insert_link World EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels European foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels today, kicking off key discussions as the EU returns from its summer break. This meeting was supposed to happen in Budapest, but the EU boycotted it due to frustrations with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's self-declared "Peace Mission" earlier this year. Pablo Gutierrez reports. todayAugust 29, 2024 61
insert_link Health / Medical WHO calls for greater access to assistive tech As the 2024 Paralympic games get underway in Paris, the head of the World Health Organisation has urged greater access to the so-called assisted technology that many people with disabilities rely on. WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the devices which include running blades, wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs are important for the Paralympians. However, around the world, many still do not have access to these technologies due to the […] todayAugust 29, 2024 25
insert_link Business / Economics New Bank of Namibia bonds expected to improve financial access The Bank of Namibia is preparing to introduce the country’s first retail bonds, allowing low to medium-income earners to invest in government debt. According to Max Rix, Head of Investments at Simonis Storm Securities, this initiative could broaden financial inclusion and promote financial literacy among Namibians. todayAugust 29, 2024 113
insert_link World UN suspends Gaza staff movement after attack The United Nations World Food Programme has temporarily suspended the movement of its staff in the Gaza Strip. This comes after its team came under fire near an Israeli checkpoint while two of its armoured vehicles were escorting a convoy of lorries with humanitarian aid. UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, says increasing violence compromises the ability to deliver life-saving assistance. The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Wednesday condemned […] todayAugust 29, 2024 23
Africa Nigerian breaks world record with 215-hour reading marathon Nigeria's Samson Ajao has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest reading-aloud marathon. The 27-year-old achieved the record by reading for 215 hours – just one hour short of nine full days. Ajeck Mangut reports. todayAugust 29, 2024 41
insert_link World UK’s Starmer in France for post-Brexit trade talks United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in France for talks with President Emmanuel Macron on issues such as migration, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Catherine Barnard - Professor of EU law at the University of Cambridge - says any improvements to the UK's post-Brexit trading relationship with Brussels will be a challenge. todayAugust 29, 2024 39
insert_link Business / Economics Letshego reports 14% revenue growth in 2024 For the first half of 2024, Letshego Holding Namibia recorded a strong growth of 14% year-on-year increase in total revenue, driven by a 21% rise in interest income. Net interest income grew by 15% to N$251 million, strengthened by a 3% increase in net advances to customers and strategic repricing of low-interest loans. CEO of Letshego Holdings Namibia, Dr Ester Kali says the bank has maintained a stable cost-to-income ratio […] todayAugust 29, 2024 38
insert_link Namibia Windhoek enforces new water saving rules Following the declaration of a category D severe water scarcity drought by the Council on 31 July 2024, and in line with the City of Windhoek's water management plan, new water-saving measures will be implemented starting 1 September 2024. City spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, has more. Earlier this week, the municipality announced that between 19 and 26 August 2024, it managed to reduce water consumption by 6% which still falls […] todayAugust 29, 2024 95
insert_link Namibia Paralympics get underway in Paris with opening ceremony The 2024 Paralympics get underway on Wednesday in Paris with the opening ceremony. There will be 549 gold medals across 22 sports awarded over the next 12 days in the French capital - with the same iconic Olympic venues being used for Paralympic events. Athletes from Namibia, including Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala, Lahja Ishitile, Chris Kinda, and Petrus Karuli, will compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from August […] todayAugust 28, 2024 36