Blog – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

15 Apr

BoN loss driven by currency effects, not core operations

Observer Money

Staff Writer Analyst Fimanekeni Mbodo says the Bank of Namibia (BoN)’s net loss of N$893 million in 2025 was driven by currency movements rather than core operations. Mbodo, from Cirrus Capital, said the figures must be read in context. The bank’s results show a shift from a profit of N$1.37 billion in 2024 to a loss in 2025. Dividends paid to the government also fell from N$720 million to N$200 million. Total income declined by 19.1%. This was mainly due to a 21.4% drop in net interest income, linked to lower global interest rates and reduced investment balances. Operating expenses…

15 Apr

NAC achieves airport carbon accreditation

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has received airport carbon accreditation level 1 for Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport. The certification was awarded by Airports Council International Africa in March. Airport carbon accreditation is a global programme that assesses how airports manage and reduce carbon emissions. Level 1 means the airports have measured and recorded their carbon footprint. This forms the base for future carbon management. The company said the step allows it to plan and implement carbon reduction measures and improve operations. “This milestone underscores the NAC’s commitment to aligning its operations with international environmental…

15 Apr

Another Odendaal plan in the health sector — State hospitals, a joke revamp

Opinions

Sem Billy David The current government administration came forth with soothing promises and clear objectives to move senior civil servants from private hospitals to state hospitals. This is called Vision April 2026, a government plan issued by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, directing all senior civil servants and politicians to start using public health facilities from April 2026. She stated: “They have government medical aid, but they don’t make use of state facilities. You will find them at private hospitals.” The plan, she explained, is for senior public servants and politicians to start using their medical aid in state hospitals.…

15 Apr

Innovative leadership: A catalyst for educational transformation in Namibia

Opinions

Prof Sulaiman Olusegun Atiku Despite decades of investment in higher education, thousands of youths leave classrooms armed with certificates but lacking the skills in high demand by a fast-changing labour market. The problem is not unique to Namibia; many sub-Saharan African education systems still rely heavily on traditional teaching and assessment methods. With the 44.4% youth unemployment rate (Labour Force Report, 2025), Namibia can no longer afford an education model that fails to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and eco-innovation. Across the continent, there is growing recognition that the traditional model is simply not fit for purpose. It does little to cultivate…

14 Apr

Tug of war: Katima CEO suspended again

Main, National News

Patience Makwele Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has approved the suspension of Katima Mulilo Raphael Liswaniso with full pay. A ministerial letter confirms the approval was granted under the Local Authorities Act and takes immediate effect. The decision comes after the Labour Court of Namibia ordered Liswaniso’s reinstatement last Friday in a separate matter linked to his suspension. That earlier suspension, effected on 28 October last year, was challenged through arbitration. The ruling found it was procedurally unfair. It said Liswaniso was not notified, was not warned and was not informed of the charges. The arbitrator ordered his…

14 Apr

Hyphen assesses 400 companies for hydrogen supply chain

National News

Justicia Shipena More than 400 Namibian companies have already been assessed as part of an effort to prepare local businesses for participation in the green hydrogen sector. This comes as Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, in partnership with ENERTRAG and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on Monday signed a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2UPPP) to support local participation in the value chain. The agreement introduces an enterprise and supplier development programme aimed at building the capacity of Namibian businesses and helping them compete in the sector. The initiative is backed by grant funding of up to 300…

14 Apr

CPBN tightens rules for bid committee appointments

Uncategorised

Allexer Namundjembo The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has introduced new procedures for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee members to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement. According to CPBN, these changes aim to enhance service delivery and reinforce the evaluation process for public bids. “These strengthened procedures are aimed at promoting integrity, fair dealing, transparency and efficiency in the public procurement process,” said CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala. The changes are guided by the Public Procurement Act, which allows CPBN to appoint individuals, including those nominated by public entities, to serve on bid evaluation committees. The board sets up ad…

14 Apr

Meatco eyes global premium market with Wagyu

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) aims to increase value addition by processing Wagyu cattle locally as it moves into the premium beef market. Meatco on Monday announced that it has slaughtered and processed Wagyu cattle. Wagyu refers to four main Japanese cattle breeds known for high-quality beef that requires specialised breeding, feeding and management. “This is more than a processing milestone; it is a statement of intent. Namibia is not just participating in global beef markets; we are moving decisively into the premium segment where value, not volume, defines success,” said Meatco interim chief executive officer Albertus…

14 Apr

Residents push ahead with ||Khomani chief removal process

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Residents of the ||Khomani Traditional Authority handed over a petition on Monday calling for a vote of no confidence against chief Juliane Gawanas and her council. The group gathered at Dolam in Katutura, led by community activist Shaun Gariseb. They accuse the leadership of selling land meant for local residents to business people within the ||Khomani area. The petition follows a community meeting held on 31 January at A.I. Steenkamp Primary School, where more than 750 people supported a vote of no confidence against the chief and the council. The process forms part of steps taken by the…

14 Apr

Mbandeka urges Govt to follow laws to avoid costly cases

National News

Staff Writer Attorney general Festus Mbandeka says stronger legal compliance across state institutions and state-owned enterprises will reduce court cases and improve governance. He made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement session hosted by his office in the Erongo region on Monday. Mbandeka said government entities must follow laws and improve how they work to avoid costly litigation. “Together, we can foster a culture of legal compliance within state institutions and SOE entities by promoting voluntary compliance and using best practices to streamline processes and reduce litigation costs,” he said. The session forms part of a nationwide programme to strengthen…