Liberia advances domestication of amended International Health Regulations with multisector roadmap

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January 3, 2026

Liberia advances domestication of amended International Health Regulations with multisector roadmap

As reported in a WHO update carried via Africa Newsroom, Liberia convened a multisector workshop to drive domestication of the amended International Health Regulations (IHR), aligning national systems with updated global health-security rules.

The report says the process produced an implementation roadmap and included senior-level commitment, aimed at strengthening coordination, surveillance, and response readiness for cross-border threats.

Domestication is where global standards become national practice—through legislation, procedures, budgets, and accountability across ministries and agencies.

WHO AFRO noted the workshop ended with the signing of a “national declaration” supporting implementation. Liberia’s NPHIL also described the step as “significant” for enhancing health security and preparedness.

Echotitbits take:
The credibility test is capacity. Watch for budget lines, training cycles, labs and surveillance upgrades, and real simulation exercises—those are the signals that domestication becomes real readiness.

Source: afro.who — January 2, 2026 — https://www.afro.who.int/countries/liberia/news/liberia-advances-implementation-amended-international-health-regulations

World Health Organization (WHO) 2026-01-02

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South Africa joins global condolences after deadly fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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South Africa joins global condolences after deadly fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland

In a message distributed via Africa Newsroom, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to Switzerland following a deadly fire in Crans-Montana during New Year’s period.

The statement frames the tragedy as a shared human loss, aligning South Africa with other international voices supporting grieving families and the Swiss public.

Such incidents often trigger wider scrutiny around venue compliance, crowd control, evacuation planning, and enforcement—issues that resonate far beyond Europe.

The Presidency’s statement includes the line “stand in solidarity” with Switzerland. The Financial Times, reporting on the investigation, cited officials pointing to sparklers and described it as a catastrophe with “40 deaths” and significant injuries.

Echotitbits take:
Large-scale fires are rarely “just accidents”—they expose enforcement gaps. Watch the investigation’s final findings and whether Switzerland tightens public-event safety standards in ways other countries adopt.

Source: Africa24tv — January 2, 2026 — https://africa24tv.com/south-africa-president-ramaphosa-expresses-condolences-following-tragic-fire-in-the-swiss-alps
Africa24tv 2026-01-02

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Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (2026–2030)

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (2026–2030)

According to a statement carried via Africa Newsroom, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed leadership and members of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 term.

The PCC sits at the centre of high-stakes policy trade-offs—how to cut emissions while protecting jobs, ensuring energy security, and maintaining industrial competitiveness.

Leadership choices here often shape which transition priorities move fastest: just-transition financing, sector pathways, and the pace of regulatory implementation.

The Presidency’s official release confirms the appointment set and is dated “Friday, 2 January 2026.” SABC News also reported the development, stating Ramaphosa “has appointed” a new slate of climate commissioners.

Echotitbits take:
South Africa’s climate governance signals often ripple across Africa’s energy debates. Watch the first 90 days: priority workstreams, how labour and industry respond, and whether financing commitments match the ambition of the policy language.

Source: The Presidency — January 2, 2026 — https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-appoints-new-leadership-presidential-climate-commission
The Presidency 2026-01-02

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ICD approves $20m Islamic finance package to expand Jordan’s non-woven fabrics production

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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ICD approves $20m Islamic finance package to expand Jordan’s non-woven fabrics production

In an update published via Africa Newsroom, ICD announced a USD 20 million Shariah-compliant medium-term facility to help expand a Jordan-based non-woven fabrics manufacturer with new Spunlace technology.

The release says the expansion supports products used in hygiene items and healthcare PPE, tying industrial financing to public-health supply resilience and local job creation.

It’s another example of development finance leaning into “practical manufacturing”—projects that can plug into regional supply chains quickly if demand is stable.

ICD’s official announcement describes the facility as “USD 20 million” to expand capacity using advanced equipment. ICD’s LinkedIn post similarly frames it around “job creation” and industrial growth.

Echotitbits take:
The key risk is demand cycles—PPE and hygiene inputs can be volatile. Watch for offtake agreements, export announcements, and whether the new line secures long-term contracts beyond the initial expansion phase.

Source: Zawya — January 2, 2026 — https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/uae-headquartered-future-food-foundry-makes-landmark-investment-in-nextgen-farms-and-sustenir-group-jkinjmwo
Zawya 2026-01-02

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Lobito rail concession gets financing boost as AFC helps structure the deal

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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Lobito rail concession gets financing boost as AFC helps structure the deal

Reporting carried via Africa Newsroom says Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) served as co-financial adviser on Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway concession, linked to a major financing package to scale corridor capacity.

The update describes the corridor as a logistics backbone for regional trade—especially for critical minerals moving from inland producers toward global markets, where delays and costs can reshape competitiveness.

AFC says the plan is expected to raise corridor capacity sharply and reduce freight costs, which could influence where downstream processing and investment ultimately concentrate.

AFC’s own release repeats the same core projections, including “ten-fold” capacity growth and an “estimated 30 percent” cost reduction. Reuters has also covered the Lobito Corridor push, quoting U.S. officials describing it as a “commitment to advance” strategic infrastructure.

Echotitbits take:
Lobito is fast becoming a “strategic corridor brand.” Watch execution: timelines, community impacts, security along the route, and whether lower costs actually translate into better prices and higher volumes for exporters.

Source: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) — January 2, 2026 — https://www.africafc.org/news-and-insights/news/africa-finance-corporation-acts-as-co-financial-adviser-for-angolas-lobito-atlantic-railway-concession
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) 2026-01-02

Photo Credit: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

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The Gambia’s national university renames its agriculture school after Akinwumi Adesina

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 3, 2026

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The Gambia’s national university renames its agriculture school after Akinwumi Adesina

According to Africa Newsroom (via APO Group), the University of The Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, citing his long-standing impact on agriculture and development across Africa.

