Blog – Page 11 – Windhoek Observer

27 Nov

The Johannesburg G20 Leaders’ Summit: Africa’s achievement and Africa’s test

Featured, Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first ever held on African soil, was widely celebrated as a milestone for African agency. For two days, Johannesburg stood at the center of global governance under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” It was a moment when Africa did not simply participate in the global conversation but also directed it. The continent placed issues such as climate justice, multilateral reform, debt restructuring, and sustainable development at the forefront of the global agenda. But as history often reminds us, progress reveals both power and fragility.…

27 Nov

Namibia shines in Zeda’s sub-Saharan Africa performance

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Zeda Limited says Namibia, Zambia and Ghana recorded stronger economic performances during the financial year, giving its Sub-Saharan operations a more supportive environment. This comes as the automotive services company posted improved earnings and higher operating profit for the year ended 30 September 2025. Zeda holds the licence to the Avis brand in South Africa and 10 other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It operates the Avis and Budget brands under a long-term agreement with Avis Budget Group. The company manages more than 20 000 vehicles across several rental categories and offers a range of value-added products. The group…

27 Nov

Report reveals mismatch between workforce and labour market

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira A new report on the state of skills supply and demand in Namibia in 2025 has found a persistent mismatch between the skills held by the workforce and those required by the labour market. The gap, driven by weaknesses in the education system and fast-changing global trends, continues to limit economic growth, diversification, productivity and competitiveness. The report was compiled by the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) and its partners. It assesses the alignment between skill supply and labour market demand, identifies gaps, evaluates education and training outcomes, supports job creation efforts, and highlights priority areas…

27 Nov

Oryx Properties approves all AGM resolutions

Observer Money

Staff Writer Oryx Properties Limited says all ordinary resolutions tabled at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 24 November were approved by a majority of linked unitholders, with 89.41% of total unitholders casting votes. Unitholders unanimously adopted the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025, approved the remuneration of non-executive directors for the 2026 financial year and endorsed the company’s Remuneration Policy through a non-binding advisory vote. Each resolution received 100% support. The resolution to reappoint the independent external auditors received 67.03% approval, while authorising directors to determine the auditors’ remuneration was supported by 100% of voters.…

27 Nov

Standard Bank signs financial solutions agreement with City of Windhoek

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has signed a strategic financial services agreement with the City of Windhoek, strengthening its partnership with the municipality and expanding access to financial support for employees. The agreement gives City of Windhoek staff exclusive access to tailored financial products and services aimed at improving long-term financial wellbeing. These include Financial Fitness Academy sessions to boost financial literacy, home loan solutions at preferential terms, vehicle and asset finance at competitive rates, and personal loan concessions with faster processing. The initiative draws on the bank’s Employee Value Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking and the Windhoek Branch teams.…

27 Nov

Financial wellness: A strategic advantage for employers

Observer Money

Patricia Olivier In today’s fast-changing business landscape, forward-looking employers are recognising that employee financial wellness goes far beyond personal finance: it’s a cornerstone of sustainable business success. A workforce that feels financially secure is more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay committed to the organisation that supports them. When it comes to being ready for life after work, many Namibians continue to encounter major obstacles. According to the Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor, 45% of working Namibians who are not part of a pension or provident fund through their employer are relying on banked savings to prepare for…

27 Nov

Financial sector champions fraud-resilient digital economy

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia’s financial industry is strengthening efforts to turn rising digital fraud into an opportunity for innovation and trust-building. At the Fraud and Cybersecurity Awareness Summit, leaders from banking, government and technology sectors renewed their commitment to creating a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem that supports economic growth. Digital adoption is rising, with internet penetration at 64.4% and mobile connections reaching 87% of the population. Digital transactions have grown 20 to 30% year-on-year, contributing to a digital economy that now makes up 2.5% of GDP. The national target is 4 to 5% by 2030. “Cybersecurity is sovereignty. As Namibia…

25 Nov

Itula pushes back against President on law-making

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula says no law will pass in parliament as long as his party serves as the official opposition. He said the opposition's role is to scrutinise every bill brought before the National Assembly. “There is a need to scrutinise because our constitutional article 41 says that ministers shall be accountable to parliament. We are not going to have tissue paper bills brought in and passed tomorrow,” he said during IPC's event in Walvis Bay on Saturday, His remarks come after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah criticised parliament for leaving some bills unfinished. During…

25 Nov

Swartbooi asks US to halt Namibia’s elections

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) says the Namibian government is using a “Tanzania-style” strategy to weaken strong opponents ahead of the elections and create an appearance of democracy. In a letter dated 17 November 2025, penned by its leader Bernadus Swartbooi and addressed to United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the LPM claims that more than 1 634 soldiers have been deployed to its stronghold regions. According to Swartbooi, troops have taken control of a local authority building and conducted live exercises with the intention of intimidating voters. The letter, seen by the Windhoek Observer, also alleges…

25 Nov

Youth fund grows to 108 projects

National News

Justicia Shipena The government has approved the second phase of youth-led projects under the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), allocating N$37.7 million to 66 initiatives across all regions. The Ministry of Finance says the funding will create 404 jobs in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, horticulture, waste management, agroprocessing, green transportation and value-added services. The approved projects cover all regions and include poultry production, livestock rearing, crop farming, biomass processing, aquaponics, innovative technology services, recycling operations, and renewable energy installations. Finance Ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto said the loan amounts range between N$88,000 and N$1 million, assessed through the Agricultural…