insert_link Business / Economics Business and Economics Researcher Warns of Political Risks in SOE Reforms Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama recently discussed the state of state-owned enterprises in South Africa and Namibia. He expressed concerns about South Africa's proposal to transfer SOE shareholder responsibilities to relevant ministries, such as their Ministry of Energy. While acknowledging the potential benefits, Sheehama cautioned that increased political involvement could undermine SOE efficiency and effectiveness, exacerbating existing challenges. todayAugust 30, 2024 32
insert_link Business / Economics INTERVIEW: State-Owned Enterprises: Insights from Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama In a recent discussion, Business and Economics Researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama shared his perspectives on the state of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa and Namibia, shedding light on critical issues and proposed reforms. Sheehama addressed the current proposal in South Africa to reassign the shareholder responsibilities of SOEs to relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy. While acknowledging the potential benefits of this move, he expressed concerns about […] todayAugust 30, 2024 14
insert_link Business / Economics 30 August 2024 Morning Biz News: Letshego Namibia Upgraded, South Africa Inflation Falls, Global Shares Rise, and Major Entertainment Merger Approved GCR Ratings Upgrades Letshego Namibia's Long-Term Issuer Ratings GCR Ratings has upgraded Letshego Namibia’s long-term issuer ratings to A+(NA), citing the successful listing of a N$322 million social bond on the Namibian Stock Exchange. According to The Brief, the bond proceeds will bolster financial inclusion in crucial sectors such as housing, healthcare, and education. The outlook for Letshego Namibia is now Stable. South Africa's Producer Inflation Declines South Africa's producer […] todayAugust 30, 2024 26
insert_link Business / Economics Namibia Sees 22.6% Surge in New Insurance Policies in Q1 2024 Despite Year-on-Year Decline Namibia recorded a 22.6% increase in new insurance policies in Q1 2024, reaching 102,597 policies, according to NAMFISA. However, this marks a 45.3% year-on-year decline. The total number of active policies grew by 3.2% quarter-on-quarter to nearly 1.94 million, driven by reduced policy terminations and lapses. The demand for credit risk policies contributed to the quarterly rise, while a decrease in individual investments led to the annual decline. Policy lapses […] todayAugust 30, 2024 14
insert_link Business / Economics New Bank of Namibia bonds expected to improve financial access The Bank of Namibia is preparing to introduce the country’s first retail bonds, allowing low to medium-income earners to invest in government debt. According to Max Rix, Head of Investments at Simonis Storm Securities, this initiative could broaden financial inclusion and promote financial literacy among Namibians. todayAugust 29, 2024 114
insert_link Business / Economics Letshego reports 14% revenue growth in 2024 For the first half of 2024, Letshego Holding Namibia recorded a strong growth of 14% year-on-year increase in total revenue, driven by a 21% rise in interest income. Net interest income grew by 15% to N$251 million, strengthened by a 3% increase in net advances to customers and strategic repricing of low-interest loans. CEO of Letshego Holdings Namibia, Dr Ester Kali says the bank has maintained a stable cost-to-income ratio […] todayAugust 29, 2024 38
insert_link Business / Economics 22-29 August 2024 Weekly Economics Wrap: Global Economic Snapshot: Namibia’s Oil Boom, South Africa’s Market Movements, and International Financial Trends Namibia’s Economic Growth Fueled by Oil and Gas Sector Namibia is set for a robust economic outlook with a forecasted GDP growth of 5.8% annually, largely driven by the burgeoning oil and gas sector. Deloitte’s recent Oil and Gas Industrial Baseline Survey reveals that this sector will contribute an average of N$11.5 billion to the GDP each year during the production phase. The discovery of significant crude oil reserves has […] todayAugust 29, 2024 17
insert_link Business / Economics Namibians Need N$36,000 Monthly to Qualify for N$1-Million Home Loan, Reveals Affordability Crisis Salomo Hei, Economist and Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence, has highlighted that Namibians need a monthly income of N$36,000 to secure a N$1-million home loan, exposing the worsening affordability crisis in the country reports The Brief. Hei attributes the steep cost of housing to the sharply rising price of land. He also noted that high interest rates and restricted access to financing have made homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. […] todayAugust 29, 2024 30
insert_link Business / Economics Air Cargo Demand Surges in July, Marking Strong Year for the Industry The International Air Transport Association's July analysis shows a 13.6% increase in air cargo demand compared to July last year, marking the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth. The air cargo sector is benefiting from global trade expansion, booming e-commerce, and maritime shipping constraints, setting the stage for a robust year. IATA's Public and Media Relations Advisor, Linden Birns. todayAugust 29, 2024 24