Observer Money – Windhoek Observer

16 Feb

Chinese investor backs Etango with US$294m deal

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Bannerman Energy Ltd has signed binding investment and joint venture agreements with China Nuclear Overseas Limited to fund the development of the Etango Uranium Project in the Erongo Region. Under the agreement, CNOL will invest US$294.5 million for a 45% stake in Bannerman Energy (UK) Ltd, the newly formed joint venture company. Bannerman will retain a 55% interest. CNOL will also reimburse Bannerman up to US$27 million for 45% of approved early works expenditure incurred from 1 July 2025 until completion. The joint venture company owns 95% of the Etango Project. The project has an initial planned production…

16 Feb

Holistic employee benefits: Building financial security beyond a salary

Featured, Observer Money

Jolene Mans In today’s competitive workplace, employees expect more than just a pay cheque. They seek security, peace of mind and benefits that support their well-being throughout every stage of life. A truly holistic employee benefits package delivers on these expectations by combining retirement savings, risk protection and wellness initiatives into one comprehensive offering. This approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also strengthens organisational resilience and talent retention. Retirement savings: A foundation for financial independence Retirement funds remain one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and ensuring financial independence after your working years. Beyond simply saving…

16 Feb

One Economy Foundation takes 5% stake in Etango deal

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The One Economy Foundation holds a 5% loan-carried interest in the Etango Uranium Project, giving the Namibian empowerment entity a stake in one of the country’s largest proposed mining developments. The interest was disclosed in Bannerman Energy Ltd’s Etango Strategic Financing Presentation, released as part of its strategic financing agreement with CNNC Group. The project is held by Bannerman Mining Resources (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd. This entity is 95% owned by Bannerman Energy (UK) Ltd and 5% by the One Economy Foundation on a loan-carried basis. Bannerman Energy (UK) Ltd is owned 55% by Bannerman Energy (Netherlands) BV and…

16 Feb

Ramaphosa orders Eskom transmission split

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that a fully independent transmission system operator be created as part of the restructuring of South Africa’s electricity sector. Eskom Holdings SOC Limited informed noteholders on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) that the government will proceed with plans to establish a separate, state-owned transmission entity. The new entity will own and control transmission assets and operate the electricity market. Ramaphosa made the announcement during his state of the nation address on 12 February 2026. He said the move was part of reforms to modernise the energy sector and reduce electricity costs. He said…

16 Feb

Investors trade N$62m in active week

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s key stock indices recorded gains in the week ended 13 February, according to data from the Namibia Securities Exchange (JSE). The JSE All Share Index closed at 120 584 points, up 533 points or 0.44% from 120 051 points the previous week. The overall Namibian market index rose 51.43 points, or 2.28%, to 2 305.90. The local index increased by 2.01 points, or 0.25%, to 814.41. Sector performance was mixed. Basic materials recorded the strongest weekly gain, rising 4.10% to 809.97 points. Financials increased 1.22% to 751.67, while real estate rose 1.17% to 2,728.50. Consumer staples gained…

16 Feb

Osino appoints new CEO for Twin Hills project

Observer Money

Staff Writer Osino Gold Exploration and Mining has appointed Junxin Wang as its new chief executive officer as the company moves the Twin Hills Gold Project into its next phase. Tianhang (Tony) Zhang has stepped down as CEO following a personal career decision. He led the company during a key stage of development at Twin Hills and completed a formal handover to Wang. Wang previously served as general manager of Qinghai Dachaidan Mining Co., Ltd, a gold mining operation within the Shanjin International group, for six years. He said his experience will support the project as it moves through construction…

16 Feb

Scammers use fake WiFi calls to steal money

Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank has warned the public about a new scam circulating in Namibia in which fraudsters pose as representatives of WiFi or internet service providers. The callers claim they need to “upgrade your WiFi connection” or “improve your internet speed”. They then instruct victims to carry out banking transactions on their phones. According to the bank, the scammers tell people to dial the PayPulse code under the pretext of assisting with a WiFi upgrade. Once the victim follows the steps, unauthorised digital transactions are processed without their knowledge. Colanè Esterhuizen-Andreas, fraud risk manager at Standard Bank, said customers…

16 Feb

Inflation to average around 3.6% to 3.8% in 2026

Observer Money

Staff Writer Simonis Storm expects inflation to average between 3.6% and 3.8% in 2026. The firm says this reflects a mild normalisation rather than a renewed rise in price pressures. The outlook follows a year of easing inflation in 2025. Headline inflation slowed through the second half of the year and closed December at 3.2% year-on-year, down from 3.7% in June. Inflation remained within the Bank of Namibia’s 3–6% target range. Monthly price movements were mostly stable outside of utility and tariff adjustments. For 2026, Simonis Storm expects housing and utility inflation to remain firm. This will be supported by…

16 Feb

UN maps out path to 26 000 new jobs

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo A United Nations (UN) report launched in Windhoek has identified more than US$900 million in diversification opportunities and the potential to create over 26 000 jobs through value addition and industrial expansion. The report was unveiled by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development secretary general Rebeca Grynspan during her official visit to Namibia. The event took place at the Mövenpick–Mercure Hotel and was organised with the National Planning Commission (NPC). It was attended by government officials, private sector representatives, academia, civil society and UN agencies. According to a statement issued at the launch, the Rapid Assessment for…

13 Feb

Paladin reports higher half-year revenue

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy reported revenue of US$138.3 million for the six months ended 31 December 2025, driven by uranium sales from the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia and firmer uranium market conditions. The company sold 1.96 million pounds of uranium oxide during the period at an average realised price of US$70.5 per pound. Cost of sales reached US$112.3 million as production at Langer Heinrich Mine continued to ramp up and a higher share of mined ore was processed through the plant. Gross profit rose to US$26 million from US$0.9 million in the same period last year. Paladin recorded a…