insert_link Africa Local activist opposes Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation Ghana's parliament has approved a bill criminalising LGBTQ+ identity and the formation or funding of LGBTQ+ groups, punishable by up to three to five years in prison, respectively. The bill will come into effect only if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law. Linda Baumann an activist for the rights of women, and the LGBTQI community says the bill should not be enacted into law. todayFebruary 29, 2024 23
insert_link Namibia Prime Minister’s office partners with WFP on food security The Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nashandi, and Dr. George Fedha from the World Food Programme have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening the capacity for Vulnerability Assessment Analysis and systems for early warning systems. Here is I-Ben Nashandi. todayFebruary 29, 2024 30
insert_link Business / Economics Economists break down revised tax reforms and national budget With Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Ipumbu Shiimi having announced in yesterday’s National budget that the government has revised tax reforms that will put N$646 million back in the pockets of taxpayers by exempting all individual taxpayers from paying tax on the first N$100,000 of their income, starting 1 March 2024, we asked Cirrus Capital Economist Robert McGregor for a breakdown of the numbers. Namibia's largest-ever annual budget on Wednesday […] todayFebruary 29, 2024 40
insert_link Business / Economics High Economic Intelligence and Bank Windhoek lead survey on SIM Card Rules Economic and financial research entity, High Economic Intelligence and Bank Windhoek are conducting a comprehensive survey titled "The Implications of SIM Card Registrations on the Namibian Economy" to get the public’s understanding of the ongoing mandatory SIM card registration process. Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence, Salomei Hei. todayFebruary 28, 2024 48
insert_link Environment EU to introduce 10-year prison terms for environmental crimes The European Union has become the first international body to criminalise the most serious cases of environmental damage that are “comparable to ecocide”. Ecosystem destruction, including habitat loss and illegal logging, will be punished with tougher penalties and prison sentences of up to 10 years under the EU’s updated environmental crime directive. Here is local Ecologist Peter Cuningham. todayFebruary 28, 2024 28
insert_link Africa Tshisekedi and Kagame to discuss DRC conflict The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi has agreed to meet his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame to discuss ways of resolving the ongoing conflict in the east of his country. todayFebruary 28, 2024 26
insert_link Environment Swakopmund residents protest radioactive facility plans Swakopmund residents are outraged over plans for a radioactive material storage and handling facility in the coastal town’s industrial area. According to residents, the facility, if approved by the town council, puts the lives of residents at risk, as toxic matter will be stored near their homes. We contacted former Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Bernard Haufiku for his take. todayFebruary 28, 2024 70
insert_link Business / Economics Finance Minister, Ipumbu Shiimi tables 2024/25 national budget Finance Minister Ipumbu Shiimi has tabled the National Budget for the 2024/25 period in the National Assembly this afternoon. Shiimi said that this year’s budget was built on the three pillars of stimulating domestic demand, accelerating investments in productive public infrastructure, and cultivating fiscal prudence. Revenue estimates for FY2023/24 have been revised upwards by N$2.5 billion to a total of N$81.1 billion. Old Age Grant and the Disability […] todayFebruary 28, 2024 34
insert_link World Private sector invests in universal connectivity The mobile phone industry has pledged over $9 billion towards the goal of connecting the world. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said, “Thanks to these new commitments, millions of people will benefit from accessible and affordable connectivity across the world.” Around 2.6 billion people remain offline worldwide, according to data from the specialized UN agency, which drives innovation in communications technology. As telecommunications infrastructure forms the backbone of connectivity and digital transformation, […] todayFebruary 28, 2024 18
