Windhoek Observer

12845 Posts
OBSERVER COASTAL | Report sees N$40bn FPSO industry for Namibia

OBSERVER COASTAL | Report sees N$40bn FPSO industry for Namibia

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia could position itself as Africa’s leading hub for the engineering and servicing of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSO), with China identified as a key strategic partner to drive the plan, according to a new industry report. The 2025 report by the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers, authored by its founder Knowledge Ipinge, sets out a strategy that could create an FPSO-linked industrial sector valued at between N$25 billion and N$40 billion a year by 2035.  The report estimates that the sector could generate more than 10 000 direct and indirect jobs.…
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Petroleum Amendment Bill: dead on arrival?

The Petroleum Amendment Bill is back before the National Assembly, retabled on Wednesday by the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse. On paper, it is presented as a technical adjustment to Namibia’s petroleum governance framework. In substance, however, it represents a profound shift of power, one that would allow the President of the Republic to grant and revoke oil and gas rights. From the very onset, it is clear that this bill will be vehemently opposed. Not because Namibians are anti-development, nor because they are hostile to investment in oil and gas, but because the bill raises serious…
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Beyond ritual: Reconnecting Namibia’s state with its people 

A public reflection on Namibia’s governance week PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Every system of governance that is born without clarity about the role of each actor creates a silent war within the state. That war makes no noise, but it paralyses the country. As Namibia formally opens the three arms of the state, namely the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, for the 2026 working year, the moment calls for more than constitutional observance. It calls for reflection.  Not only by leaders, but by citizens as well. A fundamental question must be asked: how…
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Andrada unlocks N$160m for Brandberg West project

Andrada unlocks N$160m for Brandberg West project

Chamwe Kaira Andrada Mining Limited has cleared the main conditions required to unlock the first US dollar investment under its earn-in agreement with BWCAM Limited for the development of the Brandberg West project in Namibia. The company said the conditions were met following its announcement on 21 January 2026, triggering the first stage of the staged earn-in partnership. BWCAM is an affiliate of ACAM LP. As a result, Andrada expects to receive about N$160 million, equivalent to around US$10 million, in the coming days to fund the initial development of Brandberg West.  Once the funds are received, BWCAM will hold…
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Australian trading halt hits firm behind Opuwo Cobalt Project

Australian trading halt hits firm behind Opuwo Cobalt Project

Chamwe Kaira Celsius Resources Limited was required this week to request a halt in the trading of its securities on the Australian Securities Exchange after discovering errors in certain cleansing notices issued by the company. The company said the notices incorrectly stated that it was compliant with Chapter 2M of Australia’s Corporations Act 2001.  The non-compliance relates to an administrative oversight linked to the resignation of a previous auditor in 2011, when the company was still known as View Resources Limited. Celsius Resources holds a 95% interest in the Opuwo Cobalt Project in northern Namibia.  The project is described by…
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South Africa joins Afreximbank with US$8bn economic plan

South Africa joins Afreximbank with US$8bn economic plan

Staff Writer South Africa has formally acceded to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export-Import Bank, marking its official entry into the Bank’s membership. The move follows the South African Parliament’s approval of the accession in 2025 and confirms a strategic partnership between the country and Afreximbank.  South Africa becomes the 54th state to join the bank, strengthening cooperation aimed at expanding trade and investment across the continent. To activate the partnership, Afreximbank will roll out major financial support in South Africa.  This includes a new US$8 billion country programme aimed at supporting economic growth. The programme focuses on industrial…
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Namcor and partners host offshore oil and gas masterclass

Namcor and partners host offshore oil and gas masterclass

Staff Writer Namcor, in partnership with SBM Offshore and the Namibia Youth Energy Forum, hosted an FPSO masterclass at the Namcor Auditorium on Tuesday. The session was facilitated by Thomas Lorin, FPSO Framing Manager at SBM Offshore. It focused on Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units, a key part of offshore oil and gas development.  The masterclass covered FPSO design, construction and operations and offered practical insight for industry professionals and young Namibians interested in the energy sector. More than 110 people attended the event, including Namcor staff and members of the youth community. SBM Offshore country manager Matthieu Jeannin…
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Orion consortium eyes stake in Glencore’s DRC assets

Orion consortium eyes stake in Glencore’s DRC assets

Staff Writer Glencore plc has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the US-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium for the possible sale of a 40% stake in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mining assets. The agreement covers Mutanda Mining and Kamoto Copper Company, both located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The proposed transaction is expected to value the two assets at a combined enterprise value of about US$9 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Orion CMC would acquire a minority strategic stake, while Glencore would retain operational control.  Mutanda Mining and Kamoto Copper Company would continue…
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Foschini reports slow sales growth in third quarter

Foschini reports slow sales growth in third quarter

Staff Reporter The Foschini Group Limited has reported modest sales growth for the third quarter of its 2026 financial year, as tough consumer conditions in South Africa continued to limit discretionary spending. In a trading update covering the nine months from 1 April 2025 to 27 December 2025, including the 13 weeks to 27 December 2025, the Group said trading conditions remained difficult despite easing inflation and recent interest rate cuts.  The company noted that the third quarter of the prior year benefited from the introduction of South Africa’s two-pot retirement system, which supported consumer spending at the time. Sales…
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Southern Sun plans to buy 50% stake in Sandton properties

Southern Sun plans to buy 50% stake in Sandton properties

Staff Writer Southern Sun Limited has announced a proposed transaction to acquire a 50% undivided share in a portfolio of hospitality and leisure properties in Sandton that it currently operates under long-term lease and management agreements. The assets, known as the Sandton Consortium Properties, include Sandton Towers, Garden Court, Sandton City, the Sandton Convention Center and Virgin Active Sandton.  The properties are located on Erf 596, Sandown Extension 38, in Gauteng. Virgin Active Sandton is leased to the Virgin Active Group.  The Sandton Sun hotel is not part of the transaction and will remain under its current ownership, with Southern…
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