Blog

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The phrase “paying to survive, paying to exist” captures a growing frustration felt across the world. Yet in Africa in general and Namibia in particular, despite the latter being ranked as one of Africa’s top performing countries, climbing from 15th to third place after South Africa and Mauritius according to the French publications Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, there is a growing frustration that points toward an even deeper truth. It seems the issue is not simply about the cost of living but about the cost of powerlessness. Indeed,…

CHAMWE KAIRA The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has noted that rising fuel prices are increasing cost pressures for the mining sector, highlighting the importance of continued efficiency improvements and the adoption of innovative energy solutions to maintain competitiveness. According to the latest Monthly Mining Update for May, Namibia’s mining sector remains cautiously optimistic, supported by strong uranium and gold prices and the continued development of several mining projects.  However, higher fuel prices and broader increases in transport-related costs are contributing to a more challenging operating environment. The latest Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI) report released by the Namibia Statistics…

CHAMWE KAIRA The agricultural sector has warned that the current trajectory of Namibia’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) implementation could undermine employment growth, following preliminary data indicating a decline in permanent jobs despite improved production conditions. According to preliminary findings from the Agricultural Employers’ Association (AEA) 2026 Wage Survey, permanent employment in the sector fell by 4.5% compared to the 2024 survey period. This decline was recorded even though the sector reportedly experienced better production conditions over the past two years. The reduction has largely been attributed to rising labour costs linked to the introduction of the National Minimum Wage. AEA…

CHAMWE KAIRA Canadian-listed gold explorer Ongwe Minerals Incorporated has announced plans to raise up to C$13 million (approximately N$180 million) through a share offering and private placement to fund exploration activities on its Namibian gold projects. The company said it has entered into an agreement with Beacon Securities Limited and Research Capital Corporation to conduct a “best efforts” listed issuer financing exemption (LIFE) offering aimed at raising approximately C$10 million through the sale of 7.25 million common shares at C$1.38 per share. Ongwe Minerals has also granted the agents an option to sell an additional 1.09 million shares, which could…

CHAMWE KAIRA The Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) recorded gains across its broader market during the week ending 12 June, with the Overall Index rising 2.44% to close at 2,359.13 points from 2,302.94 points in the previous trading session. The increase of 56.19 points pushed the Overall Index's year-to-date performance to 10.17%, compared to its closing level of 2,141.33 points at the end of December 2025. The index reached a 2026 high of 2,408.59 points and a low of 2,070.30 points during the year. The NSX Local Index remained largely unchanged, edging up 0.04% to 839.51 points from 839.19 points.  The…

Staff Writer  Instant Payment Namibia (IPN) has announced the successful completion of pilot testing for Namibia's Instant Payment Solution (IPS) in a live production environment, marking the final milestone before the phased rollout of the country's new instant payment solution. The pilot phase involved the successful processing of live transactions between the Bank of Namibia's Currency Management and Banking Operations (CMBO) department and the first cohort of participating institutions, namely Bank Windhoek, Nampost and Letshego Bank Namibia.  The successful transfer and receipt of funds confirmed the platform's operational readiness and demonstrated its ability to process instant payments securely and efficiently.…

Staff Writer  The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) confirmed the participation of Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), at the 4th edition of NOGC, taking place from 18–20 August in Windhoek.  Mshelbila assumed office on 1 January 2026 as the fifth Secretary General of the GECF. A highly respected energy executive with more than three decades of international experience, he has played a leading role in shaping the global natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and power sectors. His distinguished career spans executive leadership, board-level governance, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, sustainability and…