Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Momentum Africa recorded normalised headline earnings (NHE) of N$192 million for the quarter ending 30 September.  The company said the result was driven by the release of the contractual service margin in the life business, premium growth, and lower claims ratios in the Namibia and Ghana health portfolios.  Positive market variances of N$35 million from Namibia and Botswana also supported earnings. Investment income strengthened the result through bond returns and capital gains on bond assets after a reduction in Namibia’s yield curve.  “This result was partially dampened by increased new business strain in Lesotho and Botswana, driven by…

Chamwe Kaira The Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in the Erongo region, owned by Australia-based Paladin Energy, has maintained strong operational performance and reinforced its role in the company’s global uranium portfolio. Latest updates show that Langer Heinrich delivered 3 million pounds of uranium oxide (U₃O₈) during the 2025 financial year. This marks its full return to large-scale production after years under care and maintenance.  The mine recorded a cost of production of US$40.2 per pound, reflecting improved efficiency as its processing systems stabilised. The momentum continued into the first quarter of the 2026 financial year. The mine produced 1.06 million…

Staff Writer Phase one of the Universal Service Fund (USF) rollout has begun, with MTC handing over the first completed network tower under the programme.  The tower was officially commissioned this week by minister of information and communications technology Emma Theofelus at Epinga village in the Ohangwena region. MTC managing director Licky Erastus said Epinga is one of four USF sites completed so far. “In addition to Epinga, we have completed sites in Hedimbi, Ehomba, and Ongongo. While pending completions are Naimanya, Kudumbu/Mupapama, Owiwi in the Kavango West and Gwatjinga and Shinyashi in the Kavango East Region. Civil works have…

Ian Coffee  Namibia’s property market is undergoing a structural transformation that few anticipated. The past year has revealed stark contrasts between luxury real estate, affordable housing, and rental dynamics. These shifts are not merely cyclical; they reflect deeper economic and social forces that will shape investment strategies for years to come. The luxury segment has entered a pronounced downturn. Only six transactions were recorded in the second quarter of 2025, and prices have fallen by 32.5% year-on-year. This decline signals more than temporary weakness; it underscores a collapse in speculative demand and a sharp reduction in mortgage uptake. For investors…

Staff Writer Pepkor Holdings has received a boost from Moody’s Investors Service after the agency completed its latest review of the retail group.  The review resulted in no changes to Pepkor’s credit ratings, confirming the company’s solid financial position in a difficult economic climate. Moody’s kept Pepkor’s Corporate Family Rating at Ba2 and its National Scale Long-Term Rating at Aa1.za.  Both ratings carry a stable outlook. The agency said the ratings reflect Pepkor’s strong position in South Africa’s retail sector, supported by conservative financial management, good liquidity, and strong credit metrics. Moody’s noted that the group continues to deliver growth…

Staff Writer Curro Holdings has issued an update on the proposed deal that will see the Jannie Mouton Stigting acquire all issued shares in the private schools group and delist the company from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company reminded shareholders that the transaction, first detailed in a circular on 2 October, is still subject to outstanding conditions. Only one approval remains: clearance from the South African Competition Authorities, either unconditionally or with conditions acceptable to the offeror. Curro said the offeror has been in discussions with the Competition Commission and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).…

Jurie Strydom, the new CEO of Old Mutual, could earn as much as R300 million under a new outperformance plan designed to “unlock significant and sustained shareholder value”. The board admits that “since 2018, the company’s share price has not met expectations and continues to trade at a discount to group equity value.” This new incentive is “structured to align executive performance directly with the long-term interests of shareholders”. Strydom, who joined as CEO earlier this year after Iain Williamson indicated his decision to retire, was previously CEO of Alexforbes Life, Regent Insurance, and Sanlam Life and Savings. He was…

Staff Writer  Telecommunication giant MTC has opened its first mobile home in Divundu, bringing its national footprint to 39 outlets.  The shop was officially opened by information and communications technology minister Emma Theofelus. Speaking at the event, Theofelus said access to information and communication services depends on deliberate investment in infrastructure.  “Inclusivity can only be achieved when we intentionally invest and make information and communication infrastructure easily and affordably accessible,” she said.  She noted progress in network coverage and digital transformation and urged MTC to continue expanding services. This year, MTC opened five new mobile homes. Omuthiya and Divundu received…