Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  Windhoek’s approved building plans rose by 28.4% in September, increasing from 176 in August to 226. Swakopmund recorded a smaller rise of 4.9%, with approvals going up from 81 to 85. Simonis Storm Securities analyst Almandro Jansen said that on an annual basis, Windhoek’s approvals dropped by 15.8%, while Swakopmund’s approvals rose sharply by 91%, from 45 to 85. “The latter can be attributed to a low base effect. Despite the mixed monthly results, the total number of approvals for both Windhoek and Swakopmund increased by 19% and 30%, respectively, quarter on quarter, during the third quarter of…

Chamwe Kaira FirstRand Namibia Limited shareholders have approved all ordinary resolutions presented at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, 17 October. The company said the meeting, which covered governance and financial matters, recorded a voting participation of 85.87% of issued shares, with most resolutions receiving unanimous support. Shareholders approved the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 and confirmed declared dividends.  They also reaffirmed the appointments of independent non-executive directors Otto Shikongo and Emile van Zyl, while formally accepting the resignation of non-executive director I-Ben Nashandi. Samantha Balsdon was confirmed as a new non-executive…

Chamwe Kaira  Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (Pty) Ltd plans to apply for an amendment to its Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to expand salt production within its Mining License (ML) 37 area. Documents show the expansion will take place southwest of Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region. The company, established in 1964, processes seawater to produce crude salt and is one of the largest solar evaporation salt facilities in Africa. In November 1995, the Ministry of Mines and Energy extended its licence for the salt works under ML 37. Annual production has since increased from 750,000 metric tonnes to about 1.1…

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy Ltd has raised A$100 million (N$1.12 billion) through its oversubscribed share purchase plan to support the ramp-up of the Langer Heinrich Mine to full operations by the 2027 financial year.  The company will also use the funds for working capital and future exploration. The uranium producer said it received overwhelming support from retail investors. The company had aimed to raise up to A$20 million under the non-underwritten offer priced at A$7.25 per share, but applications exceeded A$138 million. Paladin used its discretion to accept A$100 million in subscriptions. The share purchase plan followed Paladin’s A$300 million…

Chamwe Kaira Koryx Copper Incorporated, listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, has announced that shareholders have overwhelmingly approved all resolutions at a special meeting held on 15 October, allowing the company to transfer its registered office and central administration from British Columbia to Luxembourg. In person or by proxy, the meeting saw the voting of 51.6 million common shares, or approximately 53.75% of Koryx's issued and outstanding shares.  The proposed transfer, known as the “continuation”, will see the company continue as a public limited company (société anonyme) under the name Koryx Copper S.A. The continuation and related resolutions received near-unanimous…

Chamwe Kaira Deep Yellow Limited has announced that its managing director and chief executive officer, John Borshoff, has stepped down from his position effective 20 October. Borshoff, who has led the company since 2016, will remain as an advisor until the end of November to ensure a smooth transition.  Under his leadership, Deep Yellow grew from a junior uranium explorer into an Australian Stock Exchange-listed producer-in-waiting with key assets in Namibia and Australia. During his tenure, Deep Yellow revitalised the Tumas Project in the Erongo Region, one of Namibia’s most advanced uranium developments, now nearing a final investment decision.  The…

Chamwe Kaira The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the proposed offshore Venus Field Development in petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 56/Block 2913B off southern Namibia is now open for public review and comment. The Draft ESIA Report, prepared by SLR Consulting and Urban Dynamics Africa, examines the potential environmental and social impacts of TotalEnergies EP Namibia B.V.’s (TEEPNA) planned project.  The report is available for public comment from 3 November to 3 December 2025. The Venus Field, discovered about 300 kilometres offshore from Oranjemund in waters roughly 3,000 metres deep, is one of Namibia’s largest oil finds.  TEEPNA, together…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s real estate market is undergoing major changes driven by urban growth, shifting demographics and expansion in energy, logistics and tourism.  Despite high demand, the supply of residential and commercial properties remains tight, especially in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Dominic Shikola, head of client coverage for business and commercial banking at Standard Bank Namibia, says the country must close the development finance gap to unlock its property potential. “The demand for housing and commercial space is real, urgent, and growing,” says Shikola.  “But without innovative financing, collaborative partnerships, and municipal reform, the supply gap will widen, impacting…

Chamwe Kaira Paratus Namibia Holdings (PNH) recorded strong results for the financial year ended 2025, reflecting its transition from a data connectivity provider to a full telecommunications operator, according to Simonis Storm Securities. Revenue rose by 14.6% to N$652 million, driven by recurring connectivity income, growing enterprise services, and the successful launch of its national mobile network in September.  Net profit stood at N$26.6 million, with earnings per share at 26.3 cents. The company reported EBITDA of N$203 million, supported by efficiency gains and early mobile network growth. Paratus invested N$471 million in capital expenditure during 2025, focusing on mobile…

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Red Bull, becoming the official distributor of the energy drink in Namibia.  The move combines Red Bull’s global brand strength with NBL’s local distribution network and experience in the beverage industry. The partnership aims to strengthen Red Bull’s presence in Namibia while creating new opportunities for retailers and consumers.  NBL will manage the entire distribution process to meet Red Bull’s international standards and adapt to local market conditions. In a joint statement, the companies said the partnership reflects their shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.  It also…