Observer Money

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…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia is hosting Aviation Week Africa 2026 this week. The conference is expected to strengthen its role in the continent’s aviation sector. The chief executive officer and founder of Aviation Week Africa Network, Hellen Ngwira Mwamba, said hosting the event places Namibia at an important point in advancing Africa’s air connectivity. She said the event gives Namibia a platform to showcase its aviation infrastructure, policies and the wider aviation system. “This integrated approach reflects the reality that aviation development is not driven by one segment alone, but by coordinated collaboration across the full value chain,” she said. The…

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) spent N$382.6 million on goods and services during the 2024/25 financial year. Procurement data shows that multinational companies received the largest share by value.  Over N$178.2 million was awarded through four contracts. Local large companies secured N$82.1 million across 374 contracts. Small and medium-sized enterprises received N$49.7 million through 312 awards.  Public entities were allocated N$2.83 million from 61 transactions. In total, NamRA issued 750 procurement awards during the year. Central Namibia received the largest share. It accounted for N$122 million across 588 awards, the highest in both value and number of contracts.…

Staff Writer Nedbank Namibia has received the 2025 Straight Through Processing (STP) award from Commerzbank AG. The award recognises the bank’s performance in handling cross-border payments. The Commerzbank STP award is granted each year to a small number of correspondent banking partners that meet global standards in processing payments and financial transfers. The assessment focuses on the accuracy, completeness and formatting of payment data. These factors allow transactions to be processed automatically without manual intervention. Straight-through processing is a key measure of efficiency in international banking.  Despite improvements in payment systems, global STP rates for cross-border payments remain low, at…

Chamwe Kaira  Managing Executive for Nedbank Africa Regions (NAR) Terence Sibiya saw his total awarded remuneration fall to R23.2 million in 2025, down from R25.4 million in 2024. The decline reflects lower incentive payouts, despite a rise in guaranteed pay.  His guaranteed package increased by 4.7% to R5.17 million. Short-term incentives declined by 23.8% to R8 million, with both cash and deferred incentives lower. Long-term incentives remained at R10 million. Total earned remuneration also fell by 6.7% to R23.5 million. This was driven by a drop in vested long-term incentives and lower dividends. The changes come as performance across the…

Emirates has continued its commitment to making travel more accessible for all by successfully arranging bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities globally over the past year. With more than 250 families positively impacted, Emirates Travel  Rehearsals are designed to support children and young adults with autism, allowing them to practise the journey through the airport to prepare for real flights, easing travel anxiety and empowering them to fly with more confidence. After the initial Emirates Travel Rehearsals in Dubai resulted in positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations, the Emirates Office of Accessibility & Inclusion formulated…

Chamwe Kaira  Vehicle sales rose to 1 662 units in March, up 43% from 1 162 units in February and 25.3% higher than the 1,326 units recorded in March 2025. This is the strongest March performance since 2015 and lifts first-quarter sales to 3 835 units, compared to 3 412 units in the same period last year, according to Simonis Storm Securities. The report said the recovery follows a slow start to the year and is supported by fleet replacements, rental purchases ahead of the tourism season and lower interest rates. Passenger vehicle sales reached 746 units in March, up…

Chamwe Kaira  Minister of industries, mines and energy, Modestus Amutse has reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to regional energy cooperation following the signing of agreements for the Angola–Namibia interconnector transmission line. Speaking in Luanda, Amutse said Cabinet approved about N$4 billion in funding on 10 February. The funds will support NamPower’s share in building transmission infrastructure from Cahama in Angola to Kunene in Namibia, including network development within Namibia. The agreements include a power purchase agreement and a joint development agreement.  These mark progress on the project. The development follows engagements between Namibia and Angola, including a ministerial visit on 9 March…