insert_link World China says will protect its own interests in face of U.S. ‘bullying’ China says will protect its own interests in face of U.S. 'bullying', signalling a change in tone following the Trump administration's imposition of a new 10% tariff on Chinese goods. China's commerce ministry says the new tariffs will exacerbate global trade tensions. Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. todayFebruary 7, 2025 21
insert_link Business / Economics Namibia Explores Trade Agreements for Economic Growth Namibia is actively pursuing economic diversification through trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and Economic Partnership Agreements. A research project by the Economic & Social Justice Trust is assessing how these agreements can drive industrialization and attract investment while addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and skills shortages. The Turst says initial findings highlight growth potential in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and agro-processing. However, strengthening […] todayFebruary 5, 2025 13
insert_link Business / Economics Solidarity Warns SA Could Lose AGOA Trade Benefits Trade union Solidarity says South Africa risks losing its African Growth and Opportunities Act trade benefits with the United States due to poor diplomatic relations. The union blames the government’s ties with China, Russia, and Iran, along with policies like the Expropriation Act, for straining US relations. Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans vows to continue lobbying for AGOA’s renewal this year to safeguard over 500-thousand jobs: todayFebruary 5, 2025 30
insert_link 17 Namibia Agriculture Ministry lifts ban on maize and palm product imports The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has lifted the ban on the importation and transit of maize, maize products, and palm products from South Africa with immediate effect. However, restrictions remain in place for maize seeds intended for planting. The ministry has not provided further details on when or if these restrictions will be reviewed. Ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa confirmed the decision, stressing that the […] todayJanuary 31, 2025 22 17
insert_link Business / Economics Trump vows to stop Nippon takeover of U.S. steel U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he will block a deal for a Japanese company to acquire U.S. steel. Instead, he insists, his tax and tariff plans will make the U.S. manufacturer strong again by being American-owned. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. todayDecember 4, 2024 24
insert_link Africa Ghana wants to make importing food like rice and tomatoes more costly: expert explains why it’s a bad idea By Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, University of Guelph Ghana, like many other developing nations, relies heavily on imports of food and consumer goods to feed its population. For instance, Ghana imports 55% of the rice that is consumed locally. The country’s import dependence is primarily a consequence of the production of low-value primary products without substantial value addition. To forestall over-dependence on foreign goods, the government has proposed a trade […] todayJanuary 23, 2024 10
insert_link Business / Economics Industrialisation and Trade Ministry to conduct public consultations on key economic initiatives The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade is set to conduct public consultations on various initiatives, including the Special Economic Zone Bill, National Informal Economy, Startups and Entrepreneurship Development Policy, Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Regulations, and the National Cooling Strategy. Here is Elijah Mukubonda, the Ministry's spokesperson with more details. todayDecember 12, 2023 33
insert_link Africa Africa’s new online foreign exchange system will enable cross-border payments in local currencies – what you need to know By Christopher Adam, University of Oxford The high cost of making cross border payments on the African continent has driven governments on the continent to seek options of settling trade and other transactions in local currencies. This has given birth to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System which is scheduled to go live in 2024 under Kenya’s leadership. Development economist Christopher Adam, who has studied the exchange rate policies of […] todayNovember 28, 2023 18