馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
US Defense Secretary acknowledges NATO allies' progress on spending, urges more effort
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised NATO allies for their progress in meeting defense spending commitments but emphasized that some countries still need to increase their contributions. Speaking ahead of talks with NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth highlighted the importance of honesty among allies. This conciliatory tone comes before a summit with US President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized European defense spending. NATO aims to demonstrate increased expenditure by European members to show progress toward their pledge to reach 5% of GDP on defense-related spending. NATO chief Mark Rutte noted that Europe and Canada are projected to spend over $90 billion extra in 2025 compared to 2024, marking nearly a 20% increase. However, a NATO official indicated that three European countries, including Slovenia and the Czech Republic, are expected to fall short of the crucial 2% threshold this year. The US has communicated its desire for European NATO allies to assume primary responsibility for their conventional defense as the US shifts its focus to China. The Pentagon is reducing the number of assets it makes available to NATO worldwide, a move that has raised concerns about Europe's vulnerability to an aggressive Russia, given allies' reliance on Washington for certain key weaponry. Rutte clarified that while these US reductions are immediate, they do not mean Washington would abandon NATO in the event of an attack. Reports from US and German
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe United Arab Emirates has announced a social media ban for children under 15, effective Thursday, joining countries like Australia, Britain, and Canada in adopting similar measures. Social media platforms must monitor and disable accounts created by individuals under 15 within a 12-month transition period, or risk being blocked. The official WAM news agency stated that children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal social media accounts. The resolution also bars children from accessing full platform features like social interaction, publishing, commenting, and joining public groups. Children aged 15-16 are permitted to use social media with enhanced protective measures, including content restrictions and time limits. Parents and caregivers are responsible for preventing children from circumventing age checks, and parental consent does not provide an exemption. The ban is driven by concerns over mental health, cyber-bullying, lack of physical activity, online predators, and addictive behavior. The UAE's media and telecommunications bodies have the authority to take necessary measures against non-compliant platforms, including warnings, partial or full blocking, or administrative penalties.
Must ReadReal Madrid announced the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on Thursday, with the player agreeing to a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2030. The 27-year-old center-back, who joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig, made 183 appearances for the English club, winning the Premier League in 2025 and the FA Cup in 2022. Konate, currently with the French national team at the World Cup, joins a Real Madrid squad that has also seen the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho and the signings of Spain left-back Marc Cucurella and Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer. The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to further strengthen their team, having been linked with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, as they aim to rebuild after two seasons without a major trophy. Real Madrid has also renewed the contract of center-back Antonio Rudiger until 2027, following the departures of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.
A Mastercard study reveals that 81% of Nigerian small and medium enterprises SMEs are confident about the next 12 months, with 68% expecting revenue growth. All surveyed SMEs agree that digital and online payments are vital for business expansion. Their top growth priorities include training and upskilling staff 79% and digitizing their businesses 78%. Mobile payment adoption among SMEs is at 67%, with card payments at 45% and online payments at 42%. Many businesses 57% now operate through both physical and online channels. More than two-thirds of SMEs 69% are seeking credit for growth, and 34% sought external funding in the past year. Gabriel Swanepoel, division president, Africa, Mastercard, highlighted the opportunity to accelerate SME development through digital innovation. Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager, West Africa, Mastercard, noted that Nigerian businesses are investing in their people, embracing digital payments, and seeking capital. Despite financial concerns 62%, access to credit, and inflation, optimism remains high. SMEs also identify stronger physical and digital security 60% and access to mentorship 52% as critical enablers. Mastercard supports Nigerian SMEs with tools, financial solutions, and security capabilities, including low-cost acceptance innovations like Tap on Phone and QR Pay-by-Link, and programs like Start Path and Product Express for fintechs.