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Chamwe Kaira The European Union (EU) delegation in Namibia is funding the 1 000-cattle capacity Etunda Feedlot, valued at N$80 million, as part of a N$400 million support package to the livestock sector in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA). EU deputy head of mission in Namibia, Ian Dupont, told Observer Money that the feedlot addresses low throughput and livestock quality challenges faced by NCA abattoirs.  It will provide better-quality cattle for slaughter and allow farmers in regions such as Omusati, Kunene, and Oshana to access more diversified markets. “It is expected to strengthen the livestock value chain, improve business viability…

Chamwe Kaira The South African Competition Tribunal has approved Newco’s N$23 billion acquisition of Barloworld, subject to public interest conditions, including the implementation of a broad-based black economic empowerment structure after delisting. Barloworld Equipment, a subsidiary of Barloworld, operates across Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga province. In Namibia, Barloworld Equipment distributes and supports Caterpillar and other heavy machinery used in mining, construction, and other industries.  The company has operations in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Swakopmund. Its services include oil and gas ratings, marine power solutions, industrial engine…

National Housing Enterprise (NHE)’s manager of corporate communications and marketing, Mutonga Matali, talks to Observer Money about the company’s financial status, housing projects and the housing backlog on its books.  Observer Money (OM): Does the NHE sustain itself or make profit? Mutonga Matali (MM): NHE sustains its operations through revenue generated from property sales, loan repayments and rental income, which is reinvested to expand the housing portfolio for the benefit of prospective clients. During the launch of the 2023/2024 annual report, NHE announced a N$6 million profit realised in 2024. OM: Does the NHE depend on government funding to fund…

Paratus Group will in the coming weeks launch a mobile data network in Namibia that will challenge the dominant state-owned incumbent, MTC. Barney Harmse, group executive chairman at Windhoek-headquartered Paratus, a fast-growing digital infrastructure company with operations across Southern Africa, revealed the plans in an interview with the TechCentral Show.  He also disclosed that Paratus is considering a listing in New York in the coming years, though no firm decisions have been made in this regard.  Paratus’s entry could kick-start a shake-up in the competitive dynamics of Namibia’s mobile sector.  The Namibian mobile network, which will offer data-only services in…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s beef and charcoal exports to the European Union (EU) are under threat after the EU identified several products that contribute to global forest degradation. The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) informed its members that the EU has introduced new rules under the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).  These rules require exporting countries to ensure that identified products are produced within strict guidelines.  For Namibia, the affected products include beef, cattle hides, and charcoal, while soya beans used in animal feed have an indirect impact. The EUDR takes effect on 1 January 2026. Namibia is working to put systems…

Chamwe Kaira  Andrada Mining Limited has completed construction of its second processing plant at the Uis mine in Erongo.  The jig plant was built on time and within budget, and commissioning is set to begin in the final week of August. The new plant is expected to boost tin output significantly by adding more processing capacity.  Chief executive officer Anthony Viljoen said the completion of the jig plant on time and within budget is a smart, low-cost upgrade that will immediately boost Uis tin production on the completion of commissioning.  "The plant is a key milestone towards doubling production and…