Blog – Page 703 – Windhoek Observer

24 Nov

Freight industry must adopt smart containers

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The freight industry in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana must move with the times and introduce smart corridors and the use of smart containers embedded with sensors and tracking technology such as GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips, allowing manufacturers, carriers, and shippers to monitor their cargo more accurately. Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, the Executive Director of the Trans Kalahari Corridor believes that a number of benefits may be realised by adopting new generation technologies and these include enabling various information systems to work together in the most effective way possible, promoting safe and secure borders, offering authorised…

24 Nov

“I am not a politician,” says Itula

National News“I am not a politician, ” says Itula

Stefanus Nashama Dr. Panduleni Itula, the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has stated that he does not consider himself a politician but rather a leader of a political party. According to Itula, there is a clear distinction between politicians and leaders, particularly in terms of policy formulation. He explained that leaders formulate policies based on the needs of the people, whereas politicians have their own way of doing things. Itula made these remarks during an interview on the MAD Podcast this week, where he discussed how IPC came into existence. Itula emphasized that his direct visits and…

24 Nov

IATA: Namibia clean as a whistle

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia does not owe money to airlines that operate in the country, records released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed this week. Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice-President Africa and Middle East of IATA disclosed that since 2018, a significant amount of blocked funds have been repatriated from Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe through working with the respective governments. Currently US$1.68 billion in airline funds remain blocked across the continent. IATA records showed that Namibia is not among countries blocking money owed to airlines. Alawadhi, said achieving reasonable levels of taxes and charges by focusing governments on…

24 Nov

Klazen calls for sustainable practices in the fishing industry

National NewsKlazen calls for sustainable practices in the fishing industry

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, reiterated the importance of responsible fishing practices, conservation, and good corporate governance for the country’s fishing sector. Klazen delivered his annual fishing industry address in Walvis Bay where he urged Namibians to unite in their commitment to responsible fishing practices, and highlighted the need for collaboration, open dialogue, and innovation. He stressed that these principles are crucial for safeguarding the health of Namibia’s oceans, ensuring the prosperity of its fishing industry, and leaving a legacy of responsible stewardship for future generations. He stressed the invaluable resources found in Namibia’s…

24 Nov

Governmental to auction 5000 MT of hake

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises and Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources plans to auction 5000 metric ton (MT) of Hake. The move is part of the government objective of selling fishing quotas to the highest bidder. Bids must be in multiples of 100 metric ton with a minimum price of N$9000 per MT of Freezer fish and N$7000 per MT of wet fish. Bids must be submitted by 8 December and full auction results will be announced by mid- January 2024. The government has continued to generate revenue through fish auctions with figures showing that more…

24 Nov

American airport officials explore collaboration opportunities in Namibia

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia, a nation not often in the spotlight for many in the United States of America, recently drew the attention of a high-level delegation from the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The delegation, led by Balram Bheodari, the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, embarked on a visit to Namibia with the aim of advancing air service development efforts, which essentially means exploring opportunities for new passenger or cargo flights. The visiting group also included leaders from the airport’s infrastructure and commercial team. During their factfinding mission, the delegation engaged with various Namibian entities, including…

24 Nov

Synthetic diamonds lose shine

Observer Money

Synthetics diamonds prices are trading as low as 98 percent below the Rapaport Price List for natural diamonds. Rapaport said Walmart sells a 3 ct., Round, F-G, VS1-VS2, synthetic diamond solitaire ring for US$2,975, while Signet’s Blue Nile sells a similar 3.00 ct., Round, G, VS1 synthetic diamond solitaire ring for US$8,190. That’s a 275 percent difference for the same ring, it said. De Beers said in September that it had decided to call time on offering lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings even as the man-made alternatives continue to cannibalise demand in one of the company’s most important markets. Mines…

24 Nov

Sinimbo urges for diversification in expertise in trade and economics

National NewsSinimbo urges for diversification in expertise in trade and economics

Stefanus Nashama The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industrialisation, Verna Sinimbo, has made an appeal to international and development partners for the supply of expertise in trade and economic diversification. Speaking at a consultative workshop on skills for trade and economic diversification held in Windhoek, Sinimbo stressed that the days when trade was limited to the exchange of physical goods were long gone. She stressed that Namibia’s competitiveness in the global trade arena depends on the skills of its workforce. “A highly skilled labour force not only enhances productivity but also positions us as a preferred partner in international trade…

24 Nov

WIPO to develop innovation ecosystem

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Director General Daren Tang has pledged the Organization’s continued support for the strengthening of Namibia’s innovation ecosystem. Tang who visited Namibia this week disclosed that Namibian officials expressed their commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem with intellectual property (IP) as a core part of policies to promote growth and development. Tang underlined WIPO’s vision of intellectual property as a powerful catalyst for jobs, investments, business growth and economic and social development in all parts of the world. He said WIPO is building a more inclusive IP ecosystem, focusing on startups and small and…

24 Nov

Chinese hospitals overwhelmed as cases of mystery disease increase

National NewsChinese hospitals overwhelmed as cases of mystery disease increase

Niël Terblanché Chinese hospitals are grappling with a sudden surge in cases of a mysterious respiratory illness that has left authorities baffled and the World Health Organization (WHO) deeply concerned. While China struggles with this mystery illness and its potential implications, the world is anxiously watching and hoping for swift answers and effective containment measures to protect public health. The outbreak has raised alarms as it primarily affects children, adding to the existing healthcare challenges faced by the nation. Reports of the illness first emerged from various regions across China, but cases have now also been confirmed in the capital…