Trade deficit reaches N$3.6 billion in August 2024

Trade deficit reaches N$3.6 billion in August 2024

The Namibia Statistics Agency has reported a trade balance deficit of N$3.6 billion in August 2024 which is an increase from N$2.1 billion in July and a decrease from N$4.9 billion in August 2023. Exports were adjusted upward by N$7 million, while imports decreased by N$1 million, mainly due to higher export values of fish and precious stones, according to Namibia Statistics Agency spokesperson Mirjam Shihepo.

October 2, 2024 28

Business / Economics

FNB Namibia expects inflation to reach 4.7% in September

FNB Namibia expects headline inflation to increase to 4.7% year-on-year in September from 4.4% in August, mainly driven by rising food and non-alcoholic beverage prices because of the ongoing drought, while transport costs continue to decline. Core inflation is expected to slightly decrease from 3.8% in August to 3.7% in September. This small drop suggests that, even though overall inflation might temporarily rise, inflationary pressures in the economy are gradually […]

October 2, 2024 31

Africa

Research into Polymer biodegradation studies

Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, from the UFS’s Department of Chemistry, is doing research into biodegradable polymers for application in disposable product packaging. BLOEMFONTEIN, 1 October 2024: A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global […]

October 2, 2024 27

Namibia

City of Windhoek warns against supporting street solicitation

The City of Windhoek has urged the public to stop giving money to individuals begging on the streets. The City says that while this may seem like a kind gesture, it keeps people trapped in a cycle of poverty. Here is the City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya.

October 1, 2024 31

World

The UK charters a flight for Britons to leave Lebanon

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence. There are concerns about rising violence in the Middle East after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut at the weekend. UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, says the flight will leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport tomorrow.

October 1, 2024 22

Business / Economics

Flood damage in KwaZulu-Natal exceeds 8 billion rand

South Africa’s Special Risk Insurance Association has engaged the government and other stakeholders in a bid to extend its cover to natural disasters, climate-related risks, and cyberattacks. The cost of damage from the June floods in KwaZulu-Natal was estimated at more than 1.3 billion rand, while the 2022 floods in the province caused damage estimated at seven billion rand to at least 826 companies. The association’s chairperson, Nolwandle Mgoqi, says […]

October 1, 2024 13

Sport

Basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo dies aged 58

Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo – known for his shot-blocking and famed finger wave after denying opponents at the hoop – died Monday from brain cancer aged 58. According to the NBA, he was surrounded by his family when he died Monday. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo came to Washington’s Georgetown University initially on an academic scholarship in 1987, CNN reports, and rose to fame when […]

October 1, 2024 17

World

UNRWA warns of worsening crisis in Lebanon

More than one million people across Lebanon have been uprooted by ongoing and deadly Israeli airstrikes across the country, including one reported early Monday morning in a residential area of central Beirut, adding to fears of a full-scale invasion. Here’s the director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Lebanon, Dorothy Klaus. Israel meanwhile says a 'limited, localised' ground operation is underway in […]

October 1, 2024 23

South Africa

Gun Free South Africa calls for urgent reforms

Gun Free South Africa director Adèle Kirsten has raised concerns over the weekend mass shooting of 18 people in Lusikisiki. Statistics show that 34 gun-related fatalities are reported daily, with 24 guns lost. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Kirsten is advocating for stricter gun reforms.

October 1, 2024 20