Observer Money

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…

Chamwe Kaira The Macroprudential Oversight Committee of the Bank of Namibia (BoN) met last week for its second review of the year to assess risks in the financial system. BoN deputy governor Ebson Uanguta said the committee found the system stable after assessing global and domestic developments.  “After a thorough assessment of the global and domestic macro-financial developments and their potential impact on domestic financial stability, the committee concluded that the domestic financial system remains sound and stable, and it continues to operate without disruptions. Both the banking and non-banking financial sectors remained sound and well capitalised with sufficient levels…

Chamwe Kaira Deep Yellow Limited chairman Chris Salisbury said the company made steady progress across its project pipeline during the 2025 financial year.  He said detailed study work continued to reinforce the value of the Tumas project in Namibia. “Although engineering works and limited early site activities have begun, the board opted to delay full-scale construction until uranium market prices rise sufficiently to support long-term, sustainable greenfield development,” Salisbury said.  He said ongoing engineering work will reduce project risk, while delaying the final investment decision positions shareholders to benefit from expected uranium price increases as global supply tightens. Negotiations with…

Chamwe Kaira Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Power Limited (Anirep) held its 7th annual general meeting in Windhoek last week, where shareholders approved most of the resolutions presented. The meeting was held in person and online. Shareholders adopted the minutes of the previous AGM and approved the annual financial statements and consolidated financials for the year ended 28 February 2025, along with the directors’ and auditors’ reports.  All 74 769 510 votes cast were in favour, with no objections. The meeting resolved that no dividend will be declared for the 2025 financial year.  Several board and committee changes were also confirmed.…