Blog – Page 18 – News Stand

18 Jun

In a global economy, no country is too far from the shockwaves of war

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA Geopolitical developments in the Middle East are expected to have a negative influence on market sentiment and the global economy if de-escalation efforts fail. Namibia is a part of the global village and trades with other countries; it is therefore not immune to economic catastrophe. The global economy has been negatively impacted by event such as COVID-19, the wars between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Israel and Hamas, the start of the global tariff war, and Israel and Iran. These wars threaten the global economy and have the potential to erode globalization and interdependence. Oil prices…

18 Jun

‘The era of free capital is over’ – report

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena The head of investment at Simonis Storm Securities, Max Rix, says the investment landscape has changed. According to Rix, the change is not a temporary adjustment but a structural regime shift. Interest rates will remain real. Rix said interest rates will remain real, capital will remain costly, and fiscal policy will stay constrained. “We see no room for complacency and even less for nostalgia,” he said. “The old anchors, free liquidity, suppressed volatility, and endless duration – are gone. What remains is the real task of investing: allocating capital prudently, understanding risk honestly, and protecting long-term value against…

18 Jun

Desert Jewels captain vows to win the UAE Cup

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe National netball team captain Anna Kasper has promised fans they will win and bring the United Arab Emirates Netball Cup home. Kasper made the commitment on Tuesday after Namibia drew 49-49 against Singapore Vandas in their second match of the tournament. Namibia had won their opening game 69-48 against Kenya. Their third match is scheduled for today against Ireland, followed by their final group match against the United States of America on Saturday. Speaking after the draw with Singapore, Kasper said the team didn’t expect such a strong performance from their opponents but took valuable lessons from the…

17 Jun

City concludes forensic audit

info_e12wt4csMain

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The City of Windhoek has confirmed that four forensic and audit investigations into alleged irregularities have been completed. However, the reports remain under internal legal and administrative review and are not yet available to the public. This confirmation follows questions sent by the Windhoek Observer last month and a letter dated 19 May from social justice activist Shaun Evert Gariseb. The letter, addressed to the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, asked for intervention in long-standing service delivery and governance issues affecting residents. “The investigation has been concluded, and the resulting reports were submitted to the…

17 Jun

Youth projects stalled as ministry cites budget gaps

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Youth enterprise development projects under the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture remain stalled in most parts of the country, more than two years after their launch. The programme was introduced to help young people start businesses in all 121 constituencies. Over N$9 million was allocated to the initiative. Of that amount, N$1 million was set aside for training, while N$8 million was meant to be issued as soft loans through the Development Bank of Namibia. A recent parliamentary report has highlighted delays and a lack of proper support. The Ministry confirmed that only 28 constituency-based enterprises have…

17 Jun

City police say Yango, InDrive operating without approval

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjebo The Windhoek City Police says that ride-hailing platforms Yango and InDrive are not formally registered as public transport providers with the City of Windhoek. City Police spokesperson, Superintendent Mercilline Murapo, said that, despite their digital nature, vehicles offering transport services for hire or reward within the city must have valid operating permits, as required by municipal and national transport laws. “As of now, Yango and InDrive are not authorised to operate as taxis within the city of Windhoek,” Murapo said. She said the City Police continues to enforce transport regulations and carry out roadblocks and inspections to identify…

17 Jun

Namibia, U.S. strengthen cyber and tech ties

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibian and American stakeholders met recently at the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek to discuss new ways to collaborate on cybersecurity, digital innovation, and responsible technology governance. The panel discussion, held under the theme “Driving Namibia and the United States’ Mutual Interest in Technology”, brought together representatives from government, academia, and the private sector. Acting deputy chief of missions Alexis Haftvani opened the session. “By working with Namibia to expand internet access, improve digital infrastructure, and promote sound technology policies, we are investing in long-term progress,” she said. The panel included U.S. exchange programme alumni now working in Namibia’s…

17 Jun

O&L’s lodge acquisition awaits NaCC green light

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena O&L Leisure’s acquisition of two hospitality properties, Le Mirage in the Sossusvlei area and Divava on the Kavango River, is awaiting approval from the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC). The announcement was made on Tuesday by O&L Leisure, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List Group. Sven Thieme, managing director of O&L Leisure and executive chairman of the O&L Group, said the acquisition supports the group’s “Namibia Through Our Eyes” vision and strengthens its footprint in key tourism areas. “This expansion marks a key moment in realising our ‘Namibia Through Our Eyes’ vision, growing our presence across the country’s…

17 Jun

South Africa and Switzerland lead Namibia’s coffee supply

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Justicia Shipena As winter sets in and households tighten their budgets, Namibia’s trade data shows a sharp imbalance in the coffee sector. In April 2025, the country imported coffee worth N$12.4 million, mainly from South Africa and Switzerland. This is revealed in the latest Namibia international merchandise trade statistics bulletin by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Over the same period, the NSA revealed that the country exported only N$14,629 worth of coffee to Angola and South Africa. This gap highlights the country’s reliance on foreign coffee and raises questions about opportunities in domestic processing and value addition. This comes as…

17 Jun

Collective action is needed to combat desertification

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibians were to embrace a long-term, regenerative approach to land use at the commemoration of Desertification and Drought Day, held in Outapi on Tuesday. Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti addressed attendees at the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel. “This year’s theme, ‘Restore the Land, Unlock the Opportunities’, is both a statement of fact and a call to action,” said Mufeti. He described land as more than just a resource, calling it the bedrock of a thriving society. “A healthy, functional ecosystem is not a luxury, but the fundamental foundation of a…