Finance
Pakistan to pilot new cheque-clearing system from 15 October
The central bank said the Pakistan Express Clearing System will process cheque images instead of moving physical instruments.
NEWSVERUM / Global briefing
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Government
Pakistan unveils national housing policy update after nearly 25 years
The draft policy targets affordable housing supply, land-tenure security, housing finance and informal-settlement upgrading.
Agriculture
Pakistan orders feasibility study on rice planters
Officials said rice planters could raise yields by up to 15%; the government will study costs and export effects in Punjab and Sindh.
Technology
Jordan Food and Drug Administration trials 35 online services
Jordan’s Food and Drug Administration opened 35 electronic services for food, pharmaceutical and medical businesses in a trial. It said user feedback would help identify issues before full rollout.
Business
Jordan rises to 60th in 2026 Global Innovation Index
Jordan ranked 60th among 139 economies in the 2026 Global Innovation Index and fifth in the Arab world. A ministry statement reported by Petra said the country rose five places from the previous year.
Education
Yarmouk University opens digital-skills incubator for young people
Yarmouk University opened the Digital Skills for a Better Future incubator with DOT Jordan and UNICEF. The programme will offer students and community members digital training aimed at labour-market skills.
Technology
Jordan Social Security app reaches 619,000 users
Jordan’s Social Security Corporation said its upgraded mobile app had attracted more than 619,000 users in the weeks after launch. The platform brings together more than 30 services.
Education
Jordan vocational training year opens with 5,134 trainees
Jordan’s Vocational Training Corporation enrolled 5,134 new trainees in the second cycle of the 2026–2027 training year across 34 institutes and centres of excellence. It reported receiving 13,255 applications.
Education
Mauritania’s education minister cites 2,283 teacher hires in 2026
Education Minister Houda Babah said about 2,283 teachers had been recruited in 2026 and 575 classrooms received, while 3,340 additional classrooms were expected later. The figures were part of her opening-year address, not an independent audit.
Health
Sikasso creates multisector platform to coordinate malnutrition response
Sikasso officials and UNICEF representatives launched a regional coordination platform after a meeting cited survey figures showing 31% of under-five children stunted and 16% underweight. Officials also reported that stunting rose from 22.5% in 2023 to 34.1% in 2024.
Fiscal Policy
Tenenkou residents seek action on high transport and food costs
A local meeting in Tenenkou reported a CFA 18,000 fare to Bamako, up from CFA 7,000–8,000, and a 100-kilogram millet sack now above CFA 30,000 compared with CFA 15,000 weeks earlier. Subcommittees were asked to propose prices for several goods and transport services.
Technology
NIMASA announces youth blue-economy accelerator application dates
NIMASA announced a maritime and blue-economy innovation programme for Nigerians aged 18–28, with the portal scheduled to open on 5 October and applications due by 13 November. A December hackathon and a 12-week accelerator in 2027 are planned.