Windhoek Observer

12441 Posts
Paladin restructures debt facility to N$2.09 billion

Paladin restructures debt facility to N$2.09 billion

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy Ltd has completed a restructure of its syndicated debt facility, cutting its total debt capacity to U$110 million (about N$2.09 billion) as its liquidity position improves. The uranium producer said the restructure with lenders Nedbank Limited, Nedbank Namibia Limited and Macquarie Bank was executed on 18 December, subject to the completion of customary conditions. The original facility was arranged in January 2024, ahead of the restart of production at Paladin’s Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo Region and before the company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. Since then, Paladin’s financial position has strengthened, supported by the completion…
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Etango site comes alive as construction gains pace

Etango site comes alive as construction gains pace

Chamwe Kaira Construction at the Etango Uranium Project is progressing steadily, with Bannerman Energy reporting strong advances across early works activities that remain on budget and on schedule. The contractor workforce on site has grown to more than 370 people as construction activity increases. Bulk earthworks are now just over halfway complete, with work focused on the heap leach pads. Blasting, crushing and screening of drainage aggregate for the heap leach facility are also progressing as planned and meeting required standards. Concrete works have entered a key phase. Bannerman has awarded contracts for Phase 1 and Phase 2A, and construction…
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Sankwasa’s adviser accused of corruption

Sankwasa’s adviser accused of corruption

Renthia Kaimbi Residents of Keetmanshoop have accused a recently appointed adviser to the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, of benefiting from an alleged irregular municipal contract.  This is part of claims of governance failure at the Keetmanshoop Municipality. The allegations are contained in a formal petition submitted by the Concerned Residents of Keetmanshoop and addressed to newly elected mayor Melody Swartbooi.  The petition, dated 9 December 2025 and seen by the Windhoek Observer, calls for urgent intervention into what residents describe as deep-rooted problems within the municipality. The petition has also been copied to Sankwasa, //Kharas Regional…
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Fisheries contribution to GDP expected to grow to N$10.7 billion

Fisheries contribution to GDP expected to grow to N$10.7 billion

Staff Writer The government aims to raise the fisheries sector’s contribution to gross domestic product from N$10.4 billion to N$10.7 billion by 2030 under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said NDP6 sets clear targets for the fisheries and aquatic resources sub-sector.  These include rebuilding fish biomass to maximum sustainable yield, reducing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, increasing value addition, and expanding employment. She said meeting these targets requires close cooperation between government and industry.  She added that fishing rights holders play a central role in meeting national goals…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

With less than 7 days to go before many of us are indulging in the annual gluttony contest of eating slain goats under a tree in remote areas, the year 2025 is wrapping up wonderfully, and as young Namibians, it is safe to say we had a good run.  Across the country, the signs are familiar. Traffic thins in the capital city, traffic officers hide behind bushes on long roads to trap fast drivers, offices slow down, and families begin to gather again, some by choice, others by obligation. December has always carried its own rhythm in Namibia.   2025 was…
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IMF warns Botswana’s increased De Beers stake could risk the economy

IMF warns Botswana’s increased De Beers stake could risk the economy

Chamwe Kaira The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Botswana’s interest in increasing its stake in De Beers could heighten economic risks, given fiscal pressures and the country’s heavy reliance on the diamond sector. The fund said Botswana could achieve stronger economic outcomes by adopting a broad adjustment strategy that combines fiscal consolidation with structural reforms aimed at diversifying the economy. Such measures, the IMF said, would help support growth, contain public debt and protect international reserve buffers. The IMF highlighted uncertainty in the global diamond market, pointing to the rapid growth of lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are…
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Choppies executives buy shares under long-term incentive scheme

Choppies executives buy shares under long-term incentive scheme

Staff Writer Choppies Enterprises Limited has disclosed a series of on-market share purchases by members of its key management team, in line with Botswana Stock Exchange listing requirements. The transactions took place on 18 December 2025 and relate to the vesting of awards under the company’s Long-Term Incentive (LTI) scheme. All shares were acquired at a price of 1.44 Botswana pula per share, equivalent to about N$1.83, based on an exchange rate of N$1.27 to one pula. Minnesh Rajcoomar acquired 577 321 shares for a total value of BWP831 342.24, or about N$1.06 million. Vidya Sanooj purchased 500 000 shares…
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January is coming, where is your budget?

January is coming, where is your budget?

Hileni Amadhila December is full of sparkle. Lights go up, music plays, and people start to relax. It’s a time for family, food, and fun. But while we enjoy the festive season, it’s easy to forget what comes next: January. And January doesn’t wait.  School fees, transport costs, rent, and groceries all arrive right on time, whether we’re ready or not. In Namibia, many people spend more in December than any other month. There are weddings, trips to the village, Christmas lunches, and New Year’s parties. It’s a time of giving, hosting, and celebrating. But sometimes, we spend without thinking.…
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YOUNG OBSERVER |The rise of micro-retreats: Why the 48-hour “reset” is the ultimate 2025 luxury

YOUNG OBSERVER |The rise of micro-retreats: Why the 48-hour “reset” is the ultimate 2025 luxury

In the earlier part of this decade, the pinnacle of professional success was often signalled by the "grand escape". Young professionals would hoard their leave days for an entire year, sacrificing their weekends and pushing through burnout, all for the promise of a frantic, two-week international odyssey. We travel halfway across the globe to "relax", yet we spend those days navigating airport logistics, managing currency exchanges, and sticking to rigid sightseeing itineraries. By the time we returned to our desks, we often felt more exhausted than when we left, needing a "vacation from our vacation". As we close out 2025,…
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Closing the year, carrying the story forward

As this edition of the Windhoek Observer reaches you, we do so with a sense of reflection, gratitude and resolve. It is the final edition of the year 2025, and as we close this chapter, we pause to acknowledge what this year has meant for Namibia, for our readers, and for the role of journalism in a rapidly changing world. The passing of a year is never merely about dates on a calendar. It is about the stories lived, told and sometimes endured. In 2025, Namibia continued to navigate complex economic realities, evolving political conversations, environmental challenges and social transformation.…
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