insert_link Business / Economics 2 August 2024 Morning Biz News: Namibia Lifts Vehicle Acquisition Ban, Tiger Brands Expands in South Africa, Currency Fluctuations Impact Global Markets Government Lifts Ban on Vehicle Acquisitions Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi announced that the Namibian government has lifted the five-year ban on acquiring new vehicles for ministers and government employees. This moratorium, initially imposed by the late President Hage Geingob in 2020, follows a previous halt in 2015 by former Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein as part of austerity measures. The move marks a significant policy shift and could lead to increased […] todayAugust 2, 2024 20
insert_link Business / Economics FNB Namibia Anticipates Inflation Drop to 4.4% FNB Namibia forecasts a decrease in headline inflation from 4.6% in June this year to 4.4% last month. This decline is mainly due to reduced transport inflation, linked to eased costs in personal transport and vehicle purchases. The drop is supported by recent global oil price stabilization and the Mines and Energy ministry's July fuel price cuts. Helena Mboti, an Economist at FNB Namibia. todayAugust 2, 2024 37
insert_link Namibia Competition Commission Says Settlement Reached Over Unapproved Merger The Competition Commission has reached a settlement with Fan Qingmei, Wang Zhongke, Hong Xiang Holdings, and Whale Rock Cement. The agreement follows an investigation revealing that these parties violated regulations by implementing a merger without the Commission's prior approval. Zhongke acquired shares in Hong Xiang Holdings from Qingmei, which holds a 70% stake in Whale Rock Cement and controls the company.The commission's, Dina //Gowases. t todayAugust 2, 2024 30
insert_link World Russia, West hold largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War In the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, the US, Germany, Slovenia, and Russia agreed to swap 26 individuals in Ankara, Turkey. Moscow received 10 Russians accused of espionage and other crimes in the West, including two children of a convicted Russian couple in Slovenia. In return, Russia released 13 individuals with German, US, and Russian citizenship. Daria Bondarchuk reports from Moscow. todayAugust 2, 2024 9
insert_link Namibia Voter Registration in Kunene Region Exceeds Expectations Despite Challenges Voter registration in the Kunene Region has proceeded smoothly, overcoming challenges such as displaced farmers seeking grazing for cattle in drought-affected areas, according to ECN's Kunene regional electoral officer, Mike Nganjone. As the registration deadline approached, a rush of people registered for the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections in November. Over the past two months, the region has achieved over 92% registration of eligible voters, with some constituencies exceeding […] todayAugust 2, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa Mbalula Dismisses Claims of ANC-DA Coalition in Government of National Unity In S.A, ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula has dismissed DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille's claims that the government of national unity is a coalition between the DA and the ANC. He briefed the media as the party convenes its three-day national executive committee meeting in Ekurhuleni. Mbalula says the ANC remains central to the government of national unity and no government decisions can occur without its involvement: todayAugust 2, 2024 17
insert_link Business / Economics 25 July-1 2024 August Weekly Economics Wrap: Telecom Namibia’s Major Upgrade, Rand Strengthens, Shoprite Growth, and Global Financial Updates Namibian Telecom Sector Gets a Boost UCOM and BDQ Mobile Network Solutions have launched a 10-year partnership to rejuvenate Namibia’s third mobile phone operator. According to The Brief, BDQ, in collaboration with American-based VANU Technology, will introduce cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure to enhance service quality across the nation. Telecom Namibia has also made headlines by activating the Equiano subsea cable. This major development promises to significantly improve internet connectivity with […] todayAugust 1, 2024 10
insert_link World India China agree to advance border negotations India and China say they will speed up negotiations to resolve their border dispute after the 30th round of talks on the issue. This comes just a week after foreign ministers from the two countries met in Laos. The Asian neighbors have been locked in a border standoff for over four years now. Ishan Garg has more from New Delhi. todayAugust 1, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa Gauteng police say they have seized 300-million-rand worth of drugs in Fourways In S.A, Gauteng police say they have seized 300-million-rand worth of drugs in Fourways, north of Johannesburg, and have rescued a kidnapped businessman. Eight kidnappers, including three Tanzanian nationals, were also arrested. It is understood the businessman was kidnapped on the fifth of July at a mosque in Helderkruin, Roodepoort. Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the businessman was rescued at a house in Lenasia: todayAugust 1, 2024 25
