insert_link Africa Africa’s horticultural exports surge on By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency An upsurge in demand for horticultural products across global markets, particularly in Europe, spurred a significant increase in agricultural export revenues for several African countries last year. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), reported via his blog that South Africa's agricultural exports surged to a record US$13.2 billion in 2023, a 3% increase from […] todayMarch 12, 2024 25
insert_link Africa Locally assembled handsets begin to drive Africa’s low-end smartphone shipments By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency As Africa’s major currencies weaken against the US dollar, consumers are opting for more affordable smartphones with ‘premium features’ that are either locally assembled or made in China. According to two mobile phone tracking reports, local assembly initiatives for low-end smartphones have contributed to strong growth, particularly in Kenya. The International Data Corporation (IDC) has also listed the East African economy […] todayMarch 12, 2024 34
insert_link Africa Fintech is sold as the answer to Africa’s problems, but digital money services have downsides which media often overlook The research assessed newspaper coverage of fintech in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images By Cathleen LeGrand, University of Leeds; Chris Paterson, University of Leeds, and Jörg Wiegratz, University of Leeds The online financial products and services known as “fintech” have become deeply embedded in the economic and social life of many African countries over the past decade. Headlines across the continent often extol […] todayMarch 12, 2024 23
insert_link Business / Economics EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Unpacking the National Budget: Insights from Independent Business and Economic Researcher Josef Sheehama As we delve into the recent national budget with the insights of independent business and economic researcher, Josef Sheehama. In a recent interview, Sheehama shared his perspective on the budget allocation, emphasizing both positives and concerns regarding the distribution of funds. Youth Allocation Highlights Positives, but Agriculture Faces Shortcomings The budget, as described by Sheehama, has some commendable aspects, particularly the allocation of 45% to youth initiatives. This is […] todayMarch 12, 2024 13
insert_link Business / Economics 12 March 2024 Morning Biz News: Pupkewitz Group Expands Beyond Namibia, Financial Indicators, and Global Market Highlights Pupkewitz Group's International Endeavors The Pupkewitz Group, a prominent Namibian conglomerate, has taken a significant step toward international expansion with the inauguration of its first retail store outside Namibia. The Megatech branch, located in Upington, South Africa, marks the Group's foray into new markets. Andrea Barry, Chair of the Megatech Board and a Director at Pupkewitz Holdings, emphasized the strategic advantage of Namibia's geographical positioning, allowing the Group to […] todayMarch 12, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics Future Media and TribeFire Studios complete merger Future Media and TribeFire Studios have announced that the merger between the two media companies has been completed, with OneAfrica and 99FM becoming subsidiaries of Namibia Future Media Holdings, joining Omulunga Radio, Fresh FM, Nova 1035, and Radiowave. The consolidation, according to Future Media CEO, Gary Stroebel, aims to streamline operations, expand reach, and provide a wider range of products and services. Group CEO at TribeFire Studios, Stefan Hugo, has joined Future […] todayMarch 11, 2024 126
insert_link Business / Economics India & EU trade group agree to $ 100 billion deal India's trade minister, Piyush Goyal says the country will remove the majority of import duties on industrial products from four European countries, in exchange for $100 billion in investments. This, according to Rebecca Bundhun, comes after an economic agreement was signed on Sunday, concluding 16 years of negotiations. todayMarch 11, 2024 31
insert_link Africa Special Economic Zones are propelling Africa’s green hydrogen drive By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency When Egypt, a prominent player in green hydrogen development in Africa, recently announced seven new upcoming projects worth US$40 billion to be rolled out over the next decade, it noted that the projects would be positioned in one location: a special economic zone (SEZ). The new projects announced by Egypt's cabinet in February, together with ongoing developments not only in […] todayMarch 11, 2024 42
insert_link Business / Economics Women and finances in Namibia By Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Old Mutual Namibia As we celebrated international Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, a global day of celebrating the socio -economic achievements of women, while honouring the valuable contributions to society, it is important to reflect how far we have come. One aspect that remains important to note is that we still have a long way […] todayMarch 11, 2024 19