Observer Money

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to growth, sustainability and expanding homeownership at the home loans grand finale.  The event recognised top-performing estate agents, developers, and consultants whose work has supported the country's housing market. Chief executive Erwin Tjipuka said the bank remains focused on driving growth and building communities.  “Namibia is our home, and at Standard Bank, we are committed to driving her growth. Financing homes is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about building communities, creating opportunities and shaping a future where every Namibian has a place to call home.”  He highlighted the…

Observer Money sat down with MultiChoice Namibia Managing Director Roger Gertze to discuss the Canal+ deal, its impact on Namibia, the production of local content, subscription fees, and decoder prices. Chamwe Kaira (CK): What impact will the takeover of Multichoice by Canal+ have on the operations of Multichoice Namibia? Roger Gertze (RG): You would know that Canal+ is a media company similar to what we have been doing over the years. They have been concentrating on the French-speaking part of the continent as well as in their home country, France. They have been expanding over the years into a number…

Chamwe Kaira  Pepkor Holdings Limited grew its group revenue by 12% to N$95.3 billion for the year ended 30 September.  The clothing and general merchandise segment increased revenue by 8.9% to N$66.9 billion, while the furniture, appliances and electronics segment rose by 7.2% to N$11.8 billion. Operating profit before capital items increased by 13.2% to N$11.1 billion, driven by strong trading and tight cost control. Net finance costs grew by 4.1% to N$3 billion, supported by lower interest rates and measures that reduced funding costs.  “The group achieved strong cash generation and enhanced returns, notwithstanding the high levels of strategic…

Chamwe Kaira  S&P Global Ratings has upgraded eight South African banks after raising the country’s sovereign rating on 14 November. The agency lifted South Africa’s foreign-currency rating to BB from BB- and its local-currency rating to BB+ from BB, with a positive outlook. It said the move reflects better economic growth, a stronger fiscal path, and lower risks from state-owned enterprises as Eskom posts its first profit in decades. On 18 November, S&P said the sovereign upgrade allowed higher ratings across major banks, noting that most institutions remain capped by the sovereign ceiling because government distress can affect domestic banks.…

Chamber of Mines of Namibia chief executive Veston Malango says recent incidents involving hazardous materials such as sulphuric acid show the risks posed by damaged sections of the country’s railway network. He said these incidents can cause serious environmental harm, especially in sensitive areas. Malango said the mining sector relies on safe and reliable transport. He stressed that a strong railway system is critical for moving mining inputs and products in a safe and cost-effective way. Observer Money (OM): What is the Chamber of Mines of Namibia’s position on the current state of the railway industry in Namibia? Veston Malango…

Chamwe Kaira  Andrada Mining Limited reported higher production, stronger revenue and reduced operating losses for the six months ended 31 August 2025. The company said it is now entering a scaling phase after completing engineering upgrades and corporate restructuring. The unaudited interim results showed continued investment across its Namibian operations, including the Uis Mine and several development projects aimed at expanding tin, tantalum and lithium output. The company processed 527 583 tonnes of ore, up 10% from 481 504 tonnes in the first half of the previous financial year. Tin concentrate production increased by 14% to 858 tonnes, and tantalum…

Chamwe Kaira  Africa Bitcoin Corporation Limited (ABC), formerly Altvest Capital Limited, says its ordinary shares have started trading in the United States on the OTCQB Venture Market.  Trading began on Wednesday under the ticker AFBCF. The company anticipates that this move will enhance its visibility and reach, providing global investors with an additional avenue to access its shares.  The OTCQB Market is an electronic broker-dealer platform operated by OTC Markets Group. It is not a licensed or regulated securities exchange, and ABC’s admission is not a formal listing. It allows secondary trading of the company’s existing ordinary shares through US…

Staff Writer  Black Friday has become a major event on Namibia’s retail calendar. It has shifted from an imported idea to a period that shapes how consumers spend and how businesses plan. For retailers, it is a chance to boost revenue and connect with customers. For consumers, it offers savings but carries the risk of financial strain when approached without discipline. Awareness of Black Friday remains high. Electronics and appliances are still the most sought-after items, followed by clothing and household essentials. Shoppers are becoming more cautious, focusing on value and necessity rather than impulse buys. Rising living costs, interest…

Staff Writer  Abu Dhabi brought global energy leaders together for ADIPEC 2025, where discussions focused on rising demand and the future of the sector. Opening the event, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, welcomed thousands of attendees and delivered a message centred on urgency. Al Jaber said ADIPEC has become the platform “where facts come into focus” and where the future of energy is shaped through direct dialogue and investment-driven action. He highlighted the pressures created by shifting geopolitics, volatile markets and increasing complexity. He said electricity demand will climb sharply through 2040 as data…

Renthia Kaimbi The Emergency Shelter and Matutura Community Hall will be renamed in honour of the late liberation struggle icon, Putuse Appolus. The decision was approved during this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, following a recommendation first made by the Swakopmund naming advisory committee in September 2020. According to council documents, the recommendation was mistakenly omitted from a group of items submitted to the council in November 2020. The omission occurred during a period of meeting disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This week’s decision corrects that oversight. The facility will now be called the Putuse Appolus Emergency Shelter. In the…