Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Paladin Energy Limited has announced that it executed a US$150 million syndicated debt facility (debt Facility) this week. The debt facility will provide Paladin with capital flexibility as the company recommences operations at the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia and progresses its growth options, including progressing the Michelin exploration project in Canada. Paladin said the execution of the debt facility marks the successful completion of a comprehensive syndication process, including LHM site visits by independent technical and environmental experts and financier teams, corporate due diligence and an international syndication process. Paladin said it had executed the debt…

Chamwe Kaira The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) plans to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the Walvis Bay Corridors. The Group in conjunction with the transport and logistics industry is seeking a consultant to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the Walvis Bay Corridors. The objective of the consulting exercise is to look at the competitiveness of the corridors and the assessment of tariff and non-tariff barriers and infrastructure in non-tariff barriers, tariff Barriers and infrastructure deficit. The Group said road transport related Infrastructure is a key enabler for intra-regional and international trade. The Group said it…

CHAMWE KAIRA The uranium market showed further significant movement and positive dynamics over the quarter ending 31 December 2023. Bannerman Energy Ltd, which was recently awarded a mining licence for its Etango Uranium Project in the Erongo Region said this week COP28 significantly changed the global perception of the nuclear energy sector. The uranium spot price increased during the quarter from US$73 per pound to US$91 per pound subsequently passing through US$100 per pound in early January 2024. The conference, which has been referred to as the 'Nuclear COP', saw over 20 countries, including the United States, France, Japan, and…

Namibia imported good worth N$323 million from Liberia during the period 2015 to 2022, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) said. Namibia during the same period exported goods worth N$95.7 to Liberia the agency said. The NSA has been highlighting Namibia’s trade with African countries as the continent as part of the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want. It is a high ambition trade agreement, with a comprehensive scope that includes critical areas of Africa’s economy, such as digital trade and investment protection,…

Namibia's strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, while aligned with its green hydrogen initiatives, face substantial challenges, particularly in infrastructure development and cost, Simonis Storm Securities said. It said introduction of the high-end GWM ORA 03 300 Super Luxury by Pupkewitz GWM showcases innovation in sustainable transportation, yet its high price of N$699,900 highlights the economic barriers in adopting EVs. “This cost factor raises significant concerns about the accessibility of EV technology to the wider population,” the firm said. It said the lack of a robust EV charging infrastructure in Namibia presents a considerable obstacle. “Despite advancements in renewable…

Tsodilo Resources Limited, which has several mining ventures in Botswana, some close to the Namibian border is hopeful that its legal issues in Botswana will be resolved in short time so that the company can resume the evaluation and development of the Xaudum Iron Formation (XIF) project. The project is located in the North-West District of Botswana and extends for a known length of some 40 kilometers. The XIF is proximate to the Namibian border and 35km from the town of Divundu in Namibia. The XIF Project is a magnetite iron prospect. It takes its name from the Xaudum River…

Simonis Storm Securities remain positive on seeing growth within the tourism sector. The firm said in a report that in 2024, the international travel industry is witnessing a notable evolution towards upscale and quality-focused tourism. The firm said this trend is particularly evident in Namibia, where there is an increasing development of properties tailored to offer luxurious travel experiences. Simonis said the new establishments are characterized not only by their luxury but also by their commitment to providing unique and authentic experiences, catering to the preferences of modern, adventure-seeking travelers. “Concurrently, the global tourism market is observing a growing interest…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has addressed concerns raised by McHenry Venaani, President of Namibia's official opposition party, about the maintenance of its tractor fleet. Jona Musheko, the MAWLR spokesperson, clarified the situation in a statement. Musheko confirmed the Ministry's commitment to the careful maintenance of all its fleets, including tractors. The statement was a response to Venaani's remarks on social media, where he urged the MAWLR to properly maintain its infrastructure instead of scrapping useful implements. Venaani had claimed that the tractors had only minor issues but were being discarded and scrapped in…

The concept of business sustainability is no longer merely fashionable in today's environment; rather, it represents a fundamental change in the way we think about and conduct business. Businesses now view success through a broader prism that goes beyond market supremacy and profit margins to include a profound duty - a commitment to the earth we inhabit. The need for sustainable business practices is a story that connects ecological care and economic success, not just a call to action. Think about the companies that have integrated sustainability into every aspect of their business. There is a strategic acumen at work…

CELESTE NANGOLO A fulfilling and purpose-driven professional life is like a vibrant picture. It is a mix of feeling good, work goals, and personal dreams all scrambled together. The focus is on how setting meaningful goals, blending them into your everyday work, and caring about your overall well-being can work together. It's not just about getting things done; it's about growing together and not just focusing on how much work you do. Setting goals is like having a guide for your personal and professional journeys. It is more than just making a to-do list at the beginning of the year.…