Observer Money

Staff Reporter Instant Payments Namibia has welcomed support from finance minister Ericah Shafudah for the country’s new e-money rapid payment system. During her 2026/27 budget speech in the National Assembly, Shafudah reaffirmed the government's backing for the Instant Payment Solution, Namibia’s first national fast payment platform.  The system aims to modernise payments and expand access to financial services. The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Namibia and payment service providers have worked on the project since its launch in 2024.  The programme focuses on improving financial inclusion through regulatory measures and a secure instant payment platform. In her budget address,…

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited reported profit after tax of N$920 million for the six months ended 31 December 2025. The group operates in Namibia and Botswana and is listed on the Namibian Securities Exchange. It achieved a return on average equity of 15.0% for the period. Group CEO David Nuyoma said disciplined execution and continued investment in long-term initiatives supported performance during the current interest rate-cutting cycle. Net interest income rose by 2.1% to N$1.69 billion. Gross loans and advances increased by 2.6% year-over-year. Non-interest income grew by 3.6% to N$1.34 billion. This was driven by a 29.6% rise…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s informal sector contributes 26.5% to gross domestic product and employs nearly 58% of the country’s workforce. These figures were highlighted at the Informal Sector Track of the Blue Growth Series held in Windhoek. The programme was convened by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy and other stakeholders. More than 100 informal entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners attended the event. The focus was on helping informal businesses move into structured and sustainable enterprises. Arinze Okafor, CEO and founder of NIFA, said informal enterprise plays a key role in inclusive growth. “Funding alone…

Staff Writer Global economic conditions heading into 2026 are expected to support steady growth rather than sharp expansion or contraction. This is according to the 2026 outlook released by Simonis Storm. The report says financial markets are becoming more sensitive to economic fundamentals.  Corporate earnings quality, balance sheet strength and sustainable cash flow are expected to matter more than short-term market momentum. It notes that equity market performance will likely depend on earnings growth and operational efficiency rather than rising valuation multiples.  Fixed-income assets are also regaining importance as sources of real income after years of low yields. Bonds are…

Chamwe Kaira The National Treasury of South Africa has adjusted its bond and Treasury Bill auction levels following the tabling of the 2026 Budget. The changes will take effect at the end of March. The Treasury said the competitive fixed-rate bond auction amount will decrease by R450 million to R2.55 billion. The new level will apply from the auction scheduled for 31 March 2026, with settlement on 7 April 2026. The inflation-linked bond auction amount will remain at R1 billion. The non-competitive fixed-rate bond allocation will stay at 75% of the amount offered. Of this, 45% will be issued on…

Staff Writer Botswana and Zambia have commissioned the Kazungula Bridge Authority to manage the Kazungula Bridge and its One-Stop Border Post. The ceremony took place at the landing bay of the bridge. Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko welcomed Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The two leaders reaffirmed bilateral ties and their commitment to regional integration. After the event, both governments signed an addendum agreement in Kasane to formalise the establishment of the Authority. The body will oversee the sustainable management of the bridge and improve coordination at the border post. The Kazungula Quadripoint lies where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet…

Staff Writer Construction will continue to support economic growth in 2026, though expansion is expected to slow from the rebound seen in 2025. According to Simonis Storm, construction growth is likely to moderate to between 4% and 6% under the base case. The slowdown reflects tighter fiscal conditions and more selective private-sector investment. Public infrastructure spending remains the main driver of activity. Investment in water, energy, transport and urban infrastructure continues to support demand. “Projects already in the pipeline include continued upgrades to bulk water supply systems, pipeline replacement and extension projects in northern and coastal regions, electricity transmission strengthening,…

Chamwe Kaira Equity markets in Namibia and South Africa extended gains over the three trading sessions ending 25 February. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange All Share Index closed at 126,742.36 points on 25 February. This was up 1.26% on the day and 9.42% higher than its December 2025 level of 115,832.00. The index has traded between a 2026 low of 116,092.00 and a high of 126,742.36. On the Namibian market, the Namibian Securities Exchange Overall Index rose to 2,407.32 points on 25 February. It gained 0.91% on the day and 12.42% since December 2025. The index reached a new 2026 high…

Staff Writer The Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 opened in Cape Town this week, bringing together policymakers, investors and business leaders to focus on turning green ambitions into practical projects. Held under the theme “From Ambition to Action: Scaling Opportunities in Africa's Green and Blue Solutions,” the summit aims to accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient economy. Organisers said the event is designed to move beyond discussion and promote deal-making and partnerships. The focus is on converting environmental challenges into economic opportunities. “Ambition lights the path, but it does not pave it. To transform our economies and uplift…

Chamwe Kaira  Major tax rate increases are unlikely in the 2026/27 budget, as broad hikes could weaken economic recovery in a low-growth environment. Standard Bank Namibia head of tax Adeline Beukes said the government is unlikely to raise tax rates sharply when finance minister Ericah Shafudah tables the budget in Parliament today. “In recent years, we have seen tax relief measures aimed at supporting consumers, including adjustments to personal income tax brackets announced by former finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi, as well as pension-related tax amendments that are still to be promulgated. Corporate tax has also been gradually reduced from 32%…