Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA  Namibia’s inflation trends are aligning with global patterns, where price pressures are easing in major economies, according to Simonis Storm Securities. In the United States, inflation stood at 2.6%, while the Euro Area recorded 2.3%, both benefiting from stable energy prices and slower economic activity. In South Africa, inflation moderated to 2.8% yearoveryear, driven by lower transport costs and a slowdown in food price increases. Simonis noted that Namibia’s inflationary dynamics differ from its regional peers, particularly due to structural challenges in housing and utilities, which keep core inflation elevated. The report noted that the reintroduction of US…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Namibia’s trade prospects in 2025 will be shaped by regional economic shifts, global trade policy changes, and infrastructure developments.  While expanded logistics capacity and trade agreements create opportunities, external risks, including South Africa’s economic pressures, US tariff policies, and exchange rate volatility, require careful management, Simonis Storm Securities has noted in a report. As Namibia’s largest trade partner, South Africa’s economic health has direct implications for Namibia’s trade dynamics. A South African slowdown, exacerbated by global trade disruptions, inflationary pressures, and currency volatility, could weaken demand for Namibian exports. “Sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, which are…

CHAMWE KAIRA  TransNamib is in the process of standardising its fleet with General Electric/Wabtec locomotives. The company's spokesperson, Abigail Raubenheimer, said standardisation will ensure operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, improved reliability, and faster service, among other benefits. Furthermore, she added that sourcing directly from the manufacturer will eliminate the need for a third-party agent and will facilitate the building of a direct relationship with the manufacturer. The TransNamib Board approved the standardisation initiative in 2022, and subsequent approvals were granted by lending institutions and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. Raubenheimer said the Central Procurement Board of Namibia approved…

The diamond market was slow in January, with mixed reports about holiday sales. The US holiday season met the industry’s low expectations. Diamond prices declined, with some improvement in some carats. Fancy-shape diamonds of 3 carats and larger are doing better.   De Beers and the Botswana government reached a landmark agreement that includes extending joint venture Debswana’s mining licenses beyond 2029. The two parties will be working together to promote natural diamonds. The rough market has been slow, with De Beers maintaining prices and selling fewer diamonds at this year’s first sight. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is demanding…

NDINELAGO KANYOLO  As we navigate through life, effective financial planning is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable future. One pivotal element that often flies under the radar is retirement savings. With life expectancy on the rise and living costs continuously climbing, having a robust retirement plan is not just advisable—it is essential for your peace of mind. Retirement annuities offered by reputable life insurance companies, such as Momentum Metropolitan Group, provide a dependable and strategic solution to help you prepare for this significant life stage. Let us explore why investing in retirement annuities is a prudent choice.  Retirement annuities…

TUMELO THUDINYANE  In 2025, investors and savers will be facing a world of tempered growth, changing policy dynamics, and revolutionary market trends. As we navigate the year, understanding the economic outlook, identifying investment opportunities, and embracing resilience strategies will be key, grounded in the latest insights. Global economic growth is projected to remain steady at 2.7% in 2025, matching the 2024 pace but insufficient to make up for years of post-pandemic disruptions and longer-term structural challenges such as weak productivity and high debt levels. Advanced economies will probably outperform their peers, with the U.S. leading, at 2.4% GDP growth in…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Former chief executive of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Tara Shaanika, said Founding President Sam Nujoma believed Namibia’s economy could thrive by manufacturing and producing its own products rather than relying on imports. Nujoma, who led Namibia from 1990 to 2005, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. Speaking to Windhoek Observer on Sunday, Shaanika said Nujoma’s economic policies were centred on export-driven growth, as he believed the country had enough resources to produce and export goods rather than import them. “President Nujoam believed in an economy that is importless, which is dependent…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is taking decisive steps to strengthen digital governance and enhance electronic information management with the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council (EISMAC). During a strategic planning retreat held in Windhoek on Thursday, the minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, reiterated the critical role the Council plays in shaping Namibia’s digital landscape. She urged members to set realistic strategies that will guide Namibia in strengthening digital governance. “You have a mammoth task ahead of you, and I have no doubt in your individual and collective expertise,” she said. The minister added that the work of EISMAC…

CHAMWE KAIRA B2Gold Corporation has announced the preliminary results of a positive preliminary economic assessment on the Antelope deposit located at the company’s Otjikoto open pit and underground gold mine. The Antelope deposit, which comprises the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone, and a possible third structure, Impala, subject to confirmatory drilling, is located approximately 4 kilometres southwest of the existing Otjikoto open pit.  B2Gold said the Antelope deposit will have an initial life of mine of approximately five years (life of mine) with an average grade processed of 5.75 grams per tonne gold over the life of mine. Total production…