insert_link Business / Economics 31 JANUARY BIZ NEWS: Global Financial Landscape: Surges in Namibian Exports, Nigeria’s Diversification Plans, and Market Dynamics Shape January Trends Namibia's Horticultural Exports Surge by 26% to N$1.73 Billion: According to the latest statistics, Namibia's horticultural produce exports witnessed an impressive 26% growth, reaching N$1.73 billion from April to September. This marks a significant increase from N$1.37 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022-2023. The Namibian Agronomic Board reports a substantial rise in export tonnage, soaring from 73,140 in 2022-2023 to over 111 thousand in 2023-2024, reflecting a remarkable […] todayJanuary 31, 2024 7
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa is failing people who aren’t poor, but aren’t middle class either By Tinashe Mushayanyama, University of South Africa; Adrino Mazenda, University of Pretoria; Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, University of Pretoria, and Mary Mangai, University of Pretoria Many South African households are trapped. They are neither poor nor middle class. As a demographic they hover above the indigence threshold financially. But they are not yet securely in the middle class. This aspirant middle class – individuals whose income is above the indigent […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 10
insert_link Africa 1 in every 3 dollars invested into startups in Africa in 2023 went into climate tech By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Climate tech startups bucked the trend in Africa's venture capital space, actively notching up an impressive $1 billion amidst a broader funding fall-off in 2023. Data tracker, Africa: The Big Deal notes that around 1 in 3 dollars invested into startups on the continent in the forecast period went to climate tech startups. The strength of the sector according to the Deal, illustrates […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 4
insert_link Africa Will Kenya’s strategic mining reforms catalyse a sector renaissance? By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency Kenya's mining and extractives sector is flourishing, reaping the rewards of recent reforms that promise to increase sector revenues as the country positions itself for economic gains from the burgeoning industry. From legal and legislative reforms to seamless mapping and surveying of available resources, the East African country is showing increased interest in tapping into new revenue-generating opportunities in the sector. […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 7
insert_link Africa West African Military-Led States Exit ECOWAS Amid Democratic Rule Pressure Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all under military leadership, have simultaneously announced their immediate departure from the Economic Community of West African States. Local Political Analyst Rakkel Andreas weighs in on the significance of this decision. Salomei Hei the Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence explains the Economic implications this might have. todayJanuary 30, 2024 16
insert_link Business / Economics BIZ NEWS: Economic Developments and Global Partnerships: A Roundup of Recent Updates 1. Trans-Kalahari Railway Tender Nears Conclusion for Crucial Botswana Connection The Namibian government is actively engaged in finalizing the awarding of the Trans-Kalahari railway tender, with the goal of establishing a vital connection with Botswana by the end of the current year. The tender, which concluded in November 2023, garnered significant interest from both international and local companies, reflecting a strategic move towards enhancing regional infrastructure. 2. Arcelormittal South Africa […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Kenya oil facilities face huge losses A new report says Kenya has lost $200 million worth of oil exports to Uganda. The country has been Uganda's largest regional market since last year. Daniel Kijo reports. todayJanuary 29, 2024 15
insert_link Business / Economics Rising interest rates drive demand for extended rental agreements The FNB Rent Price Index has remained positive for two consecutive quarters, reaching a 12-month average of 4.7% in quarter three of 2023. The average rent price on a 12-month rolling basis is N$7 177. The bank’s Economist Ruusa Nandago says individuals are delaying property purchases and choosing extended rentals due to higher interest rates and affordability challenges. todayJanuary 29, 2024 32
insert_link Business / Economics Women still face gender inequalities at work post-pandemic Women are still feeling the effects of COVID-19 , which resulted in job losses and reduced opportunities for women in the workforce. (Shutterstock) Claudine Mangen, Concordia University The COVID-19 pandemic brought the longstanding economic inequalities between women and men into sharp focus. From the onset of the pandemic, up until the summer of 2022, economic gender gaps continued to widen. Lockdowns and economic uncertainties created a perfect storm, leading to […] todayJanuary 29, 2024 5
