Economic Outlook

Morning Market Roundup: 24 February 2025

Local Market Performance Namibia’s stock market saw significant trading activity, with over 1.5 million shares exchanged across 15 deals, amounting to a total value of N$12 million. The financial sector led market transactions, contributing N$9.4 million, followed by consumer staples and discretionary stocks. Year-to-date, the market has recorded 9.17 million shares traded, reaching a combined value of N$537.9 million. Sasol’s Secunda Plant Faces Uncertain Future A new study in […]

24 February, 2025 21

South Africa

In S.A, Minister of Finance will table 2025 budget on 12 March

South Africa's Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that the 2025 budget will be tabled on 12 March, following additional deliberations within the cabinet. The budget speech was initially set for yesterday, but government decided to delay it to allow further discussions. Godongwana told the media the delay is in line with the Public Finance Management Act, which allows for a postponed presentation in exceptional circumstances:

20 February, 2025 41

Business / Economics

Inflation Drops to 3.2% Despite Monthly Increase

The local annual inflation rate eased to 3.2% in January, continuing its downward trend due to lower costs in key sectors. However, the month-on-month inflation rate saw an uptick, rising to 1.1% from 0.2% in December. Capricorn Asset Management’s Floris Bergh weighs in:

18 February, 2025 41

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Namibia

India to Unveil Annual Budget Amid Growth Concerns

The Indian government will present its annual spending plan to the parliament this week amid concerns about slowing growth and high inflation. The finance minister will kick off the proceedings on Friday by unveiling the annual economic survey which highlights the state of the country's economy. Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

31 January, 2025 46 28 2

Business / Economics

Economist Urges Reforms as South Africa’s GDP Shrinks by 0.3%

In S.A, North-West University Business School economist, Raymond Parsons, has called for urgent economic reforms following the disappointing gross domestic product growth figures for the third quarter, when it decreased by 0.3-percent. Parsons calls for more investment and faster reforms from both the public and private sectors to drive job-rich growth and improve the economy:

4 December, 2024 27

Business / Economics

Cirrus Capital’s Groenewald Offers Insight on Central Bank’s Interest Rate Decision

The Bank of Namibia In October lowered its main interest rate, citing a faster-than-anticipated decline in inflation and the need for economic support. At that point in time, the Monetary Policy Committee unanimously agreed to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 7.25%. Cirrus Capital economist Tannan Groenewald shares his outlook on what the Bank might do next. ENG Tannan Groenewald repo

4 December, 2024 30

Business / Economics

Global demand and drought impact GDP

The Bank of Namibia has released the Economic Outlook update for December 2024. The domestic economy is estimated to expand by 3.5 percent in 2024 and 4.0 percent in 2025. However, GDP growth is expected to slow in 2024 due to weaker global demand for minerals and drought-related impacts. Here is Josefina Oskar from the Bank of Namibia.

2 December, 2024 21

Africa

World Bank cuts Africa growth forecast

The World Bank has downgraded its economic growth forecast for sub-Saharan Africa. Bloomberg reports that Sub-Saharan Africa will likely grow 3% this year, somewhat lower than an April forecast of 3.4%, the Washington-based lender said in its Africa Pulse report published Monday. The slower growth rate was largely blamed on the conflict in Sudan which started 18 months ago and has continued to escalate.

15 October, 2024 20

Business / Economics

FNB Namibia expects inflation to reach 4.7% in September

FNB Namibia expects headline inflation to increase to 4.7% year-on-year in September from 4.4% in August, mainly driven by rising food and non-alcoholic beverage prices because of the ongoing drought, while transport costs continue to decline. Core inflation is expected to slightly decrease from 3.8% in August to 3.7% in September. FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti, explains.

2 October, 2024 67