Southern Africa

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a world where the pulse of economies sets the pace for global progress, the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking illuminates the forefront contenders. Currently, the global economic stage is dominated by several nations renowned for their robust competitiveness. Yet, what exactly makes an economy competitive on the world stage? Is it solely about GDP numbers, or is there more beneath the surface? The most competitive economies in the world are distinguished by…

ECOWAS Currency: Bridging West Africa The idea of a unified West African currency, known as the Eco, is as ambitious as it is inspiring. Imagine a future where crossing borders within West Africa doesn’t involve exchanging currencies—a future where trade and interaction flow seamlessly across countries. This is the vision behind the Eco, a currency anticipated to act as a unified medium of exchange, fostering trade and economic unity across the region. During a meeting held in Abuja—the heart of Nigeria’s administrative…

The Future of Payments and Financial Inclusion Across Africa Founder and CEO, Nkebet Mesele, discusses the launch of Intreensic, a payments education and advisory group, and its significance for payments and financial inclusion across Africa. Exploring Payment Evolution What piques your interest the most about the transformation in payments, and how do women play a role in this journey, particularly in Africa? The payment evolution is indeed fascinating. From my early days in the industry,…

The controversial bill aims to escalate the prison sentences associated with same-sex relationships while also instituting penalties for those found to be promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities. It is worth noting that former President Akufo-Addo ultimately opted against signing this legislation into law, despite its initial passage by parliament in 2024. In a recent statement, former President John Mahama articulated a pragmatic approach regarding the proposed bill. He expressed a desire for a national consensus,…

Stellenbosch University’s Tataokhona project recently unveiled a compelling report entitled, "The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024," which delves into the evolving dynamics of fatherhood within the family structure. As we navigate an era marked by rapid social, economic, and cultural shifts, understanding the role of fathers has never been more crucial. One striking finding reveals that while 76% of children reside with an adult male, only 35% live with their biological father—a marked decline from 45.3% in 1996. What…

Africa's external debt levels have long been a topic of concern. High-interest rates and the slow maturity of local financial ecosystems add layers to this complex issue. Does this situation reflect the broader global economic landscape, or is it particular to Africa's unique geopolitical fabric? There's a constant increase in the need for foreign capital to sponsor imports, and this naturally inflates the external debt burden. As highlighted in a report by Afreximbank Research, Africa relies significantly on…

Agriculture is undeniably the lifeblood of Africa, weaving its influence through every village and stretching out across the vast savannahs. Whether it’s the age-old traditions held close in family farms or sprawling commercial enterprises, the act of cultivating the land is pivotal. It doesn’t merely feed millions; it powers the economy and has the untapped potential to shape a brighter future. An African proverb notably states, "He who learns, teaches." Agriculture is perhaps Africa’s most profound teacher—a silent…

The Cabinet has finalized its contributions to the 2025 Budget, which Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is poised to present to Members of Parliament. This marks a significant moment in our fiscal planning. In a bid to craft a responsible and inclusive financial blueprint, ministers convened for an extraordinary session dedicated to navigating the intricate details of the Budget. This was not merely a routine meeting—it was a second attempt after the Cabinet previously dismissed a revised proposal that notably lacked the…

Analyzing the CPI: A Journey through Clothing and Footwear Costs Have you ever wondered how the cost of the clothes you wear is determined? Every stitch, button, and thread of our outfits is intertwined with the financial fabric known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Historically, CPI has been composed of several components, with housing, clothes, and food leading the charge. Think about it—while food undeniably sits at the throne of essentials, for many, clothes follow right at its heels. And isn't it…

Understanding the Role of Customs Duties in Africa For some countries heavily reliant on international trade, the levying of tariffs on imported goods comprises more than 40% of total tax revenue. This fact alone underscores just how integral these duties are to the infrastructure of governmental funding across various nations. Consider the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, where customs duties remarkably constitute 100% of the country’s tax revenue. What does this tell us about their economic structure or their…