New visa regime, a step backward

New visa regime, a step backward

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has expressed deep concern over Namibia's proposed restrictive visa regime, which could severely hamper the country's tourism industry and economic growth. This policy shift appears to contradict Namibia Airports Company’s recently launched air access strategy, “Air Connect Namibia”, aimed at increasing international flights and connectivity. The implementation of stricter visa requirements could have a detrimental impact on various sectors of Namibia's economy, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail, all of which rely heavily on international visitors. Evidence from across Africa, including success stories from Rwanda and Zambia, demonstrates that visa liberalisation significantly boosts tourism,…
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Ausenco selected to develop Tumas project

Ausenco selected to develop Tumas project

Deep Yellow Limited has selected Ausenco Services Pty Ltd as the preferred contractor to deliver the detailed engineering and the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the company’s flagship Tumas Project located in the Erongo Region. Ausenco is a market leading engineering and consulting firm and brings extensive knowledge of the Tumas Project, through the work they completed on the February 2023 definitive feasibility study together with the December 2023 re-costing. The scope of work to be completed includes finalising detailed engineering with an EPCM contract opportunity for project execution Deep Yellow said tendered price is commensurate with…
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International trade face slow growth

International trade face slow growth

Businesses operating across borders are facing slowing growth and an increasing battle for long-term sustainability, according to a new report from KPMG International. The findings in KPMG’s Top risks forecast: Bottom lines for business in 2024 and beyond shine a light on the multifaceted, complex challenges facing companies looking to grow internationally at a time of increasing divergence on regulation, conflict, technological advancement and political uncertainty. The report’s analysis identified the three most critical risks for businesses right now, known as ‘bottom lines’, likely to impact operations this year and beyond. Global trade restrictions have been on the rise, with…
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Ramaphosa signs law allowing access to retirement funds

Ramaphosa signs law allowing access to retirement funds

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill of 2023, which establishes a ‘two-pot’ system that gives members of retirement funds access to retirement savings without having to resign or cash out entire pension funds. The amendment law introduces a ‘two-pot’ retirement system to address the concerns related to lack of preservation before retirement and lack of access to retirement funds by households in financial distress. According to a statement by the Presidency, this retirement system comprises a savings and retirement component for contributions made after 1 September 2024, while historical retirement benefits will…
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FIFA president congratulates Ongos ladies for winning women’s leagues

FIFA president congratulates Ongos ladies for winning women’s leagues

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Football Club Ongos Ladies for winning the 2023/24 women's championship. In a letter addressed to Namibia Football Association President Robert Shimooshili this week, Infantino said FC Ongos ladies’ constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in the important title. “Congratulations to each and every member of the team and of the club for this great achievement. While thanking you and your Association for your continuous support, work, and dedication for the development of women’s football in your country, I look forward, dear President, to seeing…
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Frankie Fredericks Foundation award N$ 20 000 scholarship to Hainuca

The Frankie Fredericks Foundation (FFF), has awarded Namibian Track & Field athlete, Gilbert Hainuca with a N$ 20 000 scholarship.FFF Chairperson Frankie Fredericks announced on Thursday that the scholarship is intended to help Hainuca with his tuition fees as he pursues an Honors Degree in Business Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.While announcing the scholarship, Fredericks stated that Gilbert's long line of accomplishments on the track include his 100m Bronze medal in the Men's 100m at the 13th All Africa Games as well as a Gold medal in the 100m at the Namibia National Senior Championships running…
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CHANGE OF DIRECTION:

The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the voluntary resignation of Janette Fourie, the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, with immediate effect.Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has appointed Olavi Hamwele, the current Vice Chairperson of the NTB board, as the interim Chairperson.Fourie served as an NTB board member from 2020 to 2023 as an ordinary director and was appointed as chairperson for the term 2023 to 2026."Her contributions have been greatly appreciated," stated the NTB in their announcement to stakeholders.The NTB expressed confidence in Hamwele’s ability to adeptly fulfil the duties of Chairperson and ensure…
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Nedbank for Good Series Returns

Nedbank for Good Series Returns

Tsumeb and Oshakati are gearing up to host the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Nedbank for Good Series, set to kick off on June 8, 2024, in Tsumeb and then make its way to Oshakati on June 22, 2024. After a monthlong break, the series is back. Dan Zwiebel, the coordinator of the Nedbank for Good Series, expressed his satisfaction with the preparations for the upcoming tour of the northern region. Last year saw an impressive turnout, with Tsumeb attracting 80 players and Oshakati hosting 25 players. Zwiebel is hopeful that this year's numbers will match or even surpass…
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PROCEEDING WELL:

The Electoral Commission of Namibia, says that the minor glitches experienced during the first days of the General Registration of Voters pose no security concerns.Chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama, explained that the processes are entirely managed in terms of the ECN Internal IT Policies and processes and do not warrant any security concerns.Shaama responded after some members of the public aired concerns about the voter cards that contained wrong personal details were issued to them.He said the ECN is using their Integrated Mobile Voter Registration System (IMVRS), introduced in 2014, and assured the public that the system is…
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Namibia’s economic resurgence earns credit outlook upgrade

Namibia’s economic resurgence earns credit outlook upgrade

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi announced that Moody's Investor Services has affirmed Namibia's sovereign credit rating at B1 and upgraded the outlook from stable to positive. Addressing the Namibian Parliament on Wednesday, Shiimi stressed the importance of the credit rating upgrade by one of the two rating agencies to which Namibia subscribes – Moody's and Fitch Ratings. He said the change reflects the country's improved fiscal and economic metrics, promising growth prospects, and successful post-COVID-19 policy reforms. Namibia initially engaged Moody's in 2011, receiving an investment grade credit rating of Baa3 with a stable…
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