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Sahel elites must move away from ‘zero-sum’ policies, report urges


LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES – Newsaktuell – 30 April 2024 – A dual economic strategy focusing on domestic economic development and international partnerships to address the underlying challenges facing the Sahel region could help Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Sudan to build more resilient institutions and foster long-term development, a recently published report says.

Turning away from the West towards Russia and China: Supporters of Niger's National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) wave the Chinese flag and flag bearing the logo of private military Company Wagner, in Niamey on September 16, 2023. (Photo by AFP/DNA) / More information via ots and www.presseportal.de/en/nr/174021 / The use of this image for editorial purposes is permitted and free of charge provided that all conditions of use are complied with. Publication must include image credits.
Turning away from the West towards Russia and China: Supporters of Niger’s National Council of Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) wave the Chinese flag and flag bearing the logo of private military Company Wagner, in Niamey on September 16, 2023. (Photo by AFP/DNA) / More information via ots and www.presseportal.de/en/nr/174021 / The use of this image for editorial purposes is permitted and free of charge provided that all conditions of use are complied with. Publication must include image credits.

The report by the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) argues that the four countries should aim to transition away from relying exclusively on resource extraction. It attributes much of the challenges facing the four countries on unsustainable economic policies which focus on the export of raw materials.

Despite some improvements in terms of public goods provision – in particular regarding social and environmental public goods – these countries continue to face significant developmental challenges, ranking among the world’s poorest.

Titled “Political Instability and Economic Development in the Sahel: Governance in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Sudan since 2000”, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the political instability and economic challenges facing the region. It evaluates scores from the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI), which is based on data from 2000 to 2019.

The four countries rank among the 20 lowest ranked nations on the United Nations’ Human Development Index. All of them have experienced at least one coup or coup attempt since 2020. In Niger, the military took power in July 2023, in Burkina Faso in 2022, while the most recent coup in Mali took place in 2021. In Sudan, an ongoing violent power struggle between different military factions has caused the world’s largest refugee crisis of the past year.

“This political upheaval is both the result and the cause of economic difficulty”, the report states. “Scarcity breeds instability, which in turn makes development, investment, and growth more difficult, further fuelling dysfunctional governance, and deepening dependencies.”

Before the coup in July 2023, Niger was seen as the last democratic partner of the Western industrialized nations in the region and an ally in the battle against terrorism and migration to Europe. Neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso have also turned against the West and have improved relations with Russia.

The four Sahel states are highly dependent on overseas development aid (ODA), which makes them more susceptible to the policies of their donors. Colonial-era economic structures in the region have led to underdevelopment and inequality. The effects of this legacy can be felt until the present day and have resulted in a hugely uneven distribution of wealth as well as corruption, rent seeking and uneven infrastructure, the report finds.

The former colonial power France has scaled back its military engagement in the Sahel, as have the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations. Washington recently agreed to withdraw around 1,000 troops from Niger, while 12,000 UN peacekeepers are to leave Mali at the end of the year. The European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP) in Niger is also forced to leave.

However, this leaves the door open for other players, the authors argue. Russia has become increasingly active, for example via the Wagner group. Trade between the country and the Sahel region has also benefitted from the coups. “China is also an increasingly important player due to its control over supply chains of critical minerals”, the report adds.

In the Sahel region, most of the economic output comes from exporting raw materials. Gold, for example, accounts for 74 and 73 percent of export value in Burkina Faso and Mali respectively. Other commodities exported include oil, radioactive ores such as uranium, raw cotton, livestock or palm oil.

With elites competing over the unevenly distributed resources, politics becomes what the authors call “zero sum”, with no-one trying to develop the economy further. This dynamic, they say, also serves as an explanation for the recent rash of coups in the region.

The climate crisis adds to the situation, according to the report. For instance, erratic rainfall exacerbates malnutrition, indirectly contributing to violence. On the other hand, the Sahel has a lot of potential for generating solar power. Partnerships with more developed countries or international donors could be particularly helpful to develop the sector.

“The public goods improvements we have witnessed in the Sahel are likely unsustainable in the context of low (and often declining) democratic accountability and a continued reliance of extractive export models and subsistence agriculture, in particular given the high fertility rates in the region, which are among the highest in the world”, the report says.

If the states in the Sahel area emphasize domestic economic development, including a focus on the production of value-added goods and sustainable agriculture, they can build resilience and reduce dependency on external actors, the report concludes.

