Observer Money

Staff Writer  Namibia Securities Exchange’s overall stock market index fell 4.3% during the week ended 23 October 2026, while the local index declined by 0.6%, according to the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) weekly market index data. The NSX Overall Index closed at 2 276.55 points on Friday, down from 2 379.97 points on 16 October. The NSX Local Index declined to 899.31 points from 904.71 points over the same period. The overall index fell by 103.42 points during the week, while the local index lost 5.40 points. The market also recorded losses on Friday, with the Overall Index dropping 4.35%…

Staff Writer Model, the retailer within the Ohlthaver & List (OL) Group, has officially launched Model Seagulls in Walvis Bay, further strengthening its presence at the coast while creating employment, supporting local businesses and expanding opportunities for Namibian suppliers.  Representing an investment of approximately N$33 million, the project delivered significant economic benefit during construction, with around 75% of the spend directed to coastal service providers. At the centre of the new store is a team of 70 employees, including 29 new hires. The remaining positions are filled by employees who successfully applied from other Model stores, while 12 previously fixed-term…

HELLEN AMUPOLO Namibia's next growth opportunity may not lie in discovering new products to export, but in gaining easier access to some of the world's largest consumer markets. China's decision to introduce a zero-tariff framework for eligible exports from African countries has the potential to reshape trade relationships across the continent and create significant new opportunities for Namibian businesses.  While the policy may appear to be a technical trade adjustment, its implications are far-reaching. Lower tariffs make African products more competitive, improve market access and create new possibilities for businesses looking beyond their traditional export destinations. Namibia has made significant…

CHAMWE KAIRA Stimulus Investments Limited has declared an interim dividend of N$79.3 million for holders of its 2011 preference shares, equivalent to N$17.05 per share. The investment holding company announced on 21 October that its board had approved a total dividend of N$79 295 901.30. Stimulus is incorporated in Namibia, and its 2011 preference shares are listed on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX). The shares provide investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of unlisted private-equity-type investments. The last day to trade the shares with entitlement to the dividend is 13 November 2026, while the shares will trade ex-dividend from…

CHAMWE KAIRA The Southern African Development Community (SADC) division of South African restaurant group Famous Brands recorded an 18% decline in revenue to N$183 million for the six months ended 31 August 2026, with weak trading in Botswana weighing on regional performance, including operations in Namibia. It manages iconic food chains like Steers, Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Mugg & Bean, Fishaways, and Milky Lane.  Operating profit in the region plunged by 78% to N$5 million from N$24 million in the corresponding period last year, as the group struggled to offset declining sales in Botswana despite revenue growth in several other markets.…

The National Assembly this week passed the petroleum (exploration and production) amendment bill. Observer Money explains what the bill is all about.  Namibia’s oil and gas industry attracted N$4.4 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2021 and 2025, accounting for about 56% of total FDI inflows, according to the Bank of Namibia.  The primary objective of this bill is to restructure how Namibia regulates its oil and gas sector. It shifts the oversight of upstream petroleum activities (exploration and production) away from the ministry of industries, mines and energy and places it directly under the Office of the President.…

Staff Writer  Cashbuild’s sales across its African markets, including Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini and Lesotho, declined by 11% in the first quarter of its 2027 financial year, reflecting weaker revenue from existing stores. The South African building materials retailer reported a 16% decline in revenue from existing stores in its Rest of Africa segment for the quarter ended September 2026, while new stores contributed 5% growth. The Rest of Africa segment accounted for 10% of the group’s total sales during the quarter. Malawi was included in the comparative regional footprint until its disposal on 29 December 2025. Cashbuild operates several stores…

CHAMWE KAIRA Clicks Group, which operates stores across Namibia plans to invest N$780 million in new stores and pharmacies in the 2027 financial year as it continues to expand its retail footprint, with total capital expenditure expected to reach N$1.5 billion. The South African health and beauty retailer plans to open 40 to 50 new stores during the year ending August 2027, while refurbishing between 70 and 80 existing outlets. A further N$673 million will be invested in systems, omni-channel capabilities and supply chain infrastructure. The expansion follows a financial year in which Clicks opened a net 41 stores and…

Staff Writer  The government of Botswana and De Beers Group have announced that De Beers Group has transferred its initial contribution of BWP 1 billion (N$1.1 billion) to the Diamond for Development Fund, marking a major milestone in the progress of the Fund and its mandate to support Botswana’s long-term economic diversification. The disbursement follows the establishment of the Fund’s governance structures, including the appointment of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the Fund’s Chairperson as well as the appointment and onboarding of the 10-person independent board. The Diamonds for Development Fund was established through the longstanding partnership between the government ofBotswana…

CHAMWE KAIRA Andrada Mining Limited has reported an interim profit after tax of £2.5 million (N$54.8 million) for the six months ended 31 August 2026, compared with a loss of £3 million (N$65 million) in the corresponding period last year, as higher tin prices and increased production boosted its financial performance. The Namibia-focused critical minerals company increased revenue by 80% to £20.6 million, from £11.44 million a year earlier, while gross profit more than quadrupled to £8.3 million from £1.88 million. The company’s gross profit margin improved to 40.3%, compared with 16.4% in the first half of the previous financial…