Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA  Copper ores and concentrates emerged as the largest contributor to the country’s trade deficit, having recorded a deficit of N$1.5 billion in January. Following in second place was petroleum oils, which posted a deficit of N$1.0 billion, while aircraft and associated equipment ranked third after posting a deficit of N$469 million. Contrary to the deficits, the country recorded trade surpluses on non-monetary gold amounting to N$1.8 billion. The second and third places were occupied by uranium and fish, which recorded trade surpluses of N$1.4 billion and N$1.2 billion, respectively; this is according to the Namibia International Merchandise Trade…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Paratus Namibia Holdings Limited has advised shareholders in interim results for the period ended 31 December 2024 that headline earnings per ordinary share (HEPS) are anticipated to be substantially lower (greater than 30%) in relation to the 31 December 2023 comparative period. Paratus said basic earnings per ordinary share (BEPS) are anticipated to be substantially lower (greater than 30%) in relation to the 31 December 2023 comparative period. Revenue for the period is anticipated to be materially higher (between 10% and 30%) in relation to the 31 December 2023 comparative period; and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and…

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has announced notable earnings growth for its 2024 financial year during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions and muted economic growth in the first half of 2024. The robust performance for the bourse was supported by business resilience and stability as well as increased revenue diversification through its non-trading business segments. The group reported an increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) of 10.4% to R918 million with a return on equity (ROE) of 20.2%, up from 19.4% in the prior year. The JSE’s share price outperformed headline indices, delivering 30% year on year growth…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Andrada Mining Limited, a critical raw materials producer with mining and exploration assets in Namibia, has announced that the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved the company’s earn-in agreement with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA through its subsidiary SQM Australia (Pty) Ltd. The NaCC approval is the final outstanding condition precedent to implement the agreement. Under the agreement, SQM has the right to earn up to a 50% interest in Grace Simba Investments (Pty) Ltd. (GSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Andrada Mining (Mauritius) Limited, which holds the Lithium Ridge licence.  This means that the company…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Letshego Holdings Namibia has told shareholders that profit after tax for the year ending 31 December 2024 is expected to be materially higher, by between 15% and 20%, than what was reported for the comparative period. “Therefore, earnings per share and headline earnings per share for the year ending 31 December 2024 is expected to be materially higher, by between 15% and 20%, than what was reported for the comparative period,” the company said. Last year, the company said in interim results for the year ended 30 June 2024 that operating profit increased by 18% to N$219 million…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Electricity Control Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise said proposed tariff structures must balance the operational viability of utilities with ensuring electricity remains accessible and affordable for all Namibians. Kahimise spoke at the Nampower 2025/2026 bulk tariff public presentation in Windhoek on Wednesday.  He said the ECB, as a regulator, aims to create tariffs that are fair and support economic growth at both business and household levels. “We are not just inundated with access and affordability concerns. The long-term sustainability of our national electricity utility also features pertinently given its creditworthiness—which is foundational not only to its…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  MTC has extended its fibre transmission network to 2 738 km to strengthen its backbone infrastructure to meet increasing demand for fixed internet services and reduce dependency risks. The expansion, which covers Windhoek and coastal areas, is part of MTC’s strategy to enhance digital connectivity for businesses and households. The company aims to provide reliable and high-speed internet services, supporting Namibia’s digital transformation and economic growth. MTC’s chief brand, marketing, communications, and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, explained the importance of robust infrastructure in maintaining the company’s market leadership.  “The ability to continue meeting the market’s demands requires that…

CHAMWE KAIRA  The Capricorn Group delivered strong financial results with profit after tax for the six-month period ended. 31 December 2024, increasing by 28.4% to N$1.06 billion, compared to N$827.6 million in the same period last year. This translates to a 29.1% rise in earnings per share to 196.80 cents. The annualised return on equity also improved from 16.8% to 19.1%. The performance is due to excellent results and solid all-round performances by its subsidiaries, Bank Windhoek, Bank Gaborone, Capricorn Asset Management (CAM), Entrepo, and Peo Finance, said David Nuyoma, Group CEO. Operating profit for the half year increased by…

Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is forecast to rise by around 60% by 2040, largely driven by economic growth in Asia, emissions reductions in heavy industry and transport as well as the impact of artificial intelligence, according to Shell’s LNG Outlook 2025. Industry forecasts now expect LNG demand to reach 630-718 million tonnes a year by 2040, a higher forecast than last year. Global LNG trade grew by only 2 million tonnes in 2024, the lowest annual increase in 10 years, to reach 407 million tonnes due to constrained new supply development. More than 170 million tonnes of…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Andrada Mining Limited, a tin producer with a critical raw materials portfolio of mining and exploration assets in Namibia, has provided an update on its remuneration policy.  The policy was approved by shareholders at the company's general meeting held in September last year.  On 1 March 2024, the company approved the payment of certain cash bonuses as part of the remuneration policy for the full year ended 28 February 2024. Only 50% of the cash bonuses have been paid to date.  The company achieved an overall performance score of 65% in the 2024 financial year based on the…