Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  Elevate Uranium managing director Murray Hill says the company’s U-pgrade Pilot Plant marks a pivotal step in its development. The plant is designed to confirm the U-pgrade beneficiation process on a continuous, scalable basis and will operate in Namibia. “Our team has worked diligently to ensure its readiness, and its operation in Namibia is central to validating the process at a continuous, scalable size. As we look to further optimise the development pathway in Namibia, the data and insights collected will be key to the technical studies that we aim to start during the period of pilot plant…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved two merger transactions without conditions, finding that neither poses a risk to market competition in the country.  The decisions appear in government gazette No. 8691, dated 17July 2025. The first merger involves Mpact Operations (Pty) Ltd and Seyfert Corrugated Western Cape (Pty) Ltd.  The commission received the merger proposal on 8 April . Mpact produces paper-based packaging in Southern Africa. Seyfert manufactures corrugated packaging. Both companies are based in South Africa.  NaCC examined the potential impact of the merger on the Namibian market, focusing on corrugated boxes and packaging supply.  After…

Allexer Namundjembo The Bank of Namibia (BoN) will host a high-level intergenerational dialogue next month as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations.  The event will bring together current and former governors in a discussion on leadership, policy, and institutional legacy. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab will be joined by former governors Tom Alweendo and Iipumbu Shiimi under the theme “Anchored in Stability, Advancing with Transformation.”  The Governors’ Townhall, which will be attended by BoN staff, will explore the evolution of central banking policy and leadership while preserving institutional memory. “The intergenerational dialogue is a unique opportunity to reflect on the leadership…

Justicia Shipena  Sub-Saharan Africa is falling behind global standards in aviation safety. The region has only implemented 59.49% of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices (SARPS) across 46 of 48 states.  This falls short of the global average of 69.16% and well below the target of 75%. In response, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to act, warning that failure to meet global standards undermines aviation’s role in driving economic growth, job creation, and social development. In a statement on Wednesday, IATA said Africa’s aviation sector contributes USD 75 billion (approximately N$1.4…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Nedbank Namibia will host its first-ever Future of Business Conference next month at Droombos in Windhoek.  The event targets owner-managed businesses, emerging startups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on leadership, communication, human resources, and information technology. The bank announced on Tuesday that the conference aims to equip Namibian entrepreneurs with practical tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and drive innovation.  Keynote speakers will include Nedbank group chief executive officer Jason Quinn, Nedbank Africa Head of Marketing Tatiana Ndlovu, and Aurik Co-Founder Pavlo Phitidis. “Namibian businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their…

Ujandja Zatjirua With digitalisation reshaping the insurance and financial services industry in Africa, the threat of fraud has evolved in terms of its magnitude and complexity. While institutions race to digitise procedures and embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Outlook shared that fraudsters employ online platforms to target the most vulnerable: micro-enterprises, families, and individuals. Fraud isn't about stolen cash. It's about stolen trust, peace of mind, and dignity. In Namibia, where families work to create financial security, the emotional impact of fraud can be crushing. Victims feel shock, denial, shame, and fear; too many…

Chamwe Kaira  Diamond production in Namibia dropped by 5% in the second quarter of 2025, falling to 535,000 carats from 561,000 carats in the first quarter.  According to De Beers’ second quarter production report, the decline followed planned actions to reduce output at Debmarine Namibia. In total, Namibia produced 1,166,000 carats in the first half of 2025, down from 1,194,000 carats during the same period in 2024. De Beers said that after a fleet optimisation study, the Coral Sea vessel was retired, and the Grand Banks vessel was taken out of service, awaiting a decision on possible decommissioning or sale. …

Chamwe Kaira  First Capital Namibia has dismissed claims that it delayed implementing its home loan portfolio.  First Capital's chief investment officer, Martin Mwinga, said all funds allocated by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) were fully drawn down and disbursed on time. "We are aware of the allegations and accusations against First Capital, and at the right and appropriate time, and if necessary, we will issue a press statement to clarify issues. However, we must clarify that First Capital has never delayed the implementation of the home loan portfolio. All funds allocated to us by GIPF were fully drawn down…