Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The country’s producer prices surged by 50.7% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, driven largely by sharp increases in mining and quarrying prices, according to the latest Namibia Producer Price Index (NPPI) released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). The overall NPPI, which measures changes in the prices received by domestic producers for goods and services sold on local and export markets, increased by 8.8% quarter-on-quarter during April to June 2026. The latest increase points to significantly heightened price pressures at the producer level. Mining and quarrying were the main driver of the quarterly increase, with producer…

CHAMWE KAIRA FirstRand Namibia expects its earnings and headline earnings for the year ended 30 June 2026 to increase by between 10% and 15% compared with the previous financial year, supported by stronger credit performance and growth in lending and deposits. In a trading statement issued on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX), the group said its improved performance was also supported by an increase in customer numbers and higher transaction volumes. The group attributed the earnings growth to an improved credit performance, growth in advances and an expansion in franchise deposits. “FirstRand Namibia Limited shareholders are advised that the group's…

CHAMWE KAIRA The N$5 million fine and public censure imposed on Trustco Group Holdings by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) remain binding and enforceable after the Financial Services Tribunal (FST) dismissed the company’s application for reconsideration. The FST dismissed Trustco’s application on 20 August 2026, affirming the validity and enforceability of the penalties imposed by the JSE over the company’s implementation of a Category 1 transaction without the required shareholder approval. The JSE said the penalties were originally imposed following an investigation into Trustco’s conduct. The sanctions comprised a public censure and a N$5 million financial penalty. According to the…

CHAMWE KAIRA Last month saw a decisive recovery, with total vehicle sales of 1 523 units advancing 14.6% year on-year from 1329 units in June 2025 and a robust 30.4% month-on-month from May’s 1168 units. The June result is the strongest June reading since 2017 and the fourth month in 2026 to exceed 1 200 units, a threshold the Namibian market crossed only once in all of 2024.  June’s strength is not a recovery from an anomaly; it is confirmation that the market is operating from a structurally higher base, Simonis Storm said. On a half-year basis, the first six…

Staff Writer  The Namibia Stock Exchange overall market index rose 0.97% in the latest trading session, supported by gains in basic materials and a stable performance from local counters in the week ending 21 August. The Overall Index (N098) increased by 23.33 points to 2,426.60 from 2,403.27 previously, extending its gain since December 2025 to 13.32%. The Local Index (N099), which tracks locally listed companies, was largely unchanged, edging up 0.44 points, or 0.05%, to 851.48. The index has gained 5.41% since December 2025. Basic materials was the strongest-performing sector, rising 4.79% to 913.34. The sector has gained 27.66% since…

Staff Writer  Old Mutual Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful community development through a sponsorship of N$80 000 towards the third edition of the Standard Bank Padel for Purpose, taking place on 11 and 12 September in Windhoek. Old Mutual Namibia's Corporate Segment and Personal Finance business units have each contributed N$40 000, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in communities across Namibia. Padel for Purpose forms part of Standard Bank Namibia's Buy-a-Brick Programme, a corporate social investment initiative implemented in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia. Since its inception…

Staff Writer  Namibia will remain one of the primary markets for PSG Financial Services Limited after the company announced plans to withdraw its ordinary shares from the Official Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM), while retaining its listings on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) and the Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX). The withdrawal from the SEM was approved by the company’s shareholders at its 2026 annual general meeting and was subsequently approved by the Listing Executive Committee of the SEM on 20 August 2026. The delisting will take effect after market close on 31 August 2026. From that date,…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Namibia’s hospitality sector recorded its strongest July performance since before the Covid-19 pandemic, with national room occupancy rising to 62.63% in July 2026, according to the latest data from the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN). The July occupancy rate was 3.03 percentage points above the 59.60% recorded in July 2019 and also surpassed the 61.07% recorded in July 2025, indicating continued recovery and strengthening demand for accommodation across the country. The performance followed a strong second quarter, when national room occupancy reached 57.18% across 140 reporting properties, making the second quarter the strongest second quarter on record for…

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry is entering a defining phase, with government and industry leaders increasingly shifting the conversation from the excitement of offshore discoveries to the harder question of how those resources will translate into lasting economic benefits for Namibians. That message was at the centre of the second day of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) in Windhoek, where the Strategic and Technical Conferences officially opened on 19 August, bringing together government officials, investors, industry executives and innovators. For Namibia, the challenge is particularly significant as the country prepares for a potential…

Staff Writer  Namibia’s vehicle market recorded its strongest July since comparable records began, with 1 535 units registered during the month, up 17.6% from 1 305 units in July 2025, according to the latest monthly market analysis by Simonis Storm.  The July result represented a month-on-month increase of 0.8%. It was the fifth consecutive month in 2026 in which vehicle registrations exceeded 1 200 units, pointing to a sustained recovery in demand following the pandemic-era downturn. A total of 9380 vehicles were registered during the first seven months of 2026, about 13% ahead of the corresponding period last year. The…