insert_link Business / Economics 5 June 2024 Morning Biz News: Global Economic Landscape: Namibia’s Walvis Bay Leads Trade, Rand Dips Amid Political Shifts, Nigerian Banks Adapt, and Markets Tread Cautiously Namibia's Walvis Bay Harbour Emerges as Leading Trade Gateway In April, Walvis Bay Harbour solidified its position as Namibia's premier trade gateway, boasting the highest trade volumes for both exports and imports among the country's ports. According to data from The Brief, the Namibia Statistics Agency reported that Walvis Bay Harbour managed a staggering N$3.8 billion in exports and N$5.2 billion in imports during the month. This significant achievement underscores […] todayJune 5, 2024 11
insert_link World U.S presents new draft Security Council resolution to stop the fighting in Gaza The United States has requested UN Security Council support for President Joseph Biden's three-phase plan to end the nearly eight-month war in Gaza. A draft resolution has been circulated to all council members and is expected to be voted on at some stage. Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel will accept the framework deal though he described it as flawed and in need of much more work. From the United Nations […] todayJune 5, 2024 26
insert_link Business / Economics RMB Namibia Leads Syndicated Loan for Navachab Mine Expansion RMB Namibia has been appointed by QKR Navachab to arrange a USD155 million syndicated loan from Namibian and South African banks. The loan, aimed at funding the mine’s expansion program, will significantly increase gold output, contributing to Namibia’s economic sustainability. RMB will also provide risk management solutions to optimize the mine’s exposure to various factors. Jason Shikalepo, Head of Investment Banking at RMB Namibia, offers further details. todayJune 5, 2024 72
insert_link South Africa S.A Public Protector has found the Department of Justice lacking in measures to protect gender-based violence victims The S.A Public Protector has found the Department of Justice lacking in measures to protect gender-based violence victims. Kholeka Gcaleka reported that 38 courts investigated are inefficiently run, failing to provide proper protection orders and solve cases, leading to increased GBV incidents. Gcaleka also noted poor filing systems and language barriers contribute to poor service delivery. She calls for better assistance for victims seeking protection orders: todayJune 5, 2024 27
insert_link Namibia Climate Change Threatens Namibian Agriculture The agricultural sector is crucial for sustaining livelihoods but faces significant challenges due to climate change. Farmers frequently endure adverse rainfall seasons, resulting in floods, droughts, and pest and disease outbreaks. Droughts, occurring every other year with varying severity, have especially harmed crop and livestock farmers, reducing productivity and income due to poor yields, livestock performance, and market prices. Technical Advisor of Livestock and Rangeland from AgriBank, Erastus Ngaruka. todayJune 5, 2024 28
Namibia Cancer Association of Namibia Supports Ban on Hookah Pipes Amid Youth Concerns Rolf Hansen, the chief executive of the Cancer Association of Namibia, has expressed strong support for a parliamentary proposal to ban hookah pipes, also known as hubbly-bubbly. Hansen noted frequent complaints to CAN about the rising use of these products, especially among youth in public spaces, schools, and restaurants. He emphasized the need for stronger police enforcement to address these community concerns, highlighting that despite restrictions, hookah pipes are still […] todayJune 5, 2024 13
insert_link World U.S Attorney General denies politicising justice system against Trump U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has rejected accusations by House Republicans that he has politicized the criminal justice system in a bid to stop Donald Trump from being reelected. Testifying on Capitol Hill, Mr Garland vigorously defended the justice department and accused lawmakers of peddling conspiracy theories. From WashingtonKate Fisher reports. todayJune 5, 2024 23
insert_link Namibia National Youth Council Launches NextGen Facility to Empower Youth Entrepreneurs National Youth Council has introduced the NextGen Facility Incubation programme to aid young entrepreneurs with loans between N$50,000 and N$100,000 as reported by The Brief. This initiative targets key sectors like sustainable agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and natural resource management. Acting Director, Sircca Nghitila noted that the programme aims to support 20 to 30 entrepreneurs annually across all 14 regions of Namibia, ensuring fair access. Additionally, the facility will offer […] todayJune 4, 2024 34
insert_link South Africa City of Tshwane’s mayoral committee member will today deliver the 2024/2025 financial year budget speech In South Africa, the City of Tshwane’s mayoral committee member for Finance, Jacqui Uys, will today deliver the 2024/2025 financial year budget speech. The metro faces various challenges including tight fiscal pressures, access to potable water, electricity, housing and high unemployment. Mayor Cilliers Brink says the budget is geared towards maintaining financial stability while improving basic service delivery: todayJune 4, 2024 76