Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has entered a period of strategic transition with the implementation of a new five-year integrated strategic business plan aimed at strengthening the institution’s resilience, adaptability and long-term development impact. Board chairperson Evangelina Nailenge said the strategy marks an important step in repositioning DBN as a future-focused development finance institution while reinforcing its role in supporting Namibia’s economic and social progress.  She said the plan is built on four strategic pillars: financial sustainability, people and culture, market positioning, and developmental effectiveness. Nailenge said DBN’s governance framework remained sound during the period under review,…

Chamwe Kaira  The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has flagged several downside risks to the Namibian economy despite a positive growth outlook, according to its Integrated Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year. The bank said one of the main risks is reduced diamond export earnings, driven by declining global diamond prices and growing competition from lab-grown alternatives.  It also warned that possible trade disruptions linked to rising protectionist policies, together with inflationary pressures caused by ongoing global conflicts, continue to increase economic uncertainty. Fiscal pressures remain a concern, with declining revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and…

Chamwe Kaira  Mining activities at Langer Heinrich Mine continued to ramp up during the quarter ended 31 December 2025, with drilling, blasting, and load-and-haul operations focused on the G and F pits, according to Paladin Energy.  Total material mined reached 5.53 million tonnes, up from the previous quarter, resulting in higher volumes of mined ore and low-grade ore added to stockpiles. The remaining mining fleet arrived at the port of Walvis Bay during the quarter and is scheduled for delivery to the mine by the end of January, with commissioning expected in the March quarter. Crusher throughput reached 1.21 million…

Veruscka Gertze We talk a lot about empowering women with money, yet real progress happens when we move past slogans and into structure. The financial system was not designed with women’s life patterns in mind. Career breaks for caregiving, pay gaps that compound over time, longer life expectancy and higher odds of outliving a partner all shape the journey. If we ignore these realities, the advice sounds hollow. The answer is practical and personal. Start with income resilience. Build a small emergency fund that sits between you and the unexpected. It gives you choices when life shifts. Next, automate contributions…

Chamwe Kaira  Koryx Copper Inc. has closed a C$46 million (about N$543 million) bought-deal private placement, issuing 18.77 million common shares at C$2.45 per share.  The offering was led by Stifel Canada with a syndicate that included Beacon Securities, Haywood Securities, Research Capital, Red Cloud Securities, Canaccord Genuity and BMO Capital Markets.  The company said the offering was oversubscribed due to strong demand from international investors. Koryx also completed a concurrent Namibian non-brokered private placement of 2 million shares at the same price, raising C$5 million (about N$60 million).  The Namibian placement targeted institutional and retail investors and is aimed…

Chamwe Kaira  Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. has raised C$36.8 million (about N$431 million) through a public share offering to fund its oil and gas activities in Namibia and Gabon. The offering was led by Research Capital Corporation, with participation from Canaccord Genuity Corp and Haywood Securities ReconAfrica sold 38.7 million units at C$0.95 each.  Each unit consists of one common share and half a warrant, giving holders the option to purchase additional shares at a later date. The company said the funds will support operations across its portfolio. In Namibia, the proceeds will be used to test and install production…

Chamwe Kaira The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) recorded a 42% increase in operating profit to N$88.3 million, according to its 2024/25 integrated annual report. The bank said the performance reflects disciplined cost management, improved recoveries, and the resilience of its teams during a challenging economic environment. “While pressures related to asset quality and a contracting loan book persist, the Bank has taken decisive steps to stabilise risk and position itself for renewed growth,” the bank said. During the year, DBN began implementing the first year of its 2024–2029 integrated strategic business plan.  It secured N$607 million through the KfW…

Chamwe Kaira The Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) closed the week ending 16 January 2026 on a mixed note, with the Local Index edging slightly lower while overall market activity remained steady. The NSX Local Index closed at 808.31 points on Friday, down slightly from 808.64 points at the end of the previous week. The index moved within a narrow range throughout the week, reflecting limited price movement in locally listed shares. The NSX Overall Index ended Friday at 2,174.39 points, down from 2,184.55 points a week earlier, following softer performances in some dual-listed stocks. Trading activity increased during the week.…

Staff Writer Pepkor Holdings Limited has updated disclosures linked to its N$10 billion Domestic Medium Term Note (DMTN) Programme and confirmed the availability of key financial and governance documents ahead of its annual general meeting. In a notice issued on 19 January 2026, the South African retail group informed noteholders that the information statement incorporated by reference in the DMTN Programme has been updated and dated the same day.  The update was made in line with the JSE Debt and Specialist Securities Listings Requirements. Pepkor said the changes mainly relate to investor considerations and risk factors, the group’s organisational structure,…

Staff Writer The MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba has announced 18 excellence award categories aimed at recognising innovation and strong performance across branding, marketing, communications and advertising in Namibia. The awards will be presented at the MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba Gala Dinner on 10 April 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek. MTC's chief brand, marketing, communications, and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, said the awards will recognise individuals and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to the industry. “The award ceremony will honour outstanding individuals and corporates that have demonstrated exceptional achievements and have made vital contributions and impact…