Manufacturing

27 February-6 March 2025 Weekly Economics Wrap: Insights from Global to Local Markets

Offshore Ecosystem and the Risks of Overexploitation U.S.-based marine scientist, Dr. Vincent Pieribone, has sounded the alarm over the increasing risk of pollution and overexploitation of Namibia's offshore ecosystem. The marine expert raised concerns that ongoing activities such as oil and gas exploration, fishing, and diamond mining threaten the delicate marine environment. Dr. Pieribone warned that these industries, while economically beneficial, could lead to irreversible damage to the country’s rich […]

March 6, 2025 18

Business / Economics

04 March Morning Biz News: Shiimi Appoints New Procurement Board, Fuel Price War Erupts in Nigeria, and Sinopec Unveils Major Oil Discovery

Finance Minister Reshuffles Central Procurement Board Finance Minister Ipumbu Shiimi has made key appointments to the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, ensuring continuity and fresh leadership. Mary Ndeshihafela Shiimi and Julinda Memosa //Garus-Oas have been reappointed, with Shiimi serving as the board chairperson. Meanwhile, Brian Katjaerua has been appointed as the new deputy chairperson. These appointments aim to enhance efficiency in procurement processes and strengthen governance. South African Manufacturing Sector […]

March 4, 2025 24

Business / Economics

China factory activity picks up, showing economy’s resilience in face of tariffs

China's manufacturing activity picked up last month, indicating economic resilience in the face of US President Donald Trump slapping more tariffs on China's exports. The latest data comes as policymakers are expected to announce that they'll push China's official budget deficit target to the highest in over three decades. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong.

March 3, 2025 45

Business / Economics

Apple announces big investment in US

Apple has announced a huge $500bn investment in the United States as it shifts more business to the US amid the Trump administration's new tariff regime. The tech giant announced it's hiring 20,000 Americans and building a manufacturing factory to produce servers for artificial intelligence. It comes as President Donald Trump imposes a 10% tariff on all products from China, where most iPhones are made. Benji Hyer reports.

February 25, 2025 39

World

Trump to announce 25% steel and aluminium tariffs

Donald Trump says he'll announce a new 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports on Monday. It comes as the US president ramps up his threats to impose duties on multiple countries as a way to reduce the US trade deficit. Nick Harper reports from Washington.

February 10, 2025 44

Africa

Business and Economics Researcher Urges Action to Close Namibia’s Economic Gaps

According to business and economics researcher Josef Kefas Sheehama, Namibia is aiming to reduce its productivity gap and enhance economic resilience in the coming years. Key recommendations include tackling corruption, improving governance, and shifting focus to high-productivity sectors like manufacturing. Sheehama also stresses the importance of diversifying the economy and increasing domestic revenue generation to address inequality and improve living standards. With the African Continental Free Trade Area presenting new […]

January 7, 2025 36

Business / Economics

2024 Producer Price Index Update Reveals Mixed Sectoral Trends

The Producer Price Index has been rebased to 2022, offering more accurate insights into the nation's economic trends. The new reference period, set for June , highlights a shift in price movements across sectors, with mining showing growth year-on-year, but a slight quarterly contraction. Meanwhile, manufacturing saw modest price reductions overall, though dairy and fish processing experienced notable increases. The updated PPI will provide businesses and policymakers with a clearer […]

November 22, 2024 21

Business / Economics

SA’s Ramaphosa sets 2 trillion rand investment target by 2028

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has set a new investment target of two-trillion-rand by 2028, following the early achievement of the country’s previous 1.2-trillion-rand goal. Speaking at the SA-US business forum, Ramaphosa invited US investors to explore opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

September 24, 2024 72

Business / Economics

Namibia Statistics Agency records slow economic activity in Q2

The Namibia Statistics Agency has released the official GDP figures for the second quarter of 2024, covering economic activity from April to June. The economy grew slowly, with secondary industries showing only 1.5 percent growth compared to 7.1 percent in the same quarter of 2023. This slow growth was evident in the "Electricity and Water" sector, which grew by 4.1 percent, and the Manufacturing sector, which grew by just 0.6 […]

September 19, 2024 50