Observer Money

Wandile Sihlobo  I know people often forget what they paid for groceries a few months ago, let alone last year.  Things seem to be getting expensive every day, especially with our tough economic conditions in South Africa. Still, I think it is essential to highlight welcome data developments when we see some.  We are ending this year with food price inflation, the rate at which prices increase, cooling off the levels we have not seen in years. For example, after slowing to 2.8% in October 2024, South Africa’s consumer food price inflation decelerated notably to 1.6% in November, the lowest…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia’s diamond, uranium, zinc and gold production showed mixed results in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting weak market conditions, operational challenges and shifting prices, according to the Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) third quarter 2025 quarterly bulletin. Diamond production fell both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. Output reached 442 012 carats, a 3.5% drop from a year earlier and a 15.3% decline from the previous quarter. BoN said the fall followed deliberate production cuts, mainly at Debmarine Namibia, in response to weak global demand.  Lower diamond prices, growing competition from lab-grown diamonds and high inventory levels weighed on the sector.…

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy Ltd has completed a restructure of its syndicated debt facility, cutting its total debt capacity to U$110 million (about N$2.09 billion) as its liquidity position improves. The uranium producer said the restructure with lenders Nedbank Limited, Nedbank Namibia Limited and Macquarie Bank was executed on 18 December, subject to the completion of customary conditions. The original facility was arranged in January 2024, ahead of the restart of production at Paladin’s Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo Region and before the company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. Since then, Paladin’s financial position has strengthened, supported by the completion…

Chamwe Kaira Construction at the Etango Uranium Project is progressing steadily, with Bannerman Energy reporting strong advances across early works activities that remain on budget and on schedule. The contractor workforce on site has grown to more than 370 people as construction activity increases. Bulk earthworks are now just over halfway complete, with work focused on the heap leach pads. Blasting, crushing and screening of drainage aggregate for the heap leach facility are also progressing as planned and meeting required standards. Concrete works have entered a key phase. Bannerman has awarded contracts for Phase 1 and Phase 2A, and construction…

Staff Writer The government aims to raise the fisheries sector’s contribution to gross domestic product from N$10.4 billion to N$10.7 billion by 2030 under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said NDP6 sets clear targets for the fisheries and aquatic resources sub-sector.  These include rebuilding fish biomass to maximum sustainable yield, reducing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, increasing value addition, and expanding employment. She said meeting these targets requires close cooperation between government and industry.  She added that fishing rights holders play a central role in meeting national goals…

Chamwe Kaira The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Botswana’s interest in increasing its stake in De Beers could heighten economic risks, given fiscal pressures and the country’s heavy reliance on the diamond sector. The fund said Botswana could achieve stronger economic outcomes by adopting a broad adjustment strategy that combines fiscal consolidation with structural reforms aimed at diversifying the economy. Such measures, the IMF said, would help support growth, contain public debt and protect international reserve buffers. The IMF highlighted uncertainty in the global diamond market, pointing to the rapid growth of lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are…

Staff Writer Choppies Enterprises Limited has disclosed a series of on-market share purchases by members of its key management team, in line with Botswana Stock Exchange listing requirements. The transactions took place on 18 December 2025 and relate to the vesting of awards under the company’s Long-Term Incentive (LTI) scheme. All shares were acquired at a price of 1.44 Botswana pula per share, equivalent to about N$1.83, based on an exchange rate of N$1.27 to one pula. Minnesh Rajcoomar acquired 577 321 shares for a total value of BWP831 342.24, or about N$1.06 million. Vidya Sanooj purchased 500 000 shares…

Hileni Amadhila December is full of sparkle. Lights go up, music plays, and people start to relax. It’s a time for family, food, and fun. But while we enjoy the festive season, it’s easy to forget what comes next: January. And January doesn’t wait.  School fees, transport costs, rent, and groceries all arrive right on time, whether we’re ready or not. In Namibia, many people spend more in December than any other month. There are weddings, trips to the village, Christmas lunches, and New Year’s parties. It’s a time of giving, hosting, and celebrating. But sometimes, we spend without thinking.…

Chamwe Kaira Savanna Beef Processors Limited has reported an operating loss of N$9.75 million for the six months ended 31 August 2025, according to its unaudited interim results released on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company recorded a loss before taxation of N$13.21 million for the period, compared to a loss of N$7.67 million for the year ended 28 February 2025.  No taxation was recognised, resulting in a total, comprehensive loss of N$1.22 million for the interim period. Savanna Beef has over 250 million shares in issue, with a net asset value of 99 cents per share. Basic earnings…

Chamwe Kaira Most major banks in Namibia include travel insurance when a qualifying credit card is used to buy a return international flight.  Industry experts say this cover is often limited and may not fully protect travellers abroad. The chief executive officer of Santam Namibia Limited, Franco Feris, says credit card travel insurance can offer a useful and affordable starting point.  He says travellers must understand its limits before leaving the country. Many assume they are fully covered and only discover gaps when they need to claim. He says knowing what is covered and what is not helps avoid unexpected…