Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira A new report on the state of skills supply and demand in Namibia in 2025 has found a persistent mismatch between the skills held by the workforce and those required by the labour market.  The gap, driven by weaknesses in the education system and fast-changing global trends, continues to limit economic growth, diversification, productivity and competitiveness. The report was compiled by the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) and its partners.  It assesses the alignment between skill supply and labour market demand, identifies gaps, evaluates education and training outcomes, supports job creation efforts, and highlights priority areas…

Staff Writer  Oryx Properties Limited says all ordinary resolutions tabled at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 24 November were approved by a majority of linked unitholders, with 89.41% of total unitholders casting votes. Unitholders unanimously adopted the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025, approved the remuneration of non-executive directors for the 2026 financial year and endorsed the company’s Remuneration Policy through a non-binding advisory vote. Each resolution received 100% support. The resolution to reappoint the independent external auditors received 67.03% approval, while authorising directors to determine the auditors’ remuneration was supported by 100% of voters.…

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has signed a strategic financial services agreement with the City of Windhoek, strengthening its partnership with the municipality and expanding access to financial support for employees. The agreement gives City of Windhoek staff exclusive access to tailored financial products and services aimed at improving long-term financial wellbeing.  These include Financial Fitness Academy sessions to boost financial literacy, home loan solutions at preferential terms, vehicle and asset finance at competitive rates, and personal loan concessions with faster processing. The initiative draws on the bank’s Employee Value Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking and the Windhoek Branch teams.…

Patricia Olivier  In today’s fast-changing business landscape, forward-looking employers are recognising that employee financial wellness goes far beyond personal finance: it’s a cornerstone of sustainable business success.  A workforce that feels financially secure is more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay committed to the organisation that supports them. When it comes to being ready for life after work, many Namibians continue to encounter major obstacles.  According to the Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor, 45% of working Namibians who are not part of a pension or provident fund through their employer are relying on banked savings to prepare for…

Staff Writer Namibia’s financial industry is strengthening efforts to turn rising digital fraud into an opportunity for innovation and trust-building.  At the Fraud and Cybersecurity Awareness Summit, leaders from banking, government and technology sectors renewed their commitment to creating a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem that supports economic growth. Digital adoption is rising, with internet penetration at 64.4% and mobile connections reaching 87% of the population. Digital transactions have grown 20 to 30% year-on-year, contributing to a digital economy that now makes up 2.5% of GDP. The national target is 4 to 5% by 2030. “Cybersecurity is sovereignty. As Namibia…

Chamwe Kaira  Sustainability concerns persist in Namibia’s horse mackerel industry, the Oceana Group has said. Cabinet reduced the horse mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) to 208 000 metric tonnes for the 2025 season, down from 270 000 metric tonnes. Oceana said Namibian horse mackerel vessels operated with similar fishing days and catch rates compared to last year.  The company recorded higher profitability due to lower fuel costs and a 12% increase in average US dollar sales prices driven by strong demand for affordable protein.  “Concerns persist about the sustainability of the framework for the horse mackerel industry in Namibia. Total…

Chamwe Kaira  The government’s overdraft widened in October as the Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) balance sheet contracted sharply.  This follows the redemption of the US$750 million (approximately about N$13 billion) eurobond last month and the government’s decision to borrow more from domestic markets. The central bank’s statement of assets and liabilities for 31 October 2025 shows the government’s overdraft moved deeper into negative territory, widening to -N$1.438 billion from -N$4.8 billion at the end of September.  This marks a significant month-to-month change in the government’s liability to the Bank of Namibia. During the same period, BoN's total assets dropped to…

BHP has walked away from another attempt to take over rival miner Anglo American after it was again rebuffed, failing in a last-minute effort to disrupt the planned merger with Canadian mining business Teck Resources. The Australian mining company reportedly became interested in making another offer for FTSE 100-listed Anglo last week, more than a year after abandoning a £39bn attempt to buy the business. The latest failed overture comes as Anglo and Teck shareholders prepare to vote on their $53bn (£39bn) merger on 9 December. BHP confirmed on Monday it had held preliminary discussions with Anglo but that it…

Chamwe Kaira The national treasury of South Africa has introduced a new infrastructure and development finance bond.  The announcement follows the statement made by finance minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2025 medium term budget policy Statement. The bond is designed to raise funds to finance or refinance projects under the government’s budget facility for infrastructure.  Absa Bank Limited and Tysys Capital Group will act as co-arrangers for the transaction. The issuance will take place under the domestic multi-term note programme.  Two senior unsecured instruments will be offered: RI2036, with a 10.3-year tenor and maturity date of 31 March 2036, and…

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has launched a new online vehicle and asset finance calculator, giving customers an easy way to explore financing options from home.  The tool lets users enter details such as vehicle price, deposit and loan term to see estimated monthly repayments instantly. The bank says it aims to bring more transparency and convenience to the car-buying process. Cicelia Hagen-Cloete, head of vehicle and asset finance at Standard Bank Namibia, said the tool is designed to support customers during the busy summer period.  “Summer is all about freedom, and that includes financial freedom. Our new calculator empowers…