Observer Money

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…

Staff Writer Alexforbes Namibia has urged investors to rethink traditional strategies as markets become more complex and unpredictable. At its recent Investment Destination Seminar, the firm examined how investors can respond to global market volatility, technological change, geopolitical shifts and rising sustainability demands. These forces are reshaping markets and putting pressure on traditional portfolio models. A key focus of the seminar was the shift from single-manager investing to a multi-management approach. Instead of relying on one manager or one investment style, multi-management combines several specialist asset managers across asset classes, regions and strategies. This structure aims to lower concentration risk,…

Chamwe Kaira Simonis Storm has projected slower economic growth than the 3.1% forecast in the 2026/27 national budget. While the budget estimates growth of 3.1% in 2026, Simonis expects expansion of about 2.5%. Under this outlook, growth would remain concentrated in mining and logistics while domestic demand stays weak. The firm said weaker growth would reduce revenue performance and make deficit reduction more dependent on Southern African Customs Union receipts and global commodity prices. This would narrow the margin for fiscal stability and increase reliance on external factors. Simonis said fiscal consolidation alone will not address structural constraints in the…

Chamwe Kaira Standard Bank Namibia says the success of the 2026/27 national budget will depend on disciplined execution, tight spending control and timely structural reforms. In its technical review of the budget tabled on 26 February by finance minister Ericah Shafudah, the bank said the plan sets out a fiscally responsible but ambitious roadmap. It said results will depend less on projections and more on efficient implementation, stronger institutions and reforms that broaden the revenue base and support investment. The bank said the budget seeks to balance fiscal prudence with growth at a time of weak domestic and global conditions.…