insert_link Africa South Africa’s new agricultural leadership should focus on getting things done, not designing new policies By Wandile Sihlobo, Stellenbosch University South Africa’s primary agriculture sector accounts for nearly 3% of GDP and about 8% when considering the value of agro-processing. But it can contribute even more to economic growth that delivers benefits fairly across society and creates jobs. This can’t happen, however, if new policies and plans keep getting introduced. Fortunately, the views of the new agricultural minister, John Steenhuisen, may […] todayJuly 3, 2024 29
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s new cabinet draws mixed reactions Following South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of his new cabinet, which consists of the eleven political parties that are part of the government of national unity, we reached out to South African-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast for comment. Ramaphosa has added two ministries to his cabinet and announced 32 ministers. The Democratic Alliance has been allocated six ministerial posts, with its leader John Steenhuisen appointed Agriculture Minister. Ramaphosa says […] todayJuly 1, 2024 41
insert_link Business / Economics Finance Minister says trade fairs play important role in community development The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, has highlighted the role of trade fairs and expos as platforms fostering meaningful interactions between businesses and communities, ultimately enhancing their daily lives. Speaking at the 14th edition of the Eenhana Expo fundraising gala dinner held on Saturday, Shiimi underscored that these events are not merely gatherings but dynamic forums where innovative ideas are exchanged, partnerships are forged, and solutions are […] todayJune 24, 2024 22
insert_link Business / Economics Primary industries drive Namibia’s Q1 GDP growth The Namibia Statistics Agency has released Q1 GDP numbers, showing a 4.7% expansion compared to 5.3% in Q1 of 2023. Year-on-year GDP in real terms rose to N$38.9 billion from N$37.2 billion, reflecting a N$1.7 billion increase. Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni attributes the growth mainly to a 5.1% increase in real value added in the Primary industries sector. todayJune 20, 2024 58
insert_link Local Airbus releases its latest study identifying key unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa Global aerospace and aviation leader Airbus has released an analysis detailing several key unserved African routes which could provide greater connectivity for travellers, drive economic growth in local economies, and provide a significant boost in revenue for airlines. The company also highlighted data on Africa from its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF). Several of the top unserved routes identified in the analysis are concentrated in cities such as Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar, and Douala. […] todayJune 20, 2024 17
insert_link Africa Mauritius’ next growth phase: a new plan is needed as the tax haven era fades By Pritish Behuria, University of Manchester Mauritians will head to the polls by November 2024 and politicians are considering the economic direction of the island country. For the last two decades, the country’s economic growth has depended heavily on its offshore sector – the provision of financial services by banks to foreign firms. As an isolated country located in the south-western Indian Ocean, Mauritius has […] todayJune 18, 2024 25
insert_link Africa African countries could unlock billions in local and global trade – what’s working and what’s not By Bedassa Tadesse, University of Minnesota Duluth Africa’s share of global trade remains disproportionately small, hovering around 2%-3%. Countries on the continent trade more with the rest of the world than they do among themselves. Africa needs to improve its share of trade to boost growth and reduce poverty. Aid for Trade is a development initiative that seeks to remove barriers to trade […] todayJune 11, 2024 14
insert_link Business / Economics Old Mutual Foundation avails N$800 000 in seed capital funding for grassroots entrepreneurship The Old Mutual Foundation, in partnership with Basecamp and the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI), has announced the 40 shortlisted candidates for the OM SEED Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, accelerate economic growth, and address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Namibia. This year, the program focuses on entrepreneurs in the Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Zambezi, and Kavango West regions. By 2025, OM SEED will have reached […] todayJune 10, 2024 48
insert_link Namibia Namibia’s Rating Upgraded: Importance for the Country and Its People By Josef Kefas Sheehama Periodically, the Namibian government establishes policies to address the unstable state of the economy. Encouraging economic growth requires policymakers to put in place measures that support investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Therefore, the government can assist in fostering an environment that is conducive to business and promotes employment and economic growth. As an Independent Economic and Business Researcher, I therefore wholeheartedly commend the […] todayJune 6, 2024 20