Blog – Page 3 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

Organic Energy Solutions achieves top European SURE certification

Observer Money

Staff Writer Organic Energy Solutions (OES), a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List Group, has become Namibia’s first and only wood-chip biomass company to receive SURE (Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme) certification for energy production. The certification marks a major milestone for Namibia’s renewable energy sector. The certification follows a three-day audit confirming that OES’s biomass operations meet the strict sustainability requirements of the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). With this, OES joins a small group of SURE-certified energy companies in Namibia, most of which operate in the charcoal industry. “Being the only SURE-certified wood-chip biomass company in Namibia…

30 Oct

AfDB funds SA titanium project with US$75 million

Observer Money

Staff Writer The board of directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved US$75 million in financing to support South Africa-based Nyanza Light Metals Pty Ltd (Nyanza) in advancing Africa’s industrialisation through local value addition to its titanium mineral resources. Titanium dioxide is a key pigment used in paints, coatings, food processing, cosmetics, and medical products. Despite strong demand, manufacturers in South Africa and across the region still depend on expensive imports. Nyanza’s project aims to change this by producing titanium dioxide locally, reducing import reliance and placing Africa within the global titanium value chain. The African Development Bank’s…

30 Oct

Africa needs to invest up to US$170 billion to support growth

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Third Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development took place in Luanda this week, with African leaders calling for stronger action to close the continent’s infrastructure financing gap and unlock its potential as a global growth engine. In his opening remarks, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union (AU), said Africa must invest between US$130 billion and US$170 billion annually to build the foundation for sustainable growth. “We must move from words to action,” Lourenço urged. “This summit represents a decisive step toward mobilising the resources needed to enhance connectivity and integration across…

30 Oct

Reparations for what? Ideological clarity is needed!

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro REPARATIONS FOR WHAT? This question may sound simplistic to many a descendant of the Ovambanderu, Ovahereo and Nama Genocide, who are and have been endeavouring to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Something which their forebears were robbed of by Imperial Germany, and thus consequently their descendants were and continue to be disinherited of. Till this day, despite freedom and independence, they have not seen socio-economic justice, let alone in terms of the return of their ancestral land. Let alone for the fact that the recommendations of the 2018 Second National Land Conference have at best been gathering dust…

30 Oct

Political reset: a test of fiscal discipline and political recalibration and credibility

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) When finance minister Ericah Shafudah stood before Parliament on 21 October 2025, her address carried a tone of sober realism. Namibia’s mid-year budget review revealed uncomfortable truths: economic growth is slowing, revenue performance has softened, and public debt continues its upward trajectory. Yet, instead of yielding to populist pressures or political expediency, Shafudah chose a path defined by discipline, recalibration, and credibility. The mid-year review presented an unchanged expenditure envelope of N$ 89.4 billion, signalling fiscal restraint amid deteriorating conditions. Growth projections for 2025 were revised downward from 4.5% to…

30 Oct

Suspended Katima CEO lodges salary appeal

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso says he has appealed against his suspension without pay, calling the decision unfair and unclear. He said he submitted an appeal regarding his salary with the council’s administrator. The town council suspended Liswaniso with immediate effect on Tuesday. The suspension follows months of corruption allegations that have surrounded the council, including reports of land-for-vehicle “barter” deals and questionable public-private partnerships. The council said the decision was made to allow investigations to proceed without interference and in line with due process. “That one I have appealed. Why without pay? I…

30 Oct

THE TIDE LINE | Police score a win in the battle against drugs

Featured, Opinions

The Namibian Police deserve full credit for their swift and effective action in apprehending a 38-year-old woman at Walvis Bay this week in connection with drug trafficking. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a residence in the Nampost residential area, recovering 1 070 Mandrax tablets valued at N$128 400. While this arrest is only one in a series of drug-related busts along Namibia’s coastline, it is nonetheless significant. It reflects diligent policing, improved intelligence gathering, and inter-unit coordination. At a time when drug abuse continues to infiltrate communities, this successful operation reminds citizens that law enforcement is still in the fight…

30 Oct

Paving the road to a safer, smarter Namibia: The role of tech in transport modernisation

Opinions

Reuben Williams Namibia stands at a critical juncture. As the nation pursues its vision of economic growth and greater social development, the efficiency and reliability of its transport sector are non-negotiable. An outdated system can be a drag on productivity and a threat to public safety. But technology offers a clear and immediate solution. By embracing digital innovation and establishing a clear regulatory framework, Namibia can transition from a legacy transport model to a dynamic, safe, and reliable ecosystem. The imperative for digital transformation The traditional public transport system in our cities, while essential, often struggles with consistency, transparency, and…

30 Oct

The art of the comeback: Leadership lessons from Singapore

Featured, Opinions

Mufaro Nesongano Something that has always amazed me is the remarkable comeback after a setback. As human beings, we tend to celebrate success stories more, for few people wish to be associated with failure. Yet those who have experienced moments of loss and disappointment know that the greatest growth often comes from the hardest seasons of life. Recently, I watched a documentary exploring what made Singapore the great nation it is today. It served as a powerful reminder that real progress is often born from adversity and thoughtful leadership. At independence in 1965, Singapore had very limited natural resources, deep…

30 Oct

China supports Namibia’s push for value addition

National News

Justicia Shipena The Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, says China supports Namibia’s goal of industrialisation and value addition. Speaking at his second press meeting of the year at the Chinese Embassy in Windhoek on Wednesday, Weiping said China understands Namibia’s economic aspirations. Four months ago, speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said China can support Namibia in adding value to its natural resources. “On value addition, China fully understands Namibia’s aspiration for industrialisation, modernisation, and value addition, which is very important for your economy. I think as time goes by, you may see more Chinese companies heading in…