insert_link Business / Economics EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Independent Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama Advocates for Parastatal Transparency In a recent statement, Josef Sheehama emphasized the critical importance of transparency within state-owned enterprises, also known as parastatals. Speaking on the issue, Sheehama highlighted the direct correlation between the lack of transparency and the prevalence of corruption within these entities. Sheehama asserted that without adequate transparency and accountability measures in place, corruption becomes an enticing prospect for individuals seeking personal enrichment at the expense of public resources. He underscored […] today26 March, 2024
Africa Cultural wealth can drive economic growth in African cities By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency With the right policies, African cities hold immense potential to drive significant economic growth by capitalizing on their rich cultural heritage and harnessing the creativity of their youthful populations, according to a new report. “Africa’s urban landscapes are not just repositories of heritage and tradition; they are dynamic centres of innovation, awaiting the right policies to support unlocking their full potential,” the […] today25 March, 2024
Africa Kigali is Africa’s fastest rising international financial centre By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency Rwanda’s deliberate move to carve a niche in sustainable finance is helping to grow Kigali as Africa’s next significant International Financial Centre. The capital city has climbed up 18 spots, the highest in Africa and third highest globally, in the 35th edition of the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) rankings, placing it third in Africa and 67th globally. “The greatest improvements were […] today25 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Why do identical informal businesses set up side by side? It’s a survival tactic – Kenya study By Tim Weiss, Imperial College London The population on the African continent will have nearly doubled by 2050, according to UN projections. About 800 million more young Africans will enter the job market by then. Combine this forecast with the high youth unemployment rate in many African countries today, then the pressing question is: who will create stable jobs at mass scale? Many policies to create […] today25 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Worried about how to support your child’s education? Here are four useful steps you can take By Benta A. Abuya, African Population and Health Research Center Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s learning. Their involvement lays the foundation for success both inside and outside the classroom. This makes a parent’s consistent support and nurturing important at every stage of formal schooling, and even before that. The key lies in creating a supportive and encouraging environment at home. In the school […] today25 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics 25 March 2024 Morning Biz News: Financial Insights: Updates from the Global Market 1. Fitch Ratings Affirms Development Bank of Namibia's Ratings Despite Losses Fitch Ratings recently announced its decision to maintain the Development Bank of Namibia Limited's Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings at 'BB-' and its National Long-Term Rating at 'AA+(zaf)', with a stable outlook. Despite facing a setback with a N$270 million loss in the 2023 financial year due to high loan impairment charges, Fitch remains optimistic about the bank's future. The […] today25 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Global Financial Landscape: Collaborative Initiatives and Market Dynamics Germany and Namibia Join Forces for Green Hydrogen Initiative In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development, Germany and Namibia have inked a pivotal agreement to bolster the Green Hydrogen Namibia Programme. This collaborative effort signifies a dedicated push towards constructing local H2 value chains aimed at fostering socio-economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. The Green Hydrogen Namibia Programme, a newly established organization, emerges as a beacon of hope in […] today22 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Namibia’s Visitor Arrivals Surge in February Official figures reveal a notable increase in Namibia's visitor arrivals in February, reaching over 37 thousand, marking an 8.1% month-on-month surge and a significant 26.1% year-on-year rise. According to a tourism report by IJG Securities, February 2024 arrivals surpassed pre-pandemic levels from February 2019 by 15.5%. Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, comments on the trend. today22 March, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Common Monetary Area payments set to change The banking sector will, as of 15 April 2024, change the way clients make and receive payments between Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. After that date all cross-border EFT payments processed and received by clients within the Common Monetary Area will no longer be processed as domestic payments, but will instead be initiated as global, or international payments. Here is FNB Namibia Payments Manager Albert Matongela with more. today22 March, 2024