Blog – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

20 Apr

Over 80% of livestock now processed locally

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) says the meat industry is retaining more value within the country as more livestock moves through formal processing systems. The union said about 84% of the livestock weight leaving farms in 2025 was slaughtered at local or export abattoirs. This is up from 52% in 2015. The NAU said the increase shows a shift toward local value addition. It said the industry is building and keeping value at scale through an export-focused value chain that draws livestock into formal processing. The NAU says the value chain covers processing, packaging and distribution. It supports…

20 Apr

Nedbank advance sustainable finance framework

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua says the collaboration with the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) reflects a shared commitment to responsible capital mobilisation. NamPower, together with co-lead arrangers Cirrus Securities and Nedbank Namibia, has listed its N$5 billion domestic medium-term note programme on the Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX). The programme provides a platform to issue different debt instruments, including green and sustainable notes. It allows NamPower to raise funding on competitive terms for infrastructure projects under the programme. “Namibia’s energy future requires more than funding alone – it requires strong partnerships, clear governance and long-term thinking. Nedbank is…

20 Apr

NSX records N$135m in weekly trades

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Namibian Securities Exchange (NSX) recorded about N$135 million in trading activity during the week of 13 to 17 April 2026, with financial stocks leading the market. Weekly statistics show turnover reached about N$135.0 million from 86 deals. This is an increase of about N$124.1 million from the previous week. The financial sector accounted for most of the activity, with over N$108.9 million from 54 deals. Real estate followed with about N$13.8 million, while consumer staples recorded around N$7 million. Consumer discretionary stocks traded about N$3.3 million. Basic materials contributed about N$1.9 million. Telecommunications recorded just over N$55…

20 Apr

Standard Bank data breach fallout deepens

Observer Money

Standard Bank has acknowledged that client data stolen in a cyber incident first disclosed on 23 March, “now appears to have been published” online, marking a significant escalation in what appears to be one of South Africa’s most serious financial services data breaches. The data involved includes client names; ID and company registration numbers; contact details; and account numbers, the bank said in an updated statement. A limited set of client credit card details, including card numbers and expiry dates, was previously confirmed as affected. CVV numbers were not compromised. The bank said affected cards were being proactively replaced and…

17 Apr

Vision April 2026 plan faces constitutional test

Main, National News

Patience Makwele Former and current members of parliament have raised legal and practical concerns over a directive requiring senior civil servants to seek healthcare at public hospitals. The directive came into effect on 1 April as part of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Vision April 2026 reforms. It targets 294 senior government officials, including political office-bearers, executive directors and security chiefs. Under the arrangement, affected officials are expected to use public health facilities. Those who opt out can retain access to private healthcare through a N$240 monthly allowance linked to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). The government says the…

17 Apr

Nust financial aid officer denied bail in N$2m fraud scheme

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A 41-year-old student financial aid officer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) was denied bail when she appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Thursday over an alleged fraud scheme involving more than N$2 million. Maria Hengari faces charges of fraud and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The charges relate to the alleged acquisition and use of proceeds from unlawful activities. State prosecutor Reinhard Kamatoto opposed bail. Kamatoto cited the seriousness of the case in denying bail and the strength of the state’s evidence as well as concerns that the accused could interfere…

17 Apr

Businessman gives Tsumeb Municipality N$1.8m ultimatum

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A Tsumeb-based businessman has issued a final demand to the Tsumeb Municipality, seeking N$1.8 million in compensation. He is also demanding his name be clear over what he says is the misuse of his company. Lukas Hashondili Shailemo, owner of Star Innovation Projects, said the matter, which dates back to 2025, remains unresolved. He said delays in the investigation have affected his business and reputation. “I have exercised patience and fully cooperated; however, the continued delay and lack of a clear outcome is unacceptable and has caused significant damage to my name, reputation, and business interests,” he said.…

17 Apr

Ministry targets better accountability and transparency

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has committed to improving accountability, transparency and service delivery under its new strategic plan for 2026 to 2030. The plan was launched in Windhoek on Thursday and will guide the ministry’s work over the next five years. The ministry's executive director, Ben Nangombe, said the plan focuses on delivering accessible and efficient legal and labour services. “I implore you to hold us accountable for our service delivery by gauging our actual performance against the promises outlined in this Strategic Plan,” Nangombe said. He said the ministry aims to provide “quality, timely…

17 Apr

Dog vaccination rates still below target

National News

Staff Writer The directorate of veterinary services says Namibia is making progress in the fight against rabies. However, the directorate said vaccination levels remain below the target needed to fully control the disease. Chief veterinary officer Kenneth Kennedy Shoombe said vaccination campaigns have reached thousands of dogs across the country. His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Magrecia Hausiku, a representative from his office, at the rabies project review and planning meeting held in Ondangwa this week. Shoombe said the meeting reviewed progress and identified areas that need improvement. He said Namibia vaccinated more than 157 000 dogs in…

17 Apr

‘My baby would have been alive’ — Mother speaks from prison

Featured, National News

Patience Makwele When Fiona, an inmate at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, realised she was pregnant at 17, fear set in. Months passed before her body showed signs of pregnancy. When she told the man she believed was responsible, he denied it and cut off contact. “I had missed my period for two months. But it didn’t click at first that I was pregnant because it was not something new; I always missed my periods for longer than five months.” “He blocked me everywhere; told me if I ever called him, he would make my life a living hell and he…