*Evening News Round-up: Sunday 19 January 2025* *Headlines* *After Slow Growth In 2024, World Bank Projects 6.2pc Recovery For Zimbabwe Economy In 2025* *Zimra Denies Blame For Retailers' Stock Issues As Anti-Smuggling Crackdown Intensifies* *Four Moroccan Truck Drivers Disappear On Burkina-Niger Border* *Namibia Welcomes Ranking As 4th Safest Country In Africa* *‘Joy Beyond Measure’: Celebrations In Gaza As Long-awaited Ceasefire Begins* *Trump To Revive TikTok, But Wants 50pc US Ownership* *South Korea: Impeached President Yoon Has Detention Extended* *Champagne Shipments Hit By Gloomy Consumer Mood In 2024, Producers Say* *Everton Overpower Spurs To Pile Pressure On Postecoglou* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *After Slow Growth In 2024, World Bank Projects 6.2pc Recovery For Zimbabwe Economy In 2025* ZIMBABWE could register 6.2% economic growth in 2025, after the country saw only sluggish growth of 2% last year, the World Bank says in a new report. In June, the World Bank had forecast growth of 3.3% for 2024 and 3.6% in 2025. Its latest estimates, in the newly released annual Global Economic Prospects report, are within range of government’s own estimate of 2% in 2024 and forecast of 6% in 2025. Zimbabwe had banked on better rainfall to lift agriculture by 12.5% in 2025, helping the economy recover from last year’s drought, the worst in over 40 years. But late rains mean agriculture’s anticipated recovery may be slower than expected. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says he will wait to the end of the farming season to see whether Zimbabwe needs to revise its 2025 growth outlook. “We will be able to assess, four months from now, as to what the output looks like and then say whether we maintain the 6% or not,” Ncube says. According to the World Bank, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to 4.2% in 2025-26, driven by better commodity prices. But the bank warns that commodity exporters, like Zimbabwe, may suffer from slow growth in China, a major importer of their goods. “Growth in China could weaken more than expected, with adverse effects on the demand for minerals and metals. Lower prices for these commodities, which are the main exports of several SSA countries—many of them low-income countries—would hit these countries especially hard,” the World Bank says. “Furthermore, slower growth in China could reduce Chinese investment in SSA.” South Africa, the region’s biggest economy, grew by 0.8% last year, according to World Bank’s estimates. It will grow by 1.8% this year. Zambia grew by 1.2% last year and will grow 6.2% in 2025 while Tanzania expanded 5.4% last year and 2025 projected growth is 5.8%. Mozambique will maintain 2024 growth of 4% through this year. Botswana’s 2024 growth is estimated at 1%, with a strong recovery of 5.3% expected this year. *NewZW* *Zimra Denies Blame For Retailers' Stock Issues As Anti-Smuggling Crackdown Intensifies* The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has dismissed claims that its intensified anti-smuggling operations are responsible for the stock shortages facing local retailers, attributing the challenges instead to operational inefficiencies and economic difficulties. Zimra Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa clarified in a statement that the authority’s crackdown on illicit goods, particularly along borders with South Africa and Mozambique, is aimed at protecting the economy and ensuring fair competition. “Smuggling distorts the economy, and our operations are aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all businesses,” said Chinamasa. “The challenges faced by some retailers are due to other operational issues, not the anti-smuggling efforts.” The operation has targeted syndicates using buses and trucks to transport groceries and beverages illegally into the country. While this has led to the disappearance of certain smuggled products, including imported beverages, from the market, Zimra maintains that these measures are critical to shielding local industries from unfair competition. “Anti-smuggling operations are about protecting our economy. Businesses must operate within the confines of the law to avoid disruptions,” added Chinamasa. Many formal retailers in Zimbabwe are grappling with viability challenges amid a tough economic climate. Stock shortages have been reported in some outlets, with retailers attributing these difficulties to a combination of factors. OK Zimbabwe, one of the country’s largest retail chains, acknowledged the challenges in a recent statement. “We are actively engaged with our suppliers and key stakeholders, including industry associations and regulators, to restore supplies to normal levels while working on solutions that stabilise the trading environment,” the company said. The sector has also been impacted by growing competition from informal operators who evade taxes and sell smuggled goods at lower prices. This has further strained formal players’ ability to maintain profitability and competitive pricing. Last year, Choppies Zimbabwe announced its decision to exit the local market, citing the financial burden posed by its Zimbabwean operations. Meanwhile, several buildings in urban areas have been converted into mini tuckshops, which now compete directly with established retail outlets. Zimra has defended its anti-smuggling efforts, arguing that the crackdown is crucial to fostering a sustainable business environment. The authority urged businesses to comply with regulations to avoid disruptions and contribute to the country’s economic stability. “By curbing smuggling, we are not only protecting local industries but also ensuring the government collects the necessary revenues to fund public services,” Chinamasa emphasized. *Four Moroccan Truck Drivers Disappear On Burkina-Niger Border* Four Moroccan truck drivers went missing on Saturday as they crossed the restive border area between Burkina Faso and Niger, according to a source from the Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso and a Moroccan transport union. Three trucks, one carrying a spare driver, disappeared as they drove without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for Jihadist threats, the