Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Construction at the Etango Uranium Project is progressing steadily, with Bannerman Energy reporting strong advances across early works activities that remain on budget and on schedule. The contractor workforce on site has grown to more than 370 people as construction activity increases. Bulk earthworks are now just over halfway complete, with work focused on the heap leach pads. Blasting, crushing and screening of drainage aggregate for the heap leach facility are also progressing as planned and meeting required standards. Concrete works have entered a key phase. Bannerman has awarded contracts for Phase 1 and Phase 2A, and construction…

Staff Writer The government aims to raise the fisheries sector’s contribution to gross domestic product from N$10.4 billion to N$10.7 billion by 2030 under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said NDP6 sets clear targets for the fisheries and aquatic resources sub-sector.  These include rebuilding fish biomass to maximum sustainable yield, reducing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, increasing value addition, and expanding employment. She said meeting these targets requires close cooperation between government and industry.  She added that fishing rights holders play a central role in meeting national goals…

Chamwe Kaira The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Botswana’s interest in increasing its stake in De Beers could heighten economic risks, given fiscal pressures and the country’s heavy reliance on the diamond sector. The fund said Botswana could achieve stronger economic outcomes by adopting a broad adjustment strategy that combines fiscal consolidation with structural reforms aimed at diversifying the economy. Such measures, the IMF said, would help support growth, contain public debt and protect international reserve buffers. The IMF highlighted uncertainty in the global diamond market, pointing to the rapid growth of lab-grown diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are…

Staff Writer Choppies Enterprises Limited has disclosed a series of on-market share purchases by members of its key management team, in line with Botswana Stock Exchange listing requirements. The transactions took place on 18 December 2025 and relate to the vesting of awards under the company’s Long-Term Incentive (LTI) scheme. All shares were acquired at a price of 1.44 Botswana pula per share, equivalent to about N$1.83, based on an exchange rate of N$1.27 to one pula. Minnesh Rajcoomar acquired 577 321 shares for a total value of BWP831 342.24, or about N$1.06 million. Vidya Sanooj purchased 500 000 shares…

Hileni Amadhila December is full of sparkle. Lights go up, music plays, and people start to relax. It’s a time for family, food, and fun. But while we enjoy the festive season, it’s easy to forget what comes next: January. And January doesn’t wait.  School fees, transport costs, rent, and groceries all arrive right on time, whether we’re ready or not. In Namibia, many people spend more in December than any other month. There are weddings, trips to the village, Christmas lunches, and New Year’s parties. It’s a time of giving, hosting, and celebrating. But sometimes, we spend without thinking.…

Chamwe Kaira Savanna Beef Processors Limited has reported an operating loss of N$9.75 million for the six months ended 31 August 2025, according to its unaudited interim results released on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company recorded a loss before taxation of N$13.21 million for the period, compared to a loss of N$7.67 million for the year ended 28 February 2025.  No taxation was recognised, resulting in a total, comprehensive loss of N$1.22 million for the interim period. Savanna Beef has over 250 million shares in issue, with a net asset value of 99 cents per share. Basic earnings…

Chamwe Kaira Most major banks in Namibia include travel insurance when a qualifying credit card is used to buy a return international flight.  Industry experts say this cover is often limited and may not fully protect travellers abroad. The chief executive officer of Santam Namibia Limited, Franco Feris, says credit card travel insurance can offer a useful and affordable starting point.  He says travellers must understand its limits before leaving the country. Many assume they are fully covered and only discover gaps when they need to claim. He says knowing what is covered and what is not helps avoid unexpected…

Chamwe Kaira Trustco Group Holdings Limited has suspended further implementation of its Legal Shield Holdings sale and conversion agreement after its board conducted a regulatory alignment review. In a notice to shareholders dated 17 December 2025, the Namibia-incorporated company said the transaction, approved by shareholders on 7 January 2025, was structured on the basis that it would not result in a change of control. The board said it undertook a regulatory alignment assessment to confirm that the transaction’s implementation remains consistent with the no-change-in-control framework approved by the JSE and disclosed to shareholders. Following this review, the board resolved to…

Chamwe Kaira The microlending industry, largely driven by cash loans, recorded subdued performance in the third quarter of 2025. The total loan book stood at N$7.8 billion, reflecting a marginal quarter-on-quarter decline of 0.1%, despite a year-on-year increase of 7.2%.  Term lenders accounted for 92% of the total loan book. The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) released its quarterly statistical bulletin for the third quarter, covering the period from 1 July to 30 September 2025.  The report provides an overview of performance, compliance and consumer protection trends across the non-banking financial institutions sector, which includes insurers, medical aid funds,…

Chamwe Kaira Vehicle sales continued on a steady but slower path in November, extending a trend seen since the March peak this year. Industry data compiled by Simonis Storm shows new vehicle sales reached 1 244 units, down 1.8% from October’s 1 267 units. Despite the monthly dip, sales remained well above last year’s levels.  November sales were 13.8% higher than in November 2024, when 1 093 units were sold. The year 2025 is shaping up as the strongest for the Namibian automotive sector since the pre-pandemic peak of 2015. Year-to-date sales stand at 13 356 units, exceeding the full-year…