cash bouquets and scrap metal gifts rival flowers as coveted Valentine’s tokens of love

    In Zimbabwe, cash bouquets and scrap metal gifts rival flowers as coveted Valentine’s tokens of love

    HARARE, Zimbabwe — In a nation where economic pragmatism intersects with romantic expression, Zimbabweans are redefining Valentine’s Day traditions through innovative gift-giving practices that reflect both financial realities and environmental consciousness.

    The emerging trend of money bouquets—carefully crafted arrangements of U.S. dollar bills woven with floral elements—has transformed from social media novelty to mainstream Valentine’s phenomenon. Across traditional markets and digital platforms like TikTok, artisans are meeting growing demand for these hybrid creations that combine financial utility with romantic symbolism.

    At Harare’s established flower market, veteran florist Tongai Mufandaedza demonstrates the intricate process of assembling money bouquets. “The market has significantly improved due to these creations,” noted Mufandaedza, who has three decades of industry experience. “For Valentine’s Day, we anticipate substantially increased customer traffic as everyone seeks to make impressive gestures.”

    The pricing structure reveals interesting market dynamics: a $10 monetary bouquet sells for $25, while traditional rose arrangements command $35-40. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with practical value, drives their appeal in an economy where liquidity often outweighs luxury.

    Generation Z consumers enthusiastically embrace this trend, with 23-year-old Kimberleigh Kawadza expressing full approval: “The innovator behind this concept deserves recognition. It represents perfect appreciation for partners.”

    Interestingly, the trend spans generations, with parents reportedly purchasing money bouquets for daughters to prevent them from seeking “sugar daddies” who might exploit financial incentives.

    The U.S. dollar’s dominance in Zimbabwean transactions—stemming from 2009’s hyperinflation crisis—creates unique logistical challenges. The scarcity of crisp bills has spawned secondary businesses supplying pristine notes for bouquets, as worn currency proves unsuitable for decorative purposes.

    Parallel to monetary expressions, environmental sustainability shapes another gifting innovation: recycled metal creations. At Harare’s Simpli Simbi boutique (“simbi” meaning metal in Shona), artisans transform discarded automotive parts and scrap metal into heartfelt keepsakes.

    Founder Stephanie Charlton explained the philosophy: “We revitalize previously unloved materials into beautiful, permanent treasures. Each piece carries meaningful narratives beyond temporary chocolates or flowers.”

    This environmentally conscious approach attracts growing local clientele, signaling shifting attitudes toward sustainable consumption despite economic pressures.

    Notably, Zimbabwe lacks the restrictive policies implemented elsewhere, such as Kenya’s recent warnings of severe penalties for currency manipulation in bouquets—a contrast highlighting different regulatory approaches to similar trends across Africa.

  • Thailand uses a birth control vaccine to curb its elephant population near expanding farms

    Thailand uses a birth control vaccine to curb its elephant population near expanding farms

    Thai wildlife authorities have initiated a pioneering conservation strategy by administering contraceptive vaccines to wild elephants in response to escalating human-elephant conflicts. This scientific intervention addresses the critical situation where expanding agricultural activities increasingly encroach upon natural elephant habitats, forcing the animals into human settlements in search of sustenance.

    According to official statistics from Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation Office, wild elephants were responsible for 30 human fatalities and 29 injuries last year, alongside more than 2,000 documented incidents of crop destruction. Sukhee Boonsang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, emphasized that population management has become essential as elephant numbers in proximity to residential areas continue to rise dramatically.

    The vaccination program utilizes an American-developed immunocontraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy for seven years without suppressing ovulation. Instead, the vaccine works by blocking egg fertilization. Following a successful two-year trial involving seven domesticated elephants that consumed seven vaccine doses, authorities administered the treatment to three wild elephants in Trat province in late January. With 15 remaining doses available, conservationists are currently identifying subsequent priority areas for implementation.

