Opinion Pieces

Some African governments are spending millions to spy on their citizens – stifling debate and damaging democracy

Tony Roberts, Institute of Development Studies Governments around the world use surveillance technology to monitor external threats to national security. Some African governments are also spending vast sums on mass surveillance of their own citizens. They are using mobile phone spyware, internet interception devices, social media monitoring and biometric identity systems. Artificial intelligence for facial recognition and car number plate recognition is another digital surveillance technology in their growing toolkit. […]

November 2, 2023 9

Business / Economics

An Opportunity to Deepen Trade and Investment between the United States and Namibia

By US Ambassador, Randy Berry “The United States is all in on Africa.” President Biden affirmed during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit last December. The future is Africa. On example is its youthful population: The median age on the continent is nineteen. By 2050, one in four people in the world will be in Africa. The United States wants them to be healthy and wealthy. What happens in Africa will affect […]

November 1, 2023 10

Opinion Pieces

Mid-Term Budget Review: Never too late to reform

By Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibian Finance Minister, Mr Iipumbu Shiimi, delivered his 2023/2024 Mid-Term Budget speech on 31 October 2023, taking note of the achievements, challenges, and performances of State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). The Mid-Term Budget Review plays a critical role in the entire budgetary process because it sets the tone for the fiscal framework for the next main budget. The budget is the most important economic instrument of government, as […]

November 1, 2023 5

Business / Economics

The impact of collective contributions for Sustainable Development

By Bank Windhoek’s Sustainable Finance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Analyst, Joachim Komeheke The concept of sustainable development has evolved over the past decades. These changes are rooted in the global community’s numerous environmental and social awareness achievements. Namibia is an excellent example of how far we have come in driving sustainable development, particularly in ensuring the protection and conservation of our natural environment, an aspect enshrined in the […]

October 30, 2023 9

Opinion Pieces

South Africa economy to slow down in 2023 before stabilizing in 2024, says GlobalData

The South African economy is grappling with several challenges, including severe power disruptions, unstable commodity prices, a high unemployment rate, and external issues. Against this backdrop, South Africa's economic growth is projected to decelerate from 1.9% in 2022 to 0.4% in 2023, before picking up to 1.3% in 2024, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s recently published report, “Macroeconomic Outlook Report: South Africa,” underscores the ongoing concern of […]

October 30, 2023 31

Opinion Pieces

Being financially prepared and resilient when facing a health challenge

By Mauriza Fredericks, Group Brand Manager, Old Mutual Namibia A health crisis can strike unexpectedly, putting a significant strain on not just our physical well-being but also our finances. Whether it's a sudden illness, a medical emergency, or a global pandemic like the one we experienced in recent years, building financial immunity against an unforeseen health challenge, will go a long way. Building Blocks of Financial Immunity Financial immunity can […]

October 30, 2023 8

Opinion Pieces

Boost your credit score understanding

By Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Credit, Eddie King. By Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Credit, Eddie King. Imagine John, a 35-year-old professional. In his 20s, he juggled multiple credit cards, often reaching their limits and only managing minimum payments. By 30, he faced mounting interest, a declining credit score, and challenges securing a car loan. However, after seeking financial counselling, consolidating his debts and adopting disciplined repayment habits, John's […]

October 25, 2023 6

Opinion Pieces

Namibia to End Raw Materials Export: Driver Economic Growth and Job Creation

By Josef Sheehama His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, has declared that the era of exporting raw materials from Namibia is over. This statement was made by the President during his address at the EU-Namibia Business Forum in Brussels, Belgium. The Article 100 of Namibia's Constitution stated that” Land, water, and natural resources below and above the surface of the land and in the […]

October 25, 2023 6

Opinion Pieces

Green Investing: Aligning Your Portfolio with Sustainability Goals

By Christoff Bauernschmitt, Head of Alternative Investments, Old Mutual Investment Group, Old Mutual Namibia By Christoff Bauernschmitt, Head of Alternative Investments, Old Mutual Investment Group, Old Mutual Namibia In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility, the concept of "green investing" has gained significant traction. It signifies a shift away from traditional investing techniques and towards a broader commitment to environmental and social well-being. Green investing is more […]

October 24, 2023 5