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Uranium One says SAUMA declining dialogue

Uranium One says SAUMA declining dialogue

CHAMWE KAIRA Uranium One Group says it has taken note of Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA)’s open letter which was published in the media recently. The Uranium One Group which aims to invest up to N$8,5 billion in the Namibian economy through the uranium mine near Stampriest. Uranium One said it is of the opinion that SAUMA’s letter was one sided and did not take all factors into consideration. The company said Rosatom, the mother company of Uranium One Group, has a proven track record of over 50 years in In-Situ Leaching or In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining. “Because Rosatom…
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Foreign reserves increase to N$54.9 billion

Foreign reserves increase to N$54.9 billion

The stock of international reserves increased by 8.4% month to month to N$54.9 billion at the end of December, relative to N$50.6 billion in November, the Bank of Namibia revealed. The central bank said the increase was attributable to higher commercial bank inflows as a result diamond sales and customer foreign currency placements (CFC’s). The foreign reserves translated into 4.6 months of import cover. Growth in M2 (money supply) rose to 10.7% at the end of December relative to a growth of 10.3% in November. The rise in M2 growth stemmed from an increase in domestic claims, during the period…
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Walvis Bay woos neighbouring countries

Walvis Bay woos neighbouring countries

CHAMWE KAIRA The growing attractiveness of Walvis Bay as a preferred option for import and export activities among hinterland countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can be attributed to several key factors including strategic location, efficient transport corridor, modern infrastructure, customs and trade facilitation, competitive costs, political stability, diversified cargo handling and being transshipment hub, Acting Executive: Commercial Services at NamPort, Trevor Ndjadila said this week. In terms of strategic location, he said Walvis Bay offers a strategic and geographically advantageous location along the southwestern coast of Africa. It provides these landlocked…
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Nakale appointed Letshego chairperson

Nakale appointed Letshego chairperson

Letshego Holdings Namibia has appointed Mansueta-Maria Nakale as chairperson of the board of Letshego and its subsidiaries. Letshego shareholders were advised that Maryvonne Palanduz's tenure agreement with Letshego has come to an end and accordingly retired from the board, effective 31 January 2024. Letshego said Nakale holds a Masters in Corporate Financial Management (University of Cape Town), Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting and Economics(UNISA), Masters in Business Administration (Stellenbosch) and a Certificate in Project Management (University of Sellenbosch). Nakale has over 20 years of experience in the financial sector with a specialisation in investment management and financial sector supervision. She…
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Driving positive change through financial solutions

Driving positive change through financial solutions

In Namibia, making a real impact with financial solutions is a shared endeavour that requires collective action, innovative thinking, and a deep understanding of our people's needs. As a united force within the financial services industry, we bear a collective responsibility to lead the way toward a better future for everyone. At the forefront of our efforts is the imperative to ensure that our financial strategies are intricately aligned with Namibia's unique socio-economic landscape. This involves fostering collaboration and partnership with key stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and community groups, to identify priority areas where our combined resources can generate…
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Brandon Munro appointed Bannerman chairman

Brandon Munro appointed Bannerman chairman

Bannerman Energy Limited has announced changes to its board and key executive roles, effective from early March 2024, in further preparation for planned development of its flagship Etango Uranium Project in Namibia. After almost 15 years of dedicated service, Ronnie Beevor will be retiring from the Bannerman Board. Bannerman’s current Managing Director and CEO, Brandon Munro, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Alison Terry will be appointed as Lead Independent Director and Gavin Chamberlain is to be promoted from Chief Operating Officer to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Bannerman Executive Chairman-elect, Brandon Munro said the changes are designed to…
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Air Cargo Demand Surges 10.8%

Air Cargo Demand Surges 10.8%

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand rebounded in 2023 with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance despite economic uncertainties. Full-year demand reached a level just slightly below 2022 and 2019. Global full-year demand in 2023, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was down 1.9% compared to 2022 (-2.2% for international operations). Compared to 2019, it was down 3.6% (-3.8 for international operations. Capacity in 2023, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was 11.3% above 2022 (+9.6% for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels, capacity was up 2.5% (0.0%…
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African air traffic rose 38.7% in 2023

African air traffic rose 38.7% in 2023

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7% in 2023 compared to the prior year. Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3% and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9%, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5% over December 2022, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. IATA announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels.…
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Renovation of historic Ritterburg Building in Swakopmund set to begin

Renovation of historic Ritterburg Building in Swakopmund set to begin

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) is in the final stages of appointing a contractor for the much-awaited renovation of the iconic Ritterburg office building in Swakopmund. The MEFT’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said in a statement that the ministry is close to completing the tender process, with renovation works expected to start between April and May, aiming for completion by August or September 2024. The Ritterburg Building, a historic monument listed under the Heritage Council of Namibia, has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. "Securing the necessary resources for this renovation has been…
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Usakos tackles youth unemployment with vocational training initiative

Usakos tackles youth unemployment with vocational training initiative

Niël Terblanché The town of Usakos in the Erongo Region has launched an ambitious youth employment intervention programme to curb the scourge of youth unemployment. The initiative, spearheaded by Usakos Mayor, Irene Simeon-Kurtz, aims to provide the town's youth with essential funding for various vocational training programmes aimed at addressing persistent educational and unemployment challenges. The programme emerges against a backdrop where a significant majority of young individuals entering the labour market each year find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment, with more than 70 percent remaining outside of employment, education, and training systems. "Our multi-sectoral action plan is…
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