    While the program specifically targets regions experiencing the most severe human-elephant conflicts—where wild elephant birth rates reach 8.2% annually compared to the national average of 3.5%—it has faced criticism from conservation advocates concerned about potential impacts on elephant preservation efforts. Approximately 800 of Thailand’s estimated 4,400 wild elephants inhabit these high-conflict zones.

    Sukhee defended the initiative, stating that without intervention, the situation would become unmanageable for affected communities. The contraception program operates alongside complementary measures including creating additional forest water and food sources, installing protective barriers, and deploying rangers to redirect stray elephants.

    The urgency of these interventions was highlighted recently when a court-ordered relocation operation in Khon Kaen province resulted in the tragic death of an elephant from anesthesia-induced choking. Department of National Parks Director General Athapol Charoenshunsa expressed regret while maintaining that established protocols were followed, with an investigation underway to prevent future incidents.

  • Bangladesh’s BNP wins parliamentary election

    Bangladesh’s BNP wins parliamentary election

    In a decisive political development, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a parliamentary majority in the nation’s pivotal general election, according to projections from local broadcaster Ekattor TV. The results, tallied as vote counting progressed through Friday, indicate the BNP secured 151 seats in the 300-member parliament, surpassing the crucial halfway mark required to form a government.

    This electoral outcome represents a significant political shift for the South Asian nation, which has experienced considerable political turbulence in recent years. The election was widely viewed as a critical test for Bangladesh’s democratic processes, with international observers closely monitoring the proceedings.

    The BNP’s return to power marks a substantial reversal of political fortunes after years in opposition. Political analysts suggest this victory could herald a new chapter of governance characterized by different policy priorities and international alignments. The election’s conduct and results are being interpreted as a potential stabilizing force for the country’s political landscape, though the transition period will be closely watched for signs of continuity or change in Bangladesh’s domestic and foreign policy directions.

    The substantial majority provides the incoming government with a strong mandate to implement its legislative agenda, though the precise composition of the final parliament remains subject to official confirmation from electoral authorities. The transition of power is expected to proceed following the formal certification of results.

  • The Hindu who stood up for a Muslim and became a hero

    The Hindu who stood up for a Muslim and became a hero

    In an extraordinary display of interfaith solidarity, a Hindu gym owner from Kotdwar, Uttarakhand has emerged as an unexpected national icon after defending a Muslim shopkeeper from religious harassment. Deepak Kumar, 42, intervened on January 26 when he witnessed activists from the hardline Hindu group Bajrang Dal accosting 68-year-old Vakeel Ahmed over his shop name ‘Baba School Dress and Matching Centre’.

    The confrontation escalated when approximately half a dozen vigilantes demanded Ahmed remove ‘Baba’ from his establishment’s signage—a term commonly used across religious lines in India to denote respected elders or spiritual figures. The activists claimed the reference exclusively belonged to Siddhabali Baba, a local Hindu temple deity, and insisted a Muslim merchant had no rights to its usage.

    Kumar’s spontaneous intervention, captured in a viral video, shows him challenging the group’s religious discrimination with the poignant question: ‘Are Muslims not citizens of India?’ When pressed for identification, he deliberately responded ‘Mohammad Deepak’—a symbolic fusion of Hindu and Muslim names—asserting his Indian identity transcends religious boundaries.

    The incident has triggered polarized reactions across the nation. While political figures like Congress MP Rahul Gandhi hailed Kumar as ‘a hero of India’ fighting for constitutional values, the gym owner faced vehement backlash from right-wing groups. Over 150 Bajrang Dal supporters protested outside his business, and Kumar received numerous death threats alongside abusive social media messages.

    The aftermath has taken a personal toll: Kumar’s previously thriving gym now operates at barely 10% capacity as patrons withdraw due to safety concerns, creating financial strain. His family reportedly lives in fear amid ongoing harassment. Nevertheless, support has poured in nationally, with strangers purchasing gym memberships in solidarity and social media users celebrating his courage.

