insert_link Business / Economics GDP growth slows to 1.6% in second quarter Photo: Adobe stock Namibia’s economy grew by 1.6 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, down from 2.8 percent in the first quarter and 3.3 percent in the same period of 2024, according to a new report by the First National Bank of Namibia (FNB). FNB economist Helena Mboti said the data indicates the strain on consumers.“Private consumption collapsed to negative 7.2 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of […] today1 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics SA’s Ramaphosa in talks with the U.S. over export exemptions South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: polity.org.co.za President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that intensive negotiations are underway with the United States, as South Africa seeks tariff exemptions on key exports such as vehicles, steel, aluminium, and citrus. Speaking at the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa said Pretoria has presented a comprehensive trade package aimed at mutual investment and economic cooperation. Reuters reports that South Africa is facing a looming 30% U.S. tariff […] today5 August, 2025
insert_link Namibia Government eyes more exports to Africa under new trade roadmap The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has launched a strategic planning workshop to shape a five-year plan to advance trade and investment goals. The workshop brings together stakeholders to define the ministry’s broader mandate, which now includes both trade and investment. According to Executive Director Penda Naanda, the plan will pay attention to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and explore ways to deepen trade relations with countries […] today20 May, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics China factory activity picks up, showing economy’s resilience in face of tariffs China's manufacturing activity picked up last month, indicating economic resilience in the face of US President Donald Trump slapping more tariffs on China's exports. The latest data comes as policymakers are expected to announce that they'll push China's official budget deficit target to the highest in over three decades. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. today3 March, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics China imposes retaliatory tariffs on $14bn worth of US goods China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on the US, hitting about $14bn worth of goods and dashing hopes that a trade war between the world's two largest economies could be avoided. Beijing announced the tariffs last week in response to a US decision to impose an additional 10 per cent levy on Chinese products. Laura Westbrook has more. today10 February, 2025
Business / Economics Namibia reports trade deficit of N$5.5 billion The Namibia Statistics Agency has released the Namibia International Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin for the month of November 2024 which indicates that the country’s exports stood at 12.2 billion and imports at 17.7 billion resulting in the country's trade deficit of 5.5 billion. NSA spokesperson, Mirjam Shihepo. today16 January, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics President Ramaphosa Reaffirms South Africa’s Commitment to African Continental Free Trade S.A's President Cyril Ramaphosa says his country is committed to ensuring that continental economic development frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area are a success. He addressed the inaugural South Africa-Angola Business Forum in Pretoria yesterday. South Africa’s exports to Angola have grown by approximately eleven-percent since 2019. Ramaphosa says the country is seeking to revitalise its industrial base, modernise its infrastructure network, and strengthen logistics and supply […] today13 December, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Trade deficit reaches N$3.6 billion in August 2024 The Namibia Statistics Agency has reported a trade balance deficit of N$3.6 billion in August 2024 which is an increase from N$2.1 billion in July and a decrease from N$4.9 billion in August 2023. Exports were adjusted upward by N$7 million, while imports decreased by N$1 million, mainly due to higher export values of fish and precious stones, according to Namibia Statistics Agency spokesperson Mirjam Shihepo. today2 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics NSA informal cross-border trade study reveals gender disparities The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has released the findings of a study conducted in November 2023 on informal cross-border trade. According to the report, Namibia exported goods valued at N$9.1 million and imported goods worth N$1.2 million during the period under review. The NSA's Executive for Economic Statistics, Abel Sindano, emphasized the importance of informal cross-border trade in the region. He said that it plays a critical role in sustaining […] today18 September, 2024
