Windhoek Observer

13154 Posts
Spotlight falls on licence sales in booming oil sector

Spotlight falls on licence sales in booming oil sector

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has engaged stakeholders on how transactions involving the sale or transfer of mineral and petroleum licences should be taxed and regulated. The discussions come as Namibia sees increased activity in the oil sector following discoveries in the Orange Basin. NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute said the current legal framework still applies to these transactions. He said concerns raised during the engagement will be reviewed and submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. The Chamber of Mines of Namibia said tax on share sales linked to licences should be based on profits. Chamber of…
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National digital strategy offers a blueprint for digital transformation

National digital strategy offers a blueprint for digital transformation

Magano Erkana and Nhika Vassallo  Exciting times are under way in Namibia with the new Namibia National Digital Strategy 2025–2029 (NDS), dubbed “The Framework for Digital Transformation”. This represents a bold, comprehensive roadmap to harness digital technologies for economic growth, social inclusion and societal advancement.  Unveiled by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the strategy aligns other state policies, addressing longstanding challenges like inadequate infrastructure, digital skills gaps and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has released the Namibia National Digital Strategy 2025–2029 (NDS). The NDS is a roadmap to harness digital technologies for economic growth,…
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Brothers sell R640 million shares in Dis-Chem 

Brothers sell R640 million shares in Dis-Chem 

Mark and Dan Saltzman, the sons of Dis-Chem founders Lynette and Ivan Saltzman, have sold shares in the company for over R600 million. The brothers each sold shares worth roughly R321 million from January to February of this year. The brothers both received shares in the company worth billions in June 2025 following a major shift in the family’s holding structure. The brothers received 217 million in shares in the company last year, which represented around a quarter of the JSE-listed company that was founded by their parents in 1978. Prior to the shift, the family’s investment vehicle, Ivlyn, held…
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Anglo American plc raises US$2.3 billion through bond issuance

Anglo American plc raises US$2.3 billion through bond issuance

Chamwe Kaira  Anglo American plc has announced a major move in the debt capital markets, with its financing arm, Anglo American Capital plc, successfully pricing a multi-tranche bond issuance valued at a total of US$2.3 billion. The offering consists of three sets of senior notes with varying maturities and interest rates. These include US$600 million in notes due in 2031 carrying a 4.625% coupon, US$700 million in notes due in 2033 at 5.0%, and a further US$1 billion in notes due in 2036 with a 5.25% coupon. The issuance is expected to be finalised this week. The proceeds from the…
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OIL business usual or unusual?

OIL business usual or unusual?

Kae Matundu Tjiparuro OIL business usual or unusual? This question must occur naturally to Yours Truly Ideologically as indeed to any Namibian. Adding their voices to many and varied ones on the vexed subject of the discovery of oil. A subject that of lately has been invoking and receiving various perspectives from across a spectrum of diverse fields of competence, interests and studies. All zeroing in one way or the other on the discovery of oil in Namibia. Perspectives all intended to register authority in shaping the expected and much-anticipated nascent Namibian oil industry as it would be.  The postulation…
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Beyond 35 for a prosperous future for all or for a few? 

Beyond 35 for a prosperous future for all or for a few? 

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) As Namibia marks its 36th Independence Anniversary on 21 March 2026, the nation rises in celebration, flags waving, anthems echoing, and memories of sacrifice honoured with pride. It is a moment of unity. A moment of dignity. A moment of remembrance. But beneath the celebration, a quieter, more uncomfortable question lingers. Will independence remain a symbol or become a lived reality for every citizen?  Indeed, the strength of a nation is not measured only by how far it has come but by how many of its people are able to…
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Rethinking independence in Namibia: Beyond political freedom

Rethinking independence in Namibia: Beyond political freedom

Sakaria Johannes Independence is the condition in which a nation exercises full control over its political, economic, and social systems without external domination. It goes beyond symbolic sovereignty to include ownership of resources, self-determination, and mental liberation. True independence means that citizens are not only governed by their own people but also benefit equitably from the country’s wealth and opportunities. Namibia’s independence in 1990 marked a historic victory against colonial rule. The country established democratic institutions, constitutional governance, and international recognition as a sovereign state. Politically, Namibians gained the right to vote and determine their leadership, laying a strong foundation…
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Namibia at 36: A reflection for the next generation

Namibia at 36: A reflection for the next generation

Serron Nghoshi  As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, the moment invites not only celebration but also reflection. For many young Namibians who were born long after 1990, independence is something they inherited rather than experienced. The question we must ask today is how this generation will protect, strengthen and advance the freedom that was fought for.  As Namibia approaches another Independence Day on Namibian Independence Day, we are reminded that independence is not merely a date on the calendar but a living responsibility carried by every generation.  When our country gained independence on 21 March 1990, under the leadership…
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Confusion over NamRA auctions …authority denies selling counterfeit goods

Confusion over NamRA auctions …authority denies selling counterfeit goods

Patience Makwele  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied auctioning counterfeit goods, saying all such items are destroyed in line with the law. The response follows concerns from traders and the public over goods being sold through auctions conducted by Aucor Auctioneers. Questions grew after an auction notice titled “NamRA warehouse clearance auction” was shared online. The notice stated that goods would be auctioned from 18 to 20 March at the Brendan Simbwaye Complex in Rundu. NamRA said there has been no change in policy. “All counterfeit goods confiscated are disposed of strictly through destruction. These goods are not eligible…
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Swapo says veteran protest delays HQ opening

Swapo says veteran protest delays HQ opening

Allexer Namundjembo Swapo says a protest camp by former refugees is delaying the opening of its Katutura headquarters and causing financial losses. In its heads of argument before the High Court, Swapo on Wednesday said the continued occupation is disrupting operations and preparations for the inauguration of a new office building planned for April 2026. Swapo, together with Kalahari Holdings and Erf 2464 Katutura (Pty) Ltd, filed an urgent application on 18 March 2026. The application seeks the eviction of Joseph David Iipinge Amuteya and others camping at the premises. The party wants the court to declare the occupation unlawful…
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