insert_link Business / Economics What does an unchanged Repo rate mean to a GIPF member? By Amos Kambonde, Manager: Marketing services at the Government Institutions Pension Fund. Recently, consumers received positive news with the announcement of an unchanged repo rate alongside an unchanged in fuel prices across Namibia. While these developments may seem distant from the average person's daily concerns, they hold significant implications, particularly for members of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF). Let's delve into what these announcements mean for […] todayFebruary 20, 2024 17
insert_link Business / Economics Bank of Namibia expected to cut repo rate by 25bps as inflation cooling By Josef Kefas Sheehama At its first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2024, on the 14 February 2024, the Bank of Namibia is expected to cut its Repo Rate by 25 basis points. All of Namibian’s banks now expect the Bank of Namibia to cut its Repo Rate target by 0.25 basis points on the 14 February 2024, which would bring its key lending rate to 7.50%. This […] todayFebruary 13, 2024 40
insert_link South Africa South Africans are opting to go off-grid: how they’re being helped, and hindered, in their efforts By Germarié Viljoen, North-West University and Felix Dube, University of Pretoria Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, struggles to generate and supply a stable flow of electricity to meet demand. In 2023, there were times when households and businesses had no power for up to 11 hours a day. Eskom has warned that load shedding will be worse in 2024. The result is that many South Africans […] todayFebruary 2, 2024 19
insert_link Africa IMF working with several African countries https://youtu.be/c7ZwwF1-f84 The IMF is working with authorities in several African countries to provide help stabilizing their economies and financial situations spokesperson Julie Kozack told reporters Thursday (March 23) in Washington, DC. Ghana is seeking funding from the Fund with The West African country, struggling with its worst economic crisis in a generation. Ghana secured a staff-level agreement with the IMF in December for a $3 billion loan, but approval is contingent […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 40
insert_link Opinion Pieces Busting budget myths and unveiling practical budgeting By Mauriza Fredericks, Group Brand Manager, Old Mutual Namibia Budgeting, the art of managing your income and expenses effectively, is often perceived as a daunting task, shrouded in myths and misconceptions. However, budgeting is an essential tool for achieving financial stability and reaching your financial goals, whether it's saving for a dream home, funding your children's education, or simply enjoying peace of mind. Even though many people want to manage […] todayDecember 19, 2023 11
insert_link Local The Namibian financial system remains stable, sound, and resilient amidst a challenging global and domestic economic environment The Macroprudential Oversight Committee (MOC)1 of the Bank of Namibia (the Bank) held its second and last meeting of the year on the 07th of December 2023, to assess potential risks and vulnerabilities in the Namibian Financial System. Following a comprehensive assessment of domestic and global economic conditions, the Committee deemed the domestic financial system as stable, sound, and resilient. This is despite increasing risks and vulnerabilities stemming from […] todayDecember 12, 2023 8
insert_link Namibia How to talk to your family about money By Mauriza Fredericks, Group Brand Manager, Old Mutual Namibia Money is a subject that often stirs unease, even within family circles. However, open and honest discussions about finances are indispensable for fostering trust and ensuring financial stability. In Namibia, where family bonds hold great significance, it's crucial to approach these conversations with sensitivity. This article delves into the art of conversing about money with three essential family groups: spouses, children, […] todayDecember 4, 2023 27
insert_link Business / Economics Thought Leadership: Plan your bonus to last the long run By Samuel Linyondi, Bank Windhoek’s Strategic Communication Manager In October, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) left the repo unchanged at 7.75%, the highest in the past 14 years. If a repo rate increases, borrowing becomes more expensive, and product and service prices increase for consumers. The repo rate is one of the monetary tools to either control inflation or stimulate demand. Conversely, inflation is the rate of price increase over […] todayNovember 23, 2023 17