Mohamed El-Erian on Fed Policy, Mexico Trade Tariffs

European Union leaders are meeting with their counterparts from the African Union in Brussels this Thursday. Several major economic issues will be discussed, including the €150 billion investment plan promised by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Ahead of that gathering, French President Emmanuel Macron promised a deal on reallocating of up to $100 billion of International Monetary Fund finance to African countries. Also today, we bring you the latest on the fuel shortage crisis in Nigeria.

Ukraine's former finance minister has told FRANCE 24 that any company doing business with Russia is indirectly financing the war in Ukraine. Natalie Jaresko was in office from 2014 to 2016, when Russia annexed Crimea and conflict was raging in the eastern Donbas region. She described the current situation facing Ukraine as an "economic strangulation of the country" and called on global firms to stop any operations in Russia.

The war in Ukraine has provoked a massive humanitarian and economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund unblocked 1.4 billion dollars in emergency aid for Kyiv this week - and says it's ready to help neighbouring countries that request further assistance. The IMF's First Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, has been speaking to France 24's Kate Moody about the need for financing, the impact on regional and emerging economies, and how the global economy might change.

Russia's war in Ukraine has sent shockwaves around the world and hit the global economy hard. In economically depressed Sri Lanka it's exacerbating an already existing economic crisis.

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections. DW found out that civilians are hit the hardest.

Two months ago, the West African regional bloc Ecowas imposed sanctions on Mali after its military leaders announced they would remain in power for another five years before holding any elections.

Following days of protests over soaring prices and fuel shortages, Sri Lanka's cabinet ministers have resigned en masse. The head of the central bank has also stepped down. We take a look at how the heavily indebted country got to this stage. Plus, our correspondents report on how Niger could be facing its worst food crisis in a decade, amid global food and energy shortages worsened by the war in Ukraine.

As pressure mounts for a ban on Russian gas and oil imports, the DIW think tank suggests that alternative suppliers and lower consumption could free Germany from its dependence on the Kremlin to cover its energy needs.

Beijing reported a 4.8% growth for the first quarter, a modest increase over the previous quarter's 4%. The country's economy has been stalling amid coronavirus outbreaks.

With Emmanuel Macron having secured a second term in office, we take a closer look at the French president's economic proposals for the next five years. From inflation to the energy crisis to the cost of living, Macron has laid out specific measures in a bid to fix the many challenges facing the French economy. We also find out how pension reform could be central to his plans to finance his economic vision.

The Fed raises interest rates by the most in over 20 years The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by half a percentage point Wednesday, in an effort to cool off demand and lower inflation. Consumer prices have been rising at the fastest pace in 40 years.

Colombo has seen clashes between government supporters and protesters outside the offices of the president and prime minister. Hours later, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to step down.