Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia will host the fifth Canada-Africa Business Conference on 5 February in Windhoek.  The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business convenes the event, positioning Namibia at the forefront of trade and investment engagement between Canada and Africa. The conference will bring together senior executives, investors, policymakers, and institutional partners from Namibia, Canada, and across Africa.  Discussions will focus on mining, energy, infrastructure, and sustainable economic development. Namibia’s stable regulatory environment and long-term policy approach have helped attract growing international interest and partnerships.  The programme includes senior-level panels, sector discussions, and private roundtables aimed at boosting investment, supporting responsible project development,…

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia’s comparison of e-money-related fees shows that all banks charge a fee when an account holder sends money to an e-money wallet using online banking, mobile banking applications, or USSD payment channels. The central bank said recipients are entitled to one free cash withdrawal per month from an e-money wallet, either at an ATM or through a merchant or agent.  After the free withdrawal, banks may apply fees. Bank Windhoek charges the lowest ATM cash-out fee at N$10.50.  First National Bank (FNB) charges N$14 per withdrawal. Standard Bank Namibia does not charge any ATM cash-out…

Chamwe Kaira  The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) has highlighted Namibia’s green hydrogen sector after hosting a series of hydrogen roundtables in London in partnership with Scottish Development International.  The sessions connected Scotland with high-potential markets in Namibia, Oman, Morocco and Egypt and focused on Scotland’s growing role in the global green hydrogen sector while opening new commercial opportunities for Scottish companies. Discussions covered investment, infrastructure, and export opportunities, including Namibia’s emerging hydrogen market, Oman’s desalination and transport plans, Morocco’s hydrogen technology initiatives, and Egypt’s large-scale electrolyser projects.  Each roundtable gave participants direct access to decision-makers and insights into auction…

Chamwe Kaira  The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPB) has announced that stock brand fees will increase from 1 February 2026, in line with government gazette No. 573. In a notice issued to state veterinary offices, LLPB offices, farmers’ unions and associations, and livestock agents, the board said the adjustment follows government notice No. 145 of 2015.  As the mandated administrator of stock brands, the LLPB is required to apply the annual increase. Under the revised fees, registering a stock brand will increase from N$180 to N$186.  The transfer of a brand will rise from N$66 to N$68,…

Chamwe Kaira  An environmental and social assessment has found that the proposed Venus Offshore Development Project aligns with Namibia’s key national and energy policies.  This includes the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which seeks to balance economic growth with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment says the project’s remaining environmental impacts, after mitigation, are expected to be low to negligible during normal operations.  The main exception is greenhouse gas emissions, which were rated as having a medium to high negative impact under European Bank for Reconstruction and Development criteria.  These emissions will be managed through an Energy and Carbon Management…

Chamwe Kaira  Stimulus Investments Limited has issued a further cautionary announcement to shareholders, saying negotiations are still under way and could have a material effect on its share price if successfully concluded. The company said the update follows earlier cautionary announcements released on 14 August 2025, 25 September 2025 and 6 November 2025.  Shareholders have been advised to continue exercising caution when trading Stimulus’ preference shares until a further announcement is made. The board issued the notice through its sponsor, Cirrus Securities, a member of the Namibia Securities Exchange. In its audited financial results for the year ended 28 February,…

Staff Writer  Big Brother Mzansi has returned for its sixth season with a dedicated 24/7 pop-up channel, offering viewers uninterrupted access to life inside the house.  Season 6 premiered on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at 18h00 on Mzansi Magic, with the live pop-up channel available on DStv Channel 198. The new season launches under the theme of "BAZOZWA," which centres on heightened awareness, pressure, and social dynamics as housemates compete while under constant observation.  The theme aims to test personalities, strain alliances and reveal strategies as contestants fight to stay in the game. To expand the viewing experience, DStv has…

Chamwe Kaira  Inflation in Namibia eased steadily through 2025, creating room for a more accommodative monetary policy stance in the year ahead, according to an analysis by Simonis Storm. Headline inflation slowed during the second half of the year and closed December at 3.2% year-on-year, down from 3.7% in June. Inflation remained within the Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) 3–6% target range throughout the period. Monthly price movements were mostly muted, apart from occasional utility and tariff increases, pointing to a stable inflation environment. Beneath the headline figure, the inflation picture shifted. Price pressures became more concentrated in services, especially housing,…

Chamwe Kaira  Deep Yellow Limited has reported progress across its exploration projects in Namibia and Australia during the December 2025 quarter. In Namibia, Deep Yellow Limited completed a drilling programme at Tumas, west of ML237, targeting a previously unexplored 7 km section.  The programme ran from mid-October to mid-November and included 39 holes covering just over 1 800 metres. Drilling confirmed the presence of the channel and identified sedimentary deposits.  The company said the area showed limited potential for uranium and plans to shift exploration in 2026 to areas with stronger prospects. The company continues to advance the Tumas uranium…

Staff Writer Global air cargo demand rose by 5.5% in November 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Demand, measured in cargo tonne kilometres, increased as shipping activity picked up ahead of the year-end holiday season. Shippers continued to favour air transport for speed and reliability. International air cargo demand grew faster, rising by 6.9% year-on-year. Cargo capacity also expanded during the month. Available cargo tonne kilometres increased by 4.7% compared with November 2024, while international capacity rose by 6.5%. IATA director general Willie Walsh said the air…