insert_link Business / Economics Weekly Economics Wrap: 10-17 October: Key Developments in Air Travel, Banking, and Global Markets Air Connect Namibia Delays Launch of Flights Air Connect Namibia has announced a delay in the planned launch of Air Botswana's connecting flights between Gaborone and Windhoek, initially scheduled for October 1. The flights, connecting Maun, Gaborone, Kasane, and Windhoek, are postponed, with details on a new launch date yet to be provided. This delay marks a setback for travel connectivity between Namibia and Botswana. Bank of Namibia Lowers Interest […] todayOctober 17, 2024 9
insert_link Business / Economics Airbus to cut 2,500 jobs Airbus will cut up to 2,500 jobs in its defence and space division, the airspace giant announced on Wednesday. The company blamed the move on a "complex business environment", citing rising costs and "rapid changes in warfare." Here's Sally Patterson with more. todayOctober 17, 2024 16
insert_link Business / Economics September Vehicle Sales Drop As Rental Purchases Plummet Vehicle sales in September reached 988 units, continuing a two-month decline. Out of these, 978 were sold to dealerships, 10 to rental agencies, and none to the government. Rental agency purchases saw a sharp drop, falling from 141 units in July to just 10 in September. The overall market was mainly sustained by sales in the commercial vehicle segment. Simonis Storm Economist: Almandro Jansen: todayOctober 17, 2024 16
insert_link Business / Economics 17 October 2024 Biz News Economic and Market Highlights: Bank of Namibia Cuts Rates, Oil Sector Concerns, and Global Chip Market Outlook Bank of Namibia Cuts Interest Rate for Second Consecutive Time The Bank of Namibia has reduced its main interest rate for the second month in a row, citing a faster-than-expected drop in inflation and the need to bolster economic growth. In a unanimous decision, the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%. This follows a similar cut in August as part of […] todayOctober 17, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics French companies are significantly boosting their investments in South Africa French companies are significantly boosting their investments in South Africa. Speaking at the French Business Forum in Johannesburg, French ambassador David Martinon noted that South Africa’s financial regulatory framework and political stability make it an attractive destination for international investors. He says the forum provides a platform for French companies to engage with local businesses, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations: todayOctober 17, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Angola extends cash tranfer for low-income families Angola will extend a cash-transfer program for low-income families as a weaker currency and sky-high inflation continue to drive up living costs in the oil-producing country. Bloomberg reports the Kwenda program will run until 2029, following the recent approval by the World Bank of an additional $400 million loan, President João Lourenço said in a speech Tuesday. The project, the first of its kind in Angola, began in 2020 to […] todayOctober 16, 2024 9
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of Namibia reduces repo rate to 7.25%, offering relief to consumers The Bank of Namibia has announced a 25 basis point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 7.25 percent. This decision follows an extensive review of domestic, regional, and global economic conditions. Speaking at the monetary policy announcement, BoN Governor Johannes !Gawaxab emphasized the need to moderate monetary restrictions due to slowing economic growth and declining inflation. "Domestic economic activity rose during the first eight months of 2024, […] todayOctober 16, 2024 13
insert_link Business / Economics Simonis Storm Analyst Weighs In on Potential Repo Rate Cut Analysts expect the Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Committee to announce a 25-basis point cut in the repo rate this Wednesday. The Brief says, however, Simonis Storm Securities Junior Economist, Almandro Jansen warned that while a cut is possible, it’s not guaranteed, with a likelihood just below 50%. He noted that inflation dynamics, particularly the recent decline in headline inflation, will significantly influence the MPC's decision. todayOctober 16, 2024 10
insert_link Business / Economics IJG Securities, strongly anticipates a 25-basis point reduction in the repo rate Eric Van Zyl, Managing Director Designate of IJG Securities, strongly anticipates a 25-basis point reduction in the repo rate during the upcoming Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Committee meeting. According to The Brief, he cites several economic factors supporting this easing, including declining inflation trends and high real interest rates. He also emphasized that Namibia's uneven economic growth suggests a more accommodative monetary stance could stimulate broader economic activity. todayOctober 16, 2024 8