Sustainable solutions to Nigeria's energy crisis, and other news (16 July 2019)

Each week we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention.

• DFID are to fund an education programme to improve the capacity of MPs in Zimbabwe, as well as looking at possible changes in legislation to introduce required minimum qualifications for future political candidates. Read more in New Zimbabwe.

• A new research project has been announced to find sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy crisis. The project is part of the larger Action for Empowerment and Accountability research study taking place across a number of African and Asian countries. Read more in The Guardian Nigeria.

• The UK has increased funding for sustainable urban economic development in Kenya, providing an additional SH1 billion in support this year. The funds will be used to strengthen capacity for municipality level planning and to ensure key activities continue after the programme ends. Read more in The Star Kenya.

• The Emirates Red Crescent – a member of the international Federation of Red Cross - have set a budget of DH10 million to be used to build a maternity centre, alongside new housing, in Kerala, India as part of the UAE reconstructions projects in the area following severe flooding last year. Read more in Khaleej Times.