Blog – Page 30 – Windhoek Observer

24 Feb

‘Our profits must benefit farmers’ – Meatco

National News

Allexer Namundjembo “We need concrete results that translate into income for producers and stability in our industry,” Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) deputy chairperson Stephanie De Klerk said as the state entity presented its latest financial results at its recent 37th annual general meeting in Windhoek. The meeting, held at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), focused on improved financial performance and the country’s preparedness against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which remains a threat in the region. Meatco reported that revenue increased by about 55% to roughly N$1.87 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. Profit before tax reached…

24 Feb

Defending the defenders of the law

Editorial, Featured, Observer Money

The Windhoek Observer welcomes, without hesitation and without qualification, the urgent call by justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel for residential security protection for all magistrates and prosecutors in Namibia. This recommendation is long overdue. It is both tragic and sobering that it has taken the death of prosecutor Justine Shiweda to bring this matter into sharp national focus. No public servant tasked with upholding the law should have to pay with their life before the state recognises the gravity of the risks inherent in the administration of justice. Yet here we are, reminded in the harshest possible…

24 Feb

Does the presumed JD deadlock really matter?

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro Beginning in March, on the second of March to be exact, hybrid discussions shall be taking place in the German capital of Berlin, to be hosted by the German Parliament, the Bundestag’s parliamentary group of the Green Party, Die Grüne. According to the purpose of the discussions, to which a fellow descendant, Jephta Nguherimo, shall be amongst the participants, it is for the party to gain further insight into the state of the negotiations on the genocide of the Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama. “We want to discuss how the reconciliation between Germany and Namibia can finally begin, and…

24 Feb

Response to the article titled: All presidents’ mansions: Constitutional obligation and public accountability

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Reflecting on the benefits of former presidents, especially President Nangolo Mbumba Before engaging the proposed subject matter, it is important to pause and reflect on two significant public remembrance events held last week. A military funeral was accorded to former minister Erkki Ndineinge Nghidipohamba ya Nghimtina, who was laid to rest at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine on Saturday, 21 February 2026. We equally acknowledge the unveiling of the memorial tombstone for the victims of the 19 February 1988 Oshakati Barclays Bank bomb blast, now known as First National Bank (FNB),…

24 Feb

Anglo lowers value of De Beers again

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Anglo American has again reduced the value of De Beers, booking a US$2.3 billion (about N$43.7 billion) pre-tax impairment that weighed heavily on its 2025 financial results. The impairment contributed to a loss attributable to equity shareholders of US$3.7 billion (about N$70.3 billion) for the year. De Beers’ book value previously stood at US$4.1 billion (about N$77.9 billion). The details are contained in Anglo American’s full-year results for 2025, released on 20 February 2026. In simple terms, an impairment means the company has reduced the book value of an asset because it believes the asset is now worth…

24 Feb

Low inflation opens door for more rate cuts

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Monetary policy in Namibia is expected to remain cautiously supportive in 2026 as the Bank of Namibia continues with a data-driven approach after easing interest rates in 2024 and 2025. Inflation remains contained and domestic demand is recovering at a slow pace. The central bank is expected to support growth while protecting external stability and the currency peg. Simonis Storm said in its 2026 economic outlook that after cumulative rate cuts brought the repo rate to about 6.50% by late 2025, there is room for further easing. The firm expects up to two additional cuts of 25 basis…

24 Feb

Koryx reports strong drill results at Haib Copper Project

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Koryx Copper Inc. has released new drilling results from its Haib Copper project in southern Namibia. The company reported test results from 13 drill holes covering nearly 5,000 metres. The work forms part of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of its 2026 exploration and development programme at Haib, which Koryx fully owns. Haib is planned as a large open-pit copper mine. Koryx aims to produce an average of 88,000 tonnes of copper per year over a projected 24-year mine life. The process would involve crushing and milling the ore before using flotation to produce copper concentrate. A preliminary…

24 Feb

South Africa ships less maize than expected

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira As the 2025/26 maize marketing year approaches its close in April 2026, South Africa’s maize exports continue, but at a slower pace than expected. Economist Wandile Sihlobo said recent trade data shows exports have not moved as quickly as anticipated. “I was looking at South Africa’s grain trade data and thought I’d make a few remarks about the slow pace of exports based on recent trends,” Sihlobo said in his February analysis on South African maize trade. More than two-thirds of maize exports this season have gone to countries in the Southern African region. Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and…

24 Feb

Beyond the budget statement

Observer Money

Mally Likukela Minister of Finance, Hon. Erica Shafuda announced last week that she will present the national Budget 2026-27 on Thursday, February 26. Understanding the budget speech First and foremost, citizens must understand that the budget statement is not “The Budget” as is commonly known, but it is just one of the documents in a set of several other documents that the Minister presents (or tables) to Parliament. The Budget Speech together with other documents is aimed to explain the Government’s plan for revenue, spending, borrowing and taxation down to the last dollar. Structure of the budget speech To be…

24 Feb

Old Mutual appoints Pieter Moller to lead broker distribution

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual has appointed Pieter Moller as head of broker distribution within its personal finance business. His appointment takes effect on 1 March 2026. Moller has experience across the financial services sector. His career includes roles in distribution leadership, business development, strategic partnerships and operations. He previously held senior positions at Old Mutual, including head of distribution: retail mass market, chief operating officer and head of business development at Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia, and retail advice centre manager. He holds a BA (Law), an LLB and an MBA. He has also completed executive programmes in management and…