Observer Money

Staff Writer  First National Bank (FNB) economist Cheryl Emvula said recent data shows a slight improvement in credit activity after a period of slowdown. “After four consecutive months of slower momentum, private sector credit extension (PSCE) growth improved marginally to 4.7% year-on-year in February 2026, supported primarily by stronger credit uptake in the corporate segment,” he said. He said businesses are showing renewed demand for credit, while households remain under pressure. “Household credit growth moderated slightly, reflecting a more cautious approach to borrowing amid tighter financial conditions and elevated living costs,” Emvula said. Instalment sales and leasing continued to lead…

Staff Writer  TransNamib Holdings Limited has approved a six-month trial of a dual-fuel locomotive powered by hydrogen and diesel in partnership with CMB.TECH. The trial will run for about 50 round trips along the Walvis Bay to Windhoek corridor.  It forms part of the company’s plan to reduce emissions and test new rail technology. TransNamib chief executive officer Desmond Van Jaarsveld said the trial will be assessed using a performance matrix that includes fuel use, reliability, efficiency, maintenance needs and cost. He said a decision on whether to expand the project will be made after the six-month evaluation. During the…

Staff Writer  Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Evangelina Nailenge as the executive for retail distribution, effective March. In this role, she will lead distribution strategy and focus on improving access to financial services through adviser and broker networks. Nailenge has more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector, including over a decade in executive roles.  She previously served as managing director of Momentum Investments Namibia, where she oversaw asset management, wealth and collective investment schemes.  During her tenure, the business recorded growth in assets under management and administration while improving client outcomes and retention. She has also served…

Wandile Sihlobo  Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique are among the few countries that have recently introduced restrictions on South African agricultural exports. In the case of Namibia and Botswana, these are our customs union partners, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). An important benefit of a customs union is the free movement of goods in the common customs area. All these countries, including Mozambique, have committed to removing all trade barriers by 2030 as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Undoubtedly, trade restrictions undermine the spirit of trade integration. It also makes a mockery of commitments to liberalise…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia’s banking sector maintained a strong liquidity position in 2025, supported by steady cash inflows and easing monetary policy, even as government borrowing increased, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) said. The overall cash position in the banking system rose by 5% to N$7.4 billion in 2025, compared to the average recorded in 2024.  This includes funds held locally and in South African accounts. The increase was driven by government spending and proceeds from diamond sales. Over the past five years, liquidity levels remained high. The 2025 figure is the second-highest after N$8.2 billion recorded in 2023.  The lowest…

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) delivered a positive performance for the period 30 March to 2 April, with the overall index posting solid gains alongside a strong showing in select sectors. The NSX overall index increased by 3.35% to close at 2 198.69 points, up from 2 127.37 points the previous week. This marks a gain of 71.32 points and brings growth since December 2025 to 2.68%. The NSX local index also rose, increasing by 0.29% to 820.03 points from 817.63 points. The index has now gained 1.52% since the start of the year and reached its highest…

Chamwe Kaira  Settlement activity in Namibia increased in 2025, with higher transaction volumes and values recorded across the payment system, the Bank of Namibia said. The total value of transactions processed through the real-time gross settlement system reached N$1.36 trillion across 109 002 transactions. This is an increase of N$92.6 billion, or 7.3%, and 8 431 more transactions, up 8.4% from 2024. The growth reflects increased high-value payment flows and continued use of the Namibia Interbank Settlement System. The central bank continued oversight of clearing operations. Namclear remained the only clearing service provider, handling interbank electronic funds transfers and card…

Chamwe Kaira  The Grindrod Limited has said in the annual report for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 that its new 4 000m² bulk terminal warehouse facility in the Port of Walvis Bay in 2025 marked a significant collaboration between Grindrod and Namport. The company said the facility is aimed at improving efficiency at the port and strengthening Walvis Bay’s role as a trade gateway to the west coast of Africa and neighbouring inland countries. Grindrod operates in Namibia across clearing and forwarding, cross-border and project logistics, marine engineering, marine technology and servicing, ships' agency, stevedoring and terminals. The…

Staff Writer Namibia Breweries Limited has been assigned a “hold” rating by Simonis Storm Securities, with a 12-month target price of N$26.10. The firm said the current market price of about N$30.30 already reflects much of the company’s performance, leaving limited room for further gains. The outlook implies a negative return of about 6.1% when including a forward dividend yield of 7.8%. The valuation is based on a discounted cash flow model, which places the company’s value at about N$24.70 per share. This is linked to a 16.0% weighted average cost of capital, based on Namibia’s long-term government bond yield…

Staff Writer Spreads between Namibian and South African government bonds widened in 2025 as yields in the two markets moved in different directions, the Bank of Namibia said. South African bond yields declined during the year, supported by improved investor sentiment and policy signals from the South African Reserve Bank.  The central bank reduced its repo rate by 100 basis points to 6.75% by 20 November 2025. The shift to a single-point 3% inflation target also supported expectations of lower inflation and reduced risk premiums. Global conditions also played a role. The Federal Reserve cut policy rates by 75 basis…