    Police have registered cases from both parties—against unidentified harassers following Ahmed’s complaint, and against Kumar himself based on allegations from Hindu activists. The case continues to spark national dialogue about religious coexistence, constitutional rights, and rising communalism in contemporary India.

    Despite the consequences, Kumar remains resolute, stating: ‘If we remain silent today, tomorrow our children will also learn the same silence.’ His stance has been widely characterized in Indian media as a rare beacon of hope in increasingly polarized times.

  • Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?

    Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?

    Australia’s political landscape has been rocked by the dramatic ousting of Sussan Ley as Liberal Party leader after just nine months in the role, sparking intense debate about gender dynamics in conservative politics. Ley, who made history as the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, was replaced by Angus Taylor in a leadership ballot that saw Taylor prevail 34 votes to 17, with Senator Jane Hume elected as deputy leader.

    The leadership change comes amid what political analysts describe as a perfect storm of challenges for the opposition party. Following the most devastating election defeat in the modern Liberal Party’s history last May, the new leader faced the monumental task of unifying fractured party factions, managing a deteriorating coalition with the National Party, overhauling rejected policies, and repairing the party’s reputation with female voters who had abandoned them en masse.

    Ley’s brief tenure has reignited discussions about the ‘glass cliff’ phenomenon—where women and minorities are promoted to leadership positions during times of crisis, setting them up for higher failure risk. Professor Michelle Ryan, Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and coiner of the term, identified Ley’s situation as a textbook case: ‘There was just crisis on every front… it’s classic glass cliff.’

    Yet perspectives on Ley’s downfall diverge sharply. Her supporters argue gender played a significant role in her premature departure, claiming she was never given a fair chance to succeed. Her opponents, including veteran political commentator Niki Savva, counter that performance, not gender, determined her fate. Savva noted Ley’s approval rating had plummeted to negative 39—the worst performance for an opposition leader in 23 years—and criticized her lack of conviction on key issues.

    The leadership saga highlights broader questions about diversity in Australian politics. While the Labor Party has achieved gender parity in its caucus (57% women) through ambitious quotas implemented over three decades, the Coalition remains approximately one-third female and has resisted quota systems. This reluctance has contributed to the rise of independent female ‘Teal’ candidates who now dominate the crossbench.

    As Taylor assumes leadership, the Liberal Party faces mounting pressure to address internal disunity and better reflect modern Australia’s diversity. The rapid leadership change represents another chapter in the party’s ongoing struggle to adapt to contemporary political realities while maintaining its traditional base.

  • UAE clarifies age cutoff for school admission, ‘one-time measure’ for some pupils

    UAE clarifies age cutoff for school admission, ‘one-time measure’ for some pupils

    The UAE Ministry of Education has issued updated guidance regarding newly implemented age cutoff regulations for school admissions, addressing widespread concerns among parents. The clarification specifically addresses children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, who are not currently enrolled in any educational system.

    For the 2026-2027 academic year only, these children will be subject to a special transitional measure. According to the ministry’s statement released Thursday, schools and parents will be permitted to collaboratively determine whether Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) or Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) represents the most appropriate educational placement for each child.

    The policy update directly responds to parental anxieties about children potentially needing to skip entire grade levels. The ministry further clarified that if a child demonstrates insufficient readiness for FS2, they may instead enroll in FS1 during the subsequent academic year. However, the authority emphasized a firm stipulation: once a student is formally enrolled in any grade level, subsequent transfers to alternative grades are prohibited.

    This development follows the ministry’s initial announcement in December 2025, which adjusted the kindergarten and Grade 1 admission age cutoff from August 31 to a new date. The updated regulation applies universally to all educational institutions commencing their academic years in August or September. Schools operating on an April start cycle will continue to utilize March 31 as their cutoff reference. Importantly, the policy exclusively governs new student admissions, ensuring current enrollees remain unaffected by the changes.

