The US and China faced a significant trade deficit (over US$375 billion in 2017), with State subsidies in China’s export industries, technological transfers and intellectual property theft being the primary causes of the US-China trade war. In response, China imposed duties on US$185 billion worth of US imports, while the US enacted tariffs on more...
Thought Leaders
Brand love begins within organisations
The recently-concluded MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba left me feeling both inspired and deeply reflective. One powerful takeaway from the event was a statement by Nyasha Karadzandima of Bank Windhoek: “Brand love starts in the building.” This struck me profoundly, reinforcing an often-overlooked truth: successful branding begins within the organisation itself before it can be...
Justice, mercy: Where are we?
The story of Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21: 1-21a) is, among other things, a classic case of injustice. People who have wealth and power use these to get what they want, even if it means taking the life of an innocent person. This is something that was certainly not unique to the 10th Century B.C.;...
Expectations from parliamentarians
On 20 March 2025, members of Namibia’s 8th Parliament were sworn in at Tintenpalast in Windhoek. They vowed to respect and defend Namibia’s Constitution and to be loyal to the country and its citizens. But will they truly deliver on their promise to serve the interests of the people? Hence, what contributions will they bring...
Silent crisis: Mining dependency hinders financial independence
Vincent Shimutwikeni The mining sector has been a cornerstone of Namibia’s socio-economic development, driving job creation and contributing to the growth of both new and existing towns. With key industries in diamonds, uranium, zinc, copper, and other metal ores, mining has long provided stability and opportunities across the country. Historically, both before and after independence,...
Opinion – Visionary thinkers needed
Descartes’ old maxim says, “I think, therefore I am.” Much has been said and written about thinking, thoughts and ideology. Some schools of thought have even suggested that there is a component missing, namely: “I think and belong, therefore I am, and African thinking is said to be saying: take away the thinking and simply...
Opinion – Analysis of restorative justice
Society deeply ingrained many, including me, to believe that those who commit crimes are inherently bad people, forever condemned to lives of wrongdoing with no hope for redemption. This notion not only generalises the complexities of human behaviour but also perpetuates a justice system focused solely on punishment rather than healing. In reality, to sustained...
Opinion – Environmental Court: Cracking down on eco-crime
Wildlife crime remains an international conservation management issue that threatens ecotourism, ecological balance and biodiversity. The industry of illegal hunting and trade in wildlife and wildlife products is estimated to be worth US$50-US$150 billion per annum, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, and continues to pose a threat towards globally-endangered wildlife species. The escalation...
Opinion – South Africa’s two-pot lesson for Namibia
On 1 September 2024, South Africa implemented the two-pot retirement system, a strategic initiative aimed at balancing immediate financial needs with long-term savings. This system divides retirement savings into three distinct components: the vested pot, the savings pot and the retirement pot. This innovative shift has sparked discussions throughout Africa, particularly in Namibia, where debates...
Opinion – Digital literacy for creative entrepreneurship
Namibia, a nation of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is on the cusp of a digital revolution. At the heart of this transformation is the creative industry, a sector brimming with potential to drive economic growth and social change. To harness this potential, Namibian creatives must embrace the twin pillars of artificial intelligence (AI)...