Economic Relief.

Interview: Ben Schernick Urges Government to Implement Universal Basic Income Grant

By: Leonard Witbeen The Director of the Nutrition Alliance of Namibia, Ben Schernick, has called on the government to reconsider its approach to social protection, arguing that targeted grants are inefficient and fragmented. His remarks come in response to Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi’s commitment to increasing social protection investments. Schernick highlighted that Namibia’s current social grant system requires significant administrative effort and is prone to corruption. He advocates for a […]

February 17, 2025 51

Business / Economics

DA Optimistic as S.A. Food Inflation Hits 14-Year Low

In S.A, the DA says it is optimistic after the latest Consumer Price Index statistics, which highlight a significant drop in food inflation to a 14-year low. Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages retreated sharply to 2.3-percent in November from 3.6-percent the previous month, the lowest rate for the category since December 2010, when it stood at 1.6-percent. The DA’s, Wendy Alexander, says they reiterate their call for the […]

December 13, 2024 42

Business / Economics

The Bank of Namibia reduces the repo rate

Consumers can expect some relief as the Bank of Namibia has lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 7%. This marks the central bank’s final rate decision for the year. Here is BoN Governor Johannes !Gawaxab speaking at today’s monetary policy announcement. Cirrus Capital economist, Robert McGregor reacts to the development.

December 4, 2024 30

South Africa

In S.A The GOOD Party Welcomes Inflation Drop, Highlights Need for Long-Term Economic Solutions

In S.A, the GOOD Party welcomes the cooling of inflation, saying this brings some relief to all South Africans. Consumer inflation dropped to 2.8-percent in October, the lowest level since June 2020. This marks a significant decrease from the 3.8-percent in September, driven primarily by a sharp month-on-month decline in fuel prices. GOOD’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, says citizens urgently need an economy that will create long-term jobs, and […]

November 21, 2024 26

Business / Economics

S.A Union Urges Reserve Bank for Bigger Repo Rate Cut

South African Union federation Cosatu urges the South African Reserve Bank to implement a larger-than-expected repo rate cut to help ease the financial strain on workers. Following the decrease in inflation to 2.8-percent in October, the federation believes a more significant rate reduction, beyond the anticipated 25 basis points, is needed to alleviate the burden on over-indebted households. Cosatu’s Zanele Sabela says high interest rates have forced workers to […]

November 21, 2024 30