Observer Money

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…

The precious metals market enters 2026 with unprecedented strength, underpinned not only by the remarkable price gains of 2025 but also by fundamental structural shifts in demand and ownership. Gold and silver experienced historically rare rallies last year, signalling a new phase for the metals beyond cyclical movements. Gold rose roughly 70% in 2025, climbing from around US$2700 per ounce at the start of the year to over US$4500 by December. Silver outpaced gold with a 128% gain, briefly surpassing US$80 per ounce before consolidating. Momentum carried into 2026, with silver adding an additional 13% in the first week alone,…

Chamwe Kaira Koryx Copper Inc. has increased the size of its planned share sale to about 40 million Canadian dollars, or roughly N$475 million, after strong investor demand.  The move strengthens the company’s funding position as it advances its copper projects in southern Africa, including the Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia. The Canada-listed company said it will now sell just over 16.3 million new shares at a price of C$2.45 per share.  This is expected to raise about C$40 million before costs. The fundraising is being led by Stifel Canada, which is acting as the sole manager for the…

Staff Writer Global air cargo demand continued to grow in November 2025, supported by year-end shipping activity and steady trade flows, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Total air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, increased by 5.5% year-on-year in November. International operations recorded stronger growth of 6.9%. Available cargo capacity rose by 4.7% compared with the same month in 2024, while international capacity increased by 6.5%. IATA director general Willie Walsh said the growth was driven by shippers prioritising speed and reliability ahead of the holiday season, along with strong demand from emerging markets.…