Windhoek Observer – Page 4 – Windhoek Observer

12 Feb

Africa holds US$29.5 trillion in mineral wealth

Observer Money

Staff Writer Africa holds an estimated US$29.5 trillion in mine-site mineral value, equal to about 20% of global mineral wealth, but captures only a small share of the economic value linked to these resources, according to a new study by the Africa Finance Corporation. The study shows that US$8.6 trillion of this value remains undeveloped, pointing to the continent’s under-explored status. It identifies fragmented geological data, uneven coverage and limited transparency as factors that increase risk perception and reduce investment. The Africa Finance Corporation recommends improving the availability and quality of geological data to attract more exploration capital. The report…

12 Feb

SA’s cheaper petrol masks a looming gas gap

Observer Money

South Africans are once again seeing relief at the pump, with the latest fuel price cuts delivering the cheapest petrol in roughly four years. The reductions, around 65 cents per litre for petrol and more than 50 cents for diesel, continue a downward trend that began earlier in 2026, when falling crude prices and currency strength combined to lower pump prices nationwide. While the immediate benefits are tangible – cheaper transport, easing inflationary pressure and support for businesses – the underlying drivers reveal a more fragile reality. South Africa’s fuel costs remain shaped primarily by global oil markets and exchange-rate…

12 Feb

Africa holds US$29.5 trillion in mineral wealth

Observer Money

Staff Writer Africa holds an estimated US$29.5 trillion in mine-site mineral value, equal to about 20% of global mineral wealth, but captures only a small share of the economic value linked to these resources, according to a new study by the Africa Finance Corporation. The study shows that US$8.6 trillion of this value remains undeveloped, pointing to the continent’s under-explored status. It identifies fragmented geological data, uneven coverage and limited transparency as factors that increase risk perception and reduce investment. The Africa Finance Corporation recommends improving the availability and quality of geological data to attract more exploration capital. The report…

12 Feb

Whither to the Ovaherero and Nama Genocide?

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro WHITHERTO the Ovaherero and Nama Genocide? This question presents itself automatically but urgently and relevantly now and in this year, particularly this month of February when the African Union (AU) is having at the end of this week its 39th Summit. Where and with its agenda, including the milestone decision as per the Algiers Declaration of last year, that Africa resolve to make colonial crimes committed against her by formerly colonising powers a crime in international law. Needless to say, this summit must be of particular interest to the Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama. In view of the genocide…

12 Feb

Transparency or illusion? The bill that could shape Namibia’s oil future

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) The hidden risks in Namibia’s new petroleum bill The founding father once upon a time spoke about how African states lost control, not suddenly, but gradually through agreements, concessions, and legal frameworks made early and justified as “necessary at the time". That warning was never abstract. It reflected a hard historical lesson: sovereignty is rarely surrendered in a single moment. It is diluted quietly, legally, and incrementally long before the consequences become visible. Petroleum governance that relies on internal executive control rather than independent, enforceable oversight contradicts the very idea…

12 Feb

Post-festive cybersecurity risks

Opinions

Mufaro Nesongano As we have entered the new working year after the festive break, individuals and organisations are reminded that the beginning of the year is one of the most active periods for cybercrime. The start of the year has become one of the most critical months for cybersecurity. While many people associate cyber threats with the busy holiday period in December, the weeks after the holidays are often at even higher risk of cybersecurity threats. During the festive period, many employees travelled with their work laptops, connected to public or home Wi-Fi, and sometimes used work devices for personal…

11 Feb

Itula demands no-confidence motion against NNN over oil bill

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula has called on Parliament to consider a vote of no confidence against President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. He made the call at a press conference held in Windhoek yesterday. The demand follows the tabling of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill of 2025, which proposes shifting control of Namibia’s upstream oil sector to the Presidency. “Given the numerous nature in which our inaugurated president continues to conduct herself, it’s perhaps time that parliament considers a vote of no confidence in Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,” Itula said. The bill seeks to transfer…

11 Feb

Govt seeks N$1.5 billion to keep FMD out

National News

Justicia Shipena The government needs an estimated N$1.5 billion to protect Namibia’s livestock sector from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani said the amount is required in addition to the N$57.5 million already approved by Cabinet. She said the funding is needed to protect a livestock sector valued at about N$15 billion and to safeguard Namibia’s access to export markets. “Preliminary estimates indicate that an investment of approximately N$1.5 billion will be required over and above the already approved N$57 million in order to adequately protect a livestock sector valued at N$15 billion…

11 Feb

Court finds Conradie tried to sway MTC tender award

National News

Justicia Shipena The High Court on Tuesday ruled that prominent lawyer and former Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) board chairperson Dirk Conradie attempted to divert the awarding of an advertising tender away from the highest-rated bidder. High Court judge Thomas Masuku said evidence indicated that the MTC board meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal, was convened for one purpose only: to award the advertising contract to the bidder that had emerged top after the evaluation process. The court found that the evaluation had already been completed. The meeting agenda, according to Masuku, confirmed the board's expectation to award the contract based on…

11 Feb

‘Diplomats clinking glasses with President is normal’ – Kudumo

National News

Justicia Shipena There is nothing wrong with a toast during formal diplomatic engagements between a president and foreign envoys, international relations analyst Marius Kudumo has said. This comes as, on Tuesday in the National Assembly, Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and member of parliament Job Amupanda questioned whether it was appropriate for the president to be seen drinking alcohol during official duties. On Monday, ambassadors from various countries presented their letters of credence to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House. A ceremonial toast followed, but the contents in the glass were not confirmed as alcoholic or non-alcoholic. “It is not fair…