Observer Money

Green hydrogen to transform workforce

Green hydrogen to transform workforce

Staff Writer Namibia’s groundbreaking green hydrogen project, a remarkable venture in sub-Saharan Africa, presents a transformative opportunity for the country’s workforce. As the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) collaborates with the private sector to establish and operate this fully integrated project, there arises an urgent requirement for a comprehensive workforce solution. This is precisely where a Temporary Employment Services (TES) provider comes into play, offering a unified solution to address skills transfer, labour, and HR/IR needs, from start to operations. By partnering with a TES provider, Namibia can leverage their expertise, ensuring streamlined operations and unlocking the full…
Read More
TransNamib nears conclusion of N$2.6 Billion funding access

TransNamib nears conclusion of N$2.6 Billion funding access

Chamwe Kaira TransNamib Holdings, the troubled state-owned railway company, is approaching the final stages of securing a loan agreement amounting to N$2.6 billion. This financial arrangement has been entered into with the Development Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Abigail Raubenheimer, the spokesperson for TransNamib, conveyed that the company is currently in the last phases of planning and preparation. Several conditions need to be met by TransNamib in order to gain access to the funding, she explained to Observer Money this week. “Remaining committed to future objectives, TransNamib recognizes the pivotal role of rail transport in…
Read More
Beef industry stands at a crucial juncture

Beef industry stands at a crucial juncture

Staff Writer The Namibian beef industry is at a crossroads, necessitating a proactive approach to tackle the challenges it confronts. To secure its future, the industry must undertake various strategic initiatives. These include investing in advanced infrastructure like efficient feedlots and cutting-edge equipment, as well as implementing drought-restocking plans to ensure long-term sustainability. Supporting small-scale beef processors through incentives is crucial for their operational stability. A pivotal focus should be on revitalising rangelands and enhancing grazing capacity for cattle. Initiatives encompassing the production and storage of animal feed to mitigate the impacts of drought are equally important, as suggested by…
Read More
Census to enhance economic planning

Census to enhance economic planning

Chamwe Kaira The 2023 Population and Housing Census holds significant importance for the Namibian economy due to its integral role in economic planning. Economic planning encompasses resource management and effective utilisation, making the data from this census crucial for informed decision-making in these areas. Scheduled to take place from September 18 to November 3, the 2023 Population and Housing Census is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s future. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General and CEO of the Namibia Statistics Agency, emphasized that the census provides essential information for policy formulation, resource allocation, infrastructure development, and other key aspects.…
Read More
Proposed investment bill will create more unemployment

Proposed investment bill will create more unemployment

Niël Terblanché Namibia has amongst the highest unemployment rates in the world and the country’s current credit rating has been set at junk status by international rating agencies because of burdensome over regulation from the government. According to the Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA), Namibia’s economy remains stuck in a very precarious position, despite the economic potential provided by green hydrogen and oil discoveries. “With a suboptimal investment environment Namibia can simply not harness the potential these industries may present. We should not suffer under the illusion that (honest) investors are lining up to invest in Namibia. We must make…
Read More
Venaani claims rural SMEs lack support for business development

Venaani claims rural SMEs lack support for business development

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader, McHenry Venaani, says there is a huge gap existing in the country’s rural areas in accessing to necessary resources for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) development. “Without adequate funding, coaching and mentoring resources, these businesses are hindered from reaching their full potential and driving sustainable economic growth in their communities,” he said. He highlighted that SMEs play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and fostering local development. “It is for this reason, the government should address the challenges faced by rural SMEs and empower them to contribute effectively to…
Read More
Trade ministry gets IT equipment worth N$ 123 m to boost international markets

Trade ministry gets IT equipment worth N$ 123 m to boost international markets

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has received Information Technology (IT) equipment from the European Union (EU) worth N$ 123 million to help the country boost international markets. The equipment is provided through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Plan Programme that exist between Namibia and the EU. They are intended to assist operations of the Directorate of International Trade Programme in the ministry, which aims to enhance Namibia’s access to export markets by improving the Government’s capacity to manage international trade agreements, with a specific focus on trade with the EU. During the handover ceremony which took…
Read More
DBN launches service charter

DBN launches service charter

Martin Endjala THE Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has announced the official introduction of its complete Service Charter, titled ‘The Gold Standard,’ which is intended to strengthen the Bank's commitment to providing great services and cultivating unrivaled customer satisfaction. DBN's Chief Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communication, Jerome Mutumba, revealed this in a statement last week, saying that the launch is a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, and the Service Charter stands as a testament to DBN's core values and commitment to excellence. He underlined the Bank's commitment to clients and stakeholders, emphasising its commitment to provide great service…
Read More
July month-on-month inflation rate decrease to 4.5%

July month-on-month inflation rate decrease to 4.5%

Martin Endjala THE monthly report recently released by Namibia Statistic Agency (NSA) Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Shimuafeni highlighted that the inflation rate performance for the month of July decreased to 4.5 percent compared to 6.8 recorded in the same month last year. Meanwhile, the statistics also revealed that the 12-month average annual inflation rate from August 2022 to July 2023 was estimated at 6.6 percent. The annual inflation rate for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels components, which accounts for 28.4 percent of the consumer basket, registered an increase of 2.7 percent during July 2023 compared to…
Read More
Green Hydrogen Programme staffing aims to be highly inclusive

Green Hydrogen Programme staffing aims to be highly inclusive

Niël Terblanché THE Green Hydrogen Programme, a breakthrough project poised to transform the country's energy environment, is slated to begin creating the framework of staffing. Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe said they are ready to start with the process of identifying exceptional talent to solidify the envisioned structure. “To turn this visionary programme into a resounding success, we are teaming up with Potentia, a renowned hiring agency specialising in identifying exceptional talent. If you are ready to make a lasting impact, bring your expertise to the forefront, and drive innovation,” he said. Mnyuoe invited professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from…
Read More