Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan Small and medium enterprises banking with the Togo-based Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), have a chance to borrow part of $200 million, FMO, the Dutch development bank, has made available for SME growth across the continent. Ecobank Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi, said new transaction …

  Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Kenya’s High Court on Monday ordered immigration authorities to allow an outspoken member of the opposition alliance to return to the country, after his deportation earlier this month. Miguna Miguna, a firebrand member of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition, was forced onto an …

Brussels, Belgium | AFP | The EU’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini on Monday demanded that a UN-backed ceasefire in Syria be implemented “immediately”, as fresh government strikes on rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta killed 10 civilians. Mogherini said a UN Security Council resolution passed Saturday calling for a 30-day ceasefire …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Coffee roasters and buyers flocking to Kenya in their annual pilgrimage for the pick of the crop have driven average prices for the beans to the highest level in three years. The cost of a 50-kilogram bag of AA grade coffee fetched $679 at …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s beverage company, Coca- Cola has launched a new drink – Fuze Tea – a unique blend of tea extract and fruit flavors created through a process that ensures a delightful fusion of tea, fruit, herbs and other natural ingredients. Launched on Feb.12 at …

Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | Pope Francis on Sunday called for an immediate end to violence in Syria to allow aid deliveries, especially in the rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta which has been hit by regime bombardment. “This February has been one of the most violent (periods) in …

Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Christian leaders took the rare step on Sunday of closing Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where tradition holds Jesus was buried, in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. It was not clear how long the closure of the church, …

Douma, Syria | AFP | New regime air strikes and heavy clashes shook Syria’s rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta on Sunday despite a UN demand for a ceasefire to end one of the most ferocious assaults of Syria’s civil war. After days of diplomatic wrangling, the Security Council on Saturday …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Harry Kane struck late to secure Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday that moved Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the top four immediately ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Manchester United. Spurs appeared set for disappointment after struggling to break down a Crystal …

Kinshasa, DR Congo | AFP | At least two people were wounded as police fired live bullets and tear gas Sunday to break up a banned protest against DR Congo President Joseph Kabila in Kisangani, the country’s third largest city, as tensions mounted nationwide. An AFP journalist in the northeastern …