insert_link Africa AHIF holds talks on powering investment into hospitality The Africa Hospitality and Investment Forum is currently underway in Windhoek. The event brings together the who's who of the hotel investment community that drives investment into tourism projects, infrastructure, and hotel development. We spoke to Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia after she participated in a panel discussion on Powering Investments into Namibian Hospitality Today’s agenda also featured government initiatives to support the hospitality industry. todayJune 26, 2024 18
insert_link Health / Medical World marks International Day Against Drug Abuse Today is International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime's World Drug Report 2024, launched on Wednesday, reveals that new synthetic opioids and a record supply and demand for other drugs have worsened the global drug problem. Angela Me, head of social affairs at UNODC. todayJune 26, 2024 46
insert_link Africa Death toll rises in Kenya tax hike protests Protesters in Kenya have been shot dead and fires started inside parliament after politicians voted in favour of a controversial tax bill. The Kenya Medical Association said at least 13 people had been killed and dozens more injured. Following reports that Namibians were near Kenya’s Parliament at the time of the incident, we spoke to the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Penda Naanda. Kenya is […] todayJune 26, 2024 34
insert_link Business / Economics Financial Intelligence Centre launches 2023/24 annual report The Financial Intelligence Centre which is mandated with combating money laundering, financing of terrorism, and proliferation launched the 2023/24 annual report in the capital on Wednesday. Speaking at the launch, FIC board chairperson, Charmaine van der Westhuizen says the FIC’s role is indispensable. The Financial Intelligence Centre achieved an unqualified audit opinion, with reserves increasing by 128% to N$44.3 million from N$19.3 million in the previous financial year. Total […] todayJune 26, 2024 38
insert_link APO International Guinea: USD 14 million loan from the African Development Fund will support industrial development and resilience of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) [[{"value":"The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/3VAvcHY), the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), has approved a loan of US $14.04 million to Guinea for implementation in the country of the Industrial Development and SME Resilience Support Project. The financing comes from Pillar 1 of the Transition Support Facility (https://apo-opa.co/4eIc1VA), an AfDB financing instrument for fragile and transition countries. It will enable Guinea to […] todayJune 26, 2024 7
insert_link APO International Siya Kolisi to retain Springbok captaincy [[{"value":"Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will retain the captain’s armband when the world champions return to the field in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which kicks off against Ireland in Pretoria on Saturday, 6 July, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced on Wednesday. Erasmus confirmed that Kolisi, who is based overseas with French club Racing 92, will again lead the team, ending speculation that Kolisi could be replaced […] todayJune 26, 2024 6
insert_link APO International African Development Bank expands urban support program to six new cities [[{"value":"The African Development Bank’s (www.AfDB.org) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (https://apo-opa.co/4exYmAh) has expanded its African Cities Program to cover six new cities across the continent. The expansion, approved by the Fund’s 13th Oversight Committee, will help bolster urban development and address critical challenges faced by rapidly growing African cities. The newly included cities are: Kolwezi, the Democratic Republic of Congo: mining town grappling with rapid urban growth and environmental issues. […] todayJune 26, 2024 9
insert_link APO International Fostering a Vibrant and Inclusive Private Sector is Key to Somalia’s Resilient Growth [[{"value":"Since Somalia’s private sector accounts for an estimated 95 percent of total jobs created, marshaling the private sector to support the country’s development is critical for reconstruction, transitioning from fragility, and generating more inclusive economic dividends for it’s people. The country also needs to focus on growth (to avoid falling back into debt), create jobs, and enhance economic opportunities for citizens. Published today, the Somalia Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) […] todayJune 26, 2024 6
insert_link APO International Exchanges Between Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and The European Union to Deepen Their Strategic Partnership [[{"value":"The working visit by a delegation of European Union ambassadors to the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Commission on 20 June 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, is in line with the growing importance of the partnership between the two institutions. The meeting, chaired by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Larbli TCHINTCHIBIDJA, is part of ongoing efforts by both parties to strengthen the collaboration in a number […] todayJune 26, 2024 7