Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) has warned that while the macroeconomic outlook for 2026 appears positive, it remains narrow and vulnerable. The Bank of Namibia (BoN) expects economic growth to improve in 2026 after a subdued performance in 2025.  Growth is forecast at about 3% in 2025 and is expected to accelerate to 3.9% in 2026, assuming stronger sectoral performance and a more stable external environment. However, the EAN said economic performance remains heavily dependent on a small number of sectors, favourable weather conditions and limited fiscal space. Inflation has provided some relief. Headline inflation eased to…

Staff Writer Mr Price Group Limited says signs point to an improving economic growth outlook for South Africa in 2026.  The group said this is supported by low and stable inflation, the possibility of further interest rate cuts, gains from a strong commodity cycle and continued strength of the rand against the US dollar.  It cautioned, however, that uncertainty in the global political and economic environment could still affect the outlook. The retailer said the improved macroeconomic environment should support the retail sector by allowing more disposable income to flow into discretionary spending. In the first four weeks of January,…

Staff Writer Cashbuild Limited reported a 1% increase in group revenue in the second quarter of the 2026 financial year.  The growth was supported by new stores and the inclusion of Amper Alles, a subsidiary in which the group acquired a 60% controlling interest with effect from 1 December 2025. In a voluntary operational update released this week, Cashbuild said the increase came despite a 2% decline in revenue from its 309 existing stores.  The group’s 15 new stores contributed 3% growth during the quarter. For the half year ended 28 December 2025, group revenue rose by 3% compared to…

Chamwe Kaira  20Twenty Financial Solutions has issued its first sustainability-linked note, marking a milestone in Namibia’s debt market and securing funding to expand access to homeownership. The issuance follows the launch of the company’s Sustainability-Linked Finance Framework in October 2025 and reflects growing investor interest in instruments that link financial returns to social outcomes. The transaction was arranged and supported by RMB Namibia, which acted as arranger, NSX debt sponsor and sustainability coordinator.  The funding will support the expansion of 20Twenty’s inflation-linked home loan products, which aim to offer predictable repayments for borrowers while improving long-term financial resilience. 20Twenty provides…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia Ports Authority (Nampost) says the ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay are being positioned as key gateways to international markets as Namibia prepares for the development of its oil and gas industry. In its 2025 integrated annual report, Namport said the two ports are leveraging their coastal locations and direct shipping links to major global trade hubs to support future offshore energy activity. As Namibia moves closer to final investment decisions on recent offshore oil discoveries, Namport said the country’s ports will play a central role in supporting oil and gas operations and increasing in-country value from…

Staff Writer Koryx Copper Inc. has closed a C$5 million (N$68 million) sidecar non-brokered private placement with mainly Namibian institutional and retail investors, lifting its total financing to C$51 million. The company issued 2,040,816 common shares at C$2.45 per share, raising gross proceeds of C$5 million.  The placement was completed on the same terms as the C$46 million bought-deal financing announced on 6 January 2026 and closed on 20 January 2026. Finder’s fees of C$150,000 were paid to Cirrus Capital (Pty) Ltd. All shares issued under the placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day…

Chamwe Kaira  Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) says changing economic conditions among regional trading partners present both opportunities and competitive pressure for Namibia’s ports as countries adjust to slower global growth, infrastructure limits and commodity price swings. Namport said South Africa’s economy slowed to 0.5% growth in 2024, weighed down by structural challenges, drought, weak performance by state-owned enterprises and ongoing transport and logistics constraints.  While improvements in electricity supply offered some relief, growth prospects remain limited, with GDP expected to rise by 0.7% in 2025 and average 1.2% in 2026 and 2027. Despite gradual improvements in South Africa’s logistics network,…

Staff Writer KPMG says organisations worldwide are moving past pilot projects and are now integrating artificial intelligence into core operations, according to its Global Tech Report 2026. The report, titled Leading in the Intelligence Age: Excelling Today, Shaping Tomorrow, shows that while the use of AI and other advanced technologies is rising fast, scaling them brings new challenges and uneven returns on investment. The survey covered 2,500 executives from 27 countries across sectors including automotive, retail, energy, financial services, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.  It found that 68% of organisations aim to reach the highest level of AI maturity by…

Chamwe Kaira The rollout of 5G technology is emerging as a key driver of Namibia’s ICT sector transformation, positioning the industry for faster growth, innovation and wider economic integration in 2026, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran). After a year of regulatory and technological progress, 5G is moving beyond faster mobile broadband to support new uses across transport and logistics, finance, trade, agriculture, health, education, mining and energy.  Cran says companies around the world are using 5G to improve efficiency, automation and security through private networks, a trend that is starting to take shape in Namibia. The…

Chamwe Kaira  Namport has reported record revenue and profit, citing a rebound in regional trade and steady growth in cargo volumes. The company said its performance reflects disciplined execution, resilient operations, and a recovery in trade activity, which lifted revenue and strengthened financial results. Operating profit increased by N$245 million, or 45%, to N$793 million from N$548 million in 2024.  Namport attributed the increase to sustained cargo and marine service volumes, as well as concession revenue of N$143 million recorded during the year. At the group level, total revenue rose by 12% to N$2.88 billion in 2025 from N$2.56 billion…