Windhoek Observer

CHAMWE KAIRA  Namibia’s trade prospects in 2025 will be shaped by regional economic shifts, global trade policy changes, and infrastructure developments.  While expanded logistics capacity and trade agreements create opportunities, external risks, including South Africa’s economic pressures, US tariff policies, and exchange rate volatility, require careful management, Simonis Storm Securities has noted in a report. As Namibia’s largest trade partner, South Africa’s economic health has direct implications for Namibia’s trade dynamics. A South African slowdown, exacerbated by global trade disruptions, inflationary pressures, and currency volatility, could weaken demand for Namibian exports. “Sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, which are…

CHAMWE KAIRA  TransNamib is in the process of standardising its fleet with General Electric/Wabtec locomotives. The company's spokesperson, Abigail Raubenheimer, said standardisation will ensure operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, improved reliability, and faster service, among other benefits. Furthermore, she added that sourcing directly from the manufacturer will eliminate the need for a third-party agent and will facilitate the building of a direct relationship with the manufacturer. The TransNamib Board approved the standardisation initiative in 2022, and subsequent approvals were granted by lending institutions and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. Raubenheimer said the Central Procurement Board of Namibia approved…

The diamond market was slow in January, with mixed reports about holiday sales. The US holiday season met the industry’s low expectations. Diamond prices declined, with some improvement in some carats. Fancy-shape diamonds of 3 carats and larger are doing better.   De Beers and the Botswana government reached a landmark agreement that includes extending joint venture Debswana’s mining licenses beyond 2029. The two parties will be working together to promote natural diamonds. The rough market has been slow, with De Beers maintaining prices and selling fewer diamonds at this year’s first sight. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is demanding…

NDINELAGO KANYOLO  As we navigate through life, effective financial planning is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable future. One pivotal element that often flies under the radar is retirement savings. With life expectancy on the rise and living costs continuously climbing, having a robust retirement plan is not just advisable—it is essential for your peace of mind. Retirement annuities offered by reputable life insurance companies, such as Momentum Metropolitan Group, provide a dependable and strategic solution to help you prepare for this significant life stage. Let us explore why investing in retirement annuities is a prudent choice.  Retirement annuities…

TUMELO THUDINYANE  In 2025, investors and savers will be facing a world of tempered growth, changing policy dynamics, and revolutionary market trends. As we navigate the year, understanding the economic outlook, identifying investment opportunities, and embracing resilience strategies will be key, grounded in the latest insights. Global economic growth is projected to remain steady at 2.7% in 2025, matching the 2024 pace but insufficient to make up for years of post-pandemic disruptions and longer-term structural challenges such as weak productivity and high debt levels. Advanced economies will probably outperform their peers, with the U.S. leading, at 2.4% GDP growth in…