Blog – Page 71 – Windhoek Observer

12 Sep

Police tighten firearms control amid regional smuggling concerns

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibian authorities say police and military firearms are now tightly controlled, following past incidents of missing weapons and concerns over smuggling to neighbouring countries. This comes as the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime said Namibian firearms have been smuggled into South Africa and used by gangs. In November 2021, the police reported that 96 firearms, mainly AK47 rifles, were missing from the central depot in Windhoek. After a verification process, the number was revised to 83. A criminal case led to the arrest of six police officers and two civilians. All six officers were working for the…

12 Sep

Alweendo sounds alarm on hydrogen safety and certification

National News

Justicia Shipena Former mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo has warned that Africa’s green hydrogen industry will face pressure points in the next three to five years, particularly in safety, electrolyser commissioning and maintenance, clean-fuel handling at ports, high-voltage grid integration, and certification for export standards. Speaking at the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek this week, Alweendo said skills must be treated as core infrastructure. “Skills are infrastructure. Without capable teams, megawatts and clean fuels do not move,” he said. He explained that Africa may have world-class resources, but the real challenge is building and keeping the people who…

12 Sep

Businesses urged to prioritise local suppliers

National News

Justicia Shipena The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has urged companies to support local procurement as a way to grow industries and strengthen the economy. NCCI chief executive officer Titus Nampala said value lies not only in exports but also in supply chains and participation. He was speaking at the China–Namibia Investment & Trade Fair at the Windhoek Country Club this week, which brought together government, industry, and business leaders for exhibitions, networking, and matchmaking sessions aimed at building partnerships across key sectors. “Value is not found in exports alone; it is found in supply chains, in procurement,…

12 Sep

Skills census to guide training for 18 000 hydrogen jobs

National News

Justicia Shipena The data collected through Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s newly launched Green Hydrogen Skills Census will guide training programmes. The data will also align education with industry demand to ensure Namibians benefit directly from the country’s green energy transition. Hyphen officially launched the Census on Thursday at its head office in Windhoek. The initiative is a core part of the company’s baseline studies and National Skills Audit under the feasibility and implementation agreement with the government. The census is designed to capture existing skills across the country and match them with the skills needed for Hyphen’s green hydrogen project during…

12 Sep

OBSERVER DAILY | Parliament in chaos: A national embarrassment

Editorial, Featured, Opinions

The scenes that unfolded in Parliament on Thursday were nothing short of disgraceful. What should have been an ordinary sitting of the National Assembly turned into chaos when Affirmative Repositioning (AR) members clashed with Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The events left Namibians shaking their heads, wondering whether the institution meant to embody our democracy is losing its way. It began when AR member Tuhafeni Kalola rose without permission and refused to take his seat when instructed to do so. The Speaker ordered him out of the chamber, but he refused. When security officers were called in, fellow AR MPs Job Amupanda…

12 Sep

Starlink application stuck in local ownership condition clause

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Starlink’s application to operate in Namibia remains unresolved, as the process is tied up in local ownership requirements. Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) chief executive officer, Emilia Nghikembua, said the regulator cannot finalise the company’s telecommunications service licence until the minister of information and communication technology decides on an ownership exemption request. “Starlink submitted an application for a telecommunications service licence in June 2024. One of the criteria is that an applicant must be 51% Namibian owned and controlled,” Nghikembua said. In November 2024, Cran issued a cease-and-desist order to Elon Musk's satellite internet provider, Starlink, for…

12 Sep

Debmarine pays N$18b to shareholders in five years

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Debmarine Namibia has contributed N$18 billion to its shareholders, De Beers and the Namibian government, over the past five years. Debmarine's chief executive officer, Willy Mertens, said the company will continue to recover diamonds in a safe and sustainable way while creating value for shareholders and leaving a lasting legacy in Namibia. This week, Debmarine unveiled its Next Generation Crawlers, which will be integrated with the MV Benguela Gem. The official unveiling took place at Cape Town harbour. The new crawlers are expected to increase the Benguela Gem’s annual recovery by about 80 000 high-value carats, more than…

12 Sep

Telecoms market still open for more players

Observer Money

Observer Money had a sit-down with Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua about issues in the telecommunications sector. Observer money (OM): Paratus has announced plans to launch its mobile phone offering. What does this mean for the mobile phone market from the Cran’s perspective? Emilia Nghikembua (EN): Paratus Telecommunications launching a mobile phone service signifies increased market competition, which can benefit consumers through better prices, improved quality of service and customer experience. It encourages innovation, expands network options, and stimulates industry growth. Overall, Paratus’ entry is viewed as a positive development for a more competitive…

12 Sep

Namibia drives strong Old Mutual retail sales

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Old Mutual Limited reported strong growth in its Integrated Report for the year ended 31 December 2024, driven by retail sales in Namibia and corporate sales in Malawi. Life's Annual Premium Equivalent sales rose 17% to just over N$1 billion. The company credited the increase to stronger adviser productivity in Namibia and new business in Malawi. The value of new business and margin fell compared to the prior year after changes were made to better account for expenses. “These changes were partially offset by a positive product mix in Malawi, weighted towards more profitable product lines and higher…

12 Sep

Annual inflation slows to 3.2% in August

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) said the annual inflation rate stood at 3.2% in August compared to 4.4% recorded in August 2024. On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.0%, down from 0.1% in July. Zonal data showed Zone 1, which includes Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi, recorded the highest rate at 3.6%. Zone 3, covering ||Kharas, Erongo, Hardap and Omaheke regions, recorded 3.2%, while Zone 2, the Khomas region, recorded 2.9%. The NSA said Zone 2 consumers paid the highest price for apples at N$41.42 per kilogram, followed by Zone 3…