Blog – Page 7 – Windhoek Observer

14 Apr

NamRA charts digital transformation roadmap

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is shifting its focus to digital transformation as it enters its next phase of growth, board chairperson Peter Kruger has said. Speaking at a Taxpayer Appreciation event in Swakopmund marking NamRA’s fifth anniversary, Kruger said the agency’s first five years focused on building systems and stabilising operations. “Over the next five years, digital transformation is a key pillar of our strategic execution,” he said. He said improving customer experience will be a key part of the shift. Kruger said a dedicated team will lead digital projects, while NamRA will work with revenue agencies…

14 Apr

Oshikandela campaign wins big at MTC awards

Observer Money

Staff Writer The MoreToLove campaign by Namibia Dairies has been named Advertising Campaign of the Year at the inaugural MTC Branding and Marketing Excellence Awards. The awards were held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and marked the end of a three-day branding and marketing indaba that drew more than 400 delegates from Namibia and across Africa. The recognition formed part of a strong showing for the Ohlthaver & List Group. Its agency, O&L BrandX, was named Agency of the Year. O&L BrandX managing director Patricia Hoeksema said the award reflects the agency’s focus on authenticity and local storytelling. She…

14 Apr

For what use is the joint declaration reverting to the National Assembly?

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro FOR what use and for what sake can the joint declaration (JD), or its amended version, really revert or be reverted to, referred to and/or returned to the National Assembly and/or the Namibian Parliament? Is the question legitimate from any bona fide descendant of the survivors of the genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama, among others? It is not so much a legitimate question as a real concern. Because the paradigm today, especially among the descendants of the survivors of GENOCIDE, is not the JD. Because the JD is a product of a process that the sovereigns in…

14 Apr

Fixing the system or complicating it? Inside CPBN’s new rules

Editorial

The decision by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to introduce stricter rules governing the appointment of bid evaluation committee members marks yet another attempt to tighten the screws on Namibia’s public procurement system. In a country where procurement has too often been synonymous with controversy, opacity, and allegations of favouritism, any reform that promises greater transparency and accountability deserves both recognition and scrutiny. At its core, the CPBN’s move is a response to a long-standing concern: that the integrity of public procurement depends heavily on the individuals tasked with evaluating bids. These committees wield enormous influence. They determine…

14 Apr

South Africa’s agriculture enters a critical month

Observer Money

Wandile Sihlobo We are entering a busy period in South Africa’s agricultural production cycle. On April 23, we are due to receive the Crop Estimate Committee’s (CEC) third production forecast for 2025-26 summer grains and oilseeds. This estimate is typically a stronger indicator than the first two on how the season’s harvest will look, as the crop has largely passed the pollination stage. At the same time, we are due to get the CEC data on farmers’ planting intentions for 2026-27 winter crops. The weather outlook, winter crop prices, and the availability and cost of inputs, among other considerations, inform…

13 Apr

Why oil & gas conferences still matter – Even in a turbulent market

Energy, Opinions

Fernando Y. G. Sylvester,CEO, Lamda Energy This year has been a stark reminder that energy markets are unpredictable, volatile, and deeply interconnected with geopolitics, macroeconomics, and human behaviour. As I prepare to moderate two panels at the Namibian International Energy Conference (NIEC2026) here in Windhoek, I keep hearing a familiar question: Why do oil and gas conferences still matter? In an era of digital communication, instant deal-making tools, and Zoom rooms everywhere, are we really still gaining value by gathering in person? The short answer is yes. But the long answer, the one shaped by 17 years working across the…

13 Apr

TURNING POINT | Cape Fria and the crisis of trust: Why government must reset its relationship with Namibian entrepreneurs

Featured, Opinions

The renewed national conversation around the proposed Cape Fria harbour development is both timely and necessary. For decades, Cape Fria has occupied a near-mythical space in Namibia’s development imagination, a strategic deep-water port on our northern coastline that could unlock regional trade, stimulate industrialisation, and rebalance economic activity away from the traditional Walvis Bay–centric axis. From a purely academic standpoint, the logic is compelling. Namibia sits at the crossroads of southern Africa, with direct access to landlocked economies such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A well-executed harbour at Cape Fria would not only complement…

13 Apr

NNN pushes to reserve land for residents…developers to be shut out of serviced plots

Main, National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a policy shift that will stop municipalities from allocating serviced land to private developers and instead prioritise individuals. Speaking in parliament during her recent state of the nation address (Sona), she said the government will redirect serviced land to ordinary Namibians. “What we have decided now, and what will be in our policy, is that we should no longer allow municipalities to give serviced land to the private sector,” she said. “The private sector should be given virgin land, and the land that we are servicing as a government must be given directly…

13 Apr

Zambezi farmers scramble to save crops from floods

National News

Patience Makwele Farmers in the Zambezi region are rushing to harvest crops as floodwaters spread across fields. They say government support has not reached them in time. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has deployed tractors to move harvested crops to higher ground in areas such as Kabbe South, Kabbe North and Sibbinda. The ministry's deputy director of public relations and spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the intervention has helped 14 farmers so far, with more than 50 tonnes of crops moved. “We have loaded about 75 tonnes of maize so far,” Muyunda said. He said the operation…

13 Apr

Govt open to Cape Fria project, but with conditions

National News

Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government remains open to the Cape Fria project, but only if credible investors are secured. She made the remarks while responding to a question from National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetoruhe Kandovazu during her recent state of the nation address (Sona). “I would like to see the development of a smart city during my time as president, but when you look at some of these investors, they are questionable,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the idea of developing Cape Fria dates back to the era of the then president Sam Nujoma. …