Economic Growth

Economist weighs in on Bank of Namibia’s policy alignment

Following calls for increased inclusivity in the Monetary Policy Committee of the South African Reserve Bank, we reached out to Cirrus Capital Economist, Robert McGregor for his take.

February 1, 2024 46

Local

EU-twinning project elevates Namibia’s trade landscape: A boost for economic growth

Following an intensive 24-months of facilitation, training, peer-to-peer learning, and diverse events, the European Union-funded Twinning Project titled "Support to the Namibian Standards Institution" successfully concludes on 31 January 2024, marking a significant milestone in boosting Namibia's trade capabilities. This was revealed at the closing event, hosted at Droombos to take stock and celebrate the success of the first of its kind EU funded twinning project in Southern […]

January 26, 2024 20

Business / Economics

EU-twinning project supports Namibia’s economic growth

The EU-Twinning Project, "Support to the Namibian Standards Institution," is concluding on 31 January 2024, after a 24-month period. Initiated in February 2022, the project, supported with N$ 27 million, has contributed to Namibia's international trade participation, economic growth, and the capacity of the Namibian Standards Institution. Here is Anna Sjögren from the EU Twinning Team.

January 24, 2024 36

Namibia

Deputy Prime Minister warns of collective failure on SDGs

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the collective failure to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals, is having a negative impact on developing nations' economic growth. Nampa reports that while speaking at the Group of 77 plus China's third South Summit in Kampala, she referenced the UN SDG Report 2023, which reveals very little progress on over half of the SDG targets and […]

January 23, 2024 20

World

China’s population shrinks for a second year in a row

China's population fell in 2023 for the second year in a row – down by two million, as births and deaths continue to drop. The overall population fell in 2023 to 1.409 billion, down 2.08 million people from the previous year. Although the economy grew last year slightly faster than the government's target. Here's Andrew Wood in Hong Kong.

January 17, 2024 21

Business / Economics

The Year of Expectations: Converting uncertainty into opportunity

By Josef Kefas Sheehama This time of year is always a welcome opportunity to reflect on what is most important. His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia has declared 2024 as “The Year of Expectations”. As Namibia approaches the general elections in 2024, there is immense pressure on political leaders to tackle these economic challenges and implement policies that will deliver an inclusive […]

January 11, 2024 17

Africa

UNEP report highlights potential surge in electric two-wheelers for motorcycle taxis in Africa

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Motorcycle taxis, a dominant transportation force in Africa, have substantial potential for electrification as electric two- and three-wheelers gain traction across the continent. These insights stem from a recently launched UNEP report focusing on the state of global electric two- and three-wheelers in emerging markets. At a virtual report launch on Wednesday, January 10, Tom Courtright, the Research Director at Africa e-Mobility Alliance, who […]

January 11, 2024 19

Africa

Botswana’s Peggy Serame named Finance Minister of the Year 2024

Botswana’s government has congratulated Peggy Serame for being awarded Finance Minister of the Year for Africa 2024 by The Banker Magazine. The magazine, which is a Financial Times Publication based in London, was first published in January 1926, to provide economic and financial intelligence for the world’s financial sector, over a broad spectrum of issues. According to The Banker, commonly held up as one of Africa’s success stories, economic growth […]

January 8, 2024 132

Health / Medical

Taxes on e-cigarettes: South Africa must strike a balance between economic arguments and health concerns

By Marius van Oordt, University of Pretoria The 21st century has seen a massive expansion in the ways that people can consume tobacco and nicotine. Innovative new products include electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS” or e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn (HnB) products. One of the challenges this has thrown up is the tax rates on these products. Combustible tobacco products like cigarettes and loose tobacco are generally taxed at similar rates since […]

January 8, 2024 30