Data suggest that Germany may be on the brink of an economic downturn that could ultimately lead some businesses to move abroad.

In South Africa, a xenophobic movement called Operation Dudula is accusing illegal immigrants of taking jobs from South Africans. Operation Dudula vigilantes are known to raid small businesses owned by foreigners. With an unemployment rate close to 35 percent, the situation is tense and the populist rhetoric of Operation Dudula supporters is raising fears of new xenophobic riots in South Africa, like in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Our correspondents report.

While most advanced economies are recovering from the worst effects of the pandemic, labour markets are facing a new and unexpected challenge: a shortage of workers. It's one of the issues business leaders are discussing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Christophe Catoir, President of Adecco, tells FRANCE 24's Business Editor Kate Moody that the problem could persist for several years to come.

Nigeria to hold second interest rate meeting of 2022 on the back of an upsurge in inflation and fragile growth. Persistent double-digit inflation could pile pressure on the central bank to reconsider its dovish stance on rates.

With a slowly recovering economy, the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India is affecting both the retail and service sectors.

Refugees in Ivory Coast are starting to rebuild businesses affected by the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through initiatives sponsored by the United Nation refugee agency (UNHCR), to help integrate refugees in the West African country.

French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire has announced plans to widen financial aid for firms hit by the pandemic, as surging Covid-19 cases put increasing pressure on the wider economy.

Covid-19 has impacted businesses around the world. But despite rising costs, labour shortages and supply chain problems, French bosses are feeling more positive that at any point since the year 2000, according to a November survey. Stephen Carroll meets two entrepreneurs who are making and selling products in France: Christèle Merter, founder and CEO of the eco-conscious clothing company La Gentle Factory; and Benjamin Kuentz, who makes French whisky under his own label Maison Benjamin Kuentz.

Covid-19 has impacted businesses around the world. But despite rising costs, labour shortages and supply chain problems, French bosses are feeling more positive that at any point since the year 2000, according to a November survey. Stephen Carroll meets two entrepreneurs who are making and selling products in France: Christèle Merter, founder and CEO of the eco-conscious clothing company La Gentle Factory; and Benjamin Kuentz, who makes French whisky under his own label Maison Benjamin Kuentz.

The Lagos state government through its Ministry of Agriculture held a Food Festival to stimulate investors’ interest in the food business at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who assumed the role of a chef along with Big Brother Naija season 6 winner, White Money to cook a delicacy encouraged the sellers to take advantage of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to grow their businesses, noting that part of the event’s objectives was to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents.

French fashion businesses here in France tend to go one of two ways: either they fail, or they thrive, before being bought up by a powerful luxury group. But some companies do manage to resist that fate – weathering economic crises, the challenges of a globalised economy and now the pandemic, all on their own. So how exactly do they do it and what makes them tick? We went to meet independent shoemakers Arche in the Loire Valley and Paris-based Weston to find out.

The 20-month US entry ban due to COVID-19 is finally a thing of the past. German companies are happy to return to business as usual.