Observer Money

STAFF WRITER Launched in 2018, the Old Mutual Foundation’s Financial Education Face-to-Face Training programme introduced an innovative “animal behaviour” approach to simplify complex financial concepts. Since then, it has grown into one of Namibia’s leading financial literacy initiatives, empowering over 50 000 Namibians, from individuals and school communities to corporate teams, with practical skills to budget, save, reduce debt, and make informed financial decisions. Recognising that true understanding begins with clear communication, the Old Mutual Foundation has taken a bold step towards inclusivity and accessibility by expanding its Financial Education programme, previously delivered primarily in English, into six vernacular languages:…

Staff Writer With no specific laws regulating social media use in the workplace, many Namibian businesses face growing risks of data breaches and cyberattacks. From sharing client information on WhatsApp to clicking malicious links on Instagram, unregulated activity on these platforms exposes corporate networks to cybercriminals. The 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report estimates the average global cost of a cybersecurity breach at US$4.9 million, showing the scale of damage cyber incidents can cause.  Criminals increasingly use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp to deploy malware, steal credentials, and access sensitive data.  Weak IT oversight and unrestricted social…

Ester Kafidi Customer service is often measured by speed, efficiency, and satisfaction scores. But beneath the numbers and KPIs lies something far more human: the quiet power of being seen, heard, and understood. In a world increasingly automated, where chatbots handle questions and algorithms anticipate needs, the real heart of service isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about connection. It’s easy to think of customer service as a department, a function, or a role. But more than that, it’s a mindset: one that should live in every part of an organisation. It’s the receptionist who welcomes someone with genuine warmth,…

Chamwe Kaira Africa Bitcoin Corporation (ABC) has officially listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX), marking another milestone in its expansion across Southern Africa. ABC chief executive officer Warren Wheatley said the move strengthens the company’s access to capital markets and supports its goal of integrating Bitcoin into Africa’s financial systems as a reserve asset. The company, already listed in South Africa, is the first publicly listed Bitcoin treasury company on the continent.  “The NSX listing complements our existing JSE platform and provides Namibian investors with the opportunity to participate indirectly in ACOF’s growth story. By doing so, we continue…

Chamwe Kaira The implementation of payroll deduction system (PDMS) reforms in the 2024 financial year will significantly change the earnings profile of Entrepo Finance, Capricorn Group’s micro-lending subsidiary. Entrepo has been one of the group’s most profitable businesses, delivering high net margins and returns on equity well above the group average. Although it represents only about 4% of the loan book, it has contributed roughly 11% of the group's net profit. “With the reforms now in place, we see new lending growth at Entrepo as effectively halted. While the existing book will continue to generate income, its top-line contribution will…

Staff Writer The expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) last month marks a major shift in Africa–US trade relations, with significant implications for export diversification, investment flows, and economic alignment, analyst Amandro Jansen has said. For over 20 years, AGOA provided duty-free access to more than 6 000 product lines, helping African countries develop export capacity in apparel, agro-processing, automotive components, and other manufactured goods.  Its expiry removes these trade preferences, subjecting African exports to most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs and, in some cases, additional US duties. “This transition has immediate and uneven consequences across the continent. While resource-exporting…

Passengers are living digital-first lives. They manage their finances, health, and mobility from their phones. But when it’s time to fly, they’re still asked to queue, print, and repeat. This year’s Travelers’ Voice, SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025, reveals a clear disconnect: travellers are ready for easy, smart journeys. And they’re asking the aviation industry to accelerate its transformation. The report channels the voices of more than 7500 real passengers, surveyed at airports in 25 countries around the world, just before takeoff and right after landing. These are authentic, in-the-moment insights from people living the journey. And they’re speaking up:…

Chamwe Kaira Celsius Resources has begun drafting non-binding agreements for a potential deal with a strategic partner to sell its 95% interest in the Opuwo Project. The company said it continues to look for a suitable buyer after previous sale attempts were not completed.  “No significant activities have been undertaken for the Opuwo Project in this past year,” Celsius announced. The Opuwo Cobalt Project, held under Celsius’ Namibian subsidiary Opuwo Cobalt Holdings (Pty) Ltd, is located about 730 kilometres northwest of Windhoek. Exploration permits for the project have been under renewal since early 2025 and are expected to be finalised…

Staff Writer Simonis Storm Securities has reaffirmed its positive outlook on Namibian bonds, identifying those with 5- to 10-year maturities as the “sweet spot” for investors seeking yield, stability, and policy clarity. The firm said its strongest conviction lies in government bonds maturing between 2028 and 2032 (GC28–GC32), which currently offer yields of between 8.5% and 9.3%. These bonds trade at spreads of 64 to 114 basis points over similar South African bonds. “This segment offers the most attractive blend of carry and roll-down,” Simonis Storm said, adding that the assurance of a 6.50% repo floor through 2026 provides “clarity…