In recent developments, the United States has announced plans to embark on its own infrastructure project in Africa, particularly in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. This initiative aims to refurbish and extend the Lobito Corridor, a railway system that will stretch through mineral-rich regions, linking Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to an Atlantic port in Angola.

This move comes at a time when China’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa through infrastructure investments, notably its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have faced scrutiny. Despite China’s investments, criticisms have emerged regarding the sustainability and completion of projects, prompting a shift in focus towards more manageable and sustainable initiatives.

The U.S, in collaboration with the European Union and African nations, is taking a proactive approach to ensure the success of the Lobito Corridor project. Key aspects include the involvement of private partners like the Africa Finance Corp., plans for long-term operation and maintenance, and capacity development strategies. This signifies a departure from past approaches and a commitment to transparent and sustainable infrastructure development.

Reflecting on China’s BRI, the U.S initiative seeks to learn from past experiences and avoid pitfalls encountered in previous projects. While China denies accusations of creating spheres of influence through its initiatives, concerns persist regarding the social, environmental, and economic impacts of its projects.

As the Lobito Corridor project progresses, attention is drawn to its potential connection with existing Chinese-built railways in the region, such as the Tazara railway linking Zambia and Tanzania. While the specifics are yet to be determined, the focus remains on practical and sustainable solutions that promote economic growth and benefit local communities.

According to The Telegraph, AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its vaccine, originally known as Covishield, may lead to uncommon side effects such as blood clots and decreased blood platelet levels.

This acknowledgement followed a class action lawsuit in the UK alleging that the vaccine was responsible for fatalities and significant harm, with claims seeking damages totaling up to £100m on behalf of approximately 50 affected individuals.

“It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS. The causal mechanism is not known,” AstraZeneca said in court documents in February, the newspaper reported.

TTS, short for Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, manifests as blood clots alongside diminished blood platelet levels in humans. AstraZeneca’s vaccine, a product of collaboration between Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, saw widespread use in more than 150 nations, including the UK and India.

Initially hailed for its purported effectiveness of 60 to 80 percent against the novel coronavirus, subsequent investigations revealed its potential to trigger life-threatening blood clotting issues in some recipients.

This revelation starkly contrasted AstraZeneca’s previous stance in 2023, when it adamantly denied any connection between the vaccine and TTS.

The World Health Organization echoed concerns about the vaccine’s adverse effects, acknowledging rare instances of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, marked by severe and uncommon blood clotting events alongside reduced platelet counts, occurring post-vaccination.