Observer Money

The Board of Debswana, the 50:50 diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, has announced that it had approved investment for a key development phase of the Jwaneng underground project, paving the way for the world’s most valuable diamond mine to transition from open pit to underground operations. The US$1 billion (BWP 13.6 billion) investment in this phase of works, known as the Exploration Access Development Phase, is for establishing a drilling platform to facilitate comprehensive sampling of the kimberlite pipes, delivering the early access decline for the underground mine and…

Auto executives around the world are entering 2024 with less confidence that the industry will achieve more profitable growth over the next five years, according to the latest KPMG Global Automotive Executive Survey. The survey of more than 1000 senior executives in thirty countries and territories reveals a dip in optimism as the sector deals with concerns over the global economy and rising costs. Overall, just 34% of executives said they are extremely confident versus 41% in the previous year. In Japan, the share of executives surveyed who are extremely confident dropped from 32% last year to 10% in the…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for November 2023 global air cargo markets indicating the strongest year-on-year growth in roughly two years. This is partly due to weakness in November 2022, but also reflects a fourth consecutive month of strengthening demand for air cargo. Global demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), increased by 8.3% compared to November 2022. For international operations, demand growth was 8.1%. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 13.7% compared to November 2022 (+11.6% for international operations). Most of the capacity growth continues to be attributable to the…

Martin Endjala The National Petroleum Corporation Company (NAMCOR), in partnership with Galp Energia Operators and Custos, made an exciting announcement yesterday, revealing a significant oil discovery in the Mopane-1X exploration well, located in PEL83, the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. This exciting discovery comes on the heels of the initial announcement made on January 2, 2024. PEL 83 JV partners have now officially confirmed the presence of a substantial column of light oil in high-quality, reservoir-bearing sands within the Cenomanian-Turonian interval. This marks the second oil discovery in the Upper Cretaceous Orange Basin, showcasing a functional petroleum system in the Upper…

An enhanced focus on women’s specific sports science is essential for the future growth of the game and the protection of female athletes according to Dr Georgie Bruinvels. Dr Bruinvels, a FIFA Expert who works for Orreco and spoke at the recent FIFA Women’s Football Convention in Sydney says increased research is crucial as women’s football undergoes an unprecedented period of growth and professionalism. It is an area which falls under one of the pillars of FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy: Educate & Empower. Dr Bruinvels says only 6 per cent of sports science research is exclusively focussed on females. “Obviously…

Kaizen, a term originating from Japanese meaning "change for the better," embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in the pursuit of constant progress. It's not merely about monumental shifts but the accumulation of small, consistent improvements that elevate various aspects of life over time. Consider the minutiae of a morning routine, organizing a workspace or refining a to-do list. These small, habitual improvements mirror the Kaizen approach, valuing gradual changes over sudden leaps. Kaizen advocates for a mindset that appreciates the significance of incremental progress. Think about the evolution of a favourite automobile. Each model doesn't emerge as a revolutionary transformation;…

Martin Endjala Mobile Telecommunication Company (MTC) and the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) have joined forces to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at bringing innovative solutions to the travel and tourism sector. Due to the constant demand for innovation, the two organizations are working together to harness their resources for an improved user experience and sustainable tourism growth. Elton Katangolo, MTC's Acting Chief Commercial Officer, pointed out the importance of the tourism sector to Namibia’s economy while asserting MTC's commitment to incubate and implement digital service transformation. “Smart partnership is engraved in our makeup, and it excites me…

Standard Bank Namibia has informed shareholders that because of regulatory processes that must still be finalised in relation to the appointment of a new chairman for the organisation, the tenure of Herbert Maier as a director and chairman on the board of SBN Holdings Limited and Standard Bank Namibia is herewith extended until further notice. The firm had said in September that it had extended of tenure of the chairman of the board of directors of the organisation until 31 December 2023. Maier was appointed to the SBN board of directors on 1 October 2010 as an independent non-executive director…