Observer Money – Page 3 – Windhoek Observer

18 Nov

Woolworths makes strong start to its financial year

Observer Money

Staff Writer Woolworths Holdings Limited has reported a strong start to its financial year, showing resilience across all business segments in South Africa and Australia. For the 19 weeks ending 9 November 2025, the group recorded turnover and concession sales growth of 6.2% and 6.8% on a constant currency basis, both well above inflation. The company progressed with its share buyback programme, repurchasing 6.9 million shares since September at an average price of N$51.22. Woolworths South Africa delivered solid results with turnover and concession sales up 7.4%. The food division continued to lead performance, posting comparable store growth of 6%…

18 Nov

Truworths maintains solid performance across markets

Observer Money

Staff Writer Truworths International Limited has reported steady performance for the first 18 weeks of its 2026 financial year, with total retail sales holding at R7.2 billion despite mixed results across its African and UK operations. The group operates 33 stores outside South Africa, including 12 in Namibia, 12 in Botswana, five in Eswatini, two in Zambia and two in Lesotho. The retailer continues to trade on stock exchanges in South Africa, Namibia, Australia and the United Kingdom. Office UK delivered solid growth with a 6% rise in sales in sterling terms. Strong online activity and partnerships with leading global…

18 Nov

US, Switzerland and Liechtenstein launch trade talks

Observer Money

Staff Writer The United States, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have announced plans to negotiate a major economic pact aimed at reshaping trade and investment ties, boosting job creation and strengthening supply chain security. The White House said the three countries will work under a new “Framework for an Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade”, with the goal of concluding negotiations by the first quarter of 2026. If completed, the agreement will create a modern trading relationship that expands market access, promotes investment and strengthens cooperation in sectors such as manufacturing and digital services. Switzerland and Liechtenstein expressed strong intentions to…

18 Nov

Swipe smart, not blind

Observer Money

Mignon du Preez Black Friday is almost here, and the excitement is everywhere. Stores are shouting about massive discounts, online deals are popping up on your feed, and everyone seems ready to grab something “before it’s gone”. But here’s the truth: a bargain isn’t a bargain if it leaves you broke or stressed about money. In Namibia, where the cost of living is climbing and festive season expenses are just around the corner, smart spending matters more than ever. Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save, but only if you shop with a plan. Start with this simple…

17 Nov

NAM assets under management reach N$22.2 billion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia Asset Management (NAM) reported growth in key financial indicators for the year ended 30 September 2025, reflecting steady performance in a difficult economic period. Operating profit increased to N$16.1 million from N$13.7 million the previous year. Fund management earnings rose to N$10.7 million, compared to N$9.4 million in 2024. Total comprehensive income reached N$12.4 million. Shareholders also saw stronger returns. Basic and headline earnings per share increased to 7.89 cents from 6.99 cents in 2024. Net asset value per share improved to 21.48 cents. NAM’s assets under management grew by 9.9% to N$22.2 billion. The company said…

17 Nov

Santam premiums and profits rise sharply

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Santam Limited reported strong results for the nine months ending 30 September, delivering growth across key areas and beating its long-term targets. The company recorded double-digit growth in gross written and net earned premiums. Its underwriting margin stayed above the targeted 5 to 10% range, and its annualised return on capital exceeded 30%. Net income growth remained in line with the first half of the year. On 7 April 2025, Allianz Europe BV acquired 8.59% in SanlamAllianz. This resulted in a final shareholding split of 51% for Sanlam and 49% for Allianz. Sanlam Life Namibia was sold to…

17 Nov

Namibia gets N$876m from Germany for new clean energy projects

Observer Money

Staff Writer Germany will provide Namibia with €43.8 million (about N$876 million) for new projects in green energy, vocational training, sustainable urban development and natural resource management. The support was confirmed during intergovernmental negotiations between the two governments held on Thursday in Lüderitz. The funds will assist Namibia in meeting targets under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Namibia aims to raise electricity access from about 59% today to 70% by 2030 and reach universal access by 2040. Germany will support efforts to expand affordable, reliable and clean energy. This includes improving planning and strategy, strengthening infrastructure for decentralised energy…

17 Nov

Capricorn Group bids farewell to Swanepoel

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Capricorn Group Limited has announced the retirement of long-serving board member Johan Swanepoel, who stepped down as an independent non-executive director on 5 November 2025. The update was released through a notice on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX). Swanepoel served the group for more than 26 years, including five years as chairperson. The board praised his “exceptional leadership and vision,” saying he helped shape Capricorn Group into one of Namibia’s most respected financial institutions. Although leaving the group board, Swanepoel will continue as chairperson of Bank Windhoek Limited, a Capricorn subsidiary, allowing the company to draw on his…

17 Nov

Botswana gives green light to Curro’s N$7.2 billion takeover

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Curro Holdings has moved a step closer to going private after the Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority granted unconditional approval for the proposed buyout. The transaction, driven by Jannie Mouton Stigting, aims to acquire all issued Curro shares through a scheme of arrangement. Once completed, Curro will be delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Details of the deal were first shared with shareholders on 2 October 2025 in a circular outlining the suspensive conditions required for the takeover. While Botswana has now approved the transaction, it still awaits clearance from South Africa’s competition authorities. Curro, which jointly…

17 Nov

Standard Bank, NIFA equip MSMEs for trade competitiveness

Observer Money

Staff Writer Trade experts and policymakers met in Windhoek on Thursday to discuss ways to expand regional and continental market access for Namibian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The discussions took place during the Market Access and Trade Opportunity Evening, hosted by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA). The event formed part of the Standard Bank Blue Growth Series, an initiative focused on SME growth, financial inclusion and sustainable entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs and MSMEs received insights on trade finance, logistics and practical strategies for entering new markets across borders. The head of commercial…