The move positions the faculty as a symbolic rallying point for food-security research, climate-smart agriculture, and youth-focused agripreneurship—areas that continue to dominate policy conversations across West Africa.

It also signals a reputational bet: when institutions attach a global development figure’s name to a school, stakeholders expect the standard to rise—through partnerships, research output, and funding.

Punch also reported the renaming and quoted Adesina’s reaction, including the phrase “deep sense of gratitude.” The Guardian Nigeria similarly confirmed the development, noting the university “renamed its School” in his honour.

Echotitbits take:
This is soft power turning into institutional opportunity. Watch for what follows the ceremony—new grants, exchange programmes, and targeted research labs that can turn the name into measurable outcomes.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 — https://punchng.com/the-gambia-varsity-renames-faculty-after-ex-afdb-president-adesina/
The Punch 2026-01-02

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Rachel Uchitel marries Dan Donovan in a New Year’s Eve Palm Beach ceremony

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 09:00:00

In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Rachel Uchitel married businessman Dan Donovan in a New Year’s Eve ceremony at their Palm Beach home.

The coverage describes a styled celebration with multiple events and notable guests, positioning it as a symbolic ‘new chapter’ story to open 2026.

With the wedding timed for NYE, the story quickly landed in the ‘first big lifestyle headline of the year’ lane across entertainment outlets.

TMZ (Outlet): “Rachel Uchitel… is now a married woman… TMZ has confirmed.”
Page Six (Outlet): “a New Year’s Eve ceremony.”

Echotitbits take: New Year’s Eve weddings are built for attention—high symbolism, high shareability, and instant publication appeal. Watch next for official photo drops and follow‑up interviews, because those usually determine whether a wedding story stays lifestyle‑only or expands into a wider media cycle.

Source: PEOPLE — January 2, 2026 — https://people.com/rachel-uchitel-marries-businessman-dan-donovan-in-nye-wedding-exclusive-11877297

PEOPLE
2026-01-02
Photo Credit: PEOPLE

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JoJo Siwa’s ‘Joelle’ move: TikTok name change hints at a 2026 rebrand

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 09:00:00

According to PEOPLE, JoJo Siwa updated her TikTok name to “Joelle Siwa,” sparking immediate chatter that a bigger 2026 rebrand is underway.

Fans read the change as a signal of a more grown-up era, especially for a star whose identity was built on a highly recognizable childhood brand.

Online reactions range from excitement about a fresh creative chapter to curiosity about whether the new name will carry into music credits and official press.

E! News (Outlet): “Her changing her name from jojo to Joelle has to be the biggest pull ever!!!”
Page Six (Outlet): “2026 is gonna be crazy!!!”

Echotitbits take: On TikTok, identity is discovery: a name tweak can be the first breadcrumb before new music, a doc, or a style pivot. Watch next for synchronized handle changes across platforms, updated visuals, and any rollout announcements that confirm whether “Joelle” is a permanent professional shift or a temporary social experiment.

Source: PEOPLE — January 2, 2026 — https://people.com/jojo-siwa-changes-her-name-2026-plans-11878210

PEOPLE
2026-01-02
Photo Credit: PEOPLE

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G Herbo and Taina Williams reportedly get engaged on New Year’s Eve

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 09:00:00

According to TMZ, rapper G Herbo proposed to longtime partner Taina Williams on New Year’s Eve, quickly turning the moment into one of the first major relationship headlines of 2026.

Reports describe the proposal as part of a celebratory night, with fans immediately shifting from congratulations to ring details and wedding timeline talk.

The engagement is also feeding the familiar hip‑hop cycle where personal milestones become full media moments across outlets and socials.

BET (Outlet): “G Herbo ended 2025 by proposing.”
Hot 97 (Outlet): “G Herbo closed out 2025 with a milestone moment.”

Echotitbits take: Hip‑hop relationships now function as pop‑culture events—driving headlines, brand chatter, and sometimes even streaming attention around an artist. Watch next for any official posts from the couple (photos, ring close‑ups, engagement captions), because that’s what typically locks the story down beyond outlet reporting.

Source: TMZ — January 1, 2026 — https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/01/g-herbo-taina-williams-engaged/

TMZ
2026-01-01
Photo Credit: TMZ

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Odumeje’s ‘kabush kabash’ 2026 prophecy becomes a New Year meme factory

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 09:00:00

In an update reported by TheCable Lifestyle, controversial cleric Odumeje declared 2026 a year of “kabush kabash,” a phrase that instantly jumped from crossover service theatrics to social feeds.

The slogan is already being remixed into captions, soundbites, and memes—classic Nigeria-in-January internet behavior.

But it also revives the recurring argument about performative preaching and the influence economy that thrives on viral ministry moments.

NigerianEye (Outlet): “2026 is a year of kabush kabash.”
Instagram reel caption (Instagram): “2026 is a year of Dabush Kabash.”

Echotitbits take: Odumeje-style virality sits at the crossroads of religion, entertainment, and influencer culture—where a single soundbite can dominate the week. If you treat it as pure comedy, it spreads faster; if you treat it as serious prophecy, it can shape narratives. Watch next for mainstream pushback, platform amplification, or further ‘crossover’ clips that keep the meme alive.

Source: TheCable Lifestyle — January 1, 2026 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/extra-2026-is-a-year-of-kabush-kabash-odumeje-declares/

TheCable Lifestyle
2026-01-01
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