Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Nedbank Group CEO Jason Quinn says Namibia’s dual economy means digital payments are becoming common in cities, while cash remains dominant in rural areas. He said this is not because people resist change but because available tools have not always met the realities on the ground. “Limited connectivity, the cost of devices, and a lack of locally relevant solutions have been real barriers. We didn’t simply copy and paste a global solution,” Quinn said. According to the Bank of Namibia’s 2024 Annual Report, e-money transactions increased to N$43.7 billion in 2024 from N$37.7 billion in 2023.  Transaction volumes…

The markets closed last week (18 August to 22 August) on a positive note, with several sectors posting strong gains. The JSE All Share Index climbed to 102,724 points, up 774 points from last week, marking a 0.76% increase. Since the start of the year, the index has risen an impressive 22.15%, reaching its highest level yet in 2025. On the Namibian Stock Exchange, Namibia’s Overall Index gained 1.29% to settle at 1,835.39 points, while the Local Index inched up slightly by 0.04% to 754.19 points, continuing its steady growth of 9.09% since December 2024. Among the major sectors, real…

Staff Writer Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has announced the deployment of 5G services in Namibia. The announcement was made this week at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. With the soft launch, MTC becomes the first operator in the country to introduce the technology.  The service is currently available in Ongwediva, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek. The company said more areas will be covered in the coming months as part of an aggressive rollout plan. MTC chief technical and information officer, Monica Nehemia, said the technology will be a key driver of Namibia’s digital economy. “We are proud to make 5G…

The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) returns for its 24th edition from 22 to 30 August 2025 under the theme “Innovate – Connect – Prosper”. Observer Money chatted to the organisers. The organisers say the theme reflects the fair’s evolving role as a driver of innovation, partnerships and sustainable economic growth in Namibia.  Windhoek Observer (WO): What is the theme for this year’s trade fair and how did you arrive at the theme?  Lonia Nghuulikwa (LN): The 24th Edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from 22nd to 30th August 2025 under the theme "Innovate…

Staff Writer During the 2024/2025 financial year, the Ongwediva Town Council implemented a capital budget of N$53 million for infrastructure development and service delivery projects.  The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents and support the town’s growth. Several projects have been completed. These include the planning and replanning of Extensions 13 and Elyambala at N$217 391, the replanning of Extension 2 Township at N$86 957, fire and rescue equipment worth N$173 913, the multipurpose sports field Phase 4 at N$4.3 million, park fixtures at Extension 14, ICT equipment, office furniture, and the installation of Christmas lights.…

Staff Writer The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has strengthened its presence in the Oshana Region, financing projects worth N$978.7 million since its inception.  According to the Oshana Regional Council, the investments have supported a range of sectors with significant impact. The largest share of funding went to the construction industry at N$170.8 million, while housing development received N$152.6 million.  Electricity infrastructure projects in Oshana were supported with N$116.8 million. In the 2024/25 financial year, the health sector received N$22.1 million. DBN also provided N$1.8 million to finance micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. During the 2024/25…

The European Union (EU) and the Namibian government recently broke ground on the N$78.9 million Etunda Feedlot Project.  The Windhoek Observer’s Chamwe Kaira asked Ian Dupont, EU deputy head of mission in Namibia, about the Etunda project and other EU-funded agricultural projects in northern parts of the country.   Chamwe Kaira (CK): Why did the EU decide to fund the Etunda Feedlot Project, and what is its importance to the northern regions? Ian Dupont (ID): The European Union (EU) is funding the 1000-cattle capacity Etunda Feedlot, valued at N$80 million, as part of a broader N$400 million support package to the…

The governor of the Ohangwena region, Kadiva Hamutumwa, has called for the urgent development of the Ohangwena Aquifer to secure water supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. “Additionally, we should work hard at developing earth dams that will serve as strategic catchment areas for both rain and floodwater. This will serve as our water security strategy for the region, as this water is best to use for agricultural purposes,” she said. Hamutumwa also stressed the need for critical road and network infrastructure to enhance business development.  She said economic growth depends on creating industries and businesses that can serve…

Oshana governor, Hofni Iipinge, has called for the extension of the Etaka Canal to reach Lake Oponona to support irrigation and livestock farming in the southern parts of the region. He also urged the operationalisation of local abattoirs and support for farmers to boost agricultural productivity and promote value addition to regional produce.  Iipinge stressed the need to accelerate capital projects and development programmes to stimulate economic growth and job creation. He said the region should prioritise the implementation of the revised compensation policy to improve land delivery through adequate funding for compensation and land servicing at the local authority…