London's culinary scene is experiencing a surge in African cuisine, with restaurants offering a range of experiences from casual to luxurious. Establishments like Enish, Tatale, and Pitanga are showcasing the diversity of African dishes, from traditional stews to modern fusion. Newer restaurants such as Akoko and Stork provide upscale dining options, while Kudu Grill and Chishuru have gained popularity for their authentic flavors. Chefs like Akwasi Brenya-Mensa and Ayo Adeyemi are at the forefront of this movement, creating menus that pay homage to their heritage while appealing to a broad audience.

HSBC Holdings' U.K. unit is planning to offer more inclusive banking services by ceasing to collect gender data on some products, such as HSBC Kinetic and a new mortgage tool, to better accommodate nonbinary and trans customers. The bank is also simplifying name change procedures and has replaced labels like 'husband' and 'wife' with 'spouse.' Other banks, including Bank of Montreal and Citigroup, have made similar moves, offering bank cards for nonbinary individuals. The initiatives have sparked debate, with some backlash, but firms like LGBT Great argue that inclusivity builds trust and appeals to a broader customer base. The challenge of legacy banking systems is noted, and the article mentions research on the experiences of transgender individuals with identification.

Employees at Citigroup Inc. and Barclays Plc are considering withdrawing support from the Pride in London parade due to concerns about racism allegations within the organizing body. Citigroup has already decided not to sponsor the event, which it has supported since 2013. Barclays, a past sponsor, is not listed as a 2022 partner. The allegations, which surfaced in March 2021, led to the resignation of Pride's advisory board and a promise from Pride to reform, aiming for more diverse leadership. Despite these changes, some in the finance industry remain skeptical. Pride in London has received sponsorship applications from over 40,000 entities, with corporate sponsors like BT Group Plc and London Stock Exchange Group Plc confirmed for this year's event. The parade will also advocate for a ban on conversion therapy for all LGBTQ+ people in the UK.

The African Export-Import Bank has mobilized $1 billion to offset revenue losses for countries reducing cross-border tariffs under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Secretary-General Wamkele Mene stated that the fund aims to support countries by year-end. The AfCFTA, effective from January 1, seeks to enhance intra-African trade by reducing tariffs on 90% of goods and promoting investment. Despite concerns over revenue losses, a World Bank report indicates minimal short-term impact on tariff and total tax revenues for most African countries.

Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve expressed optimism and a commitment to economic support. Congressional leaders are finalizing a $900 billion coronavirus relief plan. The U.S. Treasury labeled Switzerland and Vietnam as currency manipulators, while the Swiss National Bank vowed to continue currency interventions despite U.S. censure. White-collar workers are relocating due to flexible work arrangements, and Mexico's central bank is expected to maintain interest rates. A U.S.-U.K. trade deal is seen as likely by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and colleagues are contemplating adjustments to their asset purchase program amidst a worsening Covid-19 outbreak and economic slowdown. Studies suggest tax cuts for the wealthy exacerbate inequality without significant benefits to others, highlighting arguments for the wealthy to contribute more to pandemic costs. Low-income households are experiencing a decline in cash reserves, emphasizing their financial vulnerability. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's stocks dropped following Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's indication that he is unlikely to release them from U.S. control before his term ends. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem cautioned that the Canadian economy might contract again due to a second wave of virus cases. Emerging markets face persistent risks despite investor optimism for a 2021 recovery.

Migrant workers in high-income countries earn 12.6% less than national workers, with the wage gap increasing in recent years in countries like Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Norway. The International Labour Organization's report, covering 49 nations, indicates migrants are often in precarious work, with over a quarter on temporary contracts. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the labor divide, leading to significant job losses among migrant workers, who were predominantly in manual jobs and unable to work remotely.

Excess deaths in England and Wales reached the highest level since May during the week through November 20, driven by an increase in fatalities linked to COVID-19. The Office of National Statistics reported deaths were 20.8% above the five-year average, with COVID-19 deaths accounting for 21.5% of all fatalities. Despite the rise, the number of deaths would have been below average if not for the COVID-19 related deaths. The data comes from the second full week of England’s national lockdown, with new infections beginning to decline as the country prepares to implement a new tiered system of restrictions.

The U.S. Congress is facing a deadline to pass new government funding, with uncertainty around Federal Reserve Board confirmations and a coronavirus relief package. President-elect Joe Biden is set to name an economic team, including Janet Yellen as Treasury secretary, focusing on economic recovery and supporting Black and lower-income Americans. The Federal Reserve's efforts to aid midsize firms are facing challenges, and the U.S. could see a reversal in poverty reduction without continued aid. Canada's economy has seen rapid growth in the third quarter, but faces challenges with a second wave of Covid-19, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau planning more stimulus spending.

Economic activity in the U.S. and Canada has continued to move sideways in the last week of November, with levels still significantly below pre-crisis standards. Europe's activity slowed again. Focus on Russia may decrease under President-elect Joe Biden, potentially reducing the likelihood of harsh sanctions. France and Germany are initiating early contact with Biden's team to expedite talks on U.S.-EU trade relations. An informal U.S.-led alliance aims to offer a transparent alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. China's imports of U.S. goods have slowed, making the phase-one trade deal's full-year target unlikely to be met. Emerging economies are experiencing varied downturns and recoveries, with China leading, Turkey's rebound strong but unsustainable, and Brazil and South Africa not expected to reach pre-virus peaks through 2021.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic have expressed opposing views on the preservation of emergency lending programs amid the risk of a renewed economic downturn due to the resurgent coronavirus. Mnuchin suggests redirecting unspent stimulus funds, while Bostic warns against letting Fed emergency lending programs expire. Additionally, the financial industry faces a deadline to move away from the Libor benchmark, and Argentina is experiencing the destruction of soy bags valued at $100,000. Economic activity in Europe shows signs of stabilization, and Canada's post-lockdown economic rebound is expected to slow in the first quarter of 2021.

The article discusses the history and impact of student activism in the UK, focusing on anti-racist movements and university occupations. It highlights several cases, including the Goldsmiths Anti-Racist Action (GARA) in 2019, the occupation at Warwick University in response to a speaking invitation to an Israeli Defence Force Colonel, and the 1960s protests at the London School of Economics against the appointment of Walter Adams. The article reflects on the role of students of color in these movements and the challenges they face, such as violence from university responses and the involvement of white allies. It also touches on the support from organizations like the National Union of Students (NUS) and the ongoing influence of student activism on policy change and social justice issues.