Windhoek Observer

08 Jun

Founding Father Sam Nujoma’s Enduring Lessons for Africa; The Destiny in Our own Hands, Looking to the Future with Confidence and Hope and Unity of Purpose and Action

Opinions

By Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) More than three decades after Namibia’s independence, Founding Father Sam Nujoma’s call for responsibility, unity, and self determination remains a guide for Africa’s future. When Namibia attained independence on 21 March 1990, its founding president, Sam Nujoma, addressed a nation emerging from decades of colonial rule and liberation struggle. Standing before his people at a defining moment in African history, he declared: “As of today, we are masters of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of this country is now fully in our own hands. We should,…

08 Jun

Channeling Sisa Namandje: Why black Namibians must reclaim the ownership mindset

Featured, Opinions

Listening to prominent lawyer and businessman Sisa Namandje deliver the keynote address at the inaugural John Akapandi Endjala Memorial Lecture, I found myself reflecting not only on the economic realities facing black Namibians, but also on the mindset required to change those realities. His speech was, above all, a tribute to the late John Akapandi Endjala, a businessman whose impact extended far beyond his own enterprises. Endjala represented a generation of black entrepreneurs who understood that success carried with it a responsibility to open doors for others. In many ways, his life embodied a principle we desperately need to revive…

08 Jun

A small but important step towards Namibia’s electric future

Editorial

The launch of a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the ministry of works and transport headquarters in Windhoek marks a modest but significant milestone in Namibia’s journey towards modern and sustainable transport. Announced by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi in the National Assembly on Thursday, the initiative represents more than simply installing a charging point. It signals a recognition by the government that the global transport landscape is changing and that Namibia must begin positioning itself for that future. Electric vehicles are no longer a distant concept reserved for wealthy nations. Across Europe, Asia, North America and…

08 Jun

Presidency denies NNN’s role in N$612 million solar project

National News

Patience Makwele The Namibian Presidency has rejected allegations that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her family were involved in a proposed N$612 million solar power project linked to the Chinese-owned Tsumeb smelter. They insist that the head of state played no role in the negotiation, financing, approval or implementation of the development. The response follows claims by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula, who last week questioned the ownership structure and governance arrangements surrounding the proposed 20-megawatt solar power plant, alleging that companies associated with the President's sons are involved in the venture. In a statement issued through presidential…

08 Jun

Farmer eyes Okavango River to boost crop yields

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Local farmer Marcus Kambulu, a resident of Mayana in rural Rundu, says the Kavango Region has the potential to become Namibia’s food basket if farmers make better use of fertile land and seasonal rains. “We have the land with fertile soil, and we receive good rain sometimes,” Kambulu said while speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Friday. “Kavango must be the food basket of Namibia.” Kambulu currently relies on rain-fed agriculture and plants crops that add nutrition back into the soil. He uses traditional crop rotation to improve soil quality and plans to add conservation methods to boost…

08 Jun

Govt eyes national EV charging network

Energy, National News

Patience Makwele The Ministry of Works and Transport on Thursday launched a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, a move the government says could pave the way for a nationwide charging network as Namibia prepares for increased adoption of electric vehicles. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the initiative in the National Assembly on Thursday, describing it as a strategic pilot project that will help determine the feasibility of expanding EV charging infrastructure across the country. The charging station, which was developed by the ministry's in-house engineers, will initially be available to government employees…

08 Jun

Fuel retailers accuse Nasan of breaking supply promises

Main, National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Fuel and Franchise Association (FAFA) has accused Nasan Energies of failing to deliver fuel paid for upfront and for not honouring agreements made with divested retailers. In a letter dated 4 June 2026, FAFA chairperson Michael Ludeke said Nasan launched a ‘Bring the Cash Incentive’ on 2 June, offering a 50-cent per litre rebate for full truck orders of 40,000 litres paid 24 hours before loading. The written offer stated that payments cleared before 12h00 would be loaded the next working day. At a meeting the same day, FAFA says Nasan directors agreed the incentive would run…

08 Jun

MTC profit after tax grows by 1.6% to N$512 million

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) increased revenue by 7.1% during the six months ended 31 March 2026, supported by strong growth in prepaid, roaming and enterprise services, while declaring an interim dividend of N$358.35 million for shareholders. According to the group's unaudited interim results released on Friday, revenue rose to N$1.95 billion from a N$1.82 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Total income increased to N$1.96 billion, while profit after tax grew by 1.6% to N$511.9 million from N$503.8 million a year earlier. Profit before tax increased by N$8.5 million to N$730.8 million. MTC said prepaid revenue…

08 Jun

Bannerman appoints Cirrus Securities as equity sponsor

Observer Money

Staff Writer Bannerman Energy Ltd has announced a change in its Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) sponsorship arrangement, confirming the appointment of Cirrus Securities (Pty) Ltd as its new equity sponsor, effective 5 June 2026. The Australia-incorporated uranium developer, which maintains a dual listing structure across the ASX and NSX, said the move forms part of a planned rotation of its NSX sponsorship services in line with the exchange's listing requirements. In terms of Sections 2.2 and 2.6 of the NSX Listings Requirements, shareholders were advised that IJG Securities (Pty) Ltd will step down from its role as NSX equity sponsor…

08 Jun

Oil and gas conference to focus on policy, investment

Observer Money

Staff Writer The fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Strategic Conference (NOGC 2026) is set to bring together policymakers, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies aimed at maximising the benefits of Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector. The conference will cover a broad range of topics, including investment opportunities, regulatory and legal requirements, value chain development, financing mechanisms and employment creation within the industry. Organisers say the event will feature a comprehensive programme of national and international speakers who will provide insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Namibia's growing energy sector. Discussions are expected to focus on…