insert_link Business / Economics 18 July 2024 Morning Biz News Biz News Roundup: Key Financial Developments Building Approvals Surge in Windhoek The City of Windhoek has approved 928 building plans in the first half of 2024, valued at N$921.9 million, as reported by The Brief. This represents a 1.4% increase in the number of plans and a substantial 30.0% increase in their value compared to the same period in 2023. However, IJG Securities highlighted a 16.3% decrease in the number of approvals and a marginal 0.1% […] todayJuly 18, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa ActionSA Urges S.A President Ramaphosa to Outline Economic Growth Plans in Parliament Address To South Africa.. where ActionSA has called on S.A's president, Cyril Ramaphosa to use his Opening of Parliament Address to announce concrete steps for the grand coalition to grow the economy and create jobs. Spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi has stressed the urgency for political accountability, policy certainty, and attracting investment. He calls for reforms in labour laws, investment hurdles, and competition in key industries to create 4.8-million jobs within five years: […] todayJuly 18, 2024 14
World U.S President Biden catches Covid US President Joseph Biden has tested positive for Covid-19. The White House said in a statement that he is experiencing "mild symptoms" and will now self-isolate at home, cutting short his campaign visit to the state of Nevada. Benji Hyer reports. todayJuly 18, 2024 8
insert_link 2 Namibia Sanlam Sponsors N$75,000 for Agra Weaner Championship Series Sanlam has contributed N$75,000 to the 13th Agra Weaner Championship Series, which started on July 9 in Karasburg and will proceed to Grootfontein. The event provides a platform for cattle farmers to showcase their work, with additional auctions in communal areas to uplift these regions aiming to enhance farming practices and honor top producers, contributing to Namibia's agricultural sector. Communications and Marketing Manager, Wendy !Naruses. todayJuly 18, 2024 41 2
insert_link South Africa Tonight’s opening of South Africa’s Parliament will take place in the Cape Town City Hall Tonight’s opening of South Africa's Parliament will take place in the Cape Town City Hall. The venue had been used regularly since the devastating fire in the parliamentary complex in January 2022, although the swearing-in of Members of Parliament and cabinet members took place in the bigger Cape Town International Convention Centre. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza says City Hall had been selected as part of cost-containing measures. President Cyril […] todayJuly 18, 2024 23
insert_link Africa TotalEnergies Sells Minority Stake in Nigerian Onshore Oil JV for $860 Million TotalEnergies has sold its 10% stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited to Mauritius-based Chappal Energies for $860 million says Reuters. CEO Patrick Pouyanne announced in February that TotalEnergies planned to exit the venture due to numerous oil spills caused by theft, sabotage, and operational issues, which resulted in costly repairs and high-profile lawsuits. todayJuly 18, 2024 14
insert_link World Prominent U.S Democrat Schiff joins those calling for Biden to stand aside Another high-profile Democrat is calling for US President, Joseph Biden not to run in the race to be leader again. Representative, Adam Schiff from California says he needs to "pass the torch". Caroline Malone reports. todayJuly 18, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s DA Criticizes EFF and MK Party for Advocating Destructive Policies In South Africa, the DA has criticised the EFF and MK Party for advocating destructive policies like abolishing the constitution and parliamentary sovereignty. They argue that these proposals threaten South Africa's democratic foundations and progress. During a media briefing, party leader John Steenhuisen said the DA's role in the government of national unity is crucial, in opposing these radical forces and ensuring governance that promotes national unity and progress: todayJuly 18, 2024 20
insert_link Namibia Not Planning to Introduce Sugar Tax, Says Finance Minister Shiimi The Finance and Public Enterprises Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi has confirmed that Namibia has no plans to implement a sugar tax, despite its potential to generate additional revenue says The Brief. Shiimi stated that an impact assessment is needed to understand the effects on various stakeholders before making any decision. While other SADC countries have adopted the sugar tax to increase revenue and combat health issues like diabetes and obesity, Namibia […] todayJuly 18, 2024 13