Observer Money

Staff Writer The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) has concluded stakeholder consultations on the review and formulation of the standards regulations. The consultations took place in the Khomas and Erongo regions. They form part of a national process to strengthen Namibia’s standards and regulatory framework and ensure it responds to economic changes, technological developments and international regulatory practice. The current standards regulations were promulgated in 2013 after the Standards Act of 2005 came into effect. Since then, Namibia’s economic and regulatory environment has changed. Trade integration has increased. Industrial activity has expanded. Expectations for stronger regulation and market oversight have grown.…

The January 2026 money and banking data show that the credit cycle is slowing in an orderly way. Liquidity conditions are normalising on a seasonal basis. The monetary environment remains supportive of growth. Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE) growth eased to 4.2% in January from 4.4% in December. Simonis Storm said this does not signal a change in the underlying credit trend. Corporate credit growth softened but remains positive in most major sub-sectors, except commercial property finance. Borrowing patterns still point to investment in productive assets rather than speculative activity. Household credit has started to improve after a long period…

Christopher Freygang There’s something almost magical about the early years of adulthood. Everything is new, everything is possible, and the future still feels wide open. But that same freedom can also make money feel like something you’ll “figure out later". It’s easy to think wealth is something older people build, once careers are settled and life feels less unpredictable. The truth is the opposite. Your younger years give you one of the most valuable financial assets you’ll ever have, and it’s not a fancy salary or an investment plan. It’s time. Wealth isn’t built overnight. It grows quietly, almost invisibly,…

Chamwe Kaira  Biosecurity has moved from a veterinary concern to a national economic priority as the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) rises in Southern Africa, according to analysis by Simonis Storm. Recent outbreaks in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Botswana’s Disease Control Zone 6b and containment efforts in Zambia have increased the risk of cross-border livestock infections. Namibia’s border areas lie within a few hundred kilometres of infected zones. This places the country’s export-driven livestock sector at risk during a period of slow agricultural recovery. The livestock industry remains a key contributor to export earnings, rural employment and meat processing. Premium…

Staff Writer  Stakeholders have launched the national foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) task force and the FMD support fund to protect Namibia’s livestock sector, rural livelihoods and export earnings. The new mechanisms bring together government, farmers, unions and the private sector in a coordinated effort to prevent and respond to outbreaks. The livestock industry is valued at about N$15 billion and supports thousands of jobs across the value chain. Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious livestock diseases in the world. In Namibia, a single confirmed case in the FMD-free zone can shut down all beef and livestock exports.  With outbreaks…

Chamwe Kaira  Veteran welfare programmes disbursed more than N$1.3 billion in financial and social support during the year ended 31 March 2025, reaching over 40 000 service interactions across different schemes. Under the monthly subvention grant programme, 22 840 beneficiaries received N$2 200 per month.  The beneficiaries include veterans of the national liberation struggle and their dependents. The programme recorded a total expenditure of N$566.27 million during the year. The Improvement Welfare Grant for ex-PLAN combat veterans supported 9 729 eligible veterans. The programme paid out N$442.23 million in monthly allowances in line with veterans’ legislation. Once-off gratuity payments were…

Chamwe Kaira  Hunters provided 254 038 kilograms of meat to communities during the 2024/2025 financial year as communal conservancies continued to support rural livelihoods and conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said conservancies generated N$81.1 million in revenue during the year. Of this amount, 15.4% was reinvested into community development projects. The sector sustained 2 037 jobs. Just over half of conservancies met the five key compliance requirements. Annual game counts and audits were conducted to guide wildlife management. Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product is projected to increase to N$15.4 billion in 2025/2026 and N$16 billion…

Staff Writer FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia have announced changes to their leadership teams. Philip Chapman, previously chief executive officer of RMB Namibia, has been appointed CEO of FNB Commercial. RMB Namibia is part of the FirstRand Namibia Group. Chapman has built his career in corporate and investment banking. During his time at RMB Namibia, he oversaw growth and performance in the business. “His ability to build high-performance teams and drive strategic transformation uniquely positions him to strengthen FNB Namibia’s commercial business and reinforce its market leadership.” Speaking on his appointment, Chapman said, “My career has been firmly rooted in…

Chamwe Kaira  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will compile its findings and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke region. The review focuses on an application for an environmental clearance certificate submitted by Headspring Investments. The application covers a four-year test mining phase using ISL technology.  Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti convened the engagement as part of the ongoing assessment. A final decision is expected by June 2026. An IAEA delegation of six representatives visited Namibia from 9…

Staff Writer  Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Joggie van Schalkwyk as regional manager in its Metropolitan Retail business unit. Van Schalkwyk joins the company from Old Mutual Broker Distribution, where he served as business support manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in financial services, with roles in direct sales, operational support and functional leadership. The company said his experience across the value chain has given him insight into how different roles contribute to business performance and client outcomes. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Stadio and is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Business Administration…