World Business Report BBC Podcasts

In Sri Lanka, tea pickers have received a pay rise mandated by the Government, and, a BBC investigation reveals child labour in beauty industry supply chain.
Also, Sam Fenwick discovers whether new EU border controls will improve security, or lead to travel chaos?
Plus, a discussion on the challenges of running a small business in South Africa – is it worth the investment?

South Africa's economy is under the spotlight, ahead of the elections there this week. The vote could see the ruling party ANC win less than 50% for the first time in its history. Elsewhere, Rahul Tandon looks at the AI battle heating up, with Elon Musk's new company raising $6 billion. And he goes inside the disruption facing business in Iceland, amid rising volcanic activity.

Africa's wrestling with a $1.2tn debt, while global interest rates are at a 40-year high. This week’s African Development Bank summit is focusing on this debt crisis. What solutions are on the horizon, and how are businesses coping?
Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick is looking at the global cost of shipping containers. They are on the rise again this month causing European retailers to order now to make sure stuff arrives in time for Christmas.
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

Eli Lilly announced investing another $5.3 billion in a manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Indiana. It will help company to expand the supply of its highly popular weight loss drug Zepbound, diabetes treatment Mounjaro and other medicines in its pipeline. How will it affect the local economy?
Devina Gupta finds out why electricity prices are gone up in Texas and how the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs university sports in the US, has reached a deal that could lead to college athletes getting paid.

We take a look at the Ukrainian economy as G7 leaders meet to discuss how to finance the recovery of the war-torn nation. Elsewhere, Rahul Tandon explores the key issues at stake ahead of South Africa's election next week, and looks at the new deal that could lead to U.S college athletes finally getting paid.

US regulators have sued Live Nation, accusing the entertainment giant of using illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly over the live music industry. The lawsuit from the Department of Justice said the firm's practices had kept out competitors, and led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.
Also, Devina Gupta finds out how Russian president Vladimir Putin could use US property in the country to compensate for frozen Russian assets. And why one of Australia’s biggest banks, the Commonwealth, is predicting the country will become cashless by 2026.