Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s grey listing has had no material impact on the economy, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and feedback from financial sector stakeholders, according to the Bank of Namibia (BoN). Authorities and market participants say the designation has not disrupted financial flows.  Commercial banks reported no major challenges, while international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), indicated the greylisting was unlikely to place significant pressure on the economy. At the time of the grey listing, Namibia’s macroeconomic position remained steady, helping to cushion potential effects.  Similar conclusions were reached by Arysteq Asset Management, which found no significant changes…

Pepkor has lashed out at Lewis’s attempt to block its bid to buy the furniture business of retail major Shoprite, warning the Constitutional Court that such a move would have a chilling effect on domestic and offshore investors in South Africa. For its part, Lewis, which is seeking to set aside a Competition Appeal Court ruling that blocked its attempt to use competition law to stop the deal, argues that the transaction will harm consumers. In April, the competition commission recommended the deal to the competition tribunal on condition that jobs would not be lost and the merged business would…

Staff Writer Curro shareholders will receive cash payments for fractional share entitlements arising from the scheme of arrangement linked to the company’s acquisition by the Jannie Mouton Stigting and Curro’s subsequent delisting from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The transaction, previously announced on SENS, resulted in Curro shareholders becoming entitled to shares in Capitec Bank Holdings Limited and PSG Financial Services Limited as consideration.  Where these entitlements resulted in fractional Capitec or PSG Financial Services shares, the fractions were rounded down to the nearest whole share, with the remaining portion settled in cash. In line with JSE Listings Requirements and…

Staff Writer Mukuru has partnered with Travelex to expand cash payout options for remittance customers across South Africa. The partnership adds Travelex as an extra payout channel within the Mukuru network. Customers can now collect cash at Travelex’s 46 branches nationwide, located in high-traffic and accessible areas.  The wider network reduces travel time and improves access to cash. The collaboration operates within South Africa’s Bureau de Change framework, which provides a regulated environment for secure payouts.  Travelex operates under liquidity and compliance standards, with on-site know-your-customer processes in place to support secure transactions. “Mukuru has always focused on creating impactful…

Chamwe Kaira Beef consumer prices showed mixed movements in December 2025, with several key cuts becoming cheaper in Khomas, while Kavango East recorded increases across many products, according to data from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia. In Khomas, weekly prices fell for a number of cuts during the week ended 12 December. Loin prices dropped by 11.54% to N$199.99 per kilogram.  Fillet declined by 5.36% to N$233.90 per kilogram. Rump eased by 1.43% to N$205.79 per kilogram, while topside fell by 7.41% to N$144.92 per kilogram. Lower-priced cuts also became cheaper. Hump declined by 2.17% to N$97.82…

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has introduced a new pricing strategy that came into effect on 1 January 2026. The changes aim to reduce everyday banking costs and expand access to digital and bundled banking services for individuals and businesses. The bank said the revised pricing includes lower fees on selected daily transactions, more free services, and four bundled account options designed for different income and lifestyle needs. The strategy also places stronger focus on digital banking and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the bank, customers will benefit from reduced fees on digital transactions, lower electronic funds…

Outsurance Group Limited (OGL) is set to list on the A2X via a secondary listing, with qualifying shares expected to be listed on the bourse this month. OGL informed shareholders that the company’s ordinary shares have been approved for inclusion in the list of qualifying equity securities to be traded on A2X, effective 14 January 2026. The insurer’s primary listing on the JSE Limited and its issued share capital will be unaffected by the secondary listing on A2X. “For the past 28 years, OUTsurance has delivered innovative, value-for-money products to its clients, and we are pleased to help extend this…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s offshore oil discoveries are helping to renew momentum in Africa’s upstream energy sector. However, tight investment discipline and operational challenges continue to slow development, according to the African Energy Chamber. Two major offshore discoveries made in Namibia in 2022 by Shell and TotalEnergies marked a turning point for the country’s energy prospects. The finds also boosted exploration interest across the continent, including in Côte d’Ivoire, Angola and Egypt. In its 2026 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, the African Energy Chamber says global exploration and production capital spending is expected to reach about US$504 billion by…

Chamwe Kaira Trading on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) was subdued in the first week of 2026, reflecting a shortened trading period and lower investor activity during the year-end holiday. The NSX Local Index closed the week little changed, with limited movement across most locally listed shares.  Turnover on the local board remained low, with trading concentrated in a few counters, while several shares recorded no trades. Overall market activity was driven mainly by dual-listed stocks, tracking movements on offshore markets.  Anglo American and other large dual-listed resource shares were among the most actively traded, with prices largely mirroring performance…

Chamwe Kaira Yields on all Treasury Bills (TBs) declined in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting adequate liquidity and lower benchmark rates, according to the Bank of Namibia. Local TB yields fell quarter on quarter during the period due to strong liquidity, oversubscription at auctions, a softer monetary policy stance, and lower South African benchmark rates. Yields on the 91-day and 182-day TBs dropped by 26 basis points and 20 basis points to 7.40% and 7.57%, respectively. By the end of September 2025, yields on longer-dated TBs also declined. The 273-day TB fell by 30 basis points to 7.50%, while…