26 January - 1 pm news

Parliament gears up for a new session, Namibia’s trade deficit widens, and warnings are raised over food safety and disease preparedness. We unpack banking and aviation wins, regional action on foot-and-mouth disease, a new African credit rating agency, rising health alerts in Asia, and relief for UNAM students.

Concerns are raised over draft investment bill as police launch a nationwide crime prevention operation. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Solidarity Movement slams planned US protests and Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti is honoured with a posthumous Grammy.

Concerns grow over weak taxi regulation as police roll out a nationwide crime prevention operation. Meanwhile, business liquidations show mixed signals, Trump warns the UK on China, and Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti earns a posthumous Grammy.

Agriculture Minister urges faster response to food safety risks while South Africa’s union slams planned US protest. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso tightens political control, and Iran criticises the EU over its Revolutionary Guard designation.

# Namibia and Zambia Linked by New Direct Flight.... # Namib Mills Pays Striking Employees Less Than N$500.... #South African Inflation Faces Pressure from Food and Electricity Costs ..... # Africa Finance Corp Secures 'A' Rating to Boost Lending Across Continent ......PLUS # In the U.S, Border czar Homan looking…