Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Momentum Group’s Africa’s earnings largely benefited from a lower claims ratio and favourable investment income on the back of good returns on shareholder assets, predominantly in Namibia, the group said in an operating update for the three months ended 30 September. The group claimed that rising costs partially offset this result. Africa’s mortality experience remained in line with expectations for most countries, the group said. The present value of new business premiums (PVNBP) improved by 25% to N$870 million, largely following higher retail sales in Namibia and Botswana and higher corporate sales in Lesotho, the operating update…

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia Asset Management (NAM) has announced that assets under management (AuM) increased by 19.5% to N$20.2 billion (September 2023: N$16.9 billion) for the year ending 30 September 2024. “The operating environment has been volatile and challenging for several years. During this time, NAM’s long-term investment approach and track record, together with prudent expense management, have delivered value to clients and shareholders. We remain excited by the return prospects available to active managers,” the company said. Looking ahead, NAM said it remains confident and has positioned the company for continued success in a demanding landscape. “We believe that investors…

October demonstrated an impressive upturn in total new vehicle sales, reaching 1 145 units. This represents a 24.6% year on year increase from 919 units in October 2023 and a notable 15.9% month on month rise from September 2024. Historically, October vehicle sales have typically fallen below the 1 000-unit threshold; however, this year's outperformance is primarily attributable to pre-year-end tax-related purchases. This surge suggests heightened activity among both businesses and individuals seeking to optimize tax benefits before fiscal year closure. Commercial vehicle sales remained the primary driver of the market, accounting for 55% of total vehicle sales, with 631…

CHAMWE KAIRA The South African government has noted and welcomed S&P’s decision to revise South Africa’s outlook to positive from stable and affirm the sovereign’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and ‘BB,’ respectively, the government said in a statement on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. According to S&P, the positive outlook reflects the agency’s view that increased political stability following the May 2024 general elections and impetus for reform could boost private investment and GDP growth. S&P expects that South African GDP growth will increase to 1.4% over 2025–2027 from 1% in 2024 as electricity load-shedding has…

CHAMWE KAIRA Several companies listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange have announced a number of changes to their boards. Bannerman Energy Ltd announced the appointment of experienced mining executive Bruce McFadzean as a non-executive director, with immediate effect. McFadzean is a mining engineer with over 40 years of mining and process experience across a broad range of commodities and geographies. He has had extensive exposure to all levels of operations and corporate leadership throughout his career, including managing the construction, commissioning, and ramp-up of six new mining operations globally. Bannerman’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Munro, said: “We…

CHAMWE KAIRA Sanlam and Ninety One have entered into a binding framework agreement, the companies announced in a stock exchange notice. Under the terms of the agreement, the parties have agreed to establish a long-term relationship whereby Sanlam will appoint Ninety One as its primary active investment manager for single-managed local and global products. Both companies have operations in Namibia. Ninety One will acquire all the issued shares in Sanlam Investment Management Proprietary Limited, an active investment management business wholly owned by Sanlam Investment Holdings Limited, in which the Sanlam Group holds an effective 65.6%. SIM will become a wholly…

CHAMWE KAIRA The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has released a report titled 'Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector, 2025/26–2030/31. Agriculture continues to be the primary source of food, employment, and income for the majority of Namibians. It is the biggest employer, responsible for 23% of the labour force, also on account of the labour intensive nature of agriculture. The report said a growing Namibian middle class, along with large-scale rural-to-urban migration and a projected 74% growth of the national population from 2.5 million in 2021 to 4.4 million in 2050, are expected to increase the…

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia hosted a quarterly Common Monetary Area (CMA) and Central Bank Governors meeting in Windhoek last week to discuss strengthening economic resilience and improving cross-border payment systems. Key topics included reducing frictions in payment integration, ensuring equitable access, and streamlining regulatory frameworks for efficiency and integrity. Kazembire Zemburuka, the bank’s strategic communications and international relations director, announced on Monday that the discussions centred on improving the speed, cost, and customer experience of cross-border payments. The CMA is actively engaging international development partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, for support and…