Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  Global demand for uranium is rising as countries expand nuclear power to meet growing energy needs, according to data presented by Paladin Energy, which owns the Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo region. The data shows that demand is supported by existing nuclear reactors, new plants under construction and the extension of older facilities, especially in major economies such as the United States. Momentum is expected to grow following commitments made at COP28 and COP29, where 38 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and France, pledged to triple nuclear capacity by 2050. Policy measures in…

Chamwe Kaira  Deep Yellow Limited completed a reverse circulation drilling program at its Tinkas Prospect in Namibia during the March 2026 quarter, confirming the presence of uranium mineralisation. The Tinkas Prospect lies about 8 km north-west of the company’s Tumas Project and forms part of its exploration efforts to expand uranium resources in the area. Drilling started on 18 February and ended on 18 March.  The programme included 133 drill holes covering 1,363 metres. Drilling was carried out on 100-metre line spacing with 100-metre intervals between holes. The company said results confirmed uranium mineralisation in calcretised palaeochannel sediments and in…

Staff Writer  The chief executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), Bisey /Uirab says aviation remains a key driver of economic growth, regional integration and global connectivity across Africa. He made the remarks at Aviation Week Africa 2026 in Windhoek, held under the theme “Linking Africa: Partners for Growth". /Uirab said aviation supports trade, tourism and job creation and helps connect African economies to global markets. He said Africa’s size, dispersed populations and natural barriers make air transport important for moving people, goods and services. Airports, he said, form the backbone of the aviation system. They connect countries within…

Staff Writer  The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced changes to its senior leadership, including promotions and new role assignments. The changes follow the recent appointment of Nicholas Mukasa as deputy governor and the move of Florette Nakusera to the Macro-Economic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa. BoN said it is taking a structured approach to leadership changes to strengthen its operations. “This approach aims to preserve institutional knowledge while developing well-rounded central bankers with cross-functional expertise. In doing so, the bank mitigates concentration risk, strengthens succession planning, and enhances institutional versatility,” BoN said. Moudi Hangula has…

Chamwe Kaira  FlyNamibia says about 67% of its operating costs are price-driven and remain outside its control. The airline said it is effectively a price taker on key inputs such as fuel and other charges. The response follows public concern over ticket prices for flights to Ondangwa.  On Wednesday, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi said he has given the airline six months to reduce fares. He said a flight to Ondangwa costs more than N$9 000, while a flight to Cape Town is about half that price. Nekundi warned that the government may step in and regulate ticket prices…

Chamwe Kaira  Clicks Group says its ClubCard members, including those in Namibia, earned N$527 million in cashback over the six months to 28 February 2026. The group reported this in its unaudited interim results. Active ClubCard membership grew by 800 000 to 12.9 million. Members contributed 83.7% of total sales. During the period, the group opened its 1000th store, bringing the total to 1003 outlets. Its pharmacy network increased to 795 stores. Group turnover rose by 7.4% to N$24.9 billion. Retail turnover, which includes Clicks, UniCare, The Body Shop and Sorbet stores, increased by 5.4%. Comparable store turnover grew by…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia and other Common Monetary Area (CMA) countries' segments contributed 6% of total sales of building materials retailer Cashbuild for the third quarter of its 2026 financial year. The segment grew by 4% and maintained similar growth levels year to date. Growth came from existing stores, with no contribution from new outlets. Cashbuild said it recorded modest growth in its latest operating segment results. Total sales grew by 3%. New stores contributed 2%, while existing stores added 1%. Year-to-date growth stood at 5%, supported by 3% from new stores and 2% from existing outlets. South Africa remained the…

Chamwe Kaira  Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says the government plans to build a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure. He made the remarks at the opening of Aviation Week Africa 2026, where he said aviation is a key part of Namibia’s development plans. Nekundi said the government is also working on reviving the national airline, Namibia Air, to improve connectivity. He said Namibia is investing in aviation systems, including radar, air traffic management and navigation infrastructure to support safer and more efficient operations. The minister said the government…

Staff Writer  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has registered more than one million taxpayers for the 2024/25 financial year. By 31 March 2025, NamRA had registered 1 009 926 taxpayers.  Of these, 575 136 were active e-filers on the ITAS platform. The total number of active tax accounts stood at 1 048 918 during the period. Revenue collection also increased. By the end of March 2025, NamRA recorded net revenue collections of N$88.6 billion, exceeding its target of N$85.3 billion.  After tax refunds of N$10.4 billion, total net revenue reached about N$98.9 billion. This reflects a 15% increase compared to…

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) intercepted illicit drugs worth about N$26.9 million during the 2024/25 financial year. Cannabis made up the largest share of seizures. Authorities confiscated 345 015 kg of pure cannabis valued at about N$17.25 million.  They also seized 20 965 kg of cannabis (skunk) worth N$1.05 million and 10 910 kg of cannabis, known as “Majat”, valued at N$109 100. Authorities also recovered 8 830 kg of cocaine valued at about N$4.42 million. Methamphetamine seizures totalled 2 635 kg, with an estimated value of over N$1.32 million. Tablet-based drugs were also seized. Authorities confiscated 2…