Windhoek Observer – Page 26 – Windhoek Observer

17 Nov

Santam premiums and profits rise sharply

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Santam Limited reported strong results for the nine months ending 30 September, delivering growth across key areas and beating its long-term targets. The company recorded double-digit growth in gross written and net earned premiums. Its underwriting margin stayed above the targeted 5 to 10% range, and its annualised return on capital exceeded 30%. Net income growth remained in line with the first half of the year. On 7 April 2025, Allianz Europe BV acquired 8.59% in SanlamAllianz. This resulted in a final shareholding split of 51% for Sanlam and 49% for Allianz. Sanlam Life Namibia was sold to…

17 Nov

Namibia gets N$876m from Germany for new clean energy projects

Observer Money

Staff Writer Germany will provide Namibia with €43.8 million (about N$876 million) for new projects in green energy, vocational training, sustainable urban development and natural resource management. The support was confirmed during intergovernmental negotiations between the two governments held on Thursday in Lüderitz. The funds will assist Namibia in meeting targets under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Namibia aims to raise electricity access from about 59% today to 70% by 2030 and reach universal access by 2040. Germany will support efforts to expand affordable, reliable and clean energy. This includes improving planning and strategy, strengthening infrastructure for decentralised energy…

17 Nov

Capricorn Group bids farewell to Swanepoel

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Capricorn Group Limited has announced the retirement of long-serving board member Johan Swanepoel, who stepped down as an independent non-executive director on 5 November 2025. The update was released through a notice on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX). Swanepoel served the group for more than 26 years, including five years as chairperson. The board praised his “exceptional leadership and vision,” saying he helped shape Capricorn Group into one of Namibia’s most respected financial institutions. Although leaving the group board, Swanepoel will continue as chairperson of Bank Windhoek Limited, a Capricorn subsidiary, allowing the company to draw on his…

17 Nov

Botswana gives green light to Curro’s N$7.2 billion takeover

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Curro Holdings has moved a step closer to going private after the Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority granted unconditional approval for the proposed buyout. The transaction, driven by Jannie Mouton Stigting, aims to acquire all issued Curro shares through a scheme of arrangement. Once completed, Curro will be delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Details of the deal were first shared with shareholders on 2 October 2025 in a circular outlining the suspensive conditions required for the takeover. While Botswana has now approved the transaction, it still awaits clearance from South Africa’s competition authorities. Curro, which jointly…

17 Nov

Standard Bank, NIFA equip MSMEs for trade competitiveness

Observer Money

Staff Writer Trade experts and policymakers met in Windhoek on Thursday to discuss ways to expand regional and continental market access for Namibian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The discussions took place during the Market Access and Trade Opportunity Evening, hosted by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA). The event formed part of the Standard Bank Blue Growth Series, an initiative focused on SME growth, financial inclusion and sustainable entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs and MSMEs received insights on trade finance, logistics and practical strategies for entering new markets across borders. The head of commercial…

17 Nov

Koryx Copper finalises move to Luxembourg

Observer Money

Staff Writer Koryx Copper Inc. has completed its corporate move from British Columbia to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The continuation was carried out under section 308 of British Columbia’s Business Corporations Act, authorised by the Registrar of Companies and approved by shareholders at a special meeting on 15 October 2025. The company will now operate as Koryx Copper S.A., pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. The TSX-V has already given conditional approval for the transition. As part of the move, the company strengthened its board with two new independent directors, Cristina Lara and Tarik El Hanch. Lara…

14 Nov

NA blocks urgent bid to grant NNN oil regulatory powers

Main

Justicia Shipena The National Assembly has put on hold a proposal that seeks to shift key powers under the Petroleum Act from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the President. The amendment would give President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah authority to grant, renew, or revoke oil and gas exploration licences and production rights. The move was shelved after interim minister of industries, mines and energy Frans Kapofi asked the house on Wednesday to allow him to table a bill on it as urgent. The speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, would have had to adjust the order of the…

14 Nov

Air Namibia to return as Namibia Air

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia Air has been approved as the name for the country’s new national airline. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi said Cabinet has endorsed the name and that the airline will be established as Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd under the Companies Act. Nekundi said the airline will be fully owned by the Namibian government. He said the decision follows a policy directive by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and that work to set up the airline is already underway. A technical committee of local aviation experts has been appointed to guide the process and ensure long-term sustainability and financial viability. …

14 Nov

Parliament report warns conservancies rely too much on trophy hunting

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Trophy hunting pushed conservancy revenue up to N$30 million in the last financial year for communities in the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, a new parliamentary oversight report has found. The report warns that the system is now too dependent on a single income source and calls for urgent changes to protect both communities and wildlife. The report, led by Tobie Aupindi, chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources, follows the committee’s oversight visit in August 2025. It states that while the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) programme has empowered rural…

14 Nov

EU injects N$13 million into Lüderitz port expansion plan

National News

Justicia Shipena The European Union (EU), the Port of Rotterdam and the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) have signed a deal to advance the expansion of Lüderitz Port at Angra Point. The agreement forms part of the EU–Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen. Under the deal, the EU has committed N$13 million to support planning for the port’s expansion. The agreement was signed during the closing session of its Africa regional workshop on Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors in Walvis Bay. Maritime transport must undergo rapid change to cut emissions, European Union (EU) ambassador to…