Windhoek Observer

13404 Posts
Kandumbu denies skipping suspended Katima CEO’s hearing

Kandumbu denies skipping suspended Katima CEO’s hearing

Renthia Kaimbi Former Katima Mulilo Town Council administrator Marina Kandumbu has denied claims that she refused to testify in the disciplinary hearing of suspended chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, Kandumbu said the claims are false. “I was in Katima Mulilo from Monday and only returned to Windhoek last night (Monday). I had travelled there to testify at the hearing,” she said. She said she has no reason to avoid the process and will continue to cooperate. “I want to make it clear that I will never turn against the honourable minister. In any…
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Govt cracks down on vaping 

Govt cracks down on vaping 

Patience Makwele Namibia is moving to tighten laws on e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products as part of efforts to strengthen tobacco control. The deputy minister of health, Susan Ndjaleka, said the government is reviewing the Tobacco Products Control Act to close gaps in regulation.  She was speaking at the Africa Tobacco Control Core Partners Biannual Coordination meeting in Windhoek on Tuesday. “We are in the process of amending the Tobacco Product Control Act to address emerging tobacco products,” Ndjaleka said. She said Namibia is also working towards joining the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products to curb…
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E-hailing operators want urgent meeting with Nekundi 

E-hailing operators want urgent meeting with Nekundi 

Allexer Namundjebo  Small and medium enterprise (SMEs) operators in the e-hailing sector have asked works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi for an urgent meeting over delays in permit approvals. In a letter dated 10 April, seen by the Windhoek Observer, Yango partners said administrative delays are stopping compliant drivers from working. They said the problem is not refusal to follow the law but slow processes. “Systemic administrative delays in the permitting process are preventing compliant drivers from operating,” the letter states. Operators said many drivers submitted all required documents before the May deadline but are still waiting for approval. They…
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NamRA surpasses target with N$81.1 billion revenue

NamRA surpasses target with N$81.1 billion revenue

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) collected N$81.1 billion in net revenue for the 2025/26 financial year, exceeding its target of N$79.1 billion. The agency reached 102.6% of its target by 31 March 2026. Gross revenue collections stood at N$93 billion. After refunds of N$11.9 billion, net revenue reached N$81.1 billion. Revenue was mainly driven by Southern African Customs Union receipts and value-added tax. SACU contributed 26.0% of total revenue, amounting to more than N$21.1 billion. VAT followed at 23.6% or N$19.1 billion. Pay-As-You-Earn tax contributed 22.9%, equal to N$18.6 billion. Corporate income tax accounted for 18.4% or N$14.9…
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Toyota Tsusho signals joining rare earth project in Namibia 

Toyota Tsusho signals joining rare earth project in Namibia 

Chamwe Kaira  Toyota Tsusho Corporation plans to join a rare earth exploration project in Namibia, marking a new step in the country’s mining sector. The project is led by Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, which has been working with Namibia Critical Metals Inc. since 2020 to explore the Lofdal area in the Kunene Region. The project has already confirmed the presence of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium. A preliminary feasibility study was completed earlier this year. Toyota Tsusho will now take part in the next phase of the project. The company will contribute to…
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Local ports gain edge amid shipping disruptions

Local ports gain edge amid shipping disruptions

Chamwe Kaira  Simonis Storm Securities says Namibia’s ports are gaining from global shipping disruptions linked to instability in the Middle East. Rising risks in the Persian Gulf and attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have forced ships to avoid the Suez Canal. Many vessels are now using the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing traffic along Namibia’s coast. This shift is already benefiting Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Demand for ship refuelling has increased, with Flex Commodities launching bunkering services at both ports to serve rerouted vessels. Namibia is also gaining ground as South Africa’s bunkering volumes…
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Africa Bitcoin share changes to affect NSX investors

Africa Bitcoin share changes to affect NSX investors

Chamwe Kaira  Africa Bitcoin Corporation Limited has confirmed changes to its share structure, affecting investors on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX). The company said all required resolutions to subdivide its ordinary shares and amend its memorandum of incorporation have been filed with South Africa’s Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. The changes are set to take effect later in April 2026. The restructuring will increase the number of authorised shares and split existing shares. This is aimed at improving trading and making shares more accessible to investors. Africa Bitcoin Corporation is dual-listed, with shares trading under the code “BAN” on the…
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BoN loss driven by currency effects, not core operations 

BoN loss driven by currency effects, not core operations 

Staff Writer Analyst Fimanekeni Mbodo says the Bank of Namibia (BoN)’s net loss of N$893 million in 2025 was driven by currency movements rather than core operations. Mbodo, from Cirrus Capital, said the figures must be read in context.  The bank’s results show a shift from a profit of N$1.37 billion in 2024 to a loss in 2025. Dividends paid to the government also fell from N$720 million to N$200 million. Total income declined by 19.1%. This was mainly due to a 21.4% drop in net interest income, linked to lower global interest rates and reduced investment balances. Operating expenses…
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NAC achieves airport carbon accreditation 

NAC achieves airport carbon accreditation 

Staff Writer  Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has received airport carbon accreditation level 1 for Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport. The certification was awarded by Airports Council International Africa in March. Airport carbon accreditation is a global programme that assesses how airports manage and reduce carbon emissions. Level 1 means the airports have measured and recorded their carbon footprint. This forms the base for future carbon management. The company said the step allows it to plan and implement carbon reduction measures and improve operations. “This milestone underscores the NAC’s commitment to aligning its operations with international environmental…
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Another Odendaal plan in the health sector — State hospitals, a joke revamp

Another Odendaal plan in the health sector — State hospitals, a joke revamp

Sem Billy David  The current government administration came forth with soothing promises and clear objectives to move senior civil servants from private hospitals to state hospitals.  This is called Vision April 2026, a government plan issued by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, directing all senior civil servants and politicians to start using public health facilities from April 2026.  She stated: “They have government medical aid, but they don’t make use of state facilities. You will find them at private hospitals.” The plan, she explained, is for senior public servants and politicians to start using their medical aid in state hospitals.…
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