Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Anglo American has started an impairment review of De Beers’ carrying value, citing prolonged weakness in global diamond market conditions and continued pressure on the business’s financial performance. De Beers is a 50/50 partner with the Namibian government in Debmarine, Namdeb and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. In a preliminary update for the second half of the 2025 financial year, Anglo American said underlying EBITDA from De Beers is expected to be negative for the full year. The group said this is due to difficult rough diamond trading conditions and lower realised prices. “As a result, the impairment…

Chamwe Kaira Botswana is moving ahead with major power generation projects to improve energy security and support economic growth, finance minister Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe said in the 2026 budget speech. Gaolathe said implementation of the 600 MW Mmamabula coal-fired power plant is on track. The first 150 MW is expected by December 2026, with the full 600 MW scheduled for completion by June 2029. The government has commissioned a 100 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Mmadinare, along with three smaller grid-tied solar projects in Bobonong, Shakawe and Ghanzi. The 100 MW Jwaneng solar PV plant is expected to be commissioned…

Staff Writer Paratus Group has switched on a new fibre route in East Africa, linking Mombasa on Kenya’s coast to Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through a terrestrial network. The 2 000-kilometre Goma-to-Mombasa route runs through Kigali in Rwanda, Kampala in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya. It connects directly to data centers in each city and is already transporting traffic for wholesale customers. Paratus said the route offers high-capacity and reliable connectivity for carriers, internet service providers and enterprise clients operating across borders. The launch expands the group’s East African network and creates a continuous regional…

Staff Writer Sasol Limited has warned shareholders to expect a sharp drop in earnings for the six months ended 31 December 2025, citing weaker commodity prices and higher impairments. The impact was partly offset by operational improvements and cost control. In a trading statement, Sasol said earnings per share are expected to fall to between 10 cents and 80 cents, from R7.22 in the previous period. This represents a decline of between 89% and 99%. Headline earnings per share are forecast at between R8.50 and R10.00, down from R14.13, a decrease of between 29% and 40%. Adjusted earnings before interest,…

Ingrith Tjivela  Debt can feel like a shadow that follows you everywhere. It weighs on decisions, limits choices and steals peace of mind. Yet many people underestimate how quickly momentum can build once a plan is in place. There are two practical methods that consistently help people take back control: the debt snowball and the debt stacking method. Both work for a simple reason: they turn a vague intention into a clear journey with visible progress. The snowball method focuses on behaviour. You start by paying off the smallest balance first while maintaining minimum payments on the rest. Clearing a…

Chamwe Kaira Bidvest Group Limited has terminated its proposed sale of Bidvest Bank Holdings Limited to Access Bank plc after conditions precedent were not met by the agreed long stop date. Access Bank is seeking a banking licence in Namibia. In a voluntary announcement, Bidvest said the sale and purchase agreement included customary regulatory approval conditions.  While both parties worked to secure the required approvals, these conditions were not fulfilled within the contractual timeframe, leading to the termination of the transaction. Bidvest said the strategic rationale behind the restructuring of its Financial Services division and the decision to dispose of…

Staff Writer FNB Namibia says it is concerned about reports that some CashPlus agents are charging extra fees or setting conditions before allowing customers to withdraw or deposit cash. The bank said these practices are not allowed. The bank said CashPlus was introduced to promote financial inclusion by bringing basic banking services closer to communities across Namibia, especially in areas with limited access to bank branches.  Through the service, customers can withdraw and deposit cash safely and conveniently within their communities. FNB said the CashPlus model is designed to benefit both customers and agents. Agents receive a commission directly from…

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has launched the Sustainability Academy, a free online learning platform aimed at helping Namibian businesses build resilience and adopt climate-smart practices. The bank said the academy is designed to close sustainability knowledge gaps by offering practical guidance that businesses can apply in day-to-day operations.  As environmental, social and governance performance increasingly shapes investment decisions and trade relations, the platform seeks to help companies transition sustainably while remaining competitive. Speaking at the launch, Gerhard Mukuahima, head of agribusiness at Standard Bank Namibia, said sustainability has become an economic requirement rather than a voluntary choice.  He said…

Chamwe Kaira Africa Bitcoin Corporation Limited, which is listed on the Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX), has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund Limited (ACOF), has concluded definitive agreements to issue new notes valued at N$100 million. The private placement was executed under ACOF’s N$5 billion domestic medium-term note programme.  The transaction represents a further drawdown under the programme and forms part of the group’s funding and capital management strategy. The company said the new notes will be listed on the Cape Town Stock Exchange on 16 February 2026. Subject to the terms and conditions, the notes…

Staff Writer Nedbank Group Limited has expanded its Domestic Medium-Term Note programme to R75 billion, up from R40 billion, following amendments aimed at meeting updated regulatory and disclosure requirements. The bank said the changes are set out in the amended and updated DMTN Programme Memorandum dated February 4, 2026, which replaces the previous memorandum issued on 8 February 2019. Nedbank originally established the R40 billion programme to issue secured or unsecured notes, as well as subordinated or unsubordinated instruments, from time to time. The revised memorandum reflects both the increase in programme size and a broader update of the document.…