Observer Money

Staff Writer Analyst Fimanekeni Mbodo says the Bank of Namibia (BoN)’s net loss of N$893 million in 2025 was driven by currency movements rather than core operations. Mbodo, from Cirrus Capital, said the figures must be read in context.  The bank’s results show a shift from a profit of N$1.37 billion in 2024 to a loss in 2025. Dividends paid to the government also fell from N$720 million to N$200 million. Total income declined by 19.1%. This was mainly due to a 21.4% drop in net interest income, linked to lower global interest rates and reduced investment balances. Operating expenses…

Staff Writer  Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has received airport carbon accreditation level 1 for Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport. The certification was awarded by Airports Council International Africa in March. Airport carbon accreditation is a global programme that assesses how airports manage and reduce carbon emissions. Level 1 means the airports have measured and recorded their carbon footprint. This forms the base for future carbon management. The company said the step allows it to plan and implement carbon reduction measures and improve operations. “This milestone underscores the NAC’s commitment to aligning its operations with international environmental…

Chamwe Kaira  The Bank of Namibia says Namibia’s economy is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2026 and 2.9% in 2027.  The central bank said the economy grew by an estimated 1.7% in 2025 and is set to recover gradually over the next two years. Growth in 2026 and 2027 is expected to be supported by expansion in sectors such as construction, electricity and water, wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and public administration and defence. Uranium mining is also expected to remain a key driver of growth, supported by increased production from existing mines. The bank said the latest…

Chamwe Kaira  B2Gold Namibia generated more than N$12 billion in gold revenue in 2025 from its Otjikoto Mine. This is according to figures released by the company. The mine produced 199 139 ounces of gold, resulting in a profit after tax of N$4.6 billion. The company paid N$3.8 billion to the Namibian government.  This included N$3.156 billion in corporate tax, N$325 million in royalties, N$124 million in export levies and N$232 million in non-resident shareholder tax. B2Gold also paid N$755 million in wages and benefits to its workforce. The company returned N$5.1 billion to shareholders, including B2Gold Corp and EVI…

Chamwe Kaira  Andrada Mining Limited has reported positive early test results at its Brandberg West project, showing potential to increase production of tungsten, tin and copper. The company said the tests focused on processing old mined material and waste from the historic Brandberg West mine, as well as ongoing exploration at the site. Results show mineral quality improved after processing. Tungsten increased from 0.24% to 1.45%. Copper rose from 0.73% to 2.81%. Tin increased from 0.31% to 2.09%. The tests also showed high recovery rates. Tungsten recovery reached up to 91%, while tin recovery reached up to 94%. The process…

Chamwe Kaira  Currency in circulation in Namibia rose to N$5.94 billion in 2025, up from N$5.61 billion in 2024, according to the Bank of Namibia (BoN).  The increase was driven mainly by banknotes, which make up more than 95% of total currency.  Banknotes rose by N$304.7 million to N$5.63 billion. Coins increased to N$316.9 million. In volume terms, banknotes in circulation increased by 5.67 million pieces, while coins rose by 32.2 million units. Demand for smaller notes increased during the year. The N$50 note rose by 45.9%, while the N$10 note increased by 14.7%. The newly introduced N$60 note added…

Chamwe Kaira  Choppies Enterprises Limited has confirmed its final cash dividend for the six months ended 31 December 2025. The company had announced the dividend on 25 March 2026 on both the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). A gross final dividend of 1.0 thebe per share will be paid to shareholders on record as of 17 April 2026. For shareholders on BSE, the dividend will be subject to a 10% withholding tax. This results in a net payment of 0.9 thebe per share. The last day to trade with the dividend is 14 April 2026.…

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is shifting its focus to digital transformation as it enters its next phase of growth, board chairperson Peter Kruger has said. Speaking at a Taxpayer Appreciation event in Swakopmund marking NamRA’s fifth anniversary, Kruger said the agency’s first five years focused on building systems and stabilising operations. “Over the next five years, digital transformation is a key pillar of our strategic execution,” he said. He said improving customer experience will be a key part of the shift. Kruger said a dedicated team will lead digital projects, while NamRA will work with revenue agencies…

Staff Writer The MoreToLove campaign by Namibia Dairies has been named Advertising Campaign of the Year at the inaugural MTC Branding and Marketing Excellence Awards. The awards were held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and marked the end of a three-day branding and marketing indaba that drew more than 400 delegates from Namibia and across Africa. The recognition formed part of a strong showing for the Ohlthaver & List Group. Its agency, O&L BrandX, was named Agency of the Year. O&L BrandX managing director Patricia Hoeksema said the award reflects the agency’s focus on authenticity and local storytelling. She…

Wandile Sihlobo  We are entering a busy period in South Africa’s agricultural production cycle. On April 23, we are due to receive the Crop Estimate Committee’s (CEC) third production forecast for 2025-26 summer grains and oilseeds. This estimate is typically a stronger indicator than the first two on how the season’s harvest will look, as the crop has largely passed the pollination stage. At the same time, we are due to get the CEC data on farmers’ planting intentions for 2026-27 winter crops. The weather outlook, winter crop prices, and the availability and cost of inputs, among other considerations, inform…