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OBSERVER DAILY | Celebrating Excellence: Why Namibia must call its best home

When Dr Ndjodi Ndeunyema recently travelled home to Namibia, it was for a profoundly personal reason, to marry the woman he loves, herself an academic of exceptional calibre. The Windhoek Observer congratulates the newlyweds and celebrates their union as a joyful reminder of what Namibian brilliance looks like. But this editorial is not about romance; it is about recognition. It is about celebrating excellence and asking whether, as a nation, we truly value our best minds. Dr Ndjodi Ndeunyema represents the very best of Namibia, a young, highly accomplished scholar who has distinguished himself on one of the world’s most…
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Implementation of women, peace and security agenda still uneven

Implementation of women, peace and security agenda still uneven

Justicia Shipena  Despite global commitment, implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda remains uneven, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Thursday.  Nandi-Ndaitwah urged world leaders and regional blocs to strengthen their efforts.  “As we mark this 25th anniversary, we must look forward. Resolution 1325 has laid a foundation, but the task ahead remains urgent,” she said.  “Conflicts across Africa and the globe are intensifying, with women and children bearing the greatest burdens," she said during the silver anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, held in Windhoek.  Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on Namibia’s role in shaping the WPS agenda,…
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A timely cut, but will lower interest rates be enough to lift Namibia’s economy?

The Bank of Namibia’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, from 6.75% to 6.50%, marks a cautious yet significant attempt to breathe life into a sluggish economy. Announced by governor Johannes !Gawaxab, the rate reduction comes amid weakening growth, subdued inflation, and rising concern that Namibia’s recovery is losing momentum. For households and businesses already grappling with tight financial conditions, the decision offers some relief. But it also raises deeper questions about whether monetary policy alone can lift an economy facing structural headwinds. By reducing the repo rate, the central bank makes it cheaper for commercial…
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BoN plans to accumulate gold

BoN plans to accumulate gold

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has launched a gold accumulation strategy to diversify the country’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthen economic stability amid global uncertainty. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab said the strategy is part of a broader effort to protect Namibia’s financial system and improve its resilience against external shocks. He said gold will now form a key component of the central bank’s reserves portfolio, targeting 3% of total net foreign exchange holdings.  The gold will be acquired from local mines, kept under domestic custody and stored as London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) good delivery bars with 99.9%…
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Global economy shows resilience amid shifting commodity prices

Global economy shows resilience amid shifting commodity prices

Chamwe Kaira  The global economy continues to show resilience, even as forecasts point to slightly slower growth in the coming years. Bank of Namibia (BoN) governor Johannes !Gawaxab said this week that since the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting in August, inflation trends have moved in different directions across major economies, while global stock markets have strengthened and bond yields have declined. “The US Federal Reserve cut its policy rate for the first time this year, marking a shift in its monetary stance, while most other major central banks opted to hold their rates steady,” he said. The Organisation for…
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Business loans lift private sector credit to 5.8%

Business loans lift private sector credit to 5.8%

Chamwe Kaira Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE) rose slightly to 5.8% year-on-year in August 2025, compared to 5.7% in July, showing a gradual recovery in credit demand driven mainly by corporate borrowing, according to FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti. Mboti said the modest increase reflects a cautiously improving credit environment supported by stronger business confidence and continued investment activity. Household credit expansion, however, remains limited due to weak income growth and affordability constraints. Corporate credit led the growth, rising 10.3% year-on-year in August from 10.1% in July. Mboti said the increase was mainly supported by higher demand for other loans…
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Langer Heinrich posts record Uranium output

Langer Heinrich posts record Uranium output

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy Limited has reported record quarterly uranium production from its Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo region, marking another milestone in the mine’s ramp-up phase since restarting operations. The Australian Stock Exchange-listed uranium producer said output reached 1,066,496 pounds of uranium oxide during the quarter ending 30 September, up from 993,843 pounds in the previous quarter.  The company said the performance reflects “increasing operational strength and capability” as it moves towards full-scale production. Sales for the quarter totalled 533 789 pounds of uranium oxide at an average realised price of US$67.40 per pound, compared to US$55.60 in…
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Bannerman reports progress at Etango project

Bannerman reports progress at Etango project

Chamwe Kaira Bannerman Energy Ltd has reported continued strong progress at its Etango Uranium Project, achieving major milestones in construction, design, and marketing as it moves closer to a potential Final Investment Decision (FID), subject to market conditions. The company maintained an excellent safety record, marking 16 years without a lost-time injury.  Early works construction remains on budget and schedule, with construction power now commissioned within the mining licence area.  Detailed design for the process plant is 86% complete, and a factory acceptance test for the High Pressure Grinding Rolls tertiary crusher has been successfully completed. Bannerman awarded contracts for…
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Trustco nears completion of long-delayed financial statements

Trustco nears completion of long-delayed financial statements

Staff Writer Trustco Group Holdings has reported progress toward finalising its long-awaited annual financial statements while reminding investors to remain cautious as it moves ahead with plans to delist from three stock exchanges. The Windhoek-based investment group said on Monday it continues to work with regulators to complete the audit of its financial results for the year ended 31 August 2024.  The process has been more complex than usual following changes to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) Listings Requirements on auditor appointments. Previously, Trustco was required to appoint two audit firms—one accredited by the JSE in South Africa (Nexia SAB&T)…
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Standard Bank joins KYC compliance awareness drive

Standard Bank joins KYC compliance awareness drive

Staff Writer Standard Bank Namibia has joined other financial institutions in an industry-wide effort to raise awareness about Know Your Client (KYC) compliance, in line with the Financial Intelligence Act of 2012. The initiative aims to ensure that customer information is accurate, current, and compliant with national regulations, a key step in protecting the integrity of Namibia’s financial system. Standard Bank has launched a multi-channel campaign encouraging clients to verify and update their personal details.  The campaign uses SMS and email notifications, as well as direct engagement through branches and relationship managers. “Client enablement is about more than just access;…
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