insert_link Namibia Government Needs National Fertiliser Strategy to Boost Agricultural Competitiveness Emma Haiyambo, Director of Research at the Bank of Namibia, has called for a national fertiliser production strategy to reduce the country’s reliance on costly imports reports The Brief. She explained that local fertiliser production would lower costs, making high-quality inputs more accessible to farmers and improving agricultural productivity. Haiyambo emphasized that Namibia's dependence on foreign fertilisers hinders its ability to compete in global markets. A domestic fertiliser industry could […] todaySeptember 23, 2024 14
insert_link World EU pledges 35 billion Euro loan to Ukraine The European Union has announced a roughly 39 billion dollar loan to Ukraine funded by profits from Russia's frozen assets. This payment is the EU's contribution to a 50 billion dollar plan agreed upon by G7 nations over the summer. William Denselow reports from Brussels. todaySeptember 23, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa N3 Toll Route Closed to Incoming Traffic Due to 30km Backlog Near S.A’s Van Reenen’s Pass In S.A, the N3 Toll Concession says the N3 Toll Route remains closed to incoming traffic between Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in Free State. Chief operating manager Thania Dhoogra says there was a 30-kilometres backlog of vehicles attempting to make their way from Harrismith towards Van Reenen's Pass. Incoming traffic could not be accommodated on the pass at the time as it added more pressure to the already […] todaySeptember 23, 2024 21
insert_link Namibia World Food Programme has launched an urgent appeal for N$228 million to address Namibia’s growing food insecurity crisis The World Food Programme has launched an urgent appeal for N$228 million to address Namibia’s growing food insecurity crisis. According to a release by the WFP, while N$17.57 million has already been secured, it still requires 93% of the total N$228 million to fully implement the program and alleviate the escalating hunger crisis. The Basic Income Grant Coalition's Rinaani Musutua weighs in on hunger in the country. todaySeptember 23, 2024 17
insert_link World Typhoon Shanshan brings downpours to central Japan Authorities in Japan are urging people to remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Shanshan moves over country. It was downgraded from a ‘typhoon’ on Thursday but is still bringing deluges heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. The storm has resulted in four deaths and 94 injuries so far. Reporting for us from Tokyo is Chris Gilbert. todayAugust 30, 2024 48
insert_link Namibia NAMFISA Reports N$1.24 Billion in Medical Aid Claims for Q1 2024 NAMFISA reveals that medical aid funds disbursed N$1.24 billion in claims during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous quarter but a 2.5% decrease year-on-year. Non-healthcare expenses decreased by 2.8% from the previous quarter but rose 3.7% annually, with administration costs remaining the highest contributor. The industry’s total assets grew by 4.1% quarter-on-quarter and 8.6% year-on-year to N$2.2 billion, while liabilities fell by 4.1% from […] todayAugust 30, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa South Africa Launches Digital Visa Waiver Delivery for Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders The Department of Home Affairs in S.A has initiated the digital delivery of visa waiver outcomes via email, starting with Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders. This move is part of the department's digital transformation efforts to enhance service efficiency and reduce corruption. Home Affairs minister Leon Schreiber says the digital process aims to clear a significant permitting backlog of over 306-thousand applications and will eventually extend to other visa applicants: todayAugust 30, 2024 22
insert_link Namibia Road Fund Administration Researches Electric Vehicle Levy and Automation for Road Charges The Road Fund Administration is exploring a new levy model for electric vehicles to address the decline in fuel tax revenue due to their increasing use. RFA’s Elton !Gaoseb highlighted the challenge of integrating electric vehicles into Namibia’s road maintenance funding system. In addition to this research, the RFA is working on automating the Mass Distance Charges process to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate revenue collection. The RFA also emphasizes […] todayAugust 30, 2024 28
insert_link South Africa South Africa Prepares 500-Page Submission to International Court on Hamas-Israel Conflict South Africa is preparing a 500-page submission for the International Court of Justice regarding the Hamas-Israel conflict, aiming to prove the genocidal reality in Gaza. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated the case will include witness testimonies to support South Africa’s assertion of genocide, aligning with the country’s commitment to the people of Palestine and its core values: todayAugust 30, 2024 19