Windhoek Observer – Page 17 – Windhoek Observer

01 Dec

Economy expected to gain momentum in 2026

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s economy is expected to slow in 2025 before picking up again in 2026, with weaker activity in manufacturing and the primary industries weighing on output, the central bank said. Real GDP growth is projected to ease to 3% in 2025 from 3.7% in 2024. Growth is then expected to accelerate to 3.9% in 2026. The central bank attributed the slowdown primarily to a contraction in the manufacturing sector. Output in the sector is expected to fall by 4.6% in 2025 after recording growth of 2.8% in 2024. It said the decline is linked to sharp drops in…

01 Dec

Eurobond redemption drains Namibia’s reserves

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s international reserves fell sharply at the end of October 2025, mainly because of the government’s eurobond repayment, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) said in its latest money and banking statistics report. The reserves declined by 11.2% from September and by 20.2% from a year earlier to N$48.6 billion, giving an import cover of 3.2 months, or 3.5 months when excluding oil and gas exploration imports. The decline was caused by several outflows, including the eurobond redemption on 29 October, net rand outflows by commercial banks, government foreign payments and a stronger Namibian dollar against the US dollar. …

01 Dec

Nictus receives full mandate to repurchase shares

Observer Money

Staff Writer Nictus Holdings Limited says all ordinary and special resolutions presented at its annual general meeting on 27 November 2025 were approved by shareholders, according to a notice issued on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX). The company said every resolution received 100% support from the 47.5 million shares voted, representing 88.89% of its total issued shares. Shareholders confirmed the re-election of directors PJ de W Tromp and ME Ackermann and endorsed the company’s remuneration policy through a non-binding advisory vote. They also approved non-executive directors’ fees and reappointed BDO as external auditors. Resolutions authorising the issue of ordinary shares,…

01 Dec

Ruacana, renewable energy to drive electricity and water sector

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The electricity and water sector is expected to remain a key growth driver within the secondary industries. The subsector is projected to grow by 8.5% in 2025, up from 2.3% in 2024. The Bank of Namibia's December economic outlook said the improvement is linked to expected favourable rainfall that will boost hydroelectric generation at Ruacana, along with ongoing investment in solar, wind and biomass projects. The central bank said rising reservoir levels will also support stronger water supply performance and that growth is expected to remain high over the medium term in line with the government’s renewable energy…

01 Dec

Regional growth driving housing market forward

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to growth, sustainability and expanding homeownership at the home loans grand finale. The event recognised top-performing estate agents, developers, and consultants whose work has supported the country's housing market. Chief executive Erwin Tjipuka said the bank remains focused on driving growth and building communities. “Namibia is our home, and at Standard Bank, we are committed to driving her growth. Financing homes is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about building communities, creating opportunities and shaping a future where every Namibian has a place to call home.” He highlighted the…

28 Nov

YOUNG OBSERVER | Swapo reclaims lost ground as Namibia takes stock of a shifting political landscape

Featured, Opinions

In the aftermath of the recent regional and local authority elections, Namibia is once again sorting through a familiar mixture of certainty and surprise. The results of these elections as announced by the Electoral Commission of Namibia point to a notable trend: Swapo has reclaimed several constituencies it lost in previous cycles. The outcome is significant. Over the past decade, Namibia’s political terrain has been marked by fragmentation, emerging parties, independent candidates reshaping the margins, and a steady erosion of the once unquestioned dominance of the ruling party. The 2024 general elections reflected this mood. Swapo held on to power,…

28 Nov

YOUNG OBSERVER | Global spotlight: New York Times profiles health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao

Featured, Latest

When a young Namibian woman steps into a Cabinet position, the country notices. When that woman becomes the youngest health minister on the continent, the world begins to pay attention too. This week, that attention came from one of the most influential newspapers on the planet. The New York Times ran a profile on Dr Esperance Luvindao, capturing the unusual blend of youth, courage, and competence that has shaped her rise. The international spotlight is significant, but what it represents for Namibia is even more profound. At just 31, Dr Luvindao stands at the intersection of global recognition and local…

28 Nov

YOUNG OBSERVER | Understanding youth voter apathy in Namibia

Featured, Opinions

Voter apathy is not a headline that demands immediate attention; however, it is one of the most telling signs of the health of a democracy. It moves quietly, shaping election outcomes without noise or spectacle. In Namibia, youth voter apathy has become a defining feature of recent elections, and this week’s polls may have deepened the pattern. While the country debates which constituencies swung back to the ruling party and which parties gained or lost ground, the biggest shift may be the one that did not appear at the ballot box at all. Young people are increasingly choosing to stay…

28 Nov

YOUNG OBSERVER | #UNMUTED

Featured, Opinions

Namibia went to the polls this week in an atmosphere that was largely calm, orderly and dignified. It is a reminder that, despite frustrations and imperfections, the country remains committed to democratic processes that many societies struggle to uphold. The peaceful character of our elections has always been a quiet national pride and proof that political difference does not need to become political violence. That is precisely why any rhetoric that undermines this peace must be taken seriously. In the lead-up to the elections, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swaartbooi made remarks that many Namibians interpreted as irresponsible, inflammatory,…

28 Nov

SADC PF executive meets under newly elected president

Africa / World

Moses Magadza The new president of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, officially opened the SADC PF executive committee meeting in Durban on Wednesday, marking his debut in the role. In his maiden address, he expressed humility, gratitude and a firm commitment to strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation. “This is my first meeting as President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum,” Randrianasoloniaiko said, adding that he is “conscious of the responsibility I now carry.” He acknowledged his predecessor, Justin Tokely, for “his professionalism, dedication and steady leadership” and noted that Madagascar and…