Observer Money

The diamond market was slow in January, with mixed reports about holiday sales. The US holiday season met the industry’s low expectations. Diamond prices declined, with some improvement in some carats. Fancy-shape diamonds of 3 carats and larger are doing better.   De Beers and the Botswana government reached a landmark agreement that includes extending joint venture Debswana’s mining licenses beyond 2029. The two parties will be working together to promote natural diamonds. The rough market has been slow, with De Beers maintaining prices and selling fewer diamonds at this year’s first sight. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is demanding…

NDINELAGO KANYOLO  As we navigate through life, effective financial planning is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable future. One pivotal element that often flies under the radar is retirement savings. With life expectancy on the rise and living costs continuously climbing, having a robust retirement plan is not just advisable—it is essential for your peace of mind. Retirement annuities offered by reputable life insurance companies, such as Momentum Metropolitan Group, provide a dependable and strategic solution to help you prepare for this significant life stage. Let us explore why investing in retirement annuities is a prudent choice.  Retirement annuities…

TUMELO THUDINYANE  In 2025, investors and savers will be facing a world of tempered growth, changing policy dynamics, and revolutionary market trends. As we navigate the year, understanding the economic outlook, identifying investment opportunities, and embracing resilience strategies will be key, grounded in the latest insights. Global economic growth is projected to remain steady at 2.7% in 2025, matching the 2024 pace but insufficient to make up for years of post-pandemic disruptions and longer-term structural challenges such as weak productivity and high debt levels. Advanced economies will probably outperform their peers, with the U.S. leading, at 2.4% GDP growth in…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Former chief executive of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Tara Shaanika, said Founding President Sam Nujoma believed Namibia’s economy could thrive by manufacturing and producing its own products rather than relying on imports. Nujoma, who led Namibia from 1990 to 2005, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. Speaking to Windhoek Observer on Sunday, Shaanika said Nujoma’s economic policies were centred on export-driven growth, as he believed the country had enough resources to produce and export goods rather than import them. “President Nujoam believed in an economy that is importless, which is dependent…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is taking decisive steps to strengthen digital governance and enhance electronic information management with the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council (EISMAC). During a strategic planning retreat held in Windhoek on Thursday, the minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, reiterated the critical role the Council plays in shaping Namibia’s digital landscape. She urged members to set realistic strategies that will guide Namibia in strengthening digital governance. “You have a mammoth task ahead of you, and I have no doubt in your individual and collective expertise,” she said. The minister added that the work of EISMAC…

CHAMWE KAIRA B2Gold Corporation has announced the preliminary results of a positive preliminary economic assessment on the Antelope deposit located at the company’s Otjikoto open pit and underground gold mine. The Antelope deposit, which comprises the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone, and a possible third structure, Impala, subject to confirmatory drilling, is located approximately 4 kilometres southwest of the existing Otjikoto open pit.  B2Gold said the Antelope deposit will have an initial life of mine of approximately five years (life of mine) with an average grade processed of 5.75 grams per tonne gold over the life of mine. Total production…

CHAMWE KAIRA  The De Beers Group has confirmed that the sales agreement between De Beers and the Government of the Republic of Namibia is valid until May 2026.  The Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group own equal shares (50:50) in Namdeb Holdings (Proprietary) Limited Holdings, under which Namdeb mining, Debmarine Namibia falls.  The government and De Beers also have equal (50:50) shares in the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC). “At this stage we are not in a position to comment on the negotiations process or the associated timeline,” De Beers said in a response to questions…

Koryx Copper Inc, the Canadian copper development company focused on advancing the 100% owned Haib Copper Project in the south of the country and copper exploration licenses in Zambia is fast tracking the development of the Haib Copper Project. Observer Money asked Heye Daun, CEO and President of Koryx to provide an update on the company’s projects.  Observer Money (OM): How much is Koryx Copper spending on the Haib Copper exploration project in 2025? Heye Daun (HD): This 2025 technical strategy comprises an intensive drill and study program, including more than 55 000 meters of growth and quality improvement drilling,…

CHAMWE KAIRA  Over the long term, Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) anticipates that Maris will evolve into a key driver of revenue and profitability, capitalising on its potential to tap into underserved financial markets, according to an analysis on its 2024 financial year. MTC launched Maris last year and the product will allow people with no bank account to send and receive money. The product targets the bulk of the unbanked market. Entering a highly competitive mobile financial services landscape as a newcomer, Maris faces formidable challenges against established providers, Simonis Storm Securities said in a report. To stand out, MTC…