Windhoek Observer – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

18 Mar

NSX opens week on high note

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibian Securities Exchange opened the week higher on Monday, 16 March, with gains in financial and consumer stocks, while real estate and basic materials declined. The benchmark FTSE/JSE All Share Index rose by 1,638.04 points (1.43%) to close at 116,562.25, up from 114,924.21 in the previous session. The index remains below its 2026 high of 128,455.68. On the local market, the NSX Overall Index increased by 10.80 points (0.50%) to close at 2,159.45, up from 2,148.65. The index has risen 0.85% since December 2025, when it stood at 2,141.33. The NSX Local Index added 0.25 points (0.03%)…

18 Mar

Higher economic growth needed to reduce unemployment

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia needs higher economic growth to reduce unemployment and inequality, the African Development Bank has said. Real GDP is expected to grow to 3.8% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026. The recovery is linked to improved weather conditions and activity in the natural resources sector. The sector includes petroleum exploration and increased uranium production, supported by higher global commodity prices. “A recovery is also evident in tourism, transport and storage, financial services, and electricity generation. Growth prospects are expected to be bolstered by developments in the green hydrogen industry, increased investment in oil and gas, and infrastructure expansion.…

18 Mar

SBN earnings support buy recommendation

Observer Money

Staff Writer Stockbroking firm Simonis Storm has maintained its buy recommendation on SBN Holdings following the bank’s 2025 financial results. The firm said the bank delivered higher earnings despite pressure on margins, weaker non-core revenue and a subdued economic environment. Asset quality improved during the year. Excess liquidity was redirected into customer lending, which strengthened the balance sheet. SBN reported a profit after tax of N$1.187 billion, extending the level reached in 2024 when it passed N$1 billion in annual earnings. Simonis Storm said the bank’s performance shows it can deliver earnings across different market conditions. “The debate is no…

18 Mar

Windhoek startup hub plans take shape

Observer Money

Staff Writer Plans to position Windhoek as a startup hub are gaining momentum following a new initiative launched last week. Grindstone, co-owned by Knife Capital and Thinkroom, joined ecosystem partners in Windhoek to launch the initiative under the banner Accelerate 36. The event brought together policymakers, regulators, investors and founders to explore how Namibia can grow its startup sector and expand access to capital. The initiative focuses on building a pipeline of startups that can scale and eventually list on the Development Capital Board of the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX). “We have the influence, brainpower, and energy in this room…

18 Mar

Old Mutual appoints Roger Jardine as chairman designate

Uncategorised

Staff Writer Old Mutual has appointed Roger Jardine as chairman designate. Jardine will take over as chairman after the company’s annual general meeting scheduled for 5 June 2026, subject to his confirmation as a director. Current chairman Trevor Manuel will retire at the end of the meeting after reaching the board’s retirement age. Jardine and Manuel will work together during a three-month handover period from March to June 2026. Jardine joined the Old Mutual board as an independent non-executive director in September 2025. He previously served as chairman of FirstRand Limited for nearly six years. He has also held chief…

18 Mar

Old Mutual says global environment to remain uncertain

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual Limited has said the global environment is likely to remain uncertain, shaped by uneven growth and ongoing heightened geopolitical risks. Against this backdrop, the South African outlook has become more constructive, supported by the 2026 national budget, which reaffirmed a commitment to fiscal discipline. With public debt projected to stabilise and decline over the medium term, alongside a sustained primary surplus and targeted relief for households, these conditions will provide a more supportive foundation for confidence and investment. Looking forward, Old Mutual said from 2026, it will measure and report the delivery of its value creation…

17 Mar

Govt accused of turning Independence Day into Swapo rallies…Swapo figures dominate list of keynote speakers

Main, National News

Allexer Namundjembo As Namibia prepares to mark another year of independence, debates have emerged over who will take the stage at this year’s celebrations across the country. This year’s Independence Day commemorations will take place simultaneously in all 14 regions for the first time. The decentralised format aims to allow communities to celebrate within their own constituencies rather than gathering in a single location. However, the lineup of keynote speakers has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and analysts who say the programme appears dominated by members of the ruling Swapo. Posters circulated ahead of the celebrations list current and former…

17 Mar

Communities fear flooding as Zambezi river rises

National News

Patience Makwele Residents living in floodplain areas of the Zambezi region say they are worried as the Zambezi river continues to rise and floodwaters begin spreading into villages, fields and roads. Hydrological readings show the river at Katima Mulilo has reached about 6.7 metres. This is a sharp increase from just over two metres recorded during the same period last year. Floodwaters have begun spreading across parts of the eastern floodplains. Villages affected include Luhonono, Malindi, Namiyundu, Nsundwa, Nakuntwe and Muzii. On Monday residents say water has started entering homes and fields. “The water is rising very fast and we…

17 Mar

Namibia–FAO food security plan short of N$168 million

Uncategorised

Justicia Shipena The implementation of Namibia’s new agriculture cooperation programme with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) faces a funding gap of US$8.9 million (approximately N$168 million). The programme requires a total of US$15.7 million (approximately N$296 million) to implement, but only US$6.8 million (approximately N$128 million) has been secured so far. The funding forms part of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) signed between the FAO and the Namibian government. The framework will guide cooperation in agriculture and food systems from 2025 to 2029. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and…

17 Mar

Woman builds platform to document Namibian inspiration

National News

Patience Makwele A Namibian initiative that documents inspirational words spoken by local leaders and citizens is gaining recognition for preserving voices that reflect the country’s experiences and identity. The platform, called NamInspiration, was founded by Meryam Nghidipo. The project was created to capture and archive motivational quotes spoken by Namibians working in areas such as politics, agriculture, education, finance, health and community development. Nghidipo said the idea began in 2015 after she noticed that most inspirational quotes shared online came from international figures. “I was searching online for quotes one day and I noticed that many of the inspirational words…