Tonata Kadhila

Local analyst examines economic outlook amid rate cut predictions

South Africa's Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim expects four 25 basis point cuts in 2024 starting in the second quarter, and taking the repo rate to 7.25% by year-end. He forecasts economic growth to rebound moderately in 2024 to 1.2%. We asked local Research Analyst at IJG Research, Angelique Bock if she agrees with him.

13 February, 2024

Namibia

Amushelelo accuses NamPol of rights violation

Economic activist Michael Amushelelo has accused the Namibian Police of undermining the Fundamental Freedoms of the Namibian Constitution. He claims that many Namibians who wanted to register for the 'Occupation of Vacant Houses' in Otjomuise refrained from doing so due to police harassment and intimidation. Amushelelo alleges that the police presence included approximately 100 vehicles and drones.

13 February, 2024

World

Pakistan’s political parties in coalition government talks

Pakistan's political parties are continuing attempts to form a coalition government after last week's general election. Bilawal Bhutto, a former Foreign Minister, has called for a central executive meeting of HIS PPP party to plan its next move.

12 February, 2024

Uncategorized

Coalition talks underway in Pakistan

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has postponed public consultations on three key legislation and policy documents to a later date. According to Elijah Mukubonda, the ministry's spokesperson, the stakeholder engagements will cover topics related to the National Informal Economy, Startups, and Entrepreneurship Development Policy.

12 February, 2024

Namibia

Home Affairs Ministry responds to visa issuance allegations

Economic activist Michael Amushelelo has raised concerns about officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security issuing working visas to plumbers and cleaners from South Africa for employment at Mr Price in Namibia. Ministry spokesperson, Margaret Kalo has acknowledged the country's unemployment rate and affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritise job opportunities for Namibians.

12 February, 2024

World

Haiti’s people suffer ‘deepening human rights catastrophe’

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has issued an urgent warning about the deepening human rights catastrophe in Haiti, after figures showed that January was the most violent month in more than two years. At least 806 people, not involved in the violent exchanges taking place, were killed, injured, or kidnapped in January 2024.

12 February, 2024

Environment

Heavy rainstorm destroys homes in Oshikoto and Ohangwena region

Heavy rainstorms have destroyed homes in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. According to councillor Ferdinand Shifidi of Endola constituency on Sunday, heavy storms coupled with rain and wind affected about 200 houses in Onepandaulo village, in the Ohangwena region, where the roofs of most structures were ripped off. Separately, Iikokola village headman I-Ben Nashandi says the storm uprooted homes, schools, and trees, a situation which left the residents in the Oshikoto […]

12 February, 2024

Business / Economics

Price of chocolate expected to increase due to El Nino

U.S. chocolate makers are warning that record-high cocoa prices will push up the price of their products. It comes as the El Nino weather patterns are impacting cocoa yields in West Africa. Caroline Malone reports.

12 February, 2024

World

Moroccan protesters demand end to relations with Israel

More pushback for Israel as thousands of Moroccans have taken to the streets of Rabat calling for an end to ties with Israel, over its actions in Gaza. Politicians from across the spectrum are reported to have been among the crowds. According to the BBC, Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under a US-brokered Abraham Accords.

12 February, 2024