insert_link Business / Economics 14 February 2024 Morning Biz News: Economic Insights: Namibia’s Wind Energy Potential, Rand Weakens, OPEC’s Oil Demand Forecast, and Global Market Shifts A Comprehensive Overview of Key Economic Developments and Financial Indicators 1. McKinsey & Company Report Highlights Namibia's Wind Energy Revenue Potential A recent McKinsey & Company report underscores Namibia's potential to generate N$13.9 billion in revenue by 2050 through local production of wind turbine towers and blades. The report breaks down the potential contribution, with a direct impact of 30%, an indirect contribution of 41%, and an induced contribution of […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 9
insert_link Business / Economics 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. todayFebruary 13, 2024 18
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of Namibia expected to cut repo rate by 25bps as inflation cooling By Josef Kefas Sheehama At its first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2024, on the 14 February 2024, the Bank of Namibia is expected to cut its Repo Rate by 25 basis points. All of Namibian’s banks now expect the Bank of Namibia to cut its Repo Rate target by 0.25 basis points on the 14 February 2024, which would bring its key lending rate to 7.50%. This […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 39
Africa Kenya’s sex workers have solutions to their problems, but international NGOs aren’t hearing them By Lise Woensdregt, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam In Kenya, rights organisations run by sex workers have gone into numerous partnerships with international organisations over the past decade. In recent research, I set out to understand whether these relationships worked in favour of the sex workers and their organisations. My research focused on an organisation in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, that supports male sex workers. Kenya’s laws punish activities related to […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 15
insert_link Business / Economics 13 February 2024 Biz News: Economic Landscape Update: Fuel Levy Increase, Currency Movements, and Global Market Dynamics A Comprehensive Overview of Key Developments Shaping Economic Trends 1. Road Fund Administration Seeks Additional N$1 Fuel Levy Increase The Road Fund Administration (RFA) in Namibia is actively pursuing a further N$1 increase in the fuel levy, building on the 20-cent hike implemented in December. While the initial adjustment aimed to address the funding gap for road maintenance and rehabilitation, RFA Chief Executive Officer Ali Ipinge acknowledges that it falls […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 8
insert_link 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. todayFebruary 12, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics Moody’s downgrades Israel’s debt rating Moody's has downgraded Israel's debt rating from A1 to A2 due to the economic impact of its conflict with Hamas. The credit rating business listed the increased political risk, weakened institutions, and fiscal strain as key factors. Despite remaining investment-grade, the downgrade will raise borrowing costs for Israel. Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron meanwhile says the country's economy is strong and will recover from the impact of the war. todayFebruary 12, 2024 4
insert_link Business / Economics Government clarifies construction sector agreement delay The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Creation has clarified the cause of the delay regarding the extension of the Collective Agreement in the Construction Sector, while at the same time distancing itself from the accusation levelled against it by the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union. Here is the Ministry’s Executive Director, Lydia Indombo. todayFebruary 12, 2024 33
insert_link Business / Economics 12 Feb 2024 Biz News: Economic Insights: Plastic Bag Pricing Probe, Sasol’s Profit Dip, Moody’s Downgrades Niger, and Bezos’ Amazon Share Sell-Off 1. Investigation Launched into Potential Overpricing of Plastic Bags In a bid to ensure fair pricing and compliance with regulations, Namibia's Environment, Forestry, and Tourism ministry have initiated an investigation into the pricing practices of retailers concerning plastic bags. Minister Pohamba Shifeta acknowledges preliminary findings revealing that some stores are charging between N$1 and N$5 per plastic carry bag, potentially exceeding government-mandated rates. This move reflects the government's commitment to […] todayFebruary 12, 2024 10