economic uncertainty

U.S. tariffs threaten Namibia’s key industries

Namibia is among the many countries affected by the latest tariff announcement from the United States, which has imposed a 21% tariff on Namibian exports. The move, part of the Trump administration's broader reciprocal tariff package, aims to balance trade deficits with over 180 countries. Namibia's main exports to the U.S. include diamonds, building stones, fish fillets, beef, and charcoal—industries now facing increased costs and potential declines in trade volumes. […]

4 April, 2025 82

South Africa

BOSA in S.A says Budget Delay Shows Chaos in Unity Government

Build One South Africa says the postponement of Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech on Wednesday, demonstrated the chaos within the government of national unity. The budget was postponed for the first time since 1994 after cabinet members pushed back against a proposed two-percent value-added-tax hike. BOSA’s spokesperson, Roger Solomons, says the government has put the economy in jeopardy and transparency and clarity are now needed: Meanwhile, the unprecedented […]

20 February, 2025 75

Business / Economics

BOJ keeps rates unchanged

Japan’s central bank is leaving interest rates unchanged in a move widely expected by the market. Its chief, Kazuo Ueda, says a lack of clarity over wage trends and uncertainty over the U.S. economy is behind the decision. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo:

20 December, 2024 47

Business / Economics

49% of Namibian consumers struggle with high cost of living

Namibian households are struggling financially amid high living costs, according to the latest findings from the Consumer Pulse Study conducted by TransUnion. The study reveals a significant increase in financial strain, with 49% of consumers now anticipating difficulty in fully paying their current bills and loans, up from 45% in Q3 2023. Lara Enslin, CEO of TransUnion Namibia, stressed that these findings reveal a proactive approach by consumers to manage […]

4 July, 2024 58

World

French bosses fear far right’s vague economic plans

By Katia Dolmadjian French business leaders have been pitched into fresh uncertainty by snap elections called by President Emmanuel Macron that risk strengthening the far right. Federations are treading lightly with their public comments, aware that they could be sitting across the table from National Rally (RN) ministers if the party scores a major breakthrough in the June 30 and July 7 ballots. […]

11 June, 2024 32

Business / Economics

Business Leadership in an AI World in 2024

Europe faces a challenging year ahead. The confluence of several disruptive factors – geopolitical conflict, rising inflation, economic uncertainty, increased regulatory pressure, and last, but by no means least, the impact of new technologies – will undoubtedly test leaders to the limit in the year to come. Speaking with business leaders across the region, several common themes have emerged. From the urgent need to build greater resilience and reduce […]

19 January, 2024 23