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Israeli strikes kill 244, injure 1,277 in Iran: health ministry

TEHRAN, June 16 — Iran‘s Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said on Sunday that 244 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the past 65 hours.

In a post on the social media platform X, Kermanpour noted that women and children were among the dead, and that 1,277 people had been hospitalized. He added that that over 90 percent of the casualties were civilians.

Early Friday, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and several other cities across Iran, killing a number of the country’s top military commanders and nuclear scientists.

The strikes continued across various parts of Iran on Saturday and Sunday. In response, Iran has launched missile attacks on multiple targets in Israel since Friday, causing casualties and significant damage. (Xinhua)

June 16, 2025 0 comment
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Uganda gears up preparation for Rugby Africa Cup 2025

KAMPALA, June 14 — The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has promised to host a successful Rugby Africa Cup of 2025. Uganda will host the tournament, also a World Cup 2027 qualifier from July 8-9 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, capital of Uganda.

Godwin Kayangwe, President of the Union, told Xinhua Saturday that it is working round the clock to ensure the competition is successful.

“This is also a World Cup qualifier event and we need to make sure it is well organized and our team also performs well,” added Kayangwe.

The competition is expected to draw teams from Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.

Uganda will start its campaign against arch-rival Kenya and it promises to be a thriller. Fred Mudoola, Uganda Rugby Cranes head coach also made it clear that they are working hard to ensure the team wins the Rugby Africa cup 2025.

“We know that the Rugby Africa Cup will not be an easy task. But we are determined to put in a lot of work so that we win the Cup and gain direct qualification into the World Cup 2027,” added the coach. The runner-up will progress to the Asia/Africa play-off. (Xinhua)

June 14, 2025 0 comment
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Namibia commended by FATF for major progress in exiting grey list

WINDHOEK, June 14  — Namibia has been praised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for its substantial efforts in addressing strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing framework.

According to a statement on Friday, the positive assessment was released by Bryan Eiseb, director of the Financial Intelligence Center of Namibia, during the FATF Plenary meeting. In just over 13 months since being grey-listed on Feb. 23, 2024, Namibia has reportedly remedied eight of its initial 13 strategic deficiencies.

“The country remains with five action items that need to be remediated by May 2026,” he said. Eiseb confirmed that Namibia recently submitted its second compulsory progress report to the FATF Africa Joint Group, which has now recommended the progress for adoption at the Plenary.

Despite the significant progress made in addressing the recommendations in the FATF Action Plan, Eiseb said the Council of the European Union (EU) added Namibia to its list of high-risk jurisdictions on Tuesday.

“The listing of Namibia was expected as it is a normal practice for the EU to align its list to that of the FATF grey list, although the EU had delayed placing Namibia on this list last year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eiseb said it is important to note that the EU listing does not undo the exceptional progress that Namibia is making in addressing the FATF Action Plan.

“The EU listing requires banks and other financial institutions in the EU to exercise heightened vigilance when dealing with Namibian financial institutions and businesses.

Namibian entities and stakeholders are cautioned that this measure may cause increased compliance requirements and potentially impact transactional costs,” he concluded.

The FATF is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. (Xinhua)

June 14, 2025 0 comment
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Minister Ashipala-Musavyi’s Call for Sustainable Agricultural Innovation

By John K WaDisho
Windhoek June 14, 2025–Minister of International Relations and Trade, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, participated in the Investing in Africa and China Agriculture Production and Trade Cooperation Conference in Changsha, China, on June 13, 2025.

In her speech, she highlighted Namibia’s dedication to enhancing its agricultural sector for economic growth and food security, emphasizing sustainable practices.

The Minister identified key investment areas within Namibia’s agriculture, such as agricultural input production, water and irrigation infrastructure, modern farming techniques, aquaculture, and renewable energy projects supporting agro-industrial activities.

She assured investors of Namibia’s favorable investment climate, characterized by stable legal frameworks and attractive incentives.

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi urged for collaborative efforts to foster knowledge transfer and innovation, aiming to strengthen agricultural systems benefiting both Namibia and China.

The conference served as a platform for various stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural investment and enhance economic ties between China and Africa. Namibia Daily News

June 14, 2025 0 comment
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Namibia records sharp rise in food prices despite easing overall inflation

WINDHOEK, June 13  — Namibia‘s food prices continued to rise sharply in May even as the country’s overall inflation rate eased, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) bulletin released Thursday by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

The report said Namibia‘s annual headline inflation rate stood at 3.5 percent in May, down from 4.9 percent recorded in the same month last year.

However, the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 5.8 percent year on year, making it one of the main contributors to the overall inflation figure.

The price of fruits rose by 15.5 percent, with notable increases in the prices of watermelons, citrus fruits, and avocados, the report stated, adding that meat prices went up by 8.8 percent, driven by higher costs for beef, lamb, minced meat, and biltong.

Oils and fats saw a 9.1 percent increase, largely due to rising prices of cooking oil and cooking fats, it added. Other food items that registered notable increases include fish, which rose by 9.1 percent, and vegetables, which increased by 7.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the report noted that transport costs declined by 1.3 percent year on year in May 2025, largely due to falling fuel prices.

The price of petrol and diesel fell by 7.8 percent compared to the previous year, providing some relief to overall inflationary pressures.

According to the NSA, food, housing, transport, and alcoholic beverages remain the largest components of Namibia‘s inflation basket, collectively accounting for over 70 percent of household expenditure. (Xinhua)

June 13, 2025 0 comment
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Minister Musavyi Leads Namibian delegation to China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

By John Disho

WINDHOEK,June 12,The Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade,Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, are currently in Hunan province at the invitation of H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China,will lead the Namibian delegation, which is drawn from the public and private sectors.

