Windhoek Observer

17 Jun

Youth coalition backs Simon as NYC chairperson

National News

Renthia Kaimbi A coalition of youth and student affiliates from across Namibia's political spectrum has thrown its weight behind Ester Simon as their sole candidate for the position of executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC). The endorsement, announced during a joint press conference on Tuesday, brought together groups including the Student Union of Namibia (SUN), the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Youth League, the Congress of Democrats (CoD) youth representatives, the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Youth Wing, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) and the Highlands Youth Organization, ahead of the NYC's elective General Assembly in Swakopmund…

17 Jun

‘Namibian drivers are the real road hazards’ – expert

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Road safety expert and activist Felix Tjozongoro has said public frustration with the installation of speed humps on the Western Bypass is misguided and that the real crisis lies in Namibian driver behaviour rather than the traffic-calming measures themselves. Tjozongoro dismissed claims that the speed humps are improperly placed or unlawful, asserting that much of the outcry stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Western Bypass actually is under Namibian law. He pointed out that while the road displays green B1 markers, it does not feature the official freeway start sign, which depicts two lanes passing under…

17 Jun

Oil industry experts warn Namibia must prepare for boom

National News

Patience Makwele Oil industry executives have warned that Namibia faces a defining test as the country moves closer to oil production, arguing that discoveries and foreign investment alone will mean little unless the sector translates into jobs, skills and economic opportunities for ordinary Namibians. The warnings were raised at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) headquarters in Windhoek on Tuesday during the launch of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, where organisers unveiled the theme, “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians.” According to the organisers, the conference’s theme signals a decisive shift…

17 Jun

Govt to remove fuel premium to lower costs for consumers

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The ministry of industries, mines and energy has announced plans to remove the fuel premium currently paid by consumers, saying the move will help lower fuel costs while ensuring a stable supply of petroleum products in Namibia. In a ministerial statement delivered on 10 June, minister Modestus Amutse said the premium, which has been charged over and above the Basic Fuel Price for the past four years, was introduced because fuel wholesalers argued they could not secure fuel at the regulated price due to the country’s relatively small import volumes. Amutse said the Basic Fuel Price already includes…

17 Jun

Windhoek’s ‘smart city’ vision draws mixed reactions

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek’s newly launched People-Centred Smart City Strategy (2026–2036) has drawn mixed reactions from community activists, with some welcoming the vision for technological transformation while others question whether the municipality is ready to pursue ambitious smart city projects amid persistent service delivery challenges. The strategy, officially handed over on Monday in partnership with UN-Habitat and the United Nations Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities, seeks to guide Windhoek’s development over the next decade through digital innovation, improved connectivity, modernised transport systems, and data-driven governance. The announcement, however, has sparked debate among community activists, particularly regarding the city’s…

17 Jun

Pension protection versus accountability: FIMA’s unintended consequences

Editorial

The coming into force of Namibia’s Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) has ushered in one of the most significant reforms to the country’s financial sector in decades. While much attention has rightly focused on its broader regulatory impact, one provision in particular has quietly altered the relationship between employers, employees and retirement savings. Under the previous Pension Funds Act, employers who suffered losses through theft, fraud or dishonesty by employees could, under specific conditions, recover those losses from pension benefits. Such recoveries required either an acknowledgement of debt by the employee or a court judgment confirming liability. The principle…

17 Jun

Livestock firm as premium cattle fetch up to N$79.50/kg

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Local livestock producer prices remained broadly firm during the week ending 15 June, with premium beef cattle continuing to command prices of up to N$79.50 per kilogram, while slaughter sheep sold for more than N$41/kg on average at auction. According to the latest Weekly Livestock and Meat Producer Prices published by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, top-grade A2 to A4 cattle on the Savanna Beef Operations export price schedule were priced at N$78.00/kg, while cattle weighing between 240kg and 259kg on the carcass classification matrix fetched N$79.50/kg. Animals weighing 260kg and above were priced at…

17 Jun

NSX Overall Index rises 1.38% as property stocks lead gains

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index advanced 1.38% on Monday, 15 June, closing at 2,391.77 points, supported by gains in the financials, real estate and basic materials sectors. The index rose by 32.65 points from the previous close of 2,359.13, leaving it 11.70% higher than its level at the end of December 2025. During the year, the Overall Index has traded between a low of 2,070.30 points and a high of 2,408.59 points. The NSX Local Index remained unchanged at 839.51 points, maintaining its year-to-date gain of 3.93%. The index offers an actual dividend yield of 9.60%.…

17 Jun

Acacia-Composites Manufacturers hosts ministerial delegation

Observer Money

Staff Writer Acacia-Composites Manufacturers welcomed Asser Nashikaku, acting executive director at the ministry of international relations and trade (MIRT), together with his delegation, for an immersive tour of the manufacturing facility in Windhoek. This high-level visit forms part of Namibia’s ongoing commitment to supporting export-ready manufacturers and creating new opportunities for Namibian innovation to reach global markets. Eike Bolm, business development manager at Acacia-Composites Manufacturers, welcomed the delegation and guided them through the company’s state-of-the-art operations, broad product range, and ambitious growth roadmap. There were discussions about the ministry’s drive to connect local manufacturing excellence with international investors, partners, and…

17 Jun

FNB and Bank of Namibia engage on regional trade

Observer Money

Staff Writer FNB Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the financial sector and policymakers, following a strategic engagement with the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Ebson Uanguta, alongside senior FirstRand Group executives. At a time when Namibia’s growth trajectory is shaped by structural reform and emerging sector opportunity, the engagement highlighted the importance of coordinated action to unlock sustainable, broad-based economic progress. Discussions centred on the country’s outlook, with focus on evidence-based policymaking, economic diversification and translating opportunity into meaningful participation across the economy. The role of the financial sector in enabling high-growth industries, including oil…