Unam alumni host public talk
Economic welfare discussed
In an effort to encourage networking and improve ties between the university and its former students, Unam alumni hosted a public discussion.
The University of Namibia (Unam) alumni association organised a public discussion at the university’s main campus in Windhoek as part of its efforts to promote networking and to strengthen the relationship between the institution and its former graduates.
The discussion centred around the topic of economic welfare, with a panel format featuring Unam alumni who shared their understanding of the repo rate and its impact on household spending and investment.
The chairperson of the association, Jennifer Haihambo, expressed the association’s objective of enhancing thought leadership to contribute to a body of knowledge in Namibia.
Economic lessons
Delivering a presentation on economic welfare, Ngoni Bopoto, a seasoned economist and investment strategist, argued that "a paradigm shift is required, especially from economists in Africa, more specifically sub-Saharan Africa."
His presentation called on African nations to move away from what developed economies did during the revolution period and to rewrite modern economics with African problems.
"The era of disinformation should be over now; we cannot continue to be gullible to being misinformed. Let us start asking what our economic ideology is," Ngoni encouraged.
In-depth talk
The nature of policies in relation to economics was highlighted by Amy Kahimise, a macroeconomist, who said that "policies are being developed; however, not much emphasis is placed on enlightening the citizens on the reasons for their development". Inflation rates are rising, and households are squeezed because consumption patterns are sticky. In addition, interest rates keep increasing to try and temper inflation, explained Kahimise.
Helen Amupolo, a chartered development analyst, explained that "we leave in debt-driven households. If there is an impact on interest rates, it affects our disposable income, our ability to borrow, and an increase in unemployment rates."
She added that businesses behave like consumers; when there is an increase in the interest rate, they also hold back and rather spend on income-generating assets, which creates a scarcity of jobs in the country.
Reminiscing
The public discussion ended with a networking session allowing the alumni to meet and share stories of "the good old days". With a broad representation within the community, the association intends to organise an alumni reunion for both the southern campus in Keetmanshoop and the northern campuses on 5 and 14 April, respectively.
The discussion centred around the topic of economic welfare, with a panel format featuring Unam alumni who shared their understanding of the repo rate and its impact on household spending and investment.
The chairperson of the association, Jennifer Haihambo, expressed the association’s objective of enhancing thought leadership to contribute to a body of knowledge in Namibia.
Economic lessons
Delivering a presentation on economic welfare, Ngoni Bopoto, a seasoned economist and investment strategist, argued that "a paradigm shift is required, especially from economists in Africa, more specifically sub-Saharan Africa."
His presentation called on African nations to move away from what developed economies did during the revolution period and to rewrite modern economics with African problems.
"The era of disinformation should be over now; we cannot continue to be gullible to being misinformed. Let us start asking what our economic ideology is," Ngoni encouraged.
In-depth talk
The nature of policies in relation to economics was highlighted by Amy Kahimise, a macroeconomist, who said that "policies are being developed; however, not much emphasis is placed on enlightening the citizens on the reasons for their development". Inflation rates are rising, and households are squeezed because consumption patterns are sticky. In addition, interest rates keep increasing to try and temper inflation, explained Kahimise.
Helen Amupolo, a chartered development analyst, explained that "we leave in debt-driven households. If there is an impact on interest rates, it affects our disposable income, our ability to borrow, and an increase in unemployment rates."
She added that businesses behave like consumers; when there is an increase in the interest rate, they also hold back and rather spend on income-generating assets, which creates a scarcity of jobs in the country.
Reminiscing
The public discussion ended with a networking session allowing the alumni to meet and share stories of "the good old days". With a broad representation within the community, the association intends to organise an alumni reunion for both the southern campus in Keetmanshoop and the northern campuses on 5 and 14 April, respectively.
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