According to the media statement issued by Executive Director of the ministry,Ambassador Penda Naanda last week said that the Namibian delegation will seek to deepen strategic partnerships with China, by promoting economic diversification, infrastructure development, sustainable resource management, and regional integration.

While in China, Ashipala-Musavyi will also engage with her counterparts on bilateral and multilateral initiatives and future collaborations and will also participate at the ministerial meeting of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE),both to held in Changsha,Hunan Province ending this coming Sunday,15 June 2025.

This expo will offers Namibian entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to connect with Chinese business leaders, showcase Namibia’s investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing renewable energy, and fisheries, as well as exploring new avenues for economic cooperation and private sector collaborations,said the statement of the ministry.

“We are keen to engage with our Chinese partners and fellow African nations to share knowledge,explore investment possibilities in the line with our national priorities” – senior diplomat Naanda said.

Namibian delegation are interested in areas such as renewable energy, transportation infrastructure and capacity building and the group is expected back home next week Monday – Namibia Daily News.

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China’s Zero Tariffs Welcomed and Came On Right Time.

By John K WaDisho

While majority of countries in the world complain about unjustified tariffs imposed by President of United States of America Donald Trump which he surprisingly enacted as series of steep protective tariffs affecting nearly all goods imported into the United States which rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%, the highest level in history.

China’s zero -tariff initiative is regarded as manna for Namibia and the African continent at large.

In an ambitious move aimed at strengthening trade relations, China has declared its readiness to scrap tariffs for all 53 African nations with which it shares diplomatic ties. This announcement, made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a recent meeting in Hunan province, is set to reshape the economic landscape of Africa, fostering greater integration and development across the continent.

For Namibia and its fellow African nations, this initiative comes at a pivotal time,by eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods, China is opening up vast markets for African exports, allowing local industries to compete more effectively on a global scale. This zero-tariff policy, which notably excludes Eswatini for its support of Taiwan, creates a unique opportunity for Namibian products, particularly raw materials and agricultural goods, to gain access to one of the world’s largest economies.

The integration of such trade measures aligns seamlessly with the goals of the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Both initiatives focus on fostering intra-African trade, encouraging member states to reduce trade barriers, and thereby enhancing economic cooperation. Namibia stands to benefit significantly from these developments; not only can it increase its exports to China, but it can also attract investment from Chinese businesses looking to capitalize on tariff-free access to African markets.

Moreover, China’s commitment can stimulate job creation within Namibia and across the continent. As local industries ramp up production to meet newly expanded demand, more employment opportunities will emerge, leading to improved livelihoods for many Namibians.

China’s zero-tariff initiative represents a transformative opportunity for Namibia and African nations. It promises to bolster trade, enhance economic resilience, and promote sustainable development, reinforcing the continent’s position on the global stage. As African nations unite in leveraging this opportunity, the long-term implications for socioeconomic growth, stability, and integration are indeed promising.

(John K WaDisho is a political correspondent of Namibia Daily News and wrote on his personal capacity)

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China remains Namibia’s top export market in April

WINDHOEK, June 12  — China remained Namibia’s leading export destination in April 2025, accounting for 29.7 percent of the country’s total exports, according to the latest trade bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

The report shows that Namibia exported goods valued at 11 billion Namibian dollars (about 618.1 million U.S. dollars) in April, up 9.1 percent from March 2025 and 16.1 percent higher than the same month in 2024, Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni said in the report released on Thursday.

Imports stood at 12.9 billion Namibian dollars, reflecting an increase of 1.0 percent month-on-month and 2.3 percent year-on-year, he said, adding that this resulted in a narrowed trade deficit of 1.9 billion Namibian dollars, compared to a deficit of 2.7 billion Namibian dollars in the previous month.

“China’s position as Namibia’s top export market was largely driven by uranium shipments, which made up 26 percent of the total export basket,” the report said.

According to the report, other key exports included non-monetary gold (15.4 percent), fish (11.5 percent), precious stones such as diamonds (10.5 percent), and ores and concentrates of base metals (5.8 percent).

On the import side, South Africa remained Namibia’s largest source of imports, supplying 35.2 percent of total imports, while India followed with a share of 16.1 percent, the report said. Petroleum oils led the import list at 22.4 percent, followed by motor vehicles for commercial purposes, nickel ores and concentrates, motor cars for passenger transport, and ores and concentrates of base metals, according to the report.

Sea transport remained the dominant mode for exports, handling 55.5 percent of outbound goods, while road transport accounted for 57.4 percent of imports.

The NSA noted that while Namibia’s mineral exports continue to support export growth, diversification efforts remain important to ensure long-term economic stability. (Xinhua)

June 12, 2025 0 comment
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China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South

We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.

III. Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.

IV. The African side commends China’s courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries’ commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.

V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.

VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.

VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.

IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. China and Africa will carry out the plans outlined in the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to contribute to the solidarity of the Global South.

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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Xi, Sassou send congratulatory letters to FOCAC ministerial meeting of coordinators

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso sent congratulatory letters separately to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, on Wednesday.

Noting that the current international situation is marked by changes and turmoil, Xi said China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to the Global South partners, including Africa, with its huge market.

China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, Xi said, adding that China will provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China.

He said China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization, strengthen cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

June 11, 2025 0 comment
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