Blog – Windhoek Observer

29 Apr

Namibia produces 556 000 carats of diamonds in Q1

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia produced 556 000 carats of diamonds in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, up from 459 000 carats in the fourth quarter of 2025. Production, however, was down 12% compared to the first quarter of 2025. The decline was linked to scheduled maintenance on two vessels at Debmarine Namibia and the decommissioning of two vessels in 2025. Debmarine Namibia produced 354 000 carats in the first quarter, compared to 286 000 carats in the previous quarter. Namdeb land operations produced 202 000 carats in the first quarter, up from 173 000 carats in the fourth quarter…

29 Apr

‘Era of single-supplier airport concessions must end’ — AOPA

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia (AOPA Namibia) has warned that Namibia’s aviation sector is exposed to fuel supply and pricing risks due to single-supplier concessions at airports. AOPA Namibia chief executive officer Matt Totten Jr said airports operated by the Namibia Airports Company rely on one fuel provider at each facility. He said this leaves airlines, charter operators and general aviation users exposed to supply disruptions and price pressure. “The era of single-supplier airport concessions must end,” Totten said. He said recent regional fuel concerns have highlighted a long-standing weakness in the airport operating model.…

29 Apr

Investor confidence in Govt bonds holds firm

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Investor confidence in government bonds remains firm, with yields holding steady across the curve, according to a Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX) bond price report released on Monday. Monday was a non-trading day for the equity market, but bond market data was still published. Short-term government bonds continued to show stable yields. The BN25, maturing in November 2026, held a yield of about 10% with a price of 96.29. The GC27 bond stood at 98.45, with a yield of 7.27% ahead of its January 2027 maturity. Medium-term bonds also remained steady. GC28, maturing in October 2028, recorded a yield…

29 Apr

FirstRand director resigns from board

Observer Money

Staff Writer FirstRand Namibia has announced the resignation of independent non-executive director Jan Coetzee, effective 30 April 2026. The company said Coetzee stepped down in line with Namibia Securities Exchange listing requirements governing director changes. Coetzee joined the board on 1 October 2021 and served the financial services group for nearly four and a half years. During this time, he held oversight roles and served on the audit committee and the risk, capital and compliance committee. In a notice to shareholders issued on Tuesday, FirstRand Namibia said the board had expressed its sincere appreciation for Coetzee’s service and thanked him…

29 Apr

Namibia works to improve access to development finance

Observer Money

Staff Writer The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Technical Support Mission on international credit ratings has started a three-day visit to Namibia aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to engage with global credit rating agencies. The mission began with meetings with National Planning Commission (NPC) director-general Kaire Mbuende and APRM focal point and chief executive officer ambassador Lineekela Mboti. The visit forms part of an African Union initiative to support member states in managing the global credit rating system. Led by APRM lead expert researcher on international credit ratings Misheck Mutize, the mission will assess challenges Namibia faces during the…

29 Apr

O&L retains ‘great place to work’ status

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Ohlthaver & List Group has retained its great place to work accreditation for the 2026/27 cycle after recording a trust index score of 69%. The accreditation is awarded by the Great Place To Work Institute and is based on anonymous employee feedback on workplace culture. O&L executive chairman Sven Thieme said the result reflects a collective effort across the group and aligns with its Vision 2029 goal. “While we celebrate our progress, we remain intentional about improvement. Our goal is to ensure that O&L remains an employer of choice that contributes meaningfully to the future of Namibia…

29 Apr

Old Mutual backs investment conference

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual Namibia has committed N$150 000 to the Cirrus Capital Investment Conference 2026 held in Swakopmund. The contribution was made by Old Mutual Wealth, Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia, Old Mutual Corporate Segment, and the Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability departments. The conference, hosted by Cirrus Capital under the theme “Why Namibia”, brought together investors, financial institutions, policymakers and business leaders from Namibia and the region. Discussions focused on the country’s economic outlook, key sectors and investment opportunities. As part of its involvement, Old Mutual Namibia hosted investors and stakeholders at a cocktail networking event held…

29 Apr

Funding push puts Africa’s energy gap in focus

Observer Money

Staff Writer A funding commitment of more than US$1.1 billion by the European Investment Bank is set to support renewable energy projects across Africa, but experts say it addresses only part of a wider electricity gap affecting millions. More than 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, a shortage that continues to limit basic services and economic activity. Dr Tebogo Kupi from the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology at North-West University said the investment is important but not enough on its own. “This level of investment is important in catalysing renewable energy development, particularly…

29 Apr

Reclaiming Cuba-Africa solidarity and internationalism: From Cuito Cuanavale to the blockade, from archived historical achievements to strategic alliances in a fragmented world

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Committee has recently joined growing global calls for solidarity as the island nation continues to feel the impact of US policies and launched the Namibians in Solidarity with Cuba campaign, which seeks to raise essential supplies and financial contributions to support Cuban nationals, especially with energy and medical equipment. Indeed, this is a highly commendable and noble initiative. Conversely, any serious engagement of solidarity between Cuba and Africa must begin by stripping it of sentimentality. This is not a relationship built on diplomatic courtesy or abstract moral…

28 Apr

NNN puts more cash in politicians’ pockets …Govt to pay utilities for PM and deputy

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approved new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament. The public office bearers (remuneration and benefits) commission recommended adjustments, which Nandi-Ndaitwah implemented through a presidential proclamation dated 27 April 2026. The proclamation amends the 2017 framework. The salary adjustment takes effect as of 1 April 2026. According to the proclamation seen by the Windhoek Observer, under the new structure, the prime minister earns a basic salary of N$1.3 million, with water and electricity covered, official transport and a housing allowance of N$351 175, bringing total remuneration to N$1.65 million. The deputy…