Windhoek Observer

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OBSERVER DAILY | Namibia’s moment on the world stage: What President Nandi-Ndaitwah should tell the UN

When President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah walks up to the marble podium of the United Nations General Assembly for her maiden address, she will not simply be speaking for Namibia. She will carry the voice of a young African democracy with a hard-won independence and a people who have known both the scars of colonialism and the exhilaration of self-determination. Her speech will be more than a ceremonial debut; it is an opportunity to show the world what Namibia stands for and what it demands of a multilateral system under strain. This is a moment heavy with symbolism. Namibia has travelled a…
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NBL’s revenue increases to N$2.1 billion

NBL’s revenue increases to N$2.1 billion

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reported a strong set of interim results for the six months ended 30 June, with net revenue up 9.7% to N$2.1 billion from N$1.9 billion in 2024.  The company said the growth was driven by higher volumes, inflation-linked price increases, and benefits from local production. Gross profit margins improved on the back of fewer beer discounts, margin gains from locally packaged wine and cider, and tighter cost controls.  Operating expenses rose by 3.5% to N$1.82 billion from N$1.76 billion, reflecting continued investment in brands and strategic initiatives, including the rollout of the enterprise…
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Cattle production drops in second quarter

Cattle production drops in second quarter

Chamwe Kaira  Cattle production costs dropped by 1.9% over the last 12 months, according to the Namibia Agricultural Union’s (NAU) second quarter report for 2025.  NAU said the decline was mainly driven by a 10.29% fall in fuel prices, which helped offset a 2.72% rise in electricity costs during the same period. The report noted that 2025 is a herd rebuilding year, which has increased profitability for farmers by leading to higher producer prices.  At the same time, cattle marketing fell sharply, dropping by 56.24% from 211 610 in the first half of 2024 to 92 600 during the same…
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Lower food prices drive inflation down 

Lower food prices drive inflation down 

Chamwe Kaira  FNB Namibia has revised its inflation forecast slightly lower and now expects headline inflation to reach 3.5% year-on-year by December 2025, compared to its earlier projection of 3.7%. FNB economist Helena Mboti said the adjustment was driven by lower-than-expected food prices, prolonged transport deflation, weak domestic demand, and favourable currency movements due to a weaker US dollar. She noted that pressures remained in food, housing and utilities, and alcohol, which together added 2.6 percentage points to headline inflation in August, down from 2.93 points in July. "At the same time, transport continues to weigh on overall inflation (-0.2…
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Capricorn executives cash in N$23m share options

Capricorn executives cash in N$23m share options

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited has disclosed that its directors and company secretary exercised share awards worth more than N$23 million under the group’s conditional share plan and share appreciation rights scheme. According to Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) filings, the transactions were executed on 18 September at N$22.05 per share, following the vesting date of 23 August. Capricorn Group chief executive officer, Marthinus Prinsloo, exercised 239 578 shares worth N$5.28 million.  Bank Windhoek's managing director, Baronice Hans, concluded several transactions under both schemes, involving more than 598 000 shares with a total value exceeding N$12.7 million. Other directors who participated…
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NTB, MTC sign MoU to transform tourism 

NTB, MTC sign MoU to transform tourism 

Staff Writer  The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation in the tourism industry. NTB chief executive officer, Sebulon Chicalu, said the partnership will strengthen efforts to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and Namibia’s global position as a leading travel destination. “The agreement will allow NTB to leverage MTC’s technologies such as 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile applications and VR/AR to supplement our efforts and achieve strategic objectives such as enhancing stakeholder satisfaction and promoting social and economic inclusion in the tourism sector and improving industry service…
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NNN’s diplomatic déjà vu

NNN’s diplomatic déjà vu

Allexer Namundjembo Education, health, and technology have emerged as top priorities for returning appointed ambassadors. On Thursday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a recycle of diplomats who will head missions around the world. The appointments include Tonata Gebhard to China, Monica Nashandi to Russia, Wilbard Hellao to the United States of America, Sophia Nangula to Sweden, Jerobeam Shaanika to Germany, Benjamin Kandanga to Finland, and Sabine Böhlke-Möller to France. Lebbius Tobias was assigned to Cuba, and Sipapela Cletius Sipapela returns to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Elvis Shiweda will represent Namibia in Switzerland. Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that only retained ambassadors have…
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New law blocks cheap auctioning of family homes

New law blocks cheap auctioning of family homes

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Family homes will no longer be auctioned below market value following the enforcement of the High Court Amendment Act of 2024, which came into effect on 22 August. Justice and labour relations minister Filimon Wise Immanuel told parliament that the reform closes constitutional gaps in the sale of immovable properties to recover debts.  He said no property can now be sold in execution without approval from a High Court judge, who must first confirm that a debtor has no sufficient movable assets to cover the debt. “The Amendment Act steps in to restore fairness. It ensures that selling…
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Namibian beef to be served in German restaurants 

Namibian beef to be served in German restaurants 

Allexer Namundjembo Premium Namibian beef will soon feature on the menus of Block House restaurants across Germany.  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) announced the development yesterday, describing it as a milestone for the country’s agricultural exports and its growing role in international beef markets. Namibian beef is known for being free-range, grass-fed, and sustainably produced on the country’s farmlands.  Namibia remains the only African country approved to export beef to both the United States and the European Union.  After two and a half years of preparation, Namibian rump steak will be served as a monthly special at…
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Cleanergy to build green ammonia jetty at Walvis Bay

Cleanergy to build green ammonia jetty at Walvis Bay

Justicia Shipena  Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will establish an ammonia jetty and storage facility at Walvis Bay before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the European Union (EU), an investment estimated at €3 billion (approximately N$65 billion).  On Thursday Cleanergy opened the country's first large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen plant.  The project is a joint venture between Belgium’s CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.  It will begin by producing ammonia for maritime shipping and supplying a hydrogen refuelling station at Walvis Bay.  The station will serve trucks, port equipment, railway applications, and small vessels. …
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