Blog – Page 17 – Windhoek Observer

03 Mar

Women, youth grapple with online gambling

National News

Staff Writer Online gambling is becoming a growing concern among young people, with more women affected as betting platforms expand through smartphones and social media. Psychologists and counsellors say easy access to betting apps and online advertising has normalised gambling among youth, many of whom face unemployment and financial pressure. Psychologist Margaret Liswaniso said the pattern of gambling has shifted in recent years. “What we are seeing is not just casual betting anymore,” she said. “For some young women, gambling has become a coping mechanism for stress and economic frustration. They are less likely to seek help early because of…

03 Mar

EU and FIC launch national risk assessment workshop

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia has stepped up efforts to fight illicit finance, as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), launched a week-long national risk assessment workshop in Windhoek on Monday. The workshop runs until 6 March 2026. It focuses on strengthening how Namibia identifies and responds to money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks. Illicit financial flows remain a concern across Africa. According to background information shared at the event, these flows are estimated at about USD 88.6 billion a year on the continent. They stem from tax evasion, corruption, organised crime and human…

03 Mar

Industry leaders back new oil and gas data report

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia Oil and Gas last week unveiled its second biannual industry report, bringing together policymakers, executives, financial institutions and industry professionals to reflect on developments in the country’s oil and gas sector. The launch was supported by Africa Provider Offshore Services. The report provides data on exploration activity, key projects and supply-chain trends in the local energy market. It tracks sector growth and investor interest as Namibia’s offshore discoveries continue to shape the industry. Sanjay Korteweg, founding partner of Namibia Oil and Gas, said the publication aims to support collaboration and provide reliable information. “This biannual industry report…

03 Mar

Six-month FMD ban could cut N$3bn from exports

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Biosecurity has moved from a veterinary concern to a national economic priority as the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) rises in Southern Africa, according to analysis by Simonis Storm. Recent outbreaks in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Botswana’s Disease Control Zone 6b and containment efforts in Zambia have increased the risk of cross-border livestock infections. Namibia’s border areas lie within a few hundred kilometres of infected zones. This places the country’s export-driven livestock sector at risk during a period of slow agricultural recovery. The livestock industry remains a key contributor to export earnings, rural employment and meat processing. Premium…

03 Mar

Task force launched to shield N$15bn livestock industry

Observer Money

Staff Writer Stakeholders have launched the national foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) task force and the FMD support fund to protect Namibia’s livestock sector, rural livelihoods and export earnings. The new mechanisms bring together government, farmers, unions and the private sector in a coordinated effort to prevent and respond to outbreaks. The livestock industry is valued at about N$15 billion and supports thousands of jobs across the value chain. Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious livestock diseases in the world. In Namibia, a single confirmed case in the FMD-free zone can shut down all beef and livestock exports. With outbreaks…

03 Mar

Veteran welfare programme pays out over N$1.3 bn

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Veteran welfare programmes disbursed more than N$1.3 billion in financial and social support during the year ended 31 March 2025, reaching over 40 000 service interactions across different schemes. Under the monthly subvention grant programme, 22 840 beneficiaries received N$2 200 per month. The beneficiaries include veterans of the national liberation struggle and their dependents. The programme recorded a total expenditure of N$566.27 million during the year. The Improvement Welfare Grant for ex-PLAN combat veterans supported 9 729 eligible veterans. The programme paid out N$442.23 million in monthly allowances in line with veterans’ legislation. Once-off gratuity payments were…

03 Mar

Community hunting yields over 250 tonnes of meat

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Hunters provided 254 038 kilograms of meat to communities during the 2024/2025 financial year as communal conservancies continued to support rural livelihoods and conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said conservancies generated N$81.1 million in revenue during the year. Of this amount, 15.4% was reinvested into community development projects. The sector sustained 2 037 jobs. Just over half of conservancies met the five key compliance requirements. Annual game counts and audits were conducted to guide wildlife management. Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product is projected to increase to N$15.4 billion in 2025/2026 and N$16 billion…

03 Mar

FNB announces top leadership changes

Observer Money

Staff Writer FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia have announced changes to their leadership teams. Philip Chapman, previously chief executive officer of RMB Namibia, has been appointed CEO of FNB Commercial. RMB Namibia is part of the FirstRand Namibia Group. Chapman has built his career in corporate and investment banking. During his time at RMB Namibia, he oversaw growth and performance in the business. “His ability to build high-performance teams and drive strategic transformation uniquely positions him to strengthen FNB Namibia’s commercial business and reinforce its market leadership.” Speaking on his appointment, Chapman said, “My career has been firmly rooted in…

03 Mar

IAEA to submit Stampriet uranium review

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will compile its findings and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke region. The review focuses on an application for an environmental clearance certificate submitted by Headspring Investments. The application covers a four-year test mining phase using ISL technology. Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti convened the engagement as part of the ongoing assessment. A final decision is expected by June 2026. An IAEA delegation of six representatives visited Namibia from 9…

03 Mar

New regional manager appointed at Momentum Metropolitan

Observer Money

Staff Writer Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Joggie van Schalkwyk as regional manager in its Metropolitan Retail business unit. Van Schalkwyk joins the company from Old Mutual Broker Distribution, where he served as business support manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in financial services, with roles in direct sales, operational support and functional leadership. The company said his experience across the value chain has given him insight into how different roles contribute to business performance and client outcomes. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Stadio and is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Business Administration…