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Premium cuts drive beef price increases in June

Premium cuts drive beef price increases in June

Justicia Shipena Consumers in the Khomas Region paid more for beef fillet in June compared to May, as beef prices climbed across several regions of the country. According to the latest figures from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, the price of fillet in Khomas rose from N$315.98/kg in May to N$378.25/kg in June. This was a 6.93% weekly increase, the board said. Other prime cuts also saw increases. Topside climbed 3.66% to N$187.94/kg, neck rose 6.48% to N$99.99/kg, and shin increased by 5% to N$106.51/kg. At the same time, the price of thin flank dropped by 5.41%…
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New masterclass series aims to boost financial skills

New masterclass series aims to boost financial skills

Justicia Shipena  Come September, Namibians will have the chance to take control of their finances through a newly launched Financial Education Masterclass by Old Mutual Namibia. The initiative, the first of its kind by Old Mutual, invites individuals across the country to complete a short online survey to express their interest in attending the free training.  According to Old Mutual, based on the responses, two regions will be selected to host the inaugural masterclasses, with the announcement scheduled for 11 August 2025 via Old Mutual’s official social media platforms. The sessions are expected to take place in September or October…
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Namibia approves poultry imports from the U.S.

Namibia approves poultry imports from the U.S.

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian government has approved poultry imports from the United States, allowing U.S. exporters to ship fresh, frozen, and chilled chicken to Namibia starting 1 July. According to the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform, the approval followed a veterinary risk assessment focused on animal and public health.  The ministry said the decision is based solely on sanitary standards and not linked to trade or economic policy. “The decision to allow imports is based on compliance with Namibia’s sanitary measures rather than on timing considerations,” said ministry spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa. The import permits were issued under the…
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Is consolidation in the cement industry justifiable? A closer look at the Swenk // Whale Rock Cement merger

Johannes Shangadi  On 5 June 2025, the Namibian Competition Commission convened a public conference under Section 46 of the Competition Act in relation to the proposed acquisition of Swenk’s shareholding in Ohorongo Cement by Whale Rock Cement, the owner of Cheetah Cement. This transaction would effectively consolidate Namibia’s only two cement manufacturers into a single integrated entity. As clarified by Mr. Johannes Ashipala, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at the Commission, Section 46 conferences are investigative by design. They serve as fact-finding exercises, critical engagements that precede the Commission’s final determination. This article seeks to discuss the issues raised at…
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Brave Warriors relocates home matches to Botswana

Brave Warriors relocates home matches to Botswana

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has confirmed hat the Brave Warriors will play their upcoming  international home matches in Botswana. This comes as Namibia works to upgrade its stadiums to meet international standards. NFA interim secretary general, Cassius Moetie, said the association has finalised a partnership with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to host Namibia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. “The two football federations are fully aligned to continue building football in Namibia and Botswana. Hence, we are pleased to confirm that the Botswana Football Association has approved that…
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Namcor still in the red after N$1.2 billion state lifeline

Namcor still in the red after N$1.2 billion state lifeline

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) remains in financial trouble despite receiving a N$1.2 billion government bailout in April 2024.  The company confirmed that liquidity problems persist and more support may be needed to settle outstanding debts. Namcor’s board and management said the bailout was used to access commercial loans, which were mostly used to pay off overdue creditors.  “Liquidity challenges remain persistent, and support may be required to clear the remaining long outstanding creditors balances,” the company stated. By March 2024, Namcor’s total debt stood at N$3.3 billion.  The bailout helped reduce this to N$1.6 billion.…
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More than 12 000 veterans still await benefits

More than 12 000 veterans still await benefits

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has revealed that 12 702 veterans of the liberation struggle are still waiting for their approved benefits, more than a decade after the programme began. Responding to questions from Nudo member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly last week, Mubita said the ministry has paid out N$2.52 billion to 13,398 veterans since the start of the programme in the 2011/2012 financial year. “Out of the 33,500 veterans, 13,398 have been paid at an amount totalling N$2,52 million, while 12,702 are yet to be paid,” he said. He…
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Cabinet yet to finalise data protection bill

Cabinet yet to finalise data protection bill

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of information and communication technology (MICT) has confirmed that the country's data protection bill is still under review by the cabinet committee for legislation. This comes as the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced plans to roll out the country’s first electronic identity card (e-ID).  The smart card stores biometric and demographic data and is designed to support identity verification across sectors such as healthcare, banking, education, and public services. Digital rights groups, including the Internet Society Namibia Chapter, have raised concerns about…
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Namdia breaks silence on security consultant

Namdia breaks silence on security consultant

Allexer Namundjebo Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has confirmed that  it carried out an emergency procurement process to upgrade its security systems and appoint a security consultant.  This follows allegations made by member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda. In a social media post, Amupanda accused Namdia of violating procurement procedures.  He claimed the company appointed a security consultant without formal qualifications and that the consultant’s son was involved in installing the new security system.  He also raised concerns about Namdia’s previous ties to Neldan, an Angolan-based company that, he alleged, had access to the company’s alarm reports.…
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Cheetah cement given ultimatum to localise jobs

Cheetah cement given ultimatum to localise jobs

Justicia Shipena Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has directed Cheetah Cement in Otjiwarongo to ensure that all non-specialised roles are filled by Namibians. It affects roles such as two chef positions and one administrative officer post, which are currently held by Chinese nationals. The directive follows plans by Cheetah Cement, operated by Whale Rock Cement (Pty) Ltd, to merge with Ohorongo Cement.  Immanuel issued the directive on Saturday during a plant familiarisation visit.  He met with senior management, employees, officials from the Otjiwarongo Labour Office, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). He also ordered he company…
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