  • ‘Everyone knows somebody affected’ – small Canadian town united in grief after mass shooting

    ‘Everyone knows somebody affected’ – small Canadian town united in grief after mass shooting

    The tranquil community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, confronts unimaginable grief following a devastating school shooting that resulted in nine fatalities, including six children. This tight-knit mining town of approximately 2,400 residents, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, has seen its sense of security irrevocably shattered by Tuesday’s tragedy.

    Authorities have identified the victims, among them 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, remembered by family as remarkably resilient, and classmate Kylie Smith, described as her family’s radiant light with aspirations of attending art school. The suspected perpetrator, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Shockingly, police confirmed Van Rootselaar’s mother and step-brother were among those killed at a separate residential location prior to the school attack.

    The sequence of events began Tuesday at approximately 13:30 local time when police responded to active shooter reports at the secondary school. Approximately 160 students were present during the lockdown. Darian Quist, a 17-year-old student, recounted barricading himself with fifteen classmates in their mechanics classroom using metal tables after receiving emergency alerts on their phones. They remained sheltered for over two hours before Royal Canadian Mounted Police and SWAT teams safely evacuated them.

    Community pastor Tracy Krauss reflected on the town’s transformed perception of safety, noting that residents previously dismissed security concerns as unnecessary in their peaceful community. The tragedy has permeated every aspect of town life, with Krauss emphasizing that virtually every resident has been personally affected, stating simply: ‘Everybody knows somebody.’

    Memorials featuring flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes have expanded outside the school as the community processes one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings. Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed national solidarity and is scheduled to visit the grieving community Friday.

    Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, revealing that police had previously responded to multiple mental health calls involving Van Rootselaar and had temporarily seized firearms from the suspect’s household, though these were later returned following a successful petition. Authorities confirmed the suspect’s firearms license had expired in 2024 but haven’t disclosed how he obtained the weapons used in the shooting.

    Local federal Conservative parliament member Bob Zimmer acknowledged the community’s need for mourning while recognizing that difficult conversations about mental health support systems and firearm regulations await in the aftermath. Despite the darkness currently enveloping Tumbler Ridge, Zimmer emphasized the community’s desire to ultimately be defined by its natural beauty as a UNESCO-recognized geopark and its compassionate residents rather than this week’s tragedy.

  • US troops handover al-Tanf military base to Syria

    US troops handover al-Tanf military base to Syria

    In a significant strategic shift in the Middle East, United States forces have formally withdrawn from the strategic al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, transferring control to Syrian government troops. The move, confirmed by both US Central Command and Syria’s defense ministry on Thursday, represents a deliberate reorientation of American military presence in the region.

    The al-Tanf base, situated at the critical tri-border junction of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, served as a key operational hub since its establishment following the 2014 intervention against Islamic State. US Central Command characterized the departure as an ‘orderly withdrawal’ executed as part of a ‘conditions-based transition’ to consolidate American positions throughout Syria.

    This withdrawal forms part of a broader American strategic pivot away from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) toward supporting President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. The Trump administration appears to be facilitating Damascus’s ability to fill security vacuums created by the US drawdown, while reportedly relying on regional allies including Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to bolster the Syrian government.

    Concurrently, the United States has overseen the transfer of thousands of Islamic State group prisoners from northeastern Syria—previously guarded by SDF forces—to detention facilities in Iraq.

    The base’s strategic significance extended beyond counterterrorism operations, having evolved into a crucial node for disrupting Iranian supply lines to the Assad government and Hezbollah following ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2019. The installation previously came under attack from Iran-aligned militias in 2024 amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

    This realignment follows earlier administration support for offensive operations by Sharaa’s forces against the SDF, which resulted in the Kurdish-led group ceding substantial territories to Damascus. A subsequent US-brokered agreement will integrate SDF fighters into the Syrian army while permitting Kurdish forces to maintain security oversight in Kurdish-majority areas.

    The al-Tanf garrison previously housed US troops alongside a contingent of US-trained Arab rebel fighters. Reports indicate withdrawing personnel will redeploy to Jordan, where America maintains an established network of desert bases along the border region.