Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Anglo American, through its subsidiary De Beers, revealed in its 2024 tax and economic contribution report that its total tax and economic contribution in Namibia amounted to US$545 million (N$10.2 billion), a decrease from US$611 million (N$11.4 billion) in 2023. Taxes and royalties borne in Namibia amounted to US$63 million, compared to US$144 million the previous year. Total taxes and royalties borne and collected reached US$136 million, lower than US$234 million in 2023. De Beers operates in Namibia through a 50:50 partnership with the government. It recovers land-based diamonds through Namdeb and offshore diamonds through Debmarine Namibia. The…

Chamwe Kaira Oryx Properties Limited, a company listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange, says its planned acquisition of Safari Investments Namibia (Proprietary) Limited is still subject to conditions agreed with the sellers. Safari owns and manages the Platz am Meer Shopping Centre in Swakopmund. Oryx announced in March that it had entered into a sale of shares and claims agreement with Safari Investments RSA Limited, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  Under the deal, Oryx will acquire 100% of the issued share capital in Safari Investments Namibia and all related loan claims from the seller for N$290 million.…

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of three new hotels in Namibia as part of a franchise agreement with Cadence Capital & Santiago Property Developers Pty Ltd. The agreement will see the debut of Vignette Collection Dunes Resort Swakopmund, Holiday Inn Walvis Bay, and voco Windhoek CBD, collectively adding 347 rooms to IHG’s growing pipeline in Southern Africa.  The three properties will be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global leader in integrated hotel management and operations solutions, and one of IHG’s trusted partners. All hotels are expected…

Acacia-Composites Manufacturers, the African continent’s only WPC (wood-plastic composite) manufacturer, recently exhibited at WoodEX for Africa 2025, which was held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Acacia-Composites Manufacturers offers premium decking and cladding solutions with sustainably designed exhibition booths built entirely from compressed cardboard. Made using 70% intruder bush species and recycled plastic, Acacia’s WPC products are produced in Windhoek and certified to meet stringent European standards. Eike Bolm, business manager of Acacia-Composites, said the presence at WoodEX is more than just an exhibition but a celebration of Namibian ingenuity.  Bolm told Observer Money that while South…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia can learn from countries like Thailand and Brazil, where early adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) was driven by affordable models and supportive infrastructure, not just income levels. A report by Simonis Storm Securities said the rise of Chinese EV brands globally aligns with Namibia’s increasing preference for Chinese vehicles.  This presents a chance for local dealerships and financiers to position themselves early in the EV shift. The report pointed to fuel price volatility, environmental concerns, and investment in home-charging incentives, smart tariffs, and public infrastructure as key drivers that could speed up EV adoption in Namibia.  It…

Chamwe Kaira Bank Windhoek Limited has announced an interest payment on its BWZJ27 listed notes, according to a notice issued on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).  Bondholders will receive a coupon payment of 9.2% for the interest period from 28 March 2025 to 28 June 2025.  The total interest amount is N$7.2 million. Payment will be made on 30 June 2025. PSG Capital acts as the debt sponsor for the BWZJ27 notes. Paladin Energy Ltd, which owns the Langer Heinrich uranium mine in the Erongo Region, has appointed Paul Hemburrow as managing director and chief executive officer.  His appointment is…

Namibia’s colder months and the peak tourism season officially began in May, albeit on a soft footing.  While the season typically brings increased activity, the early indicators suggest a more subdued start, with momentum expected to build gradually as the country approaches the height of the season in August and September. National occupancy rates declined marginally by 0.04 percentage points month-on-month, easing from 54.94% in April to 54.90% in May.  On an annual basis, however, the sector experienced a more notable  slowdown, with occupancy rates falling by 5.44 percentage points from 60.34% recorded in May 2024.  Despite this annual decline,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has stated that limited access to capital and networks continues to hinder the growth of women-owned businesses in Namibia.  This challenge, she said, persists despite ongoing efforts to support female entrepreneurship. “Nearly 40% of our SMEs are now women-owned, but many still face limited access to capital and networks. Accordingly, we have to bridge this gap,” she said during a panel discussion at the US-Africa Business Summit. The discussion, titled “Women in Leadership: Driving Innovation, Catalysing Investments and Shaping Policy”, was part of the 2025 summit, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for…

Staff Writer  Sanlam has officially rebranded as SanlamAllianz Namibia, marking the start of a new chapter for the country’s insurance sector.  The announcement was made on Tuesday following a strategic alliance with Allianz, one of the world’s leading insurers and asset managers.  The rebrand was unveiled during a series of events in Windhoek, including a vibrant parade along Independence Avenue to the National Theatre of Namibia, a media conference at Sanlam Centre, and a gala dinner at Windhoek Country Club Resort. SanlamAllianz CEO Tertius Stears spoke at the gala dinner, emphasising that the partnership brings together the expertise and financial…

Justicia Shipena The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) attributes the decline in tourist arrivals from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to increased travel costs. This includes airfare and visa fees, which discourage long-haul travel.  The DACH region, which is made up of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, traditionally represents Namibia’s largest middle-market segment.  HAN also pointed to global political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as key factors weighing on international travel sentiment, particularly from European markets. This comes as the latest hospitality report by Simonis Storm shows that the country's national occupancy rate slightly decreased from 54.94% in April to 54.90% in May. …