Blog – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

22 Apr

Nedbank says Namibia market still promising

Observer Money

Staff Writer Nedbank Group says Namibia’s operating environment presents structural challenges, including exposure to climate risks such as drought. In its 2025 integrated report, the group said these risks increase the need for monitoring, especially in agriculture, water-intensive sectors, and rural areas. It said it is focusing on sustainable finance and long-term planning in its regional operations, including Namibia. Nedbank operates in five countries outside South Africa, including Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. South Africa remains its main market, accounting for about 91% of total assets. The group said regional operations are becoming more important for growth and diversification.…

22 Apr

Bank Windhoek honours top car dealers in the north

Observer Money

Staff Writer Bank Windhoek has recognised top dealer partners at the Northern Selekt Sales Awards held in Oshakati. The event honoured dealerships and sales professionals for their performance in 2025. The awards highlight the bank’s focus on partnerships in the motoring sector and support for vehicle finance. Regional manager for the far north, Mire Christof, said Namibia recorded 14 494 vehicle sales in 2025, the highest since 2015. She said the trend continued into 2026, with 1 005 units sold in January, the strongest January since 2016 and a 4% increase from a year earlier. She said demand remains strong…

22 Apr

Financial sector pushes for stronger climate finance collaboration

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia’s financial sector is increasing efforts to mobilise climate finance as stakeholders call for stronger collaboration to address funding gaps and climate risks. The call came during a Namibia Sustainable Finance Alliance dialogue co-hosted by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and Rand Merchant Bank. Policymakers, financial institutions and industry experts met to discuss ways to scale climate finance. The alliance, launched in October 2025, aims to integrate sustainability and climate resilience into Namibia’s financial system. FirstRand Namibia chief risk officer Teresa Louw said collaboration across sectors is key. “These forums matter deeply because they convene diverse institutions, perspectives…

22 Apr

Diamond market cautious amid war impact

Observer Money

The diamond industry was mixed in March as the Middle East war added new pressures. The market remained split between small and large goods. Trading in Israel and Dubai froze amid Iranian missile strikes following the start of the conflict on February 28. US tariffs on Indian goods remained a worry for dealers, despite having fallen to 10% in February. Polished diamonds of 2 carats and larger were in demand and in short supply, especially in long fancy shapes. Large New York wholesalers saw steady orders from retailers. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat diamonds, which tracks round, D…

22 Apr

A tribute to Hon. James Unomasa Uerikua

Opinions

George Kambala There are moments in a nation’s life when time seems to stand still when the noise of politics fades, when the urgency of daily life pauses, and when we are called, collectively, to reflect. The passing of Hon. James Unomasa Uerikua is one such moment. It is difficult to speak of loss when the life we are remembering was so full, full of purpose, of conviction, of quiet but unwavering strength. And yet, perhaps the true measure of a life is not in how loudly it was lived, but in how deeply it was felt by those it…

22 Apr

Act 16 of 2005 at the intersection of law and political legitimacy of foundational memory in Namibia

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Namibia’s conferment of the status of founding father of the Namibian nation on the first president of the republic under an Act of Parliament (Act 16 of 2005) is not merely a commemorative gesture. It is a decisive political act that singularly put the origin story of the state and covered a complex liberation history into a legally sanctioned truth. In doing so, it does something far more consequential than honour the Founding Father, H.E. Dr Sam Nujoma; it narrows the field of interpretation and anchors political legitimacy in a…

21 Apr

Presidency, ACC, Health Ministry worst at customer service

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi A customer service charter audit has placed the Office of the President, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services among the lowest-performing institutions in the 2024/2025 financial year. The audit, compiled by the Office of the Prime Minister, assessed 18 offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) on customer service standards. According to the document seen by the Windhoek Observer, only six institutions scored above 50%. The Ministry of Health and Social Services ranked last at 18th with 22%. The Office of the President followed in 17th position with 25%. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries,…

21 Apr

Swapo at 66: Leaders warn of growing rifts

National News

Patience Makwele Swapo leaders say growing divisions could affect unity and preparations for the 2027 elective congress. The warning comes as the party marked its 66th anniversary on Sunday. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party must focus on delivering results to meet public expectations. “The times have changed and so have the expectations of our people,” she said. She pointed to jobs, land, housing, healthcare and education as key priorities and urged the party to remain “alert, forward-looking and grounded in service delivery". Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba urged unity and discipline within the party. “You must work in harmony and…

21 Apr

APRM Council to focus on youth and reforms

National News

Justicia Shipena Ambassador Wilfried Emvula will continue as chairperson of the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism following the appointment of a new council in Namibia. The third National Governing Council was inaugurated at State House on Monday by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The council will serve a four-year term from February 2026 to January 2030. The council includes ambassador Elia Kaiyamo, Dr Betty Schroder, Professor Esau Kaakunga, Dr Roseta Nawases, Naita Hishoono, Rosemary Nalisa, Uhuru Dempers, Hakusembe Hakusembe and Salomo Hei. It will oversee governance processes, monitor standards and coordinate national programmes under the APRM. It will also…

21 Apr

Telecom teams up with police to stop copper theft

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Telecom Namibia will work with the police to curb copper cable theft. Telecom said copper theft has disrupted services across the country. Telecom chief executive officer Stanley Shanapinda said on Monday the company has launched the Penduka Project to increase patrols in high-risk areas such as Dorado and Wanaheda in Windhoek. “We have received full commitment from the Office of the Inspector General in this regard. The root cause of copper theft is the scrap yards that are buying illegal copper and it must stop,” Shanapinda said. He said Telecom Namibia will support law enforcement efforts. “We know…