diplomatic source said. Junta-led Burkina Faso and Niger are battling Islamist militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, whose insurgencies have destabilised Sahel states in West Africa over the past decade. The Moroccan diplomatic source said the embassy was working together with Burkina Faso authorities to find the drivers. Authorities in Burkina Faso have been organising security convoys to escort trucks in the border area to protect against militant attacks, the source said. The trucks set off after waiting for a week without getting an escort, Echarki El Hachmi, Secretary General of Morocco's transporters' union, told Reuters. The trucks, loaded with infrastructure equipment, departed weeks ago from Casablanca heading to Niger, he said. El Hachmi urged more protection in areas of high risk as the number of Moroccan trucks crossing the Sahel continues to rise. Earlier this month, a convoy of Moroccan trucks was attacked on the Malian border with Mauritania, although there were no casualties, El Hachmi said. *Reuters* *Namibia Welcomes Ranking As 4th Safest Country In Africa* Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) on Saturday welcomed the recent ranking by Altezza Travel, which placed Namibia as the 4th safest country in Africa. Altezza Travel's acknowledgment of Namibia's safety, political stability, and well-developed tourism infrastructure is a significant achievement, MEFT spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said in a statement, adding that this ranking not only enhances the country's international image but also reinforces Namibia's position as a prime travel destination. According to Muyunda, Namibia was ranked fourth behind Mauritius in first place, Ghana in second, and Zambia in third. "This ranking points out our peaceful nature as Namibians, but also highlights that our collective efforts to ensure peace and stability are being recognized. The ministry would commend the Namibian people, security clusters, law enforcement agencies, and all stakeholders for fostering law and order in the country," he added. Muyunda said safety is an important factor in the travel and tourism sectors; therefore, this ranking gives Namibia more recognition around the globe and will steer more recommendations by travelers to visit the country. The spokesperson noted that even though Namibia is ranked fourth, the ministry believes that the country has the potential to be the safest country in Africa. Meanwhile, the rankings came against the backdrop of the ongoing tourism safety campaign being spearheaded by the ministry in cooperation with the Namibian police, tour operators, and selected regional councils, among others. "We must, as a country, prioritize peace and stability as this will not only attract tourists but also much-needed investors that will enhance economic development," he said. Altezza Travel, a destination management company headquartered in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, compiled the rankings by reviewing leading global studies from recent years, including official statistics and citizens' perceptions of personal safety. *BBC* *‘Joy Beyond Measure’: Celebrations In Gaza As Long-awaited Ceasefire Begins* Celebrations have erupted across the Gaza Strip after a much-awaited ceasefire came into effect following 15 months of war that turned much of the coastal Palestinian enclave to rubble. The ceasefire came into effect at 11:15am local time (09:15 GMT) on Sunday after Hamas handed over a list of three female captives to be released as part of the deal to Israel through mediators. “My joy is beyond measure,” said Gaza resident Om Salah. “From the moment they announced the ceasefire, I quickly packed all my things because I am ready to go to Gaza City. My children are extremely happy to go and see our families, relatives and our lands,” she told Al Jazeera. “Here, we are always scared and worried, but back home we will be very happy, and joy will come back to our lives .” Gaza’s health workers and rescuers were also seen celebrating in the streets. Videos shared online, and verified by Al Jazeera, showed several civil defence teams chanting and raising victory signs. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from outside Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, said there were “no violations reported since the ceasefire took effect”. “There have been no more bombs, no more fighter jets, and no more drones. The only sound of gunfire we hear is from celebrations in the streets – gunshots and fireworks have been frequent,” he said. Before the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli forces killed at least 19 more Palestinians and wounded dozens of others on Sunday, taking the total death toll in the 15-month genocide to nearly 47,000. Palestinian and rights groups say the actual number could be much higher. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and about 250 were taken captive. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Khan Younis, said Palestinians from the southern city of Rafah described the destruction caused by Israel there as “massive”. “They did not even realise where their neighbourhoods were,” she said. “Nevertheless, people are very happy. You see everyone smiling, you see everyone chanting, and most of the Palestinians are saying: ‘We made it alive out of this war.'” Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud reported that in the hospital courtyard where he was reporting from, Palestinian families had started to dismantle their tents and head back to their homes they were forced to evacuate due to relentless Israeli bombings. “What we are witnessing here is families excitedly gathering their belongings – whatever they managed to collect during their stay at the hospital. There is so much excitement on their faces as they leave the hospital gates,” he added. Anwar, a displaced Palestinian man living in Khan Younis who did not give his last name, said he hoped to return to Rafah despite reports that his home had been destroyed. “I will go there and I will see to find a place where I can set up a tent to live with my eight-member family,” he told Al Jazeera. “I need to go back to my city. I need to go back to where I was born.” Anwar said the months of war were like a “nightmare”. “It was literally a nightmare, as if we [were] dreaming and then we got up again,” Anwar said. He said he and his family lived in flimsy tents without enough food or water, and that prices for goods were “scarily high”. Other displaced people have reported returning home only to find the scale of destruction makes it hard to even put up a temporary shelter. *Aljazeera* *Trump To Revive TikTok, But Wants 50pc US Ownership* President-elect Donald Trump said he would revive TikTok access in the U.S. by executive order after he is sworn in on Monday, but said he wants the popular social media app to be at least half owned by U.S. investors. TikTok stopped working for its 170 million American users late on Saturday before a law shutting it down on national security grounds took effect on Sunday. U.S. officials had warned that under Chinese parent company ByteDance, there was a risk of Americans' data being misused. Trump said he would "extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security." "I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up," he wrote on Truth Social. Trump said the executive order would specify there would be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before his order. Trump had earlier said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned," a message notified users of TikTok, which disappeared from Apple and Google app stores late on Saturday. Even if temporary, the unprecedented shutdown of TikTok is set to have a wide-ranging impact on U.S.-China relations, U.S. politics, the social media marketplace and millions of Americans who depend on the app economically and culturally. The U.S. has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps. Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday. It was not clear if any U.S. users could still access the app, but it was no longer working for many users, and people seeking to access it through a web application were met with the same message that TikTok was no longer working. *Reuters* *South Korea: Impeached President Yoon Has Detention Extended* A court in Seoul has extended the time South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will be detained over his botched attempt to impose martial law in the country last month. Citing concerns Yoon could destroy evidence if released, on Sunday a judge issued a warrant allowing investigators to keep the suspended president in custody for up to 20 days. The 64-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after a weeks-long standoff between investigators and his presidential security team. Supporters of the president broke into the court after his detention was extended, reportedly smashing windows and doors in an incident condemned by Yoon and the country's acting president. The warrant - and Yoon's subsequent refusal to comply with investigators - is the latest development in a saga that has left South Korea reeling from a political crisis. The warrant was issued at around 03:00 local time (18:00 GMT on Saturday). The suspended president is being investigated by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) on charges of insurrection over a failed martial law order on 3 December that plunged the country into turmoil. He has been impeached by parliament and suspended - but will only be removed from office if a constitutional court upholds the impeachment. Investigators now have 20 days - including the four days Yoon has already spent in custody following his arrest - to bring the president to trial. After his detention was extended, Yoon's lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told the Yonhap News Agency that the president would refuse to be questioned by the CIO. Pro-Yoon supporters rallied outside the court house in the lead up to the decision, with many entering the building after judges issued the extension. Journalists at the scene reported seeing dozens of people arrested by police following the incident. Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed his "strong regret" over the violence, "which is unimaginable in a democratic society", adding that authorities would increase security around future appearances. Choi only recently stepped into the top job after the South Korean parliament voted to impeach the previous acting president, Han Duck-soo, over claims of frustrating Yoon's impeachment process. Yoon was "shocked" by the scenes in court, his lawyer said, and called on his supporters to express themselves peacefully, according to local media. The incident is the latest episode in a series of attempts by Yoon's supporters to frustrate legal proceedings against the president. The night before his arrest, hundreds of pro-Yoon protesters camped outside the president's home and jostled with the police officers attempting to take him into custody. Similar scenes occurred during an earlier arrest attempt on January 3, where angry pro-Yoon supporters hoping to stop the arrest rallied outside the president's house. South Korean police were forced to call off their first arrest attempt after the president's security team blocked entry to Yoon's compound. Public opinion has been divided after Yoon's shock announcement of martial law last month, which he claimed was due to "anti-state forces" in the South Korean parliament, while mentioning North Korea. But others have viewed the move as an extreme reaction to the political stalemate that arose after his party's main opposition won a landslide in April, as well as Yoon's unpopularity in the wake of a scandal surrounding the First Lady. Thousands have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the suspended president in the weeks since his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law. *BBC* *Champagne Shipments Hit By Gloomy Consumer Mood In 2024, Producers Say* French champagne shipments fell by nearly 10% last year as economic and political uncertainties hit consumers' appetite for the sparkling wine in key markets such as France and the United States, the producers association said. Producers had called in July for a cut in the number of grapes harvested this year after sales fell more than 15% in the first half of 2024. Full year shipments were down 9.2% from 2023 at 271.4 million bottles, the Comite Champagne (Champagne Committee) said. "Champagne is a real barometer of the state of mind of consumers," Maxime Toubart, president of the Syndicat General des Vignerons and co-president of the committee, said in a statement late on Saturday. "It is not time to celebrate given inflation, conflicts across the world, economic uncertainties and political wait-and-see in some of the largest Champagne markets, such as France and the United States." The French market made up 118.2 million bottles, down 7.2% compared to 2023, which the association put down to prevailing economic and political "gloom" in the country. