Fiscal Policy

Namibia calls for fairer global financing at G20 Summit

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressing the session on Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth at the G20 Summit (Photo by Namibian Presidency via X) Namibia has called on world leaders to overhaul the global financial architecture, arguing that developing nations continue to shoulder unfair borrowing costs that hinder growth and deepen inequality. Speaking at the G20 summit in South Africa, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commended President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government […]

24 November, 2025

Business / Economics

Shafudah Announces Spending Adjustments in Mid-Term Budget Review

Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled the Mid-Term Budget Review before Parliament, providing an update on the local economic progress and key fiscal adjustments. The proposed changes to the 2025 Appropriation Act aim to realign government spending and ensure adequate funding for national priorities through the rest of the 2025/26 financial year. Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen:

22 October, 2025

Business / Economics

Finance Minister revises economic growth to 3.3%, cuts growth forecast

Finance and Social Grant Management Minister Erica Shafudah (Photo contributed) Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled the 2025 Mid-Term Budget Review in Parliament on Tuesday, 21 October, painting a cautious picture of Namibia’s fiscal and economic outlook as growth slows and public debt rises. The review projects economic growth of 3.3% for 2025, a notable downward revision from the 4.5% forecast announced during the main budget in March. The decline […]

21 October, 2025

World

French President unveils new government

French Prime Minister Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: by Ludovic Marin, AFP) French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government after reappointing Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu, four days following his resignation. Macron tasked Lecornu and his cabinet with presenting a draft budget on Monday, allowing lawmakers sufficient time to review the proposal before the end of the year. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize government operations […]

13 October, 2025

Africa

Angola fuel price protests erupt in violence

Photo: Reuters Angola Protests in Angola’s capital over a 33% diesel price hike on 1 July escalated into violence on 28 July. The government’s subsidy cuts, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens, sparked unrest—including looting, street blockades, and clashes with police. Reuters reports that at least four people were killed, including a police officer, and more than 500 arrested as police used tear gas, smoke grenades, and gunfire into the air […]

29 July, 2025

Business / Economics

South Africa faces R800 billion debt repayment challenge

South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana (Reuters/Shelley Christians) South Africa could face a financial challenge as debt servicing costs are projected to consume up to 30% of the country’s tax revenue by 2030, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF estimates that South Africa may need to spend as much as R800 billion on debt repayments within the next seven years, exposing a growing strain on the country's […]

19 May, 2025

Business / Economics

Business Leadership SA says only way forward is to reduce state expenditure

BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso at a press conference As South Africa awaits Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s re-tabling of the national budget on 21 May 2025, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has urged the government to make bold economic decisions that stimulate growth and enable sustainable public spending. According to eNCA, BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso said the government must show “political courage” by making difficult and potentially unpopular spending cuts, particularly […]

6 May, 2025

South Africa

OUTA Urges SA Finance Minister to Tackle Corruption in Budget Speech

In S.A, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse urges Finance minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritise the fight against corruption and financial mismanagement in next week’s revised budget speech. The organisation criticised the government for failing to tackle wasteful spending and poor financial management, which could improve the national budget by 500-billion-rand annually. OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage expects meaningful changes in the upcoming budget:

6 March, 2025

South Africa

In South Africa, SARS Commissioner urges Strengthening Tax Collection, Not Hikes

South African Revenue Service Commissioner, says raising tax revenue should start with strengthening collection capacity, and not hiking taxes. Edward Kieswetter addressed a panel discussion at a G20 Finance Trackside event in Cape Town on Wednesday. Last week, Godongwana was unable to table the national budget, over disagreements within the government of national unity on a proposed two-percent value-added tax hike.

27 February, 2025