Briefly

IRAN

Raisi slams sanctions in first UN address

New Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi slammed sanctions imposed by the United States on his nation as a mechanism of war, using his first United Nations address since his swearing-in to forcefully call out Washington's policies in the region. Raisi said on Tuesday: "We don't trust the promises made by the US government. ... Sanctions are the US' new way of war with the nations of the world." He added that such economic punishment during the COVID-19 pandemic amounts to "crimes against humanity".

WEST AFRICA

Nigeria, Ghana join digital currency race

Nigeria and Ghana are racing to adopt a central bank digital currency as the two largest economies in West Africa look to ride the wave of cryptocurrencies. Central banks in both countries have partnered with foreign financial tech companies to create digital versions of their currencies, joining other countries in exploring the initiative. Nigeria will launch its e-Naira digital currency on Oct 1, and Ghana will hold trials for its e-Cedi from this month.

Agencies - Xinhua