“The EU’s best chance at facilitating strong connections and countering geopolitical competitors is by building strong economic ties and mutually beneficial relationships”, it says. This is especially vital, it adds, in the face of the rising influence of Russia and China. +++

Further coverage by the Democracy News Alliance can be found in the DNA digital newsroom at https://www.presseportal.de/en/nr/174021

This text and the accompanying material (photos and graphics) is an offer from the Democracy News Alliance, a close co-operation between Agence France-Presse (AFP, France), Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA, Italy), The Canadian Press (CP, Canada), Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa, Germany) and PA Media (PA, UK). All recipients can use this material without the need for a separate subscription agreement with one or more of the participating agencies. This includes the recipient’s right to publish the material in own products.

The DNA content is an independent journalistic service that operates separately from the other services of the participating agencies. It is produced by editorial units that are not involved in the production of the agencies’ main news services. Nevertheless, the editorial standards of the agencies and their assurance of completely independent, impartial and unbiased reporting also apply here.

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Huangshan Tourism Group partners with Alipay to launch “International Visitor Friendly Scenic Spot” ahead of May Day holiday


HUANGSHAN, CHINA Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2024 – Huangshan Tourism Group, which operates “the loveliest mountain of China” Huangshan, announced its partnership with Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform, to launch the “International Visitor Friendly Scenic Spot” initiative. The initiative aims to enhance the travel experience of global visitors in China ahead of a major holiday in the country, the May Day holiday.

“International Visitor Friendly Scenic Spot” initiative, first of its kind in China, launched in Huangshan

The “International Visitor Friendly Scenic Spot” initiative is the first of its kind in China. The initiative helps global travelers visiting Huangshan enjoy convenient payment options, including card, mobile payment and cash, as well as claim tailored digital red packet to enjoy shopping discounts and check travel guide and tips in 16 languages.

Huangshan Tourism Group will also collaborate with Alipay to launch local Hui culture experience tours and activities for international tourists.

“The beautiful scenery of Mount Huangshan and splendid Hui culture are must-have experiences when traveling in Huangshan. We hope to enhance global travelers’ experience through digital solutions on Alipay platform,” said Jiajia Li, vice president of Alipay business group at Ant Group.

An increasing number of overseas tourists are visiting China given the expansion of the visa-free policy and continued recovery of international flights. Official data showed the number of foreign nationals visiting China in the first quarter of 2024 increased more than three times year-on-year.

Huangshan is the top tourist attraction for international visitors to Anhui Province. After the mutual visa-free policy between China and Singapore went into effect in February, 2024, the first week of visa-free travel between the two countries saw the transaction volume via Alipay from Singaporeans visiting Huangshan increase by over 400% year-on-year.

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, has been guiding banks and mobile payment companies to take measures to optimize payment experience for international visitors.

Recent data from Alipay shows that in March 2024, transaction volume by international tourists using Alipay in the Chinese mainland increased by nearly 10 times compared to that of last year and the number of transactions increased by 8 times year-on-year.

Alipay enables international visitors to pay at tens of millions of merchants across China after downloading the app and linking an international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, and Diners Club International®. Beyond providing a convenient and secure mobile payment service, Alipay collaborates with industry partners to offer global tourists various travel services to enhance their travel experience in China. These easy-to-access services include online translation, car-hailing, public transport, hotel booking, and train ticket booking, which are all available on the homepage of Alipay.

In addition to using Alipay to pay like a local in China, international tourists can also use their home e-wallet while traveling around China. These home e-wallets include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia) and Kakao Pay (South Korea), Hipay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay (South Korea), Toss Pay (South Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand), and NayaPay (Pakistan).

Hashtag: #HuangshanTourismGroup #Alipay

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Jiangxi’s Cultural and Tourism Promotion Shines in Malaysia, Inviting Tourists to Explore Picturesque Jiangxi


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2024 – On April 18th local time, the opening ceremony of the Southeast Asia Cultural and Tourism Promotion Season themed “Jiangxi’s Scenery is Unique” and the Malaysia “Jiangxi Day” event were officially launched at the Kuala Lumpur China Cultural Center. This event brought Jiangxi’s calligraphy and painting culture, ceramic culture, and tourism products to Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the rich cultural and tourism resources of Jiangxi and serving as a strong testimony to the deepening exchange and mutual learning between the two regions.

