Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Fuel prices are expected to put upward pressure on inflation after the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy increased pump prices by 21% per litre in December. The rise follows higher global crude oil prices and refinery constraints. Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm said housing inflation is also expected to remain firm due to long-standing supply shortages and municipal tariff adjustments. Economists project inflation to average between 3.7% and 3.9% in 2025, rising toward 4% in 2026 as fuel and utility prices settle at higher levels. They warn that currency volatility, logistics costs and global supply conditions could…

Chamwe Kaira As Paratus Namibia marks its 20th anniversary, managing director Andrew Hall reflected on how the company began with a small team aiming to change the country’s digital future. What started as Internet Technologies Namibia (Pty) Ltd has grown into a major connectivity provider now preparing to enter the mobile network market. After a successful rights issue in May 2024, Paratus began one of its largest network expansions. The nationwide roll-out of its Radio Access Network and the growth of its retail footprint to 18 outlets led to strong customer uptake across its services. Fibre connections grew by 34%,…

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has concluded the blue growth series, a four-month micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) capacity-building pilot that supported 40 Namibian micro, small and medium enterprises across various sectors. The programme ended with a closing event at the bank’s headquarters, highlighting the progress made by participants as they moved from early-stage potential to investment-ready businesses. Launched in August 2025, the programme attracted 695 applicants. It was designed to equip MSMEs with structured training, mentorship, and internationally recognised certifications from institutions such as Harvard Manage Mentor and Bloomberg Finance Lab. Of the 297 MSMEs that qualified, 45%…

Chamwe Kaira  Walvis Bay handled exports worth N$7.3 billion in October, confirming its position as Namibia’s main gateway for trade. Data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) shows that Eros Airport followed at N$2.9 billion, while the Katima Mulilo border post handled N$1.1 billion in export goods. Walvis Bay also led on the import side, processing N$5.5 billion worth of goods. Ariamsvlei ranked second with N$3.3 billion, and the Trans Kalahari border post handled N$2.6 billion in imports. Sea transport carried most export goods. In October 2025, Namibia shipped N$7.4 billion worth of exports by sea, making up 56% of…

Chamwe Kaira  Paratus Namibia Holdings increased its capital expenditure to N$471.3 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, more than doubling the N$216.1 million spent in 2024.  The company marked its 20th anniversary during a year defined by investment and operational expansion. Paratus executive of finance, Naomi Fourie, said the spending focused on the expansion project as the group prepared to launch its mobile business in September 2025.  She said substantial resources went into equipment, site builds and the digital software stack needed to support operations. The mobile project is designed to enable SIM card users to access…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia’s medium-term trade outlook is shifting as Southern and Central Africa undergo major changes in regional transport networks, according to Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm Securities.  While the October trade figures still reflect commodity prices, domestic demand and exchange-rate movements, Jansen says the region is entering a logistics realignment that will shape Namibia's external sector for years. A key development is Zambia’s Western Corridor Project, which broke ground in late October. The route will offer a shorter and more predictable link between Zambia’s mining belt and the Port of Walvis Bay.  Jansen said the corridor will strengthen Namibia’s…

Chamwe Kaira  Remgro has issued a cautionary notice to shareholders as it enters advanced discussions on a possible restructuring of its interests in Mediclinic Holdings.  The outcome could have a material impact on Remgro’s share price. Mediclinic’s Southern African operations include three hospitals in Namibia. Remgro and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company jointly own Mediclinic through Investment Holding Limited S.à.r.l (IHL).  They have reached an in-principle, non-binding agreement to separate their core geographic operations.  Under the proposal, Remgro would take full ownership of Mediclinic Southern Africa, while IHL would take full ownership of Hirslanden, the Swiss business.  Both companies would continue…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia’s financial markets entered a new phase this week as the Central Securities Depository Limited (CSD) officially went live, moving the country from paper-based securities to a fully electronic post-trade system. The launch was announced by the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) in partnership with the Bank of Namibia and under the oversight of the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa).  For more than a decade, regulatory barriers prevented the creation of a CSD. A licence granted on 8 March 2024 allowed development to begin. The CSD will store and manage securities electronically, handle clearing and settlement, and process…

Staff Writer  Namcor and its joint venture partners ReconAfrica and BW Energy have announced successful results from the Kavango West 1X exploration well on petroleum exploration license 73 in onshore Namibia. The well encountered a gross hydrocarbon section of about 400 metres within the Otavi carbonate formation. Wireline logs and mud log analyses confirmed 64 net meters of hydrocarbon pay.  A further 61 metres of hydrocarbon shows were found in deeper intervals where natural fractures in the limestone reservoir are interpreted to improve hydrocarbon flow. ReconAfrica, the operator of PEL 73, completed drilling on 29 November 2025, reaching a total…

Chamwe Kaira Africa Bitcoin Corporation Limited (formerly Altvest Capital Limited) has reached a new milestone after its subsidiary, the Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF), raised N$50 million through a private placement of domestic medium-term notes. The company is listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange. The notes were issued under ACOF’s N$5 billion domestic medium-term note program. The agreements for the issuance were finalised ahead of the planned listing on the Cape Town Stock Exchange. The notes will mature on 1 December 2032, providing long-term funding stability for ACOF and investors. Africa Bitcoin Corp., which is listed on JSE, NSX, and…