The source says the agreements could adversely affect digital connectivity, increase digital divides, and reduce economic growth in signatory countries.
At a glance
Affected location: Global South
Illustrative image: "For many readers in high-income countries, the Internet might no longer feel revolutionary. But when I was born in 1997, only 2% of the world's population used the Internet. By 2019, that number had risen to over 50%; today, two-thirds of the global population is online. It’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the novelty and speed of this change for two reasons. First, much of the potential progress enabled by the Internet is still unfolding, from expanding educational opportunities through f — Our World in Data; International Telecommunication Union (via World Bank) data/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Clarín reported, citing unnamed officials in Washington, that the US government conveyed concern to Javier Milei’s administration about the National Sovereignty Defence bill potentially affecting American companies. The source data received by Planet Briefing includes no further details about the bill’s status or any effects on companies.
The Association of Banks of Paraguay asked the central bank to report on the solvency of institutions that received merger-related facilities. Senators from the governing party and opposition had also called on President Santiago Peña to replace the institution’s leadership.
Police seized more than 62,000 counterfeit items valued at over R160 million in a Johannesburg CBD operation. The source says the operation is part of ongoing nationwide efforts against counterfeit and illicit goods.
During a visit to ELIDZ in the Eastern Cape, Minister Blade Nzimande called for the zone and its Science and Technology Park to support innovation-led industrialisation and inclusive economic growth. The excerpt describes his proposals and goals, not completed outcomes.
A freeze warning covers portions of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with temperatures forecast in the low 20s to low 30s until 9 AM CDT on October 17. The warning advises protecting tender plants.
Chile and Bolivia agreed to move toward normalising diplomatic relations and signed economic integration and border security agreements during a presidential visit in La Paz. They did not announce the restoration of embassies.
