Observer Money

Livestock farming feeds millions of Africans, but it also leaves a carbon footprint that cannot be ignored. The North-West University (NWU) in South Africa’s animal scientist, Professor Kenny Mnisi, says the challenge is finding the balance between sustaining households and tackling climate change. Many farmers, however, are unaware of this link. Mnisi says short learning programmes and collaborative initiatives are needed to close the gap. “The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has set up an Agrihub,” he says. “I believe it will be critical in addressing these…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reported a strong set of interim results for the six months ended 30 June, with net revenue up 9.7% to N$2.1 billion from N$1.9 billion in 2024.  The company said the growth was driven by higher volumes, inflation-linked price increases, and benefits from local production. Gross profit margins improved on the back of fewer beer discounts, margin gains from locally packaged wine and cider, and tighter cost controls.  Operating expenses rose by 3.5% to N$1.82 billion from N$1.76 billion, reflecting continued investment in brands and strategic initiatives, including the rollout of the enterprise…

Chamwe Kaira  Cattle production costs dropped by 1.9% over the last 12 months, according to the Namibia Agricultural Union’s (NAU) second quarter report for 2025.  NAU said the decline was mainly driven by a 10.29% fall in fuel prices, which helped offset a 2.72% rise in electricity costs during the same period. The report noted that 2025 is a herd rebuilding year, which has increased profitability for farmers by leading to higher producer prices.  At the same time, cattle marketing fell sharply, dropping by 56.24% from 211 610 in the first half of 2024 to 92 600 during the same…

Chamwe Kaira  FNB Namibia has revised its inflation forecast slightly lower and now expects headline inflation to reach 3.5% year-on-year by December 2025, compared to its earlier projection of 3.7%. FNB economist Helena Mboti said the adjustment was driven by lower-than-expected food prices, prolonged transport deflation, weak domestic demand, and favourable currency movements due to a weaker US dollar. She noted that pressures remained in food, housing and utilities, and alcohol, which together added 2.6 percentage points to headline inflation in August, down from 2.93 points in July. "At the same time, transport continues to weigh on overall inflation (-0.2…

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited has disclosed that its directors and company secretary exercised share awards worth more than N$23 million under the group’s conditional share plan and share appreciation rights scheme. According to Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) filings, the transactions were executed on 18 September at N$22.05 per share, following the vesting date of 23 August. Capricorn Group chief executive officer, Marthinus Prinsloo, exercised 239 578 shares worth N$5.28 million.  Bank Windhoek's managing director, Baronice Hans, concluded several transactions under both schemes, involving more than 598 000 shares with a total value exceeding N$12.7 million. Other directors who participated…

Staff Writer  The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation in the tourism industry. NTB chief executive officer, Sebulon Chicalu, said the partnership will strengthen efforts to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and Namibia’s global position as a leading travel destination. “The agreement will allow NTB to leverage MTC’s technologies such as 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile applications and VR/AR to supplement our efforts and achieve strategic objectives such as enhancing stakeholder satisfaction and promoting social and economic inclusion in the tourism sector and improving industry service…

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited, with operations in Namibia and Botswana, posted a profit after tax of N$1.99 billion for the year ended 30 June, up from N$1.74 billion in 2024. Return on equity rose to 18.2% from 17.9% in the previous year. Group CEO David Nuyoma said the results reflect the strength of its business and the resilience of its teams. He credited prudent capital allocation, disciplined strategic execution, and investment in digital and data capabilities for the improved earnings and returns to shareholders. The group created a value of N$5.7 billion, an increase of 11.7% from the prior…

Chamwe Kaira   Debmarine Namibia has unveiled its Next Generation Crawlers after investing close to N$1 billion in their development.  Head of projects and technology development, Danie van Aswegen, said the new crawlers are designed to be more robust and extend their lifespan. The mining vessel Benguela Gem is serviced every three years, while its crawler is replaced every 18 months.  “It needs to be changed out because it is under so much load at the seabed. It’s not the best environment for equipment to operate. With the heavy load of moving material, it cannot last for long periods, so it…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia’s weak economy, marked by low consumer spending and high inflation, continues to strain regional retailers.  For Choppies Enterprises Limited, losses in its Namibian operations have deepened an already tough trading year pressured by rising diesel costs, foreign exchange volatility, and the sale of its Zimbabwean business. The Botswana-headquartered retail group, listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, issued a trading statement for the year ended 30 June 2025. Profit after tax from total operations is expected to fall between 25% and 35%, while profit after tax from continuing operations is projected to drop between…

Chamwe Kaira  City Lodge Hotels has written down N$13.5 million in Namibia after new tax rules restricted how companies can carry forward assessed losses. The changes, communicated by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in September 2024 and from 1 July 2024, losses can  only be set off against taxable income to N$1 million or 80% of taxable income, whichever is higher. Losses may also not be carried forward for beyond five years. “In light of these changes, a N$13.5 million impairment has been recognised,” the group said in its financial statements for the year ended 30 June. In the prior…