Blog – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

11 Feb

Diamonds in decline: Namibia’s economic backbone faces a wake-up call

Editorial

For decades, diamonds have been more than just glittering stones in Namibia. They have been a symbol of national pride, a key driver of economic growth, and a cornerstone of our export-led economy. Today, however, the foundations of this once-stable sector are visibly shaking. Global demand remains subdued, diamond prices have declined, and established players like De Beers, long regarded as a pillar of the industry, are under mounting pressure to reassess their market valuation. The choices made in the coming months will have profound consequences for our nation, our businesses, and the livelihoods of thousands of Namibians. The signals…

11 Feb

Steam drums arrive for Otjikoto Biomass Power Station

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Construction of Namibia’s first biomass power plant is progressing with the recent arrival of steam drums from China. The N$2.64 billion project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. NamPower said this week that the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station reached a major milestone with the delivery of two steam drums. The components are required for the plant’s two 20 MW boilers. The steam drums were manufactured in China and transported through Walvis Bay to Tsumeb as abnormal loads. NamPower said the delivery involved detailed planning, specialised transport and coordination over long distances. The company…

11 Feb

BoN appoints two new members to MPC

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has appointed two new members to its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to support its mandate of setting and implementing monetary policy aimed at maintaining price stability. Dr John Steytler has been appointed as the first independent member of the committee for a three-year term. He previously served at the Bank of Namibia in senior roles, including chief economist and director of research. Steytler brings more than 30 years of experience in national and international economic policy. He has served as chief executive officer of the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), economic advisor to…

11 Feb

De Beers faces impairment review as diamond prices fall

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Anglo American has started an impairment review of De Beers’ carrying value, citing prolonged weakness in global diamond market conditions and continued pressure on the business’s financial performance. De Beers is a 50/50 partner with the Namibian government in Debmarine, Namdeb and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. In a preliminary update for the second half of the 2025 financial year, Anglo American said underlying EBITDA from De Beers is expected to be negative for the full year. The group said this is due to difficult rough diamond trading conditions and lower realised prices. “As a result, the impairment…

11 Feb

Botswana ramps up power generation capacity

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Botswana is moving ahead with major power generation projects to improve energy security and support economic growth, finance minister Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe said in the 2026 budget speech. Gaolathe said implementation of the 600 MW Mmamabula coal-fired power plant is on track. The first 150 MW is expected by December 2026, with the full 600 MW scheduled for completion by June 2029. The government has commissioned a 100 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Mmadinare, along with three smaller grid-tied solar projects in Bobonong, Shakawe and Ghanzi. The 100 MW Jwaneng solar PV plant is expected to be commissioned…

11 Feb

Paratus lights up new fibre route linking Goma to Mombasa

Observer Money

Staff Writer Paratus Group has switched on a new fibre route in East Africa, linking Mombasa on Kenya’s coast to Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through a terrestrial network. The 2 000-kilometre Goma-to-Mombasa route runs through Kigali in Rwanda, Kampala in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya. It connects directly to data centers in each city and is already transporting traffic for wholesale customers. Paratus said the route offers high-capacity and reliable connectivity for carriers, internet service providers and enterprise clients operating across borders. The launch expands the group’s East African network and creates a continuous regional…

11 Feb

Sasol anticipates sharp earnings decline for interim period

Observer Money

Staff Writer Sasol Limited has warned shareholders to expect a sharp drop in earnings for the six months ended 31 December 2025, citing weaker commodity prices and higher impairments. The impact was partly offset by operational improvements and cost control. In a trading statement, Sasol said earnings per share are expected to fall to between 10 cents and 80 cents, from R7.22 in the previous period. This represents a decline of between 89% and 99%. Headline earnings per share are forecast at between R8.50 and R10.00, down from R14.13, a decrease of between 29% and 40%. Adjusted earnings before interest,…

11 Feb

From debt to direction

Observer Money

Ingrith Tjivela Debt can feel like a shadow that follows you everywhere. It weighs on decisions, limits choices and steals peace of mind. Yet many people underestimate how quickly momentum can build once a plan is in place. There are two practical methods that consistently help people take back control: the debt snowball and the debt stacking method. Both work for a simple reason: they turn a vague intention into a clear journey with visible progress. The snowball method focuses on behaviour. You start by paying off the smallest balance first while maintaining minimum payments on the rest. Clearing a…

11 Feb

9 February, Namibia’s Constitution Day: The Constitution was followed, but democracy was bent

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Every 9 February, Namibia marks Constitution Day with speeches, symbolism, and celebration. Yet a constitution is not honoured by ritual alone. Its true test lies not in anniversary tributes, but in how faithfully it restrains power, protects dignity, and guides governance when political interests are at stake. Constitution Day should therefore be less about comfort and more about conscience. The constitutional amendments of 2014 were a masterstroke executed not against the Constitution, but through it. Their camouflaged protagonists acted lawfully, strategically, and with full awareness of the consequences, including by…

11 Feb

TVET is not a second choice or for failures; it is a path to success – Let us not discourage a boy child or girl child from pursuing TVET

Opinions

Daniel Ndayamohamba Every office, hospital, church, road, and public facility you see today has been made possible by hard-working individuals who chose Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Beyond engineers and architecture, it is the general workers, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, IT technicians, and bricklayers who keep our society functioning. TVET practitioners are key contributors to development. Yet, despite their impact, a damaging misconception persists that TVET is a fallback choice for those who did not qualify for university. It is time to challenge this mindset and recognise TVET as a respected and essential pathway to success. A…