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou, his fourth prime minister in a year in December, but his administration remains weak, and still faces an uphill battle to pass the 2025 budget that led to the ouster of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. Champagne exports also fell, with just 153.2 million bottles shipped, down 10.8% compared to 2023. "It is in less favourable periods that we must prepare for the future, maintain our environmental (standards) trajectory, conquer new markets and new consumers," said David Chatillon, co-president of the Champagne Committee. The committee said in July that the 2024 harvest in the Champagne region had suffered from poor weather since the start of the year, including frosts and wet weather which increased mildew fungus attacks in its vineyards. As opposed to other wine production, most champagne bottles are a mix between several vintages, using stocks from previous years. These stocks are replenished during good years and can compensate for poor harvests. *Reuters* *Everton Overpower Spurs To Pile Pressure On Postecoglou* Everton started the road to recovery under returning manager David Moyes and piled more pressure on his struggling Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou with an impressive victory at Goodison Park. Spurs were shambolic for long periods as they were overrun by a resurgent Everton, who had won only three Premier League matches this season - scoring 15 goals - before this game. Everton deservedly led 3-0 at the interval, then survived a late Spurs revival as the scoreline was given an appearance that did not reflect the difference between the sides. With the stakes high for both teams, Everton brushed Spurs aside in the opening period, building the platform for a win that condemned Postecoglou's men to a seventh defeat in their past 10 league games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended a barren Premier League scoring sequence stretching back to September - and lasting 1,288 minutes - when he turned Archie Gray twice in the area before leaving Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky wrong-footed with a smart finish. Son Heung-min was denied twice by Jordan Pickford but it was Everton, unrecognisable from the goal-shy team seen previously this season, who added a second on the half-hour when Iliman Ndiaye twisted Radu Dragusin inside out before firing high past Kinsky. Everton compounded Spurs' misery in first-half stoppage time when Gray turned into his own net after James Tarkowski's header took a touch off Calvert-Lewin. Spurs, as they had to do, improved after the break and pulled a goal back through Dejan Kulusevski's clever lofted finish with 13 minutes left, with former Everton striker Richarlison increasing the nerves by bundling home in injury time. But the hosts held out for a deserved win on a day to savour for the returning Moyes. Everton entered this game mired in pessimism and mediocrity and looking to the familiar figure of Moyes, who managed them for 11 years between 2002 and 2013, to be the catalyst for Premier League safety. The 61-year-old Scot's first game ended in a home defeat by Aston Villa, but more time on the training ground with his new charges brought the first signs of hope for the rest of the campaign. And symbolic of that was the performance of Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled for form and confidence this season, exemplified by missing three good opportunities against Villa. Calvert-Lewin set Everton on their way with a smart finish, then led Everton's line with vigour and presence as Spurs were outfought in the physical exchanges. Ndiaye has been a shining light this season and illuminated Goodison Park once more with a thrilling second goal, while changes made by Moyes to his starting line-up also did the trick. Powerful Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien made a solid Premier League debut having been marginalised by Dyche after his £20m summer move from Lyon, while Jesper Lindstrom played with a confidence and drive that had not been since his arrival on loan from Napoli. There was still an air of anxiety around Goodison when Spurs did eventually show signs of life and threatened an unlikely late comeback, but otherwise this was the sort of performance Everton and their fans have been waiting for all season. Tottenham and their manager were hugely flattered by losing by just one goal, and that margin cannot cover up the abysmal first 45 minutes during which this game was lost. And while they are clinging to the possibilities offered by a one-goal advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield, those hopes will be snuffed out very swiftly if they perform as badly as this. Postecoglou is unquestionably struggling for resources, with striker Dominic Solanke the latest casualty with a knee injury, but there can be no excuses for a first half that understandably left the travelling fans in a fury, a fury mainly aimed at chairman Daniel Levy. Spurs gave the score a respectable look with those goals from Kulusevski and Richarlison, but in reality it was a deception. Everton have struggled to create goals and chances all season, yet they cut through Spurs with embarrassing ease in that first half, scoring three and having more chances. The nerves kicked in when Spurs mounted their late rally, but the mediocrity of that first 45 minutes cost them dearly and will turn an even more unforgiving spotlight on Postecoglou. *BBC*