Business / Economics Archives - Page 25 of 184

India sends geologists to Zambia

Zambian mine. Photo: India Mining website India has dispatched a team of geologists to Zambia to explore copper and cobalt deposits. The plan is to secure critical minerals essential for India's energy transition and industrial expansion. Reuters reports that under a government-to-government deal, Zambia has granted India rights to explore approximately 9,000 km² in its resource-rich Copperbelt region. The exploration drive is led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

South Africa’s civil confidence index dips as business sentiment grows pessimistic

Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP FNB South Africa senior economist Siphamandla  Mkhwanazi has reported that the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index dropped to 41 in Q2 2025, down from 45 in Q1, marking its third consecutive quarterly decline.  Mkhwanazi said that nearly 60% of respondents are now dissatisfied with current business conditions, expressing concerns particularly about low demand, delayed project tenders, and a lack of large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Despite improved construction activity and profitability […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Standard Bank invests N$10 million in community development

Photo: Standard Bank Facebook Standard Bank Namibia has committed N$10 million to community development projects this year, focusing on health, education, housing, and socio-economic growth. The bank has invested over N$35 million in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) over the past five years. At a ceremony attended by government and community representatives, CEO Erwin Tjipuka handed over N$3.5 million to Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn !Nowases‑Taeyele. The funds support the Buy‑a‑Brick […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Central Bank Flags Slower GDP Growth in First Quarter.

Economic growth slowed to 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 4.8% a year ago, the central bank’s Quarterly Bulletin shows. Sandra Garises, Principal Communications Team Leader, says softer growth was due to weaker farming output and uneven performance in mining and manufacturing. Despite this, the services sector held firm, inflation edged up to 3.7%, and foreign reserves declined amid rising outflows for oil exploration in the Orange […]

1 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Domestic Economy Grows to N$62.4 Billion in Q1 2025

The local economy expanded to N$62.4 billion in the first quarter of this year, up by N$4 billion compared to the same period last year. The Statistics Agency attributes the growth to a strong performance in the tertiary sector, which saw a 5.1% increase in real value added. This marks an improvement from the 4.8% growth recorded in Q1 2024, according to spokesperson Mirjam Shihepo.

27 June, 2025

Business / Economics

Central Region Sees Sharp Drop in Hotel Occupancy..

The central region’s occupancy rate dropped to 37.52% in May, down from 44.41% in April, according to economist Almandro Jansen from Simonis Storm. The decline is likely linked to a decrease in corporate or event-related travel. Hospitality Association CEO Gitta Paetzold notes that while coastal occupancy also dipped to 54.43%, the area remains popular with both leisure and business visitors.

27 June, 2025

Business / Economics

Bank of Namibia Engages MPs on Economy and Reform.

The Bank of Namibia, led by Governor Johannes !Gawaxab and Deputy Governor Ebson Uanguta, held a statutory engagement with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economy and Industry, Public Administration and Planning. The meeting focused on regulatory reforms, economic resilience, and financial inclusion, with updates on inflation and consumer protection. Josefina Oskar from the BoN.

26 June, 2025

Business / Economics

Government close to finalising new Investment Promotion Bill

The government is in the final stages of enacting the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill (NIPFB), a legislative measure aimed at enhancing the country's investment climate to attract both local and foreign investors. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced during a session in Luanda, Angola, that the Ministry of International Relations and Trade is diligently working to complete the bill. The legislation is designed to create a more transparent and conducive […]

25 June, 2025

Business / Economics

EU Adds Namibia to High-Risk Financial Watchlist

The European Commission has listed Namibia among countries posing high risks for money laundering and terrorism financing, following February’s FATF grey list decision. The move highlights strategic gaps in Namibia’s financial regulatory systems that need urgent reform. EU Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins confirmed that the listing—also affecting Kenya, Angola, and others—now awaits approval from the European Parliament and Council.

25 June, 2025