Observer Money – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

07 Nov

BoN pushes digital transformation for cross-border payments

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CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia is exploring an instant payment solution, officer in charge at the Bank of Namibia, Marsorry Ickua, told the Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar held in Windhoek. The central bank official announced that over 70 countries are implementing Fast Payment Systems (FPS), and another 20 are in advanced stages. “The solution will position the country to benefit from reduced transaction costs and increased access for all segments of the population, including rural areas and the informal economy. The fast payment solution can be leveraged to enhance cross-border payments, boost trade, and provide greater financial inclusion. Ultimately, this should transform…

07 Nov

Repo rate expected to be cut further

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CHAMWE KAIRA Simonis Storm anticipates a further 25 basis-point rate cut, bringing the repo rate to 7%, at the Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in December. Simonis expects the Bank of Namibia to take a cautious approach, observing the effects of this easing before any further policy adjustments. Similarly, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will hold its next MPC meeting on 21 November, where Simonis expects a comparable 25 basis-point rate reduction. The current repo rate in Namibia is 7.25%, with a prime lending rate of 11.00%. While these levels remain elevated, the recent reduction offers…

07 Nov

NSX gets first oil trading company

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CHAMWE KAIRA Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd has announced the dual-listing on the Namibian Stock Exchange and the renewal of Petroleum Exploration Licence 001 onshore Botswana, and an operational update with respect to its exploration activities on Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 onshore Namibia. Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO of the Company stated: “We are excited to be the first publicly traded oil and gas company listed on the NSX. ReconAfrica has the largest acreage position of any publicly traded pure play oil and gas exploration company operating onshore Namibia. We have also extended our licence in Botswana under favourable terms. Most…

07 Nov

Affordable housing key for sustainable development

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CHRISTOFF BAUERNSCHMITT Affordable housing is one of the key aspects for development in Namibia and in response to the country's pressing housing needs, Old Mutual Namibia launched its Housing Fund in August 2024. With an initial capital of N$50 million, the initiative is set to provide critical financial support for affordable housing projects, aimed at addressing the growing demand for accessible and affordable housing in the country. The government set a national target in the Fifth National Development Plan of developing 20 000 houses over a four-year period and mandated the NHE to execute 5 000 houses of that target.…

07 Nov

Paratus completes East-West Africa fibre route

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Paratus Group has completed its East-West Africa fibre route, offering a fast and resilient link to anywhere in the world from anywhere in the southern African region. The Paratus East-West route, the first coast to coast terrestrial route using Paratus built fibre infrastructure, offers an alternative terrestrial route, the current demand for which has been precipitated and expedited by the recent and frequent network outages. As Paratus Group CEO, Schalk Erasmus says: “This sea-change in imperatives has arisen due to breakages in certain subsea cable systems. Operators need a more reliable route and, with our new East-West route, by connecting…

04 Nov

Africa Oil moves with Venus development

ObserverEnergy, Observer MoneyFarm Down, Roger Tucker, TotalEnergies EP Namibia project

Ester Mbathera Africa Oil Corp. announced the completion of a strategic farmdown by its investee company, Impact Oil & Gas, in Blocks 2912 and 2913B, known as the Farm Down to TotalEnergies EP Namibia project. The company announced last week that Impact received approximately USD 99 million and retains a 9.5% interest, benefiting from a carry loan to cover remaining costs until the first oil production. Africa Oil president and chief executive, Roger Tucker, said the Farm Down allows the company to retain a funded interest in the Venus development project that is expected to add significant reserves and production…

04 Nov

Revolutionary Union secures wage deal with B&E International Namibia

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Allexer Namundjembo The Revolutionary Union has signed a two-year substantive wage agreement with B&E International Namibia Pty Ltd. In a statement, Julius Natangwe, the proletariat central secretary of RU, said that the agreement would benefit all B&E employees included in the exclusive bargaining unit. “The agreement, effective from 1 September, encompasses a favourable wage increase to ensure employees sustain and enhance their standard of living in Namibia,” said Natangwe. He added that the agreement included a salary increase along with an evaluation and adjustment of various existing employee allowances, such as the production bonus scheme. “As part of the safety…

04 Nov

NaCC reached only 56% of its annual target

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Martin Endjala The Office of the Auditor-General has found the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) to have fallen behind in implementing its annual plan fully. According to the auditor general, Junias Kandjeke his office noted that the commission only implemented 56% of the key performance targets (34 out of 61) for the 2023/24 strategic review period. “It is recommended that the commission ensure that all performance targets are achieved at year-end,” he recommended. The NaCC financial year ended on 31 March. Despite the findings, Kandjeke said that the financial statements accurately depict the financial position, financial performance, and cash flows of…

03 Nov

Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway promises economic growth

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Niël Terblancé With improved infrastructure, Namibia is better positioned to grow its economy, enhance trade opportunities, and offer its citizens and visitors a safer and more efficient transportation network. President Nangolo Mbumba inaugurated the new Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway A1 freeway on Friday, reclassifying it from B1 to A1 in accordance with road classification standards. “The opening of this dual carriageway demonstrates our government’s dedication to creating robust infrastructure that supports economic activities, trade, and connectivity,” he said. The project, built at a cost of N$2.8 billion, is a major upgrade of the 71 km stretch between Windhoek and Okahandja and…

03 Nov

NIDA’s road to recovery

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Martin Endjala The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) is finalising its 2023/24 fiscal year report and addressing criticism over poor infrastructure, performance, and transparency. In August, National Council members suggested dismantling Nida due to its shortcomings, including a N$100 million abandoned crocodile farm in Kongola, Zambezi region. Acting CEO Richwell Lukonga assured that financial reports would be public by year-end and outlined the agency's strategic plan for 2024-2028. “These reports, which cover the financial performance of the agency, are expected to be made public towards the end of the year,” he confirmed. Nida is also focusing on sustainable livestock management…