Blog – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

10 Jan

NYC ‘headless’ after interim board chair resigns

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The National Youth Council (NYC) is without leadership after interim board chairperson Kennedy Kariseb resigned, just a week after the contract of its director, Calista Schwartz-Gowases, ended. The Windhoek Observer understands that the council currently has no interim chairperson or director in place. Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp confirmed that she received Kariseb’s resignation letter in December 2025. “I do confirm that, indeed, I did receive the resignation letter from Dr Kennedy and we will always remain indebted and grateful for the time that he worked with us,” Steenkamp said. She confirmed…

10 Jan

Interpack denies claims of unpaid salaries and overtime

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Interpack chief executive officer Jacques Coetzer has denied claims that the company failed to pay employees their full basic salaries and overtime. He said all workers were paid in full and that there were no outstanding payment issues. Coetzer said the company employs more than 440 workers and only received queries from two employees about their specific hours worked. He said the concerns were reported to the Human Resources department and were resolved. “All employees were paid in full without any problems or challenges. The two minor issues that were reported to HR were resolved, and we are…

10 Jan

Electricity generation rises 19.4% in Q3 2025

National News

Chamwe Kaira Local electricity generation in Namibia increased on a year-on-year basis during the third quarter of 2025, supported by improved water availability at the Ruacana hydropower plant, according to the latest economic data. Local electricity generation rose by 19.4% compared with the same period last year. Higher domestic output helped reduce reliance on imports, with electricity imports declining by 2.2% year-on-year over the quarter. Despite higher generation, electricity consumption fell. Units of electricity consumed declined by 3.2% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025. The drop was linked to lower activity in several commercial subsectors, including mining, reflecting slower…

10 Jan

Govt says Namibia still a safe tourist destination

National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, the government has said. In a media statement issued on Thursday, the government said Namibia continues to offer a secure environment for residents and visitors and remains one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in the world. The statement follows travel advisories issued by Canada and Germany, which were reported by international media as flagging Namibia for higher fraud and crime risks. However, Namibia said the advisories do not reflect the overall safety situation in the country. Sikongo Haihambo, executive director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry,…

10 Jan

Selective warnings, serious consequences: Why Namibia deserves fair treatment

Editorial

Namibia’s firm and measured response to recent travel advisories issued by Canada and Germany is both necessary and justified. In an era where perception often travels faster than facts, the Namibian government is right to defend the country’s reputation as a safe, stable and welcoming destination. What is troubling, however, is not the government’s reassurance but the persistent and often irresponsible manner in which mostly Western governments issue blanket warnings that inflict real economic damage on countries like Namibia without sufficient balance, context or accountability. Namibia is, by any objective measure, one of Africa’s most peaceful and politically stable nations.…

10 Jan

Koryx Copper raises N$475m to fund Haib project

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Koryx Copper Inc. has increased the size of its planned share sale to about 40 million Canadian dollars, or roughly N$475 million, after strong investor demand. The move strengthens the company’s funding position as it advances its copper projects in southern Africa, including the Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia. The Canada-listed company said it will now sell just over 16.3 million new shares at a price of C$2.45 per share. This is expected to raise about C$40 million before costs. The fundraising is being led by Stifel Canada, which is acting as the sole manager for the…

10 Jan

Global air cargo demand grows in November

Observer Money

Staff Writer Global air cargo demand continued to grow in November 2025, supported by year-end shipping activity and steady trade flows, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 5.5% year-on-year in November. International operations recorded stronger growth of 6.9%. Available cargo capacity rose by 4.7% compared with the same month in 2024, while international capacity increased by 6.5%. IATA director general Willie Walsh said the growth was driven by shippers prioritising speed and reliability ahead of the holiday season, along with strong demand from emerging markets.…

10 Jan

ReconAfrica increases funding for oil exploration in Africa

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (ReconAfrica) has increased the size of its fundraising to C$32 million after strong investor interest. The Canadian-listed oil and gas company plans to sell about 33.7 million new units at C$0.95 each. The funds will be used mainly to advance work on its oil discovery in Namibia, prepare further drilling, and push ahead with exploration activities in Angola and offshore Gabon. The fundraising is being led by Research Capital Corporation, together with Canaccord Genuity and Haywood Securities. Members of ReconAfrica’s management and board will also invest in the offering. Each unit consists of one…

10 Jan

Electricity generation rises 19.4% in Q3 2025

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Local electricity generation in Namibia increased on a year-on-year basis during the third quarter of 2025, supported by improved water availability at the Ruacana hydropower plant, according to the latest economic data. Local electricity generation rose by 19.4% compared with the same period last year. Higher domestic output helped reduce reliance on imports, with electricity imports declining by 2.2% year-on-year over the quarter. Despite higher generation, electricity consumption fell. Units of electricity consumed declined by 3.2% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025. The drop was linked to lower activity in several commercial subsectors, including mining, reflecting slower…

10 Jan

Namibia records N$151m net remittance outflow

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia recorded net outflows of international remittances during the third quarter of 2025, pointing to a continued gap between remittance inflows and outflows, according to official data. Net remittances declined by N$262 million on an annual basis and by N$156 million quarter-on-quarter. This resulted in a net remittance outflow of N$151 million during the period. The weaker position was driven by a sharp rise in remittance outflows. Outflows increased by N$458 million year-on-year and by N$153 million on a quarterly basis, reaching N$800 million. The increase was mainly linked to higher personal transfers, particularly personal remittances, and increased…