Jiangxi's Cultural and Tourism Promotion Shines in Malaysia, Inviting Tourists to Explore Picturesque Jiangxi

Yin Hong, the Secretary of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee, enthusiastically introduced Jiangxi from many aspects such as natural resources, cultural heritage, and industrial development. He looks forward to creating a better future for cultural and tourism industries in both regions, yielding even more fruitful results in various fields of cooperation.

Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, expressed that Jiangxi is a place full of natural beauty and historical heritage. This event will help enhance Jiangxi’s international visibility, influence, and reputation, promote cultural and tourism exchanges between Malaysia and China, and drive the economic development of both countries.

Jiangxi is located in the southeast part of China, on the south bank of the Yangtze River, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and with the Yangtze River to the north, boasting convenient transportation. It has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four UNESCO Global Geoparks, one international important wetland, and fourteen national 5A-level scenic spots, where green mountains and clear waters complement, famous historical sites, blending historical culture with green ecology, and harmonizing beautiful countryside with rural charm. With its picturesque landscapes such as Lushan, Sanqing Mountain, and Longhushan, Jiangxi showcases its unique scenery. Its millennium porcelain capital Jingdezhen, millennium landmark Tengwang Pavilion, millennium academy Bailudong, and millennium ancient temple Donglin Temple epitomize its continuous cultural heritage. Jiangxi’s diverse cultural heritage includes ceramic culture, opera culture, traditional Chinese medicine culture, tea culture, Hakka culture, and agricultural culture.

On the day of the event, Mei Yi, head of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, announced five golden tourist routes such as “Poetic Jiangxi” and preferential subsidy policies such as “full of vigor and vitality and Pleasure Tour in Jiangxi for Malaysia tourists, coordinating with China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom to launch supporting service products.

Hashtag: #Jiangxi

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DC and Zebra Comics Announce Collaboration on Joker: The World Anthology

Anthology to Include an Original Story Featuring a Never-Before-Seen Version of the Clown Prince of Crime, Created by African Storytellers

DOUALA, CAMEROON – EQS Newswire – 30 April 2024 – Zebra Comics PLC, a leader in African comic book publishing, announces a collaboration with DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery and one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels, to co-create and develop a story for DC’s upcoming hardcover anthology Joker: The World.

Joker: The World is an anthology that brings together an international consortium of creators and publishers to explore diverse interpretations of the iconic DC Super-Villain.

Among the esteemed contributors to this anthology, Zebra Comics PLC has enlisted the team of writer Dr. Ejob Gaius and artist Bertrand Mbozo’o Zeh to create a unique story titled “Black Therapy.” Set against the rich backdrop of Cameroon, in the heart of Central Africa, “Black Therapy” marks a historic moment in comics: for the first time The Joker will be reimagined in an original story, tailored to a local audience, developed by an all-African creative team and placed within the vibrant tapestry of the African continent.

“This collaboration with DC represents a monumental leap forward for African representation in the global comic book industry,” stated Ejob Nathanael Ejob, CEO of Zebra Comics PLC. “We are immensely proud to pioneer this endeavor, introducing a new and original version of The Joker to a worldwide audience, while showcasing the unparalleled talent and creativity of African storytellers.”

“Black Therapy” promises to deliver a gripping narrative that explores The Joker’s sinister machinations within the unique context of Cameroon, offering readers an exhilarating new perspective on the iconic character.

Joker: The World is slated for release on the Zebra Comics app and website on September 17, 2024, and at participating comic book shops, booksellers, and mass-market retailers/e-tailers in the United States, Spain, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Japan, Korea, Cameroon, Poland, and Argentina.

To preorder this iconic comic, visit the Zebra Comics app or website at Zebra-Comics.com. Simply click preorder and you will be given firsthand access to Joker: The World once it’s released this September.

Further details will be communicated in the lead-up to the anthology’s September 17 release.

For more information about Zebra Comics PLC and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit their website at Zebra-Comics.com, their Android and iOS apps, and their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube pages.

This collaboration between Zebra Comics PLC and DC heralds a new chapter in the annals of comic book history, showcasing the power of storytelling in transcending borders and igniting imaginations worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zebra Comics PLC.

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Hashtag: #DC #ZebraComics #Joker

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About DC

DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC UNIVERSE INFINITE digital comics subscription service. Learn more at .

