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The US is implementing sanction regulations that may significantly harm the US diamond trade, Rapaport.com reported this week. The Rapaport said US Diamond Protocol has three continuous points including that importers and exporters of diamonds into the US must sign a declaration that the diamonds being imported are not sourced from Russian or other US-sanctioned entities. The second point is that US government agencies that require Source Verification should select and use blockchains of their choice to identify and trace the source of US diamond imports. The third point is that once diamonds are in the US, no restrictions or…

South African agricultural economist, Wandile Sihlobo has said that South Africa’s beef exports to Saudi Arabia are crucial to industry growth. He said following the announcement that Saudi Arabia will to import meat from South Africa following the end of an import ban, everything is now in place for the kingdom to import beef from South Africa. This comes after several engagements between the South African government and private sector with Saudi Arabian authorities to unlock this market. “Industry organisations such as Red Meat Industry Services and private sector stakeholders such as Karan Beef, Sparta Beef and Beefmaster, deserve much…

Economist Wandile Sihlobo has said this year’s elections in South Africa has come when the agricultural sector faces serious challenges, thus offering an opportunity to hear whether the political leaders or various parties’ manifestos will speak to the pressing challenges of the sector. The most pressing issues, according to the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index results for the fourth quarter of 2023 include intensified delays and inefficiencies at the ports, rising crime, deteriorating rail and road infrastructure, worsening municipal service delivery, rising protectionism in key export markets, increased geopolitical uncertainty and persistent episodes of load-shedding. The slow process of launching the…

The 2024 is a year of significant political import for Namibia, with presidential elections on the horizon. Elections are expected to be held in November this year and are expected to be contested by several parties including the ruling, Swapo party, which has ruled the country since 1990. The outcome of this democratic exercise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the country's economic trajectory, Simonis Storm Securities has said. The firm said amidst these economic variables, the release of the NSA Census data promises to provide valuable insights into demographic trends and their implications for various sectors, from…

Standard Bank Namibia Holdings Limited has announced to its shareholders the appointment of Isac Tjombonde as the board chairman. The group said the appointment is with effect from 1 April 2024. Tjombonde currently holds the position of independent non-executive director in the Company. “Regulatory approval for the appointment was obtained effective 5 February 2024. Herbert Maier will stay on the board as an Independent non-executive director and will retire from the board of directors of SBN Holdings Limited and Standard Bank Namibia with effect 23 April 2024,” the group told shareholders. Furthermore, the group said Siphiwe Themba Bruce Madonsela has…

Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is finalising the formal transfer of land at Rundu and Katima Mulilo Airports. The company further plans to expand the infrastructure, including construction of new terminal buildings at Lüderitz Airport, Rundu and Katima Mulilo. The NAC has celebrated a number of significant events over the 2022/2023 financial year, two of which was that the NAC hasbeen issued with substantive aerodrome certificates valid for the next two (2) years, in respect of Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and the Walvis Bay International Airport. The NAC said in a report that it is committed to improve its airport…

CHAMWE KAIRA The Ohangwena II, part of the Ohangwena Aquifer System in Namibia, is nearing development stages, as indicated by NamWater's recent release of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) reports. The Ohangwena Aquifer System, boasting a total groundwater volume of approximately 300 million cubic meters, stands as a significant water source, representing 60% of Namibia's total water resources. The project, funded by the African Development Bank, is considered a medium to long-term endeavor, with no immediate plans for decommissioning. The ESIA study acknowledges that decommissioning will be addressed in the future, necessitating a…

SAKARIA NGHIKEMBUA We mourn the loss of an outstanding leader and a distinguished son of Namibia. His Excellency, Dr Hage G. Geingob, has left indelible footprints on the face of his beloved country, Namibia. Characteristically jovial and larger-than-life, President Geingob was a man of high moral and ethical principles. He believed in doing what is right for his country and people. He believed in inclusivity. He believed in, and advocated for, transparent leadership, independent and functioning organs of state,and media freedom, amongst other principles. He pronounced himself unequivocally on his principles and core beliefs. He pushed for the implementation of…