Author: Maihapa Ndjavera (Maihapa Ndjavera )

Consumers, who are already struggling with massive increases in food prices and more expensive bank loans, will have to tighten their belts further, as government yesterday announced massive fuel price increases. 

As one of the immediate business rescue initiatives, the Business Rescue Task Force recommended government to protect Namibian entrepreneurs by ensuring foreigners do not trade in areas where Namibians have sufficient capacity. 

Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) CEO David Nuyoma has highlighted some of the negative impacts of early pension withdrawals, saying the money on average lasts for a mere 18 months after individuals elect to resign before their retirement age. 

Consumers who tightened their belts during the last couple of years due to the impact of Covid-19, coupled with a persistent recession, recent fuel and food price hikes, were hammered again yesterday as the Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate with 25 basis points from 4% to 4.25%.

The legislative framework, rationale and subsequent adopted approach used to launch Namibia’s green hydrogen request for proposal has been explained by the country’s green hydrogen commissioner, James Mnyupe.

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi pointed out the contradiction of some parliamentarians lamenting the size of the budget deficit and consequently the increase in government debt, while still advocating for the increase in civil servants’ wages. 

After an eventful six months of promoting Namibia as an investment and tourist destination at the Expo 2020 Dubai, the Namibian Pavilion has officially closed its doors as the curtain falls.

Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni stressed to financiers in the private sector that people need shelter and not luxury homes that trigger housing costs and leave out low-income earners who are in need of housing.

According to Namibia’s household national data, there are 235 884 rural households, of which 35 855 are connected to the grid, while 18 324 have access to solar energy, giving rural electrification a rate of 20%.