Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA  Simonis Storm Securities has said if exploration in the Orange Basin moves to large-scale production, Standard Bank Namibia has established relationships with key upstream players that should translate into mandates for project finance, transactional banking, and treasury services. The firm said this upside scenario could accelerate the loan book well beyond single-digit growth. In terms of renewable energy financing, Namibia’s push for wind and solar in remote areas intersects with growing private sector appetite for sustainable energy solutions. It said other banks are refining digital strategies but said Standard Bank Namibia Holdings’ synergy with the broader Standard Bank…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized the vital role of air cargo in maintaining global supply chain resilience and called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers, safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability. “Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast track digitalization, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the…

Global geopolitical risks remain elevated, raising concerns about their potential impact on economic and financial stability. Shocks such as wars, diplomatic tensions, or terrorism can disrupt cross-border trade and investment. This can hurt asset prices, affect financial institutions, and curtail lending to the private sector, weighing on economic activity and posing a threat to financial stability. Such risks are challenging for investors to price due to their unique nature, rare occurrence, and uncertain duration and scope. This can lead to sharp market reactions when geopolitical shocks materialise.  As we show in a chapter of the latest Global Financial Stability Report,…

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) officially launched the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) in Windhoek. This significant milestone reflects CRAN’s commitment to advancing Namibia’s cyber resilience and safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure from increasingly complex cyber threats. As Namibia embraces the digital age, the nation is presented with vast opportunities for economic development, innovation, and enhanced social connectivity. However, these benefits come with growing cybersecurity risks that demand immediate and coordinated responses. CRAN Board Chairperson, Tulimevava Mufeti, emphasised that cybercrime is a global issue that impacts individuals, businesses, and governments alike.  “Addressing these threats requires a…

CHAMWE KAIRA  FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti is of the view that inflation will remain elevated but relatively contained. “We expect transport inflation to stay muted amid subdued demand and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. However, housing and utilities inflation is likely to remain high because of the expected increase in electricity tariffs in 2025,” she said. In 2024, the government subsidised NamPower's proposed 8% electricity tariff hike, allowing electricity costs to remain unchanged for the year.. Mboti said as a result, NamPower is likely to propose a larger tariff increase in 2025 to recover deferred costs. “We also expect continued pressures…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd has announced a drilling update on Prospect I. IProspect I is located onshore in Kavango in Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 (PEL73) and is the company’s largest prospect to be drilled so far. The company is targeting an estimated 365 million barrels of unrisked and 32 million barrels of risked prospective light to medium oil resources. For natural gas, the estimate stands at 1.9 trillion cubic feet unrisked and 140 billion cubic feet risked, based on an independent prospective resources report by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ReconAfrica President and CEO Brian Reinsborough said the…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Koryx Copper Inc has announced that it has successfully completed all requirements for a dual listing on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX).  The company's primary listing will remain on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada. Heye Daun, President and CEO of Koryx Copper, said the dual listing reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Namibia and its mining sector.  “Koryx Copper’s dual listing on the Namibian Securities Exchange marks an important milestone which demonstrates our commitment to Namibia and its thriving mining sector and well developed capital markets,” said Daun.  We have a significant and highly supportive local Namibian…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has extended the deadline for its Annual Duty Penalty Waiver Programme to 30 September. Announcing the extension on Tuesday, BIPA’s acting chief executive officer, Ainna Kaundu, said the move is part of ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs and improve compliance across the business sector. The waiver program allows registered entities that are in arrears with their annual duty payments to settle their obligations without incurring penalties or interest. Kaundu said the initiative offers businesses an opportunity to update their records, become compliant, and avoid the risk of deregistration. “We continue…

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has approved a 4% increase in pension benefits, effective 1 April 2025. This adjustment applies to all GIPF pensioners, qualifying annuitants, as well as spousal and child beneficiaries. The GIPF’s chief executive officer, Martin Inkumbi, announced the adjustment in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said that pensions in payment or deferment for less than a year as of 31 March 2025 will receive the increase on a pro-rata basis. “The Board of Trustees took this informed decision following the recommendation from the Fund’s Actuary,” Inkumbi said. He explained that the advice…