Robert McGregor Discusses Namibia's Economic Outlook, Monetary Policy, and Fiscal Policy Impact скачать в хорошем качестве

Robert McGregor Discusses Namibia's Economic Outlook, Monetary Policy, and Fiscal Policy Impact

Robert McGregor, Head of Research at Cirrus Capital, highlighted concerns over Namibia's weakening growth outlook, a crisis in the employer base, and overly optimistic government budget forecasts. He emphasises the need for significant policy reform and prudent fiscal management to address high unemployment and debt pressures. Key Insights from Robert McGregor • Economic Outlook: Namibia's growth outlook is weakening, with the 2025 forecast around 3%, which is considered insufficient for addressing unemployment and revenue issues. • Employer Crisis: A significant concern is the estimated loss of 30,000 businesses between 2018 and 2023, which is seen as a key driver of unemployment. • Monetary Policy: McGregor suggested that interest rate cuts in late 2024 by the Bank of Namibia might have been premature. • Fiscal Policy Impact: Government spending and debt are creating a "crowding out" effect, hindering private sector access to credit. McGregor also views recent budget figures as overly optimistic. • Opportunities: Despite challenges, opportunities exist in sectors like mining and agriculture that could contribute to recovery with supportive policies.