Lao Economic Growth Remains Below 2019 Levels, World Bank Report Reveals

That Luang Stupa in Vientiane Capital (Photo: Laotian Times)

Lao economic growth is facing continued challenges, with growth estimated to have remained below 2019 levels in 2023 and expected to stay below that mark in 2024. The World Bank highlighted various factors contributing to this trend in a report released on 29 April.

Job Title Inflation in Hong Kong: 6 in 10 expect promotion within 12 – 18 months


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2024 – Job title inflation, a common practice in Hong Kong[1] and Greater China, has recently become a global trend. According to Robert Walters, a leading specialist professional recruitment firm, there was a 46% rise in the number of UK and Ireland job adverts that had the words “lead” or “manager” in the title throughout 2023 – but required no more than two years’ experience.

Usually employed to attract and retain talent, job title inflation however has limited success and may create problems for employers and employees alike. These are among the observations and insights from Robert Walters Hong Kong.

Employers resort to cost cutting measures amid economic uncertainty

Job title inflation is a practice where employers offer exaggerated job titles to attract and retain talent, often without the experience, skills, or salaries to match.

“Titles hold more importance in Asia, which has perpetuated this trend,” commenting on the trend, John Mullally, Managing Director of Robert Walters Hong Kong. “Over 2021-2022 the Hong Kong recruitment market was disrupted by high amounts of hiring and a lack of local market talent, which leading to organisations opting to add more titles rather than focusing on developing their employees or providing meaningful career growth.” John adds.

This trend has continued in more challenging economic times, where cost-cutting measures have become imperative, leading to departures, and downsizing at senior levels. Employers resort to offering inflated job titles to avoid paying higher wages.

Rising expectations of GenZ drive title inflation

Based on LinkedIn polls conducted by Robert Walters Hong Kong in March, 60% of young workers in Hong Kong hold high expectations for rapid career progression within a company, expecting to be promoted within 12 to 18 months, indicating that titles are still highly valued by this generation. The survey also reveals that nearly 50% of young workers consider managing a team as the most crucial factor in determining seniority.

The strategy’s effectiveness

“Inflated job titles used to be a tool used by weaker companies who struggled to retain staff”, says John. “When employees realise that these titles hold no intrinsic value or external status, they can quickly become disenfranchised, especially if their compensation package does not match up to the title.”

A survey conducted by JobSage reveals that 7 out of 10 employees say new titles won’t make them stay at a company, indicating the growing awareness towards this practice among young workers.

Moreover, the past prevalence of job title inflation has even impacted the recruitment process. The survey found that 40% of managers reported difficulty in finding suitable candidates for open positions due to confusing or overstated job titles in the recent past.

Employers urged to nurture talent for long-term success

The Robert Walters Hong Kong polls reveal that less than 30% of employers are now using senior job titles as a strategy to attract or retain employees in 2024 due to its limited success.

Robert Walters advises hiring managers to avoid inflating job titles as it may cause inefficiencies and inequality within the organisation, and result in employees leaving.

“While attracting the right talent is important, it is even more crucial to foster employee growth within the organisation. This can be achieved through initiatives such as cross-training for multiple roles or providing employees with new responsibilities,” adds John.


[1] Quarterly Report on General Household Survey by The Census and Statistics: the population of “Manager” increased 13.6% YOY in 2011 even salary remained stagnant. Up till last year, there is still a 4% increase YOY while witnessing a 5% decline in corresponding salary levels in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #TitleInflation #SalarySurvey2024 #RobertWaltersHongKong #HongKongHiringMarket #HiringTrends


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Robert Walters Hong Kong

Established in 1985, Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies spanning 31 markets. The Hong Kong office specialises in placing high-calibre professionals on a permanent or contract basis in the following specialities: accounting & finance, construction, property & engineering, financial services, HR & business support, legal & compliance, sales & marketing, supply chain, logistics & procurement, and tech & transformation.

For more information on Robert Walters Hong Kong, please visit https://www.robertwalters.com.hk/

Chubb Promotes Kate Burke to Head of International Personal Lines, Asia Pacific


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2024 – Chubb today announced that Kate Burke has been promoted to Head of International Personal Lines (IPL), Asia Pacific, effective 1 May 2024.

In this role, Burke will be responsible for strategically growing the Auto, Residential, Specialty and High Net Worth lines of business across Chubb’s Asia Pacific operations.

