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‘Cybercrimes are matter of when, not if’ – BoN

‘Cybercrimes are matter of when, not if’ – BoN

CHAMWE KAIRA Governor of the Bank of Namibia Johannes ǃGawaxab has said cybercrimes affecting commercial banks are a matter of when and not if they will happen. Responding to a question on how far the central bank has gone into the investigations on the recent hacking of Standard Bank Namibia, in which clients lost money, !Gawaxab said in terms of cybercrimes: "It’s not whether we will be attacked. It’s a question of when and how do we respond when we are attacked, and how long does it take to get out of the attack,” he said. He pointed out that…
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Reserves increase to N$60,9 billion

Reserves increase to N$60,9 billion

CHAMWE KAIRA The stock of international reserves held by the Bank of Namibia increased in October by 6.6%, reaching N$60.9 billion. SACU inflows primarily drove the monthly increase in reserves. Relative to the international benchmark of three months, the current level of foreign reserves represents 4.1 months of import cover. Notably, the import cover, excluding imports of oil exploration and appraisal activities, stood at 4.9 months in October, compared to 4.6 months in September. The overall liquidity level of the banking industry averaged N$6.7 billion in October, higher than the N$5.9 billion recorded in September. The rise in market cash…
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Water disruptions affect Langer Heinrich production

Water disruptions affect Langer Heinrich production

CHAMWE KAIRA Paladin Energy is expecting to achieve a production run rate of 6 million pounds per annum at the Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo region by the end of the 2025 calendar year. The mine produced 826 346 pounds of uranium oxide in the 2025 financial year as of 31 October. The company said production to 30 October 2024 has been lower than planned, primarily due to ore grade variability in the stockpiled ore processed and disruptions to the supply of water from NamWater. “A planned two-week shutdown is being undertaken to allow for various improvements and operational…
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ANIREP shows resilience despite headwinds

ANIREP shows resilience despite headwinds

CHAMWE KAIRA ANIREP managing director, Iyaloo Nangolo, has said the company serves as a vital conduit for channelling capital market investments into infrastructure-based renewable energy projects, offering investors reliable, long-term opportunities with consistent returns on equity over extended periods. He said in interim results for the year ended August 31 that, despite market headwinds, the group remains resilient and has built a strong foundation underpinned by sustainable and consistent long-term cash flows and a healthy pipeline of projects. Successful fundraising efforts, such as the initial listing phase and the 2023 rights offer, have bolstered ANIREP's operational resilience and growth trajectory,…
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Alexforbes Namibia register 15% growth

Alexforbes Namibia register 15% growth

CHAMWE KAIRA Alexforbes Namibia reported a strong growth of 15%, which was attributed to an increase in multi-manager investment income, a growth in administration fees, the benefits of new business wins from the previous year, and inflationary growth. Alexforbes Namibia's revenue contribution to the overall Alexforbes Group in 2024 was N$74 million, compared to N$62 million in 2023, according to interim results for the six months ended 2024 and interim cash dividend declaration. The company reported a 12% increase in Alexforbes Group operating income to N$2.1 billion. This increase was attributed to the consolidation of acquisitions completed in previous financial…
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BoN expects agro NPLs to come down

BoN expects agro NPLs to come down

CHAMWE KAIRA Non-performing loans (NPLs) in the agriculture sector are expected to improve in the next 12 months following drought relief measures announced by the Bank of Namibia in October. Central bank governor Johannes ǃGawaxab said this week in response to questions that the bank had been concerned about non-performing loans in the agriculture sector, which in September last year stood at 8% but have now come down to 6%. With the relief measures in place, ǃGawaxab expects NPLS in the agriculture sector to drop further in the coming 12 months. “Any non-performing loan is a critical risk in the…
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Malema’s EFF criticizes ECN for elections mismanagement

Malema’s EFF criticizes ECN for elections mismanagement

Hertta-Maria Amutenja South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned any form of electoral manipulation, including extending voting days from Wednesday to Saturday due to logistical challenges in the just-ended presidential and national assembly election in Namibia. “The will of the people must be respected, and no amount of manipulation should be allowed to undermine their voice,” reads a statement issued by Julius Malema’s party on Tuesday. The EFF has pledged to monitor developments and support efforts to address irregularities, calling for transparency, fairness, and true democracy in Namibia. It has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN)…
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ACC nears decision on alleged BIPA corruption scandal

ACC nears decision on alleged BIPA corruption scandal

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that its investigation into suspected fraudulent activities at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is nearing completion, with potential prosecution on the horizon. The case revolves around allegations of unauthorised amendments to the ownership structure of Orange River Exploration and Mining CC, owned by businessman, Peter Shifwaku. The investigation has identified some BIPA officials as suspects. The names of the suspects are known to the Windhoek Observer. "I confirm that the allegations are under investigation by ACC. Some officials at BIPA are suspects, and the docket is at an advanced stage…
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President vows commitment to rule of law

President vows commitment to rule of law

Niël Terblanché The day after the conclusion of Namibia’s 8th Presidential and National Assembly Elections, President Nangolo Mbumba praised the nation’s commitment to democracy and pledged the government’s unwavering support for the rule of law. President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will serve as Namibia’s first female head of state in the aftermath of the elections that ran from 27 to 29 November. “The Namibian people have spoken. Namibians in their majority wrote a new chapter in the history of their constitutional democracy by electing the first female President of the Republic of Namibia. I do not doubt that under her capable and…
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Advanced isolation facility increases health resilience in Omusati region

Advanced isolation facility increases health resilience in Omusati region

Niël Terblanché Namibia's healthcare sector achieved another milestone on Wednesday, with the inauguration of a Negative Pressure Mobile Isolation Facility at the Outapi District Hospital. The facility, a first for the Omusati region, was funded by the United States Government under its Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid Appropriation (OHDCACA) programme. The minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, hailed the facilitate as a critical advancement in the country’s healthcare infrastructure. “This momentous occasion highlights not only a significant advancement in our healthcare infrastructure but also reaffirms our commitment to building a strong and resilient health system,” he…
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