Windhoek Observer

Staff Writer Africa is playing a crucial role in providing the necessary minerals for the global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.  The African Energy Chamber, in its State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, says Africa’s large reserves of cobalt, lithium, copper and platinum group metals place the continent at the core of global supply chains for renewable energy and electric vehicles. The move toward clean energy is driving sharp growth in demand for these minerals. Solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems require far more mineral inputs than traditional energy systems.  Forecasts show global…

Chamwe Kaira The JSE All Share Index closed higher on Monday, gaining 2,038 points, or 1.73%, to end at 120,148.00 points from 118,110.00 the previous trading day.  The index is up 3.73% since December 2025 and reached its highest level for 2026 during the session. The year’s low stands at 116,092.00 points. The Overall Index closed slightly lower on Monday, slipping by 3.95 points, or 0.18%, to 2 180.60 points. Despite the decline, the index remains up 1.83% since December 2025 and carries an actual dividend yield of 3.66%. Its 2026 high is 2 184.55, while the low is 2…

Staff Writer Namibia will host the fifth Canada-Africa Business Conference on 5 February in Windhoek.  The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business convenes the event, positioning Namibia at the forefront of trade and investment engagement between Canada and Africa. The conference will bring together senior executives, investors, policymakers, and institutional partners from Namibia, Canada, and across Africa.  Discussions will focus on mining, energy, infrastructure, and sustainable economic development. Namibia’s stable regulatory environment and long-term policy approach have helped attract growing international interest and partnerships.  The programme includes senior-level panels, sector discussions, and private roundtables aimed at boosting investment, supporting responsible project development,…

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia’s comparison of e-money-related fees shows that all banks charge a fee when an account holder sends money to an e-money wallet using online banking, mobile banking applications, or USSD payment channels. The central bank said recipients are entitled to one free cash withdrawal per month from an e-money wallet, either at an ATM or through a merchant or agent.  After the free withdrawal, banks may apply fees. Bank Windhoek charges the lowest ATM cash-out fee at N$10.50.  First National Bank (FNB) charges N$14 per withdrawal. Standard Bank Namibia does not charge any ATM cash-out…