The world’s biggest tax bill is just the latest blow for gold miner

Businessam StaffJuly 27, 2017

It was supposed to mark a fresh start for the African business of the world’s biggest gold producer. In November 2014, African Barrick Gold Plc would get a new name and new management to distance itself from a troublesome past and disputes with local politicians. Less than three years later, things are worse than ever. […]

Don’t worry about losing your charger, this phone can make calls without a battery

Businessam StaffJuly 17, 2017

Instead of batteries, a new cell phone harvests the few microwatts of power it needs from a different source: ambient radio signals or light. Researchers were also able to make Skype calls using the battery-free phone, demonstrating that the prototype—made of commercial, off-the-shelf components—can receive and transmit speech and communicate with a base station. “We’ve […]

If you never have enough time… then slow down

Businessam StaffJuly 16, 2017

“Busy!” I’m not sure when this became the default reply to “How are you?” But rising numbers of us rattle through our days as inadequate servants of insatiable to-do lists. Most of us can expect 1,000 months on earth, longer than any previous generation. Yet we feel time poor. Even if we get the fabled […]

Five keys to a smart fiscal policy

Businessam StaffJuly 15, 2017

We live in a world of dramatic economic change. Rapid technological innovation has fundamentally reshaped the way we live and work. International trade and finance, migration, and worldwide communications have made countries more interconnected than ever, exposing workers to greater competition from abroad. While these changes have brought tremendous benefits, they have also led to […]

What causes a stock market crash – and are we headed for another?

Businessam StaffJuly 14, 2017

The dizzying ascent of global stocks has unnerved City analysts in recent months, as lofty valuations and the prospect of interest rate hikes threaten to spark a major sell-off. The MSCI All-Country World Index, a gauge of global stocks, set a new peak last month. Earlier this week, the Dow Jones stormed to a fresh […]

Africa defeats world’s biggest mobile carriers

Businessam StaffJuly 10, 2017

Back when African countries were auctioning off mobile licenses by the boatload to serve the region’s young, tech-savvy population, investing in the continent’s fast-growing economies seemed like a no-brainer. Some of the world’s biggest wireless carriers rushed in. Now they’re wondering if they made a mistake. Increasing government and regulatory scrutiny, as well as a […]

Spider-Man comes to Sony’s rescue to shake sequel fatigue

Businessam StaffJuly 7, 2017

Sony Pictures Chairman Tom Rothman downplays forecasts that the new “Spider-Man” movie will open with sales of $100 million or more this weekend. But it sure needs to. The Culver City, California-based unit of Sony Corp. is in seventh place at the box office, a lowly spot the studio hasn’t occupied since 2000. And “Spider-Man: […]

Role of debt in Nigeria

Businessam StaffJuly 4, 2017

Debt has earned a bad reputation in recent times. Private debt spiralled out of control in the 2000s and fuelled the 2008 financial crisis. Public debt continues to cause jitters. What is often overlooked is the vital role that debt plays in global and domestic economies. In Nigeria, private debt comes with various challenges. Few […]

Why ‘cashless societies’ don’t benefit the poor

Businessam StaffJuly 4, 2017

India recently tried to reduce the use of cash in its economy by eliminating, overnight, two of its most widely used bills in what was called demonetization. While the effort – initially explained as an attempt to curb “black money” – has been a failure in many respects, it was part of an ongoing and […]