Observer Money

VERIPURA MUUKUA  In Namibia, the corporate social investment (CSI) narrative has traditionally centred on a single partnership between a corporate and a project implementer.  As CSI evolves globally and becomes a strategic imperative within organisations, we see a shift towards not just doing more but doing better. This new approach highlights the importance of the corporate sector forming collaborations both among themselves and with civil society, aiming to contribute strategically to community well-being and socio-economic progress, thereby achieving greater social impact.  The launch of the CSI Mukopano platform in July 2026, along with its inaugural conference on September 3, 2026,…

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia needs an integrated approach combining infrastructure investment, policy reform, regulation and commercial restructuring to unlock the full potential of its railway and logistics systems, according to World Bank transport infrastructure and logistics specialist Bernard Aritua. Aritua, who recently visited Namibia with World Bank director Satu Kahkonen, incoming country manager Stefano Mocci and transport specialists Ibrahim Dajani and Yehualaeshet Jemere Sharew, said the country’s rail sector has significant potential but remains constrained by underinvestment, institutional challenges and competition from road transport. During the visit, the World Bank team engaged the ministers of finance and works and transport, the…

CHAMWE KAIRA  The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has invested more than N$1.58 billion in clean energy projects since its inception and supporting the development of 81.6 megawatts (MW) of clean energy capacity across the country.  DBN chief marketing and corporate affairs, Jerome Mutumba said green finance is not separate from development finance.  “It is becoming increasingly central to how Namibia will achieve sustainable economic growth, energy security, climate resilience and job creation,” Mutumba added. He said while the DBN continues to implement its strategic priorities, the bank remains committed to mobilising and deploying capital in support of Namibia’s sustainable…

Staff Writer The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is looking at establishing two to three pilot sites to test Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, with the final number dependent on available options and costs. The pilot areas will include land under commercial and communal agricultural production, as well as a community project, as CRAN explores ways to address telecommunications challenges in underserved and unserved areas. The proposed pilot project was discussed during a meeting between CRAN and Namibia's four farmers' unions on 28 August, where stakeholders in the agricultural sector provided input to assist the regulator in identifying…

Staff Writer Namibian consumers stand to win a share of N$1 million in cash prizes under Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia’s 2026 “Under the Cap” promotion, which runs from 1 September to 31 December. The campaign, which has returned for another year, will offer weekly cash prizes of N$5 000, as well as a grand prize of N$50 000. CCBA said more than 6 800 Namibians have won prizes through the promotion over the past two years, including microwaves, refrigerators, weekly cash prizes and airtime. To participate in the 2026 campaign, consumers must purchase participating 330ml, 500ml, 600ml, 1-litre,…

Staff Writer  The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), has invited Namibian businesses to register for targeted business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking meetings with a visiting business delegation from Wallonia, Belgium. The delegation is being facilitated through the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX) and is scheduled to participate in engagements with Namibian businesses on 1 October 2026 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. The initiative is aimed at creating opportunities for commercial partnerships, technology transfers, distribution arrangements and investment linkages between Namibian companies and Belgian businesses. Businesses operating in…

Staff Writer Savanna Beef Processors Limited shareholders approved all resolutions tabled at the company’s fourth annual general meeting, including the adoption of the company’s annual financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2026. The annual general meeting was held at Wanderers in Windhoek on 13 August 2026. Shareholders approved the appointment of auditors and resolutions relating to the composition of the company’s board. Bernhard Vente was re-elected to the board, while Dr FY Leuthold was elected as a board member. The meeting also approved a general authority granting directors the power to allot and issue shares, as well as…

Staff Writer  City Lodge Hotels expects adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the financial year ended 30 June 2026 to increase by as much as 24%, reflecting a stronger underlying operating performance compared with the previous financial year. The group owns the 147-room Town Lodge Windhoek.  In a voluntary trading statement issued on Monday, the South African hotel group said adjusted HEPS is expected to range between 39.1 cents and 42.9 cents for FY2026, compared with 34.6 cents in FY2025. This represents an estimated increase of between 13% and 24%. The group said its FY2026 financial results were underpinned…

Staff Writer The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited has secured a new listing on the JSE Limited for R200 million in senior unsecured floating rate indexed notes under its Structured Note Programme. The instrument, trading under the stock code SSN228 and ISIN ZAG000228099, is scheduled to be issued on 8 September 2026 and will mature on 8 December 2026. The JSE granted the listing to Standard Bank for the senior unsecured floating rate indexed listed notes, which are sponsored by The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited. The notes were issued at 100% of their nominal value, with the…

Staff Writer  Africa must brace for a powerful El Niño that could bring punishing heat and drought to the south, while triggering excessive rainfall and flooding in parts of the east. A severe El Niño could threaten harvests, water supplies, household budgets, public health and electricity generation across Africa. Drought does not announce itself with a single catastrophic moment. North-West University’s (NWU) climatologist Dr Henno Havenga warns that its slow progression can catch countries dangerously unprepared. For subsistence farmers, crop failure can mean losing both the food that sustains a household and the produce that provides its income. The warnings…