Windhoek Observer

Chamwe Kaira The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says the outlook for gold has strengthened as the country prepares to accumulate refined gold as part of its foreign reserves.  This follows a memorandum of understanding between the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and QKR Navachab Gold Mine. Under the agreement, locally mined gold will be refined at the Rand Refinery in South Africa before being purchased by the central bank.  The Chamber says this introduces a new source of institutional demand and reinforces the role of domestic gold production. Gold prices remained strong in February 2026, averaging US$5,019.97 per troy ounce. …

Chamwe Kaira Sanlam Life Insurance Limited has announced plans to issue notes under its ZAR12.5 billion subordinated note programme, in line with its updated programme memorandum. The programme allows the insurer to borrow up to N$12.5 billion from investors by issuing debt securities known as notes. The programme was first set up in July 2006 and has been updated in 2013, 2016 and 2021. It allows Sanlam Life to raise funding over time by issuing subordinated notes on a continuous basis.  The notes may be issued through one or more appointed dealers, depending on each transaction. Details of each issuance…

Chamwe Kaira Ninety One has reported an increase in assets under management to about N$4.1 trillion as of 31 March 2026. This is up from N$3.1 trillion a year earlier and N$3.8 trillion at the end of December 2025. The latest figure includes about N$395 billion from the transfer of Sanlam Investment Management’s active asset management business in South Africa. The transfer was completed on 1 February. Ninety One is expected to publish its full-year results for the period ended 31 March on 3 June. The transaction forms part of a partnership between Ninety One and Sanlam. The deal was…

Staff Writer Capricorn Foundation and its partners have launched the Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge. This is a national initiative aimed at supporting job creation and innovation in Namibia’s agriculture sector. The challenge is run in partnership with Basecamp Business Incubator, Network for Global Innovation and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The programme provides a platform for early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs to test ideas.  It also offers mentorship and support to develop solutions that address unemployment, food security and sustainability. The challenge will run for four months. It combines learning, mentorship and practical support. It aims to equip participants with skills…