Angola extends cash tranfer for low-income families

Angola extends cash tranfer for low-income families

Angola will extend a cash-transfer program for low-income families as a weaker currency and sky-high inflation continue to drive up living costs in the oil-producing country. Bloomberg reports the Kwenda program will run until 2029, following the recent approval by the World Bank of an additional $400 million loan, President João Lourenço said in a speech Tuesday. The project, the first of its kind in Angola, began in 2020 to […]

October 16, 2024 9

Business / Economics

Bank of Namibia reduces repo rate to 7.25%, offering relief to consumers

The Bank of Namibia has announced a 25 basis point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 7.25 percent. This decision follows an extensive review of domestic, regional, and global economic conditions. Speaking at the monetary policy announcement, BoN Governor Johannes !Gawaxab emphasized the need to moderate monetary restrictions due to slowing economic growth and declining inflation. "Domestic economic activity rose during the first eight months of 2024, […]

October 16, 2024 13

Namibia

Electoral Commission of Namibia confirms 2024 election candidates

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) held a public meeting on Wednesday to formally receive nominations for candidates and political parties contesting the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. The final list of candidates will be made public on Thursday, 17 October 2024, according to ECN Commissioner Dr. Emmerencia Leonard. In a developing situation, the ECN has granted independent candidates an additional 24 hours to submit the required number […]

October 16, 2024 16

Africa

17 African countries to send satellites into orbit

Falling launch costs have given African countries a chance to send their satellites into orbit. The BBC reports that to date, a total of 17 African countries have put more than 60 satellites into orbit and, along with Senegal, both Djibouti and Zimbabwe have also watched their first satellites become operational during the past 12 months.

October 15, 2024 16

Business / Economics

Ojoma Ochai talks innovation during Namibia visit

Co-Creation Hub is helping Africa move towards a future of innovation and growth by using technology in different sectors. The hub also supports creative entrepreneurs with programs to prepare for investment, build ecosystems, and conduct research. The hub’s Managing Director, Ojoma Ochai talks about her visit to Namibia.

October 15, 2024 22

Namibia

Walvis Bay Council faces challenges identifying Otweya fire victims

Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor, Florian Tegako Donatus says the process of identifying the true victims of the Otweya informal settlement fire is delayed due to false claims from people pretending to need aid. The council, alongside the government, is working to ensure assistance, such as food, blankets, and clothes, reaches those genuinely affected. Donatus also mentioned that strategies are being developed to prevent future fires.

October 15, 2024 19

World

India and Canada expel diplomats as ties worsen

India and Canada have expelled each other's six diplomats as ties worsen over the murder of a Sikh leader in Canada last year. It comes after Canada said it asked the Indian government to waive the diplomatic immunity of some officials who have been named as persons of interest in the murder investigation.

October 15, 2024 18

Health / Medical

Lenacapavir shows 96% HIV prevention success

A six-monthly HIV prevention injection containing lenacapavir has been confirmed effective in two pivotal studies. The first study, PURPOSE 1, showed no HIV infections among two-thousand-134 participants, while the second, PURPOSE 2, reported two infections among two-thousand-179 participants. This translates to a 96-percent reduction in HIV infections compared to background incidence. Gilead Sciences plans to file for regulatory approval to market lenacapavir for prevention. Separately, during a press briefing on Monday, the U.S. Department […]

October 15, 2024 43

World

UN voices concern over peacekeeper safety in Lebanon

At least 21 people have been killed in an Israeli air strike in northern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied purposefully targeting peacekeepers in Lebanon but has repeated calls for them to leave combat areas. Richard Gowan is the United Nations Director at the Crisis Group - he says the UN is concerned about its peacekeeping troops.

October 15, 2024 25