Observer Money

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has introduced a new pricing strategy that came into effect on 1 January 2026. The changes aim to reduce everyday banking costs and expand access to digital and bundled banking services for individuals and businesses. The bank said the revised pricing includes lower fees on selected daily transactions, more free services, and four bundled account options designed for different income and lifestyle needs. The strategy also places stronger focus on digital banking and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the bank, customers will benefit from reduced fees on digital transactions, lower electronic funds…

Outsurance Group Limited (OGL) is set to list on the A2X via a secondary listing, with qualifying shares expected to be listed on the bourse this month. OGL informed shareholders that the company’s ordinary shares have been approved for inclusion in the list of qualifying equity securities to be traded on A2X, effective 14 January 2026. The insurer’s primary listing on the JSE Limited and its issued share capital will be unaffected by the secondary listing on A2X. “For the past 28 years, OUTsurance has delivered innovative, value-for-money products to its clients, and we are pleased to help extend this…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s offshore oil discoveries are helping to renew momentum in Africa’s upstream energy sector. However, tight investment discipline and operational challenges continue to slow development, according to the African Energy Chamber. Two major offshore discoveries made in Namibia in 2022 by Shell and TotalEnergies marked a turning point for the country’s energy prospects. The finds also boosted exploration interest across the continent, including in Côte d’Ivoire, Angola and Egypt. In its 2026 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, the African Energy Chamber says global exploration and production capital spending is expected to reach about US$504 billion by…

Chamwe Kaira Trading on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) was subdued in the first week of 2026, reflecting a shortened trading period and lower investor activity during the year-end holiday. The NSX Local Index closed the week little changed, with limited movement across most locally listed shares.  Turnover on the local board remained low, with trading concentrated in a few counters, while several shares recorded no trades. Overall market activity was driven mainly by dual-listed stocks, tracking movements on offshore markets.  Anglo American and other large dual-listed resource shares were among the most actively traded, with prices largely mirroring performance…

Chamwe Kaira Yields on all Treasury Bills (TBs) declined in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting adequate liquidity and lower benchmark rates, according to the Bank of Namibia. Local TB yields fell quarter on quarter during the period due to strong liquidity, oversubscription at auctions, a softer monetary policy stance, and lower South African benchmark rates. Yields on the 91-day and 182-day TBs dropped by 26 basis points and 20 basis points to 7.40% and 7.57%, respectively. By the end of September 2025, yields on longer-dated TBs also declined. The 273-day TB fell by 30 basis points to 7.50%, while…

Staff Writer Oceana Group Limited has appointed Aboubakar “Bakar” Jakoet as its new lead independent director and chairperson of the corporate governance and nominations committee, effective 1 January 2026. The company said the appointment complies with paragraph 3.59 of the JSE Listings Requirements. Jakoet has served as an independent non-executive director of Oceana since 2019. He is a chartered accountant and currently chairs the risk committee while also serving on the audit committee. The board welcomed the appointment and said it looks forward to his continued contribution in the new roles. Oceana also announced that Peter de Beyer will step…

Chamwe Kaira SilverStreet Capital has completed its grape harvest at Aussenkehr in southern Namibia, employing a record 4 024 workers during the season. SilverStreet Capital chief investment officer Gary Vaughan-Smith said in a social media post that about one-third of the company’s export containers have already reached European Union markets and the United Kingdom.  He said SilverStreet supplies all major supermarket chains in those regions. Vaughan-Smith said logistics posed the main challenge during the season.  Strong winds in Cape Town delayed early vessel departures in November. To manage the disruption, the company adjusted its export routes and shipped through Walvis…

Staff Writer Africa Finance Corporation has announced the signing of key financing agreements for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola, where it acted as co-financial adviser alongside Eaglestone to Lobito Atlantic Railway S.A., the borrower and concessionaire of the 1 300-kilometre brownfield rail corridor. The project is backed by sponsors including Mota-Engil, commodities trader Trafigura, and rail operator Vecturis. The partners bring technical, operational and commercial expertise to support the long-term operation of the corridor. The signing covers a US$753 million financing package made up of US$553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and US$200 million from…

Chamwe Kaira Credit and liquidity data for November 2025 show that monetary easing continues to support Namibia’s economy, though growth has slowed after one-off liquidity adjustments, according to financial services firm Simonis Storm. Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE) slowed to 4.5% year on year in November, down from 4.7% in October.  The moderation reflects softer borrowing by both companies and households following liquidity effects linked to the Eurobond redemption.  Despite the slowdown, PSCE remains well above the weak levels recorded in 2023 and early 2024, pointing to improved credit conditions rather than a downturn. Simonis Storm expects PSCE growth to…

Staff Writer Anglo American plc has given an update on its portfolio restructuring plan announced on 14 May 2024, aimed at unlocking value and improving returns for shareholders. The mining group said it is making progress and meeting its post-offer commitments linked to Nickel, Anglo American Platinum, Steelmaking Coal, De Beers and Crop Nutrients. Anglo American confirmed it remains on track with the sale of its nickel business. The company announced on 18 February 2025 that it had signed a binding agreement to sell the business to MMG Singapore Resources Pte. Ltd, a subsidiary of MMG Limited, for cash consideration…