The Southern African Times

Lucara Diamond Corp. has unveiled the names of two extraordinary diamonds recovered at Botswana’s Karowe Mine. The 2,488-carat diamond is named “Motswedi,” meaning “water spring” in Setswana, and the 1,094-carat diamond is called “Seriti,” meaning “aura” or “presence.” The naming, selected through a national competition with over 39,000 entries, reflects Botswana’s cultural heritage and pride in its natural resources. Winners received monetary awards and exclusive tours of the mine, as Lucara continues its commitment to community engagement and national pride. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d72aiayV #LucaraDiamonds #KaroweMine #Botswana #DiamondIndustry #MiningInnovation #NaturalResources #CommunityEngagement #CulturalHeritage #SustainableMining #GlobalDiamonds #EconomicDevelopment #Motswedi #Seriti #MiningImpact #NationalPride #PreciousGems #BotswanaCulture #MiningSuccess #ResourceManagement #EconomicTransformation #Gemstones #DiamondMarket #MiningSustainability #CommunityPride #AfricanExcellence #MiningLeadership #InnovativeMining #BotswanaMining

A recent report by the British International Investment (BII) highlights the transformative role of private equity funds in driving economic growth across Southern Africa. The report underscores how investments in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are boosting employment, fostering innovation, and addressing socio-economic inequalities. Key sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and technology are identified as focus areas for impactful investments. This strategic approach by private equity is not just about profits but also about sustainable development and creating long-term value for local communities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d8jt2qdN #PrivateEquity #EconomicGrowth #SouthernAfrica #BritishInternationalInvestment #BII #SMEDevelopment #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting #Innovation #HealthcareInvestments #RenewableEnergy #TechGrowth #AfricaInvestment #EconomicTransformation #EmploymentCreation #BusinessExpansion #FinancialInclusion #GreenEnergy #SocialImpact #AfricanMarkets #InvestmentStrategies #GlobalDevelopment #LocalCommunities #Entrepreneurship #EconomicResilience #SustainableFinance #EquityFunds #InfrastructureDevelopment #TechInnovation #EconomicEquity

During a panel discussion hosted by The Southern African Times, godfrey t manhambara, Group CEO of Beta Holdings Ltd., outlined the company’s strategy to address Zimbabwe’s growing construction demands. With newly commissioned plants and a focus on diaspora partnerships, Beta Holdings is positioning itself as a key player in the nation’s development. To watch the full discussion follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/d3ASrfnu

Fitch Ratings forecasts Angola’s public debt-to-GDP ratio to fall to 63% by 2025, driven by improved oil revenue and economic reforms under President João Lourenço. Angola has benefited from higher oil prices and strengthened fiscal management, allowing it to reduce external borrowing and invest in diversification projects. The positive outlook underscores Angola’s progress in achieving economic stability and debt sustainability, bolstering its position as an investment destination. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dB4wcUYE #Angola #DebtSustainability #FitchRatings #EconomicReforms #JoãoLourenço #OilRevenue #InvestmentOpportunities #FiscalStability

London aluminium prices fell by 0.7% to $2,585.50 per tonne due to a surge in Chinese production and uncertainties over trade tariffs under a potential new Trump administration. November saw China’s aluminium output rise by 3.6% year-on-year, driven by pre-emptive manufacturing and export adjustments. The global metals market remains cautious amid shifting trade policies and sluggish retail growth, highlighting the challenges of navigating the economic landscape. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dCwcfNzS #AluminiumPrices #GlobalTrade #ChinaEconomy #MetalsMarket #Manufacturing #EconomicIndicators #TradePolicy #Tariffs

Namibia recorded a 34% decline in business registrations over the past year, reflecting waning entrepreneurial activity, according to the Bank of Namibia. The downturn signals economic challenges, despite growth in key sectors like tourism and digital communications. Tourist arrivals increased by 13.9%, while internet data consumption grew by 14% year-on-year. Policymakers are encouraged to address structural barriers hindering entrepreneurship and build on the resilience of thriving@ industries. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dsbBmz8K #Namibia #BusinessRegistrations #TourismGrowth #DigitalTransformation #EconomicRecovery #Entrepreneurship #EconomicPolicy

Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector highlights a critical skills gap in offshore catering services. A recent Industrial Baseline Survey by Deloitte Namibia revealed the need for upskilling local suppliers to meet international standards, particularly in areas like health, safety, and environmental compliance. With oil production expected by 2029, Minister Tom Alweendo emphasised the importance of the recently approved National Upstream Local Content Policy to prepare Namibians for the sector's opportunities. Collaborative efforts are crucial to fostering a competitive and inclusive industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dZ4KF53y #Namibia #OilAndGas #SkillsDevelopment #LocalContentPolicy #TomAlweendo #DeloitteNamibia #OffshoreCatering #IndustryGrowth #SustainableDevelopment

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Official has stepped up efforts to combat smuggling during the festive season by deploying advanced surveillance technologies and increasing patrols at key entry points, including the Beitbridge Border. The crackdown targets smuggling syndicates trafficking alcohol, fuel, and electronics, which harm local industries and public revenue. The initiative underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to safeguarding its economy and enhancing cross-border enforcement with regional partnerships. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dNuWjGGu #Zimbabwe #ZIMRA #BorderControl #SmugglingPrevention #FestiveSeason #RevenueProtection #CrossBorderTrade #EconomicSecurity

Three prominent candidates — Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), Raila Odinga (Kenya), and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) — have outlined their policy visions ahead of the 2025 African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election. During a debate in Addis Ababa, candidates focused on advancing Agenda 2063, prioritising intra-African trade, peace and security initiatives, and economic growth. With Africa confronting challenges like regional instability and socioeconomic inequalities, the election outcome will shape the continent’s leadership and developmental trajectory. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFKn6VwY #AUCommission #Agenda2063 #RailaOdinga #MahamoudAliYoussouf #RichardRandriamandrato #AfricanLeadership #AUC2025 #PeaceAndSecurity #IntraAfricanTrade #DevelopmentGoals #RegionalIntegration

African trade and agriculture ministers are advocating for greater cross-border cereal trade to address food insecurity and improve regional integration. The call was made during the African Agricultural Trade Forum, where officials highlighted the need to harmonise policies, reduce tariffs, and tackle logistical barriers. With Africa importing over 40 million tonnes of cereals annually, the emphasis is on leveraging intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to ensure affordable access to food. This approach could enhance food security while boosting local economies and agricultural productivity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e9Vspvk2 #CerealTrade #AfCFTA #FoodSecurity #Agriculture #AfricanIntegration #TradePolicy #RegionalGrowth #IntraAfricanTrade #EconomicDevelopment #SustainableFarming