insert_link Africa Ethiopia Secures $3.4 Billion IMF Agreement Amid Currency Reforms Ethiopia has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a new $3.4 billion financing program, as announced by the IMF on Monday says Reuters. This agreement follows Ethiopia's decision to float its birr currency, a significant move aimed at securing IMF support and advancing a long-overdue debt restructuring process. The country, grappling with high inflation and persistent foreign currency shortages, became the third African economy to default on […] today30 July, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics 30 July 2024 Morning Biz News: Namibia’s Aquatic Exports Rise Despite Decrease in Landings; TotalEnergies Withdraws from South African Gas Block Namibia's Aquatic Exports Rise Namibia's export earnings from fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates reached N$4.1 billion in Q1 2024, a slight increase from N$4.0 billion in Q1 2023. Despite this, High Economic Intelligence (HEI) reports a 16.7% decrease in landings of quota species, down to 97,077 metric tons from 116,471 metric tons in the previous year. TotalEnergies Exits South African Offshore Gas Block TotalEnergies has announced its withdrawal […] today30 July, 2024
insert_link Namibia U.S. to Provide $5 Million in Aid for Drought Relief U.S. Ambassador Randy Berry announced a $5 million aid package from the U.S. Agency for International Development to support Namibian communities affected by drought. This includes $100,000 for UNICEF to assess urgent nutritional needs in severely impacted districts. Tiffany Miller the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer and Spokesperson. today30 July, 2024
insert_link Namibia Voter Registration Hits 1.3 Million Ahead of Deadline With the General Registration of Voters concluding in three days, the Commission reports that 1,315,124 eligible Namibians have registered, including those abroad, representing 81% of the eligible voter population. Since the GRV began on June 3, 2024, there has been an average of 26,869 new registrations per day from July 22-27, 2024, showing a slight decline from the previous week’s turnout. The Commissions De Wet Siluka. today30 July, 2024
insert_link South Africa ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula accuses former president Jacob Zuma of undermining the party’s integrity ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula accuses former president Jacob Zuma of undermining the party’s integrity and campaigning against the party while claiming to retain membership. In a media briefing, Mbalula confirmed that the national disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of misconduct, with expulsion as the chosen sanction, though he can appeal the decision. He condemned the MK Party leader for undermining electoral and judicial systems, inciting unrest, and aiding right-wing opposition […] today30 July, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics SME Compete reacts to President Mbumba Urging Banks to Ease Funding for SMEs President Nangolo Mbumba has urged local banks to support small and medium enterprises by using equity-type instruments and reducing collateral requirements. Speaking with banking executives in Windhoek, Mbumba highlighted the need for broader funding initiatives to address financial exclusion. Danny Meyer, Director of SME Compete, also contributed to the discussion. today30 July, 2024
insert_link World Son of jailed Mexican crime boss El Chapo is due in a Chicago court this week The son of jailed Mexican crime boss, El Chapo is due in a Chicago court this week, after surrendering to American authorities. It's reported Joaquin Guzman Lopez may have been working with officials on his surrender, and fooled another drug trafficker to come with him. Mitch McCann reports: today30 July, 2024
insert_link Namibia 10 Injured in Fiery Side-Swipe Collision on Etomba-Omundaungilo Road Ten people are receiving medical care after a side-swipe collision between a Toyota Hilux 2.7 Double Cab and a Single Cab on the Etomba-Omundaungilo road at Oheti village. The accident, reported by Warrant Officer Andrew Nghiyolwa of the Namibian Police, occurred when the Double Cab tried to overtake and collided with the Single Cab, which was turning off the road. The Single Cab, carrying fuel, caught fire, and both vehicles […] today30 July, 2024
insert_link South Africa DA Calls for Urgent Probe into Malotana’s Appointment as Gauteng Health Head The DA in Gauteng says it has written to the Public Protector to request an urgent investigation into the suspicious appointment of Arnold Lesiba Malotana as the head of the provincial Department of Health. The DA’s Jack Bloom says during a meeting of the provincial legislature's health committee, Health, and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko announced that Malotana was no longer the acting head of the department, having been made permanent […] today29 July, 2024