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Namibia’s dependence on imported goods increases inflation rates…as BoN hikes repo rate to 7.25 percent

Namibia’s dependence on imported goods increases inflation rates…as BoN hikes repo rate to 7.25 percent

Martin Endjala Namibia’s reliance on imported goods is cited as one of the main contributing factors to the country’s high inflation rate, and its citizens feeling the impact of increasing inflation rates globally. This concern was raised by the Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes !Gawaxab yesterday in Windhoek, during the announcement of the repo rate increase by 25 basis points to 7.25 percent, with immediate effect. This is the second time this year that the repo rate has been hiked by the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, following a comprehensive review of the global, regional and domestic economic development. The…
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Race for CoW CEO position enters final stages

Race for CoW CEO position enters final stages

Niël Terblanché The protracted process of finding a new Chief Executive Officer for the City of Windhoek is nearing the end after Conrad Lutombi, the current CEO of the Roads Authority, declined the position. Moses Matyayi who serves as the current Chief Executive Officer of the Otjiwarongo Municipality was the other top candidate for the position at the CoW. The top two candidates were shortlisted for the position alongside Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Joyce Mukubi, Chief Business Unit Executive at NamWater, Eino Mvula, and Researcher Charmill Zamuee. The candidates publicly presented their proposals for…
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A storm erupts around Lionel Matthews

A storm erupts around Lionel Matthews

Niël Terblanché The appointment of Lionel Matthews as the interim Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia took a dramatic turn after the board of directors last week announced that Shiwana Ndeunyema will act in that capacity until negotiations with the candidate are completed. In the meantime, Matthews has been linked to alleged nefarious dealings with regard to a Namcor tender to construct oil storage facilities in Walvis Bay worth N$1 billion, amongst others. However, Fullbright Investments, an infrastructure development firm came out strongly against the allegations. Fullbright appointed Monasa Advisory and Associates as its transaction advisor when…
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Nandi-Ndaitwah ready to claim two-thirds majority in parliament

Nandi-Ndaitwah ready to claim two-thirds majority in parliament

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Vice-President of the Swapo Party, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed optimism that the party would triumph and regain its two-thirds majority in parliament, after the 2024 Presidential and National Elections. Nandi-Ndaitwah made this statement during the opening of the SWAPO Party Elder’s Council central committee meeting. Her statement was read on her behalf by Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa. “As your Presidential candidate I am ready, come 2024 elections I am ready and committed to working with all of you to make Namibia the best place for Namibians and for all to live in. I believe we all want the…
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Esau begs Judge for bail,says Nghipunya used his name

Esau begs Judge for bail,says Nghipunya used his name

Stefanus Nashama The former Minster of Fisheries and Marine Resources and first accused in the Fishrot corruption scandal, Bernhardt Esau said his name was used by his co-accused, Mike Nghipunya, the former Fishcor Chief Executive Officer, for the distribution and selling of fishing quotas.Esau testified before Judge David Munsu in the Windhoek High Court yesterday, on the third day of his formal bail application. “My name was used to facilitate instruction for payment to Sisa Namandje. My name was also used to facilitate instruction to pay Maren de Klerk, and today I stand accused of things I never knew or…
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Namibia among the world’s highest spenders on education

Namibia among the world’s highest spenders on education

Staff Writer Namibia has been rated among the countries with the highest expenditure on education, with an average expenditure per learner of US$1,190.00(N$ 21,860.30). A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) said Namibia devotes a significant share of its budget towards the education of children, with an annual average spending of 20.7 percent of the total budget and 7.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Namibia is ranked the 3rd highest spender in the East and Southern Africa Region. The report says Namibia’s overall spending on education is relatively high to improve quality of education. Shockingly, last year, grade…
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Investment sector set to create 122 000 jobs

Investment sector set to create 122 000 jobs

Niël Terblanché Namibia is regarded internationally as one of the best investment destinations on the African continent because of its favorable tax regime, excellent investor-related service as well as financing facilities. As a result, the country can expect a net worth growth of more than 60 percent in the next decade. According to the African Wealth Report of 2023 published by Henley and Partners, a company viewed as the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, Namibia has become the “new frontier” for international investors seeking a foothold in Africa because of its attractive territorial tax regime. In this…
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SWAPO refutes headquarters construction halt

SWAPO refutes headquarters construction halt

Martin Endjala The Swapo Party Spokesperson Hilma Nicanor has refuted allegations that the SWAPO Party’s Headquarter construction has been halted due to a lack of funds. According to her, construction is still ongoing and the inauguration of the building is yet to be announced. Sources say that the party is awaiting funds from one of its companies and that the money has not yet been received. In the meantime, the Chinese contractor has reportedly reduced the workforce drastically. Sources claim the cost of the building is N$1 billion. “No it’s not true, the headquarters construction did not stop, it is…
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“I am sick and tired of being called corrupt”- Imalwa

“I am sick and tired of being called corrupt”- Imalwa

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Stefanus Nashama The Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa is challenging those accusing her of being corrupt to provide evidence, saying that she is “sick and tired of being called corrupt”, with no evidence to back up the claims. Imalwa did not mince her words in questioning those “dirtifying” her name. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer yesterday, Imalwa explained that there are laws and procedures in place to hold corrupt office bearers accountable. “I always tell the Namibian people if they think the PG is corrupt, they should come out with their evidence and prove to the…
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Modern day slavery in Namibia

Modern day slavery in Namibia

Niël Terblanché An investigation by various international bodies launched into the use of slavery or trafficked humans to serve as fishermen in Namibian waters will eventually result in criminal charges against the Namibian registered owners of two fishing vessels. The 60 fishermen were rescued in September 2022 after officers of the Fisheries Observer Agency, the Namibian Police and immigration officers got involved. Although the incident caused huge embarrassment for Namibian authorities because the country is a signatory to various programs to end human trafficking, the government has promised to assist international bodies in their investigation into the allegation of modern…
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