Burke will be based in Singapore and report directly to Ben Howell, Head of Consumer for Asia Pacific, with a matrix reporting line to John Thompson, Division President for International Personal Lines.

With more than 17 years’ industry experience, Burke spent ten years working in travel insurance across claims, customer service and business development before joining Chubb as Regional Portfolio Manager for Travel, Asia Pacific in 2017. She later moved to Chubb’s Singapore business as the Head of Travel and subsequently as Division Head of IPL. In 2021 Burke assumed her most recent position as Head of Residential, Personal Risk Solutions and Specialty Personal Lines, Asia Pacific, where she has been instrumental in driving strategic business growth and building key partnerships across the region.

On announcing Burke’s appointment, Howell said, “With a track record of leading high-performing teams, Kate’s keen customer focus and proven ability to set and execute growth strategies will help us capture significant personal lines opportunities across our Asia Pacific markets. Her appointment demonstrates Chubb’s strong pipeline of senior talent and reflects our continued commitment to developing and promoting from within the organisation.”

Hashtag: #Chubb

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About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs more than 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: .

Liverpool FC and AXA Celebrate Continued Growth of Its Successful Partnership Until 2029


LIVERPOOL, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2024 –

  • 2018: AXA signed as LFC’s Official Insurance Partner
  • 2019: AXA becomes principal partner and the club’s Official Training Kit Partner
  • 2020: Secures naming rights for AXA Training Centre
  • 2023: Secures naming rights for AXA Melwood Training Centre and becomes Official Global Training Partner

Liverpool FC and Official Global Training Partner AXA have agreed to a five-year extension, continuing their long-term meaningful partnership until at least 2029.

Liverpool FC and AXA Celebrate Continued Growth of Its Successful Partnership Until 2029

AXA, global insurance leader with 147,000 employees across the world, joined the LFC partner family as the club’s Official Insurance Partner in 2018. Built upon shared common values and aspirations on and off the pitch, the partnership has grown and evolved over the past several seasons with AXA demonstrating its commitment to the LFC men’s team and women’s team. As Official Global Training Partner, from the outset, AXA has been striving to support the common goal of promoting well-being, a healthy lifestyle and supporting progress.

The partnership between Liverpool and AXA has been marked by numerous milestones. AXA has proudly been featured on all Liverpool FC training kits since 2019 when it became the club’s Official Training Kit Partner. In 2020, AXA expanded its partnership to include the naming rights of a new state-of-the-art training facility – the AXA Training Centre – in Kirkby. The renewed agreement saw AXA expand its original training kit relationship to one focused more holistically on training and helped kickstart the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.

AXA and LFC further strengthened their partnership when the club welcomed Melwood back to the LFC family as the new home to LFC Women, officially known as the AXA Melwood Training Centre. The move back to this legendary location steeped in history opened another exciting chapter for the women’s team and girls’ academy, enabling them to continue to compete at the highest level, attracting, developing and retaining the best talent in the game.

Both state-of-the-art facilities have played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and achieving success on the pitch, further solidifying AXA’s commitment to both the women’s and men’s teams and supporting the development of football at all levels. Specifically, the AXA Melwood Training Centre embodies AXA’s dedication to empowering women in sports. In a world where female athletes often face challenges, AXA stands firm in its belief that “Being a woman shouldn’t be a risk”. The AXA Melwood Training Centre stands as a testament to this commitment, providing a secure and empowering space for the Liverpool FC Women’s team and girls’ academy to thrive.

Ben Latty, Commercial Director at LFC, said: “Partnering with global brands and developing long-term, meaningful relationships is a vital part of our commercial strategy. The naming rights of our state-of-the-art training facilities and AXA’s presence on our training kits have been instrumental in our success, and this renewal reaffirms AXA’s commitment to our men’s and women’s teams, our fans, and our communities. We are excited to see how this partnership will continue to grow and evolve.”

Virginie Berçot, Global Brand Director at AXA, said: “This marks a continuation of our proud and enduring story. We are pleased to announce the extension of our long-term commitment to the club until 2029, following our previous dedication to the women’s teams by lending our name to their new training centre seven months ago. Becoming the sole and exclusive Global Training Partner of the club is a significant milestone for us, reaffirming our strategy of a fruitful and purposeful collaboration around our brand priorities.”
Hashtag: #LiverpoolFC

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