Blog

Suppliers hoard fuel for profits …as panic buying grips fuel stations nationwide 

Suppliers hoard fuel for profits …as panic buying grips fuel stations nationwide 

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has ordered fuel wholesalers to stop withholding supply and to account for any delays in deliveries.  The directive comes after fuel stations experienced long queues and shortages hours before prices went up. Amutse said the ministry launched an investigation after reports of delayed deliveries. Amuste also directed retailers to serve customers without discrimination and not to limit fuel sales to benefit from price increases. He warned that withholding fuel to sell later at higher prices undermines supply and must stop. Wholesalers must now provide written explanations for any reduced supply…
Read More
Osona developer fights Govt over roads

Osona developer fights Govt over roads

Justicia Shipena  Preferred Land Development Holdings (Pty) Ltd (PLDH) has taken the government to court challenging a decision over road planning that affects its Osona Village development near Okahandja. The matter is before the High Court in Windhoek, where the company is seeking to have a decision to proclaim two district roads with a 30-metre road reserve reviewed and set aside. PLDH says the decision is unlawful and goes against earlier agreements. The minister of works and transport, the roads board for Otjozondjupa South, the Roads Authority, the Municipal Council of Okahandja and Osona Property Management Company are respondents. Osona…
Read More
Namibia to spend N$952m on diplomats abroad

Namibia to spend N$952m on diplomats abroad

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia has allocated N$952.1 million to fund its diplomatic missions abroad under the 2026/2027 budget. This accounts for 69.5% of the total budget for the Ministry of International Relations and Trade. International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi presented the ministry’s total budget of N$1.369 billion in the National Assembly on Tuesday. She stated that the allocation aims to safeguard Namibia’s interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape characterised by escalating tensions and competition. “In this shifting geopolitical landscape, global competition is no longer confined to oil but extends to critical minerals, as well as key technological inputs…
Read More
Chobe lodge workers fear job loss amid floods

Chobe lodge workers fear job loss amid floods

Patience Makwele  Floods are making it difficult for workers at Chobe River Lodge in the Zambezi region, where staff continue to work under rising water levels and worsening conditions. Parts of the lodge in Ngoma are submerged, with water surrounding chalets built on stilts and covering walkways.  Video footage taken on Tuesday shows large sections of the property under water as levels continue to rise. Workers who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity said they remain on duty because they fear losing their income. “We are still working. It is business as usual because if we close,…
Read More
Starlink argues its application was ‘misunderstood’ 

Starlink argues its application was ‘misunderstood’ 

Staff Writer  Starlink says the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (Cran) decision to reject its licence application is based on a misunderstanding of its operations and compliance. The satellite internet provider responded after Cran declined its applications for a telecommunications service licence and radio spectrum access last week.  Cran cited failure to meet ownership and regulatory requirements in its decision.  However, in a statement, this week Starlink disputed the finding of non-compliance.  The company said it has, over the past three years, committed to setting up a local entity, meeting national security requirements and paying taxes and fees in line…
Read More

IMF says it again, but Namibia has heard it before

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again turned its attention to Namibia, urging the government to tighten spending, rein in debt, and accelerate structural reforms to support economic recovery.  These recommendations, delivered with the authority of a global financial watchdog, are not unfamiliar. In fact, they echo a familiar script the IMF has delivered across much of the developing world for decades.  While such advice is often grounded in sound macroeconomic theory, Namibia would be wise to approach it with a measured degree of caution, and, more importantly, with confidence in its own homegrown expertise. To understand why caution…
Read More
BoN dividend drops by N$520m

BoN dividend drops by N$520m

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia (BoN) declared a dividend of N$200 million to the government for the 2025 financial year, down from N$720 million in 2024. The decline comes despite the central bank maintaining price and financial stability. BoN governor Ebson Uanguta said the bank achieved a 97.6% strategy execution rate in 2025 under its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan. The annual report said 2025 was marked by global uncertainty, with rising risks, changing technology and volatile commodity prices affecting central banks. Namibia remained exposed to external shocks such as changes in trade, demand and capital flows. Slower global growth also…
Read More
Remgro takes control of Mediclinic Namibia

Remgro takes control of Mediclinic Namibia

Chamwe Kaira Remgro has entered into an agreement with Investment Holding Limited, a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, to restructure their joint interests in Mediclinic Holdings. The agreement, announced on 30 March 2026, will see Remgro take full ownership of the Southern African business, known as the MCSA Group, which includes operations in Namibia. Investment Holding Limited will take full control of the Swiss-based Hirslanden Group. The transaction is valued at about US$950 million for each side. It involves Remgro exchanging its 50% stake in the Swiss business for Investment Holding Limited’s 50% stake in the Southern African operations.…
Read More
IMF urges Namibia to cut spending

IMF urges Namibia to cut spending

Chamwe Kaira An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team has called for stronger fiscal discipline and faster reforms to support Namibia’s economic recovery. The delegation, led by Xiangming Li, visited Windhoek from 16 to 20 March 2026 for its Article IV consultation. The IMF said further fiscal adjustment is needed to reduce public debt. It called for tighter control of spending, especially on recurrent costs, and better revenue collection. It also urged the government to contain the public wage bill through civil service reforms and to implement changes to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme to reduce costs. The IMF…
Read More
Namfisa reassures on pension withdrawals under Fima 

Namfisa reassures on pension withdrawals under Fima 

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has confirmed that retirement fund lump-sum withdrawal rules will remain unchanged during the initial rollout of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima). Namfisa made the clarification after an engagement with retirement fund stakeholders on 23 March.  The meeting included fund members, officers and organised labour and focused on concerns about the new law. In a notice issued after the meeting, the regulator said current rules will stay in place. Members of pension funds, retirement annuity funds and preservation funds can still withdraw up to one-third of their benefits as a…
Read More
No widgets found. Go to Widget page and add the widget in Offcanvas Sidebar Widget Area.