insert_link Africa Botswana enforces 24% local ownership rule in mining sector The Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana (Source: Lucara Diamond) Botswana has officially enforced a new regulation requiring mining companies to sell a 24% stake in new concessions to local investors if the government decides not to take the share itself, the Ministry of Minerals and Energy confirmed on Friday. The rule, which came into effect on 1 October, is part of amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act aimed at […] today13 October, 2025
insert_link Namibia Business Expert Warns of Risks in Pension-Backed Home Loans. Business Expert Josef Sheehama has cautioned that pension-backed home loans, though a creative solution, may not solve affordability challenges and could endanger retirement savings if borrowers default. He suggested the government directly settle creditors while ensuring employees retain a portion of funds for financial security. today13 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Nekundi Warns Against Import Preference. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has reinforced the call for ministries to support local procurement, warning against purchasing foreign goods over domestic alternatives. He emphasised that supporting local producers drives job creation, empowerment, and economic growth. today21 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics SMEs crucial to Namibia’s economic growth, says FNB Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are playing a growing role in economic development, with their impact reaching beyond just job creation. According to FNB Namibia's Head of SME, Nesdha De Jongh, SMEs are key to addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues, including high youth unemployment and inequality. “SMEs are the backbone of the economy,” De Jongh said. “We need to empower their growth so that they’ll be able […] today20 May, 2025
insert_link Uncategorized INTERVIEW: Dr. Basilius Kasera on SONA and Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) In a candid interview, Dr. Basilius Kasera shared his thoughts on the government's response to the concept of a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), particularly in light of recent discussions following the State of the Nation Address (SONA). He critiques the government's current approach to addressing economic inequality and offers his perspectives on the importance of a nationwide basic income system. Dr. Kasera begins by emphasizing the distinction between […] today28 April, 2025
insert_link Namibia Fuel prices go up as government adjusts dealer margins Image contributed (Xinhua/Chen Cheng) Motorists will face higher fuel costs from Wednesday, as the Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced a 50-cent per litre price increase. At the same time, fuel retailers will see their margins rise by 30 cents per litre, while the Road Fund Administration levy will increase by 20 cents per litre. The ministry says the adjustments are due to the introduction of a new minimum […] today4 March, 2025
insert_link World Trump makes English official language of US Donald Trump has made English the official language of the United States. The US President signed an executive order over the weekend rescinding a decades-old policy that required government bodies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. Benji Hyer reports. today3 March, 2025
Uncategorized Unemployment in Namibia – A call for multi-sectoral action Sydwill Scholtz By: Sydwill Scholtz, Labour Analyst The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) released the latest 2023 unemployment statistics for the country in January 2025, and, needless to say, the results are nothing shy of shocking. The results indicate that unemployment remains a significant social challenge in the country with the inherent ripple effect of poverty and social unrest detracting from the country's economic growth and development as […] today26 February, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics NIDA Reports N$3 Billion in Assets in First-Ever Annual Report The Industrial Development Agency released its first annual report since its establishment in 2018, revealing asset management worth N$3 billion. NIDA Board Chairperson Sebulon Kankondi shared the figures, while Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi urged the agency to adopt a high-performance culture. NIDA CEO Richwell Lukonga : today25 February, 2025
