insert_link Business / Economics BOJ keeps rates unchanged Japan’s central bank is leaving interest rates unchanged in a move widely expected by the market. Its chief, Kazuo Ueda, says a lack of clarity over wage trends and uncertainty over the U.S. economy is behind the decision. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo: todayDecember 20, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics Union to Present Support for Increase in S.A’s National Minimum Wage Cosatu says it will be presenting its submission to support the South Africa National Minimum Wage Commission’ recommendations of 1.5-percent increase for the national minimum wage for the 2025 financial year and finalise its proposals to Employment and Labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says the federation is urging the Minister to announce the final increase and ensure it comes into effect by no later than 1 March […] todayDecember 20, 2024 16
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of England Hold interest rates The Bank of England has held UK interest rates at 4.75%, warning that Britain's economy is on the brink of stagnation following a combination of global factors, and the UK finance minister's spending plans for the year ahead. Lou Browne has more. todayDecember 20, 2024 10
insert_link Business / Economics Hardap Governor Hails Entrepreneurs as Economic Backbone Hardap governor Salomon April has praised entrepreneurs for their vital role in driving Namibia’s economy. Speaking at a handover ceremony in Mariental on Tuesday, April highlighted the distribution of equipment to over 50 beneficiaries from the Hardap and //Kharas regions under the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation’s Equipment Aid Scheme for MSMEs. Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, encouraged entrepreneurs who have not yet participated to apply in the […] todayDecember 20, 2024 5
insert_link Business / Economics Amazon workers to strike Thousands of Amazon workers in the United States are gearing up to go on strike from today over the tech giant's refusal to begin contract negotiations.It follows a Congressional investigation which this week found the company pushes its workforce to fulfil orders at speeds that could cause high rates of injury. Amazon claims those findings are "wrong" and featured "selective, outdated information that isn't grounded in reality." Following the […] todayDecember 19, 2024 14
insert_link Business / Economics NCCI Calls for Active Participation in January 2025 EGM The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting in January 2025 to elect new Executive Committees and address key branch matters. Only paid-up members can participate in nominations, voting, or standing for election. Members interested in standing for EXCO positions must submit a Statement of Intent one week before the meeting. For eligibility, members are urged to confirm their membership status or […] todayDecember 19, 2024 7
insert_link Business / Economics Mobile Communication Trends Reflect Shifts in User Behavior – CRAN In Q3 2024, mobile outgoing minutes increased by 8%, and SMS usage rose by 11%, marking recoveries from previous declines, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority. Mobile data usage fell by 3%, suggesting a shift toward fiber-based internet. Fixed-line calls remained steady, but mobile-to-fixed-line calls grew by 38%, driven by communication with businesses and government offices. Telecom Namibia relied heavily on MTC for inter-network call routing, with only […] todayDecember 19, 2024 7
insert_link Business / Economics FISHCOR Donates Fish to All 14 Regions for Food Security FISHCOR donated 1 ton of fish to each of Namibia's 14 regions, valued at N$240,000, to support food security amid the ongoing drought. The donation aims to assist the most vulnerable communities facing food shortages. CEO Alex Gawa-!nab highlighted FISHCOR's commitment to complementing government efforts in national development and addressing food security. James Uerikua, speaking on behalf of the Governors Trust, expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its role […] todayDecember 19, 2024 6
insert_link Business / Economics US Fed cuts interest rate for third time in 2024 The US Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by another quarter of a percent, its third consecutive cut of 2024. However, the central bank has signaled just two cuts in the coming year. Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayDecember 19, 2024 11