Windhoek Observer

01 Apr

IMF says it again, but Namibia has heard it before

Editorial

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again turned its attention to Namibia, urging the government to tighten spending, rein in debt, and accelerate structural reforms to support economic recovery. These recommendations, delivered with the authority of a global financial watchdog, are not unfamiliar. In fact, they echo a familiar script the IMF has delivered across much of the developing world for decades. While such advice is often grounded in sound macroeconomic theory, Namibia would be wise to approach it with a measured degree of caution, and, more importantly, with confidence in its own homegrown expertise. To understand why caution…

01 Apr

BoN dividend drops by N$520m

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia (BoN) declared a dividend of N$200 million to the government for the 2025 financial year, down from N$720 million in 2024. The decline comes despite the central bank maintaining price and financial stability. BoN governor Ebson Uanguta said the bank achieved a 97.6% strategy execution rate in 2025 under its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan. The annual report said 2025 was marked by global uncertainty, with rising risks, changing technology and volatile commodity prices affecting central banks. Namibia remained exposed to external shocks such as changes in trade, demand and capital flows. Slower global growth also…

01 Apr

Remgro takes control of Mediclinic Namibia

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Remgro has entered into an agreement with Investment Holding Limited, a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, to restructure their joint interests in Mediclinic Holdings. The agreement, announced on 30 March 2026, will see Remgro take full ownership of the Southern African business, known as the MCSA Group, which includes operations in Namibia. Investment Holding Limited will take full control of the Swiss-based Hirslanden Group. The transaction is valued at about US$950 million for each side. It involves Remgro exchanging its 50% stake in the Swiss business for Investment Holding Limited’s 50% stake in the Southern African operations.…

01 Apr

IMF urges Namibia to cut spending

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team has called for stronger fiscal discipline and faster reforms to support Namibia’s economic recovery. The delegation, led by Xiangming Li, visited Windhoek from 16 to 20 March 2026 for its Article IV consultation. The IMF said further fiscal adjustment is needed to reduce public debt. It called for tighter control of spending, especially on recurrent costs, and better revenue collection. It also urged the government to contain the public wage bill through civil service reforms and to implement changes to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme to reduce costs. The IMF…

01 Apr

Namfisa reassures on pension withdrawals under Fima

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has confirmed that retirement fund lump-sum withdrawal rules will remain unchanged during the initial rollout of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima). Namfisa made the clarification after an engagement with retirement fund stakeholders on 23 March. The meeting included fund members, officers and organised labour and focused on concerns about the new law. In a notice issued after the meeting, the regulator said current rules will stay in place. Members of pension funds, retirement annuity funds and preservation funds can still withdraw up to one-third of their benefits as a…

01 Apr

Brand Africa launches inaugural Africa CMO 100

Observer Money

Staff Writer Brand Africa has announced the launch of the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a new initiative recognising the 100 most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s global narrative, identity and economic progress. Namibia is represented on the list by marketing executive Tim Ekandjo, alongside a diverse group of leaders from across Southern Africa. The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency. The full list, along with detailed analysis, will be published in the April 2026 edition of African Business and across partner platforms. The ACMO100 builds…

01 Apr

FirstRand appoints new FNB CEO

Observer Money

Staff Writer FirstRand has announced changes to its banking structure, including the appointment of Lytania Johnson as chief executive officer of First National Bank. The changes form part of a restructuring aimed at simplifying the bank’s customer model. FNB has operated with separate retail and commercial segments, each with several subsegments. The group said the size of these divisions now requires a simpler structure. Under the new structure, retail and commercial segments will be merged into a single retail and business banking division. The unit will serve entry-level to middle-income customers and small and medium-sized businesses. Johnson, who leads the…

01 Apr

From policy to practice: Ubuntu and the future of work-integrated learning in Namibia

Opinions

Mwetuvaya Nghiiki and Selma Iipinge Namibia stands at a defining moment in how it prepares its people for the world of work. The launch of the National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy (2025–2030) signals more than progress in education milestones; it reflects a national shift towards building graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully from the start. As the country advances toward a knowledge-driven economy, one truth stands out: the strength of Namibia’s workforce will rely on how learning connects with real-life practice. For years, universities and training institutions have worked from their own internal WIL guidelines. Now, with a unified…

31 Mar

CPBN orders Nust to evict ‘illegal’ security contractor …as N$40 million tender battle escalates

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has directed the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to issue an immediate notice to vacate PIS Security Services. CPBN said the company is occupying the campus without a valid contract. In a letter dated 24 March 2026 to acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo, CPBN chief executive officer Idi Itope said the company has no legal basis to remain on site. “There is no procurement contract between the Board and PIS for the rendering of security services to Nust,” Itope wrote. He said the continued occupation of the premises by PIS…

31 Mar

Disaster funding cut as Zambezi floods

National News

Patience Makwele Parliament has approved a N$535 million budget for the Office of the Prime Minister, while funding for disaster risk management has dropped to N$47 million. The Disaster Risk Management Programme allocation has fallen from N$1.6 billion two years ago. This has raised concern among lawmakers as floods hit the Zambezi region and drought persists in other areas. Some communities in the region have been displaced, with homes and crops affected. Lawmakers warned that recent rains could also increase the risk of veld fires. Members of parliament questioned whether the country is prepared to respond to emergencies. Swapo member…