Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira A new RMB white paper on Africa’s economic future highlights Namibia as one of the continent’s key reformers, pointing to its progress in digital payments and its ambitious green hydrogen plans. According to the Continent at a Crossroads report, Namibia has become the first and only African country to integrate India’s Universal Payments Interface (UPI) into its national payments system.  The agreement between the Bank of Namibia and India’s national payments coordinator will allow real-time, low-cost digital payments across borders.  RMB says the move positions Namibia as a regional leader in interoperable financial technology.  The report notes that…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s primary industries are set for a mixed year in 2025, with deep losses in agriculture contrasting with a strong rebound in uranium mining, according to the Bank of Namibia’s December 2025 Economic Outlook Update. The Bank of Namibia projects a 4.2% contraction in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector in 2025, a widening from the 2.7% decline in 2024. The drop is driven mainly by a steep fall in livestock farming, which is expected to shrink by 22.5% as farmers work with reduced herds and limited feed after the 2024 drought. Despite the expectation of an improvement…

Staff Writer The O&L Group says it remains confident in the recovery of businesses facing challenges, including Kraatz, Hangana Seafood and Hangana Abalone. The group says its strength lies in resilience and a clear long-term vision. “While each of our businesses looks different, our vision remains the same, and that is what it’s all about: a celebration of the authentic, caring and passionate businesses, leaders and teams behind the success of O&L,” chief experience officer Franziska Rüeck said. “Let us continue to build on this momentum as we step confidently into the next phase of our Vision 2029.” Founded in…

Staff Writer  Namdeb has strengthened its partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) by funding the establishment of a patrol camp in the Hardap National Park. The company donated N$280 000 for the camp, which will serve as the base for the wildlife protection service team recently deployed to the park. At the handover, Namdeb’s environmental manager, Nandeshasho Nickanor, said the company’s purpose of mining for good extends beyond diamonds.  “By partnering with MEFT to establish this patrol camp, we are strengthening Namibia’s frontline defences against poaching and contributing to a shared national vision of safeguarding our…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s economy is expected to slow in 2025 before picking up again in 2026, with weaker activity in manufacturing and the primary industries weighing on output, the central bank said.  Real GDP growth is projected to ease to 3% in 2025 from 3.7% in 2024. Growth is then expected to accelerate to 3.9% in 2026. The central bank attributed the slowdown primarily to a contraction in the manufacturing sector.  Output in the sector is expected to fall by 4.6% in 2025 after recording growth of 2.8% in 2024.  It said the decline is linked to sharp drops in…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s international reserves fell sharply at the end of October 2025, mainly because of the government’s eurobond repayment, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) said in its latest money and banking statistics report.  The reserves declined by 11.2% from September and by 20.2% from a year earlier to N$48.6 billion, giving an import cover of 3.2 months, or 3.5 months when excluding oil and gas exploration imports. The decline was caused by several outflows, including the eurobond redemption on 29 October, net rand outflows by commercial banks, government foreign payments and a stronger Namibian dollar against the US dollar. …

Staff Writer Nictus Holdings Limited says all ordinary and special resolutions presented at its annual general meeting on 27 November 2025 were approved by shareholders, according to a notice issued on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX).  The company said every resolution received 100% support from the 47.5 million shares voted, representing 88.89% of its total issued shares. Shareholders confirmed the re-election of directors PJ de W Tromp and ME Ackermann and endorsed the company’s remuneration policy through a non-binding advisory vote. They also approved non-executive directors’ fees and reappointed BDO as external auditors.  Resolutions authorising the issue of ordinary shares,…

Chamwe Kaira The electricity and water sector is expected to remain a key growth driver within the secondary industries. The subsector is projected to grow by 8.5% in 2025, up from 2.3% in 2024.  The Bank of Namibia's December economic outlook said the improvement is linked to expected favourable rainfall that will boost hydroelectric generation at Ruacana, along with ongoing investment in solar, wind and biomass projects.  The central bank said rising reservoir levels will also support stronger water supply performance and that growth is expected to remain high over the medium term in line with the government’s renewable energy…

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to growth, sustainability and expanding homeownership at the home loans grand finale.  The event recognised top-performing estate agents, developers, and consultants whose work has supported the country's housing market. Chief executive Erwin Tjipuka said the bank remains focused on driving growth and building communities.  “Namibia is our home, and at Standard Bank, we are committed to driving her growth. Financing homes is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about building communities, creating opportunities and shaping a future where every Namibian has a place to call home.”  He highlighted the…

Observer Money sat down with MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director Roger Gertze to discuss the Canal+ deal, its impact on Namibia, the production of local content, subscription fees, and decoder prices. Chamwe Kaira (CK): What impact will the takeover of Multichoice by Canal+ have on the operations of Multichoice Namibia? Roger Gertze (RG): You would know that Canal+ is a media company similar to what we have been doing over the years. They have been concentrating on the French-speaking part of the continent as well as in their home country, France. They have been expanding over the years into a number…