Observer Money

Another repo rate cut projected

Another repo rate cut projected

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia experienced a dynamic month in August in the fixed income market, characterised by fluctuating demand levels and interest rate reductions that have influenced yields, latest financial statistics have shown. The Bank of Namibia conducted five treasury bill auctions, two primary bond auctions, and completed the final GC24 switch. Secondary trades on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) saw an overall decline, although there was a notable increase in trading volumes for the GC27 bond. Interest rates, which had been raised from 3.75% during the pandemic to a peak of 7.75% by July 2023, were reduced on August 14th…
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Andrada transforms into multi-mineral producer

Andrada transforms into multi-mineral producer

CHAMWE KAIRA Andrada Mining has transformed itself into a multi-mineral producer during the 2024 financial year, achieving a remarkable double-digit increase in tin concentrate production and successfully produced its first commercial batch of tantalum, solidifying our position as a key player in the critical metals space, chairman, Glen Parsons said. During the same period, Andrada has implemented a water recycling programme that reduced its environmental impact. “We also maintained a 99% Namibian workforce, demonstrating our commitment to the local community. Andrada's vision is deeply intertwined with our identity as a proudly Namibian company with significant future growth and value potential,”…
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Inflation to stabilise at 4.9%

Inflation to stabilise at 4.9%

CHAMWE KAIRA Simonis Storm Security projections suggest that inflation will stabilise at around 4.9% by the end of the year. The Bank of Namibia's monetary policy committee decided to implement a 25 basis point rate cut at its last meeting, reducing the repo rate to 7.50% and the prime rate to 11.25%. Simonis said although these rates remain relatively elevated, the reduction offers some relief to Namibian households and businesses by lowering borrowing costs. “Despite this rate cut, we anticipate that private sector credit extension growth will remain modest in the near term. This is due to the lag effect…
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Osino finally in Chinese hands

Osino finally in Chinese hands

CHAMWE KAIRA Osino Resources Corp has announced that it has been finally acquired by Shanjin International Gold of China for cash consideration of 1.90 Canadian dollars (N$25) for each share. The deal was first announced in February and will see, Shanjin pay 368 million Canadian dollars (N$4.8 billion) to take over Osino. Shanjin intends to cause Osino to delist the Osino Shares from the TSX Venture Exchange, to submit an application for it to cease to be a reporting issuer, and to otherwise terminate its public company reporting requirements as soon as possible. Osino is focused on the fast-tracked development…
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Shareholding changes at Deep Yellow

Shareholding changes at Deep Yellow

CHAMWE KAIRA The Vanguard Group of Australia has become a substantial shareholder in Deep Yellow the company that is developing the Tumas project in the Erongo Region after it acquired 48 million shares with a voting right of 5.003%. The development was confirmed by Deep Yellow Managing Director and CEO, John Borshoff. Vanguard Group is the manager of various Mutual funds and accounts and in that capacity has the power to dispose of the shares. Deep Yellow is progressing its dual-pillar strategy to establish a multi-mine company with capacity to produce 10 million pounds of uranium per annum. The company…
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Short-term insurance shields small business owners

Short-term insurance shields small business owners

JOHANNES HESEKIEL Small companies experience various challenges in the constantly evolving business landscape of the present day. There are numerous uncertainties that arise during the journey, ranging from managing daily tasks to navigating the intricacies of market demands. Small business owners are most concerned about unforeseen incidents that could interrupt their operations and put their assets at risk. Short-term insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting assets and ensuring business operations continue smoothly. Short-term insurance, also known as general insurance, shields businesses from possible financial losses. Temporary insurance plans usually last for a specific period, usually up to a year, and…
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NBL exits O&L Group retirement fund

NBL exits O&L Group retirement fund

Martin Endjala The Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) will exit the Ohlthaver and List (O&L) Group as of 1 October. This was announced last week by O&L in a notice to the employees of NBL. “We wish to inform you that NBL will exit the O&L retirement fund as of 1 October. As such, all NBL employees will no longer form part of the fund as from this date,” read the notice. NBL is no longer part of the O&L Group of companies following its acquisition by Heineken International in a transition that was approved in April 2023. The group said…
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Letshego’s operating profit increase to N$219m

Letshego’s operating profit increase to N$219m

CHAMWE KAIRA Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Limited has said in interim results for the year ended 30 June, that operating profit increased by 18% to N$219 million compared to N$186 million in the year ended June 2023. Profit after tax increased by 16.3% to N$199 million compared to N$171 million in the same period last year. The group said Letshego Bank (Namibia) Limited capital adequacy ratio improved by 3% to 35%. Letshego's said strong business fundamentals, coupled with significant advancements in governance and sustainability frameworks, positioned the company to capitalize on the benefits and potential generated by the initial phases of…
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Osino to delist from NSX

Osino to delist from NSX

CHAMWE KAIRA Osino Resources has announced that it will delist from the Namibia Stock Exchange. The company told shareholders that further to the transaction finalization notice distributed to shareholders on 19 August, notice was being given hereby given that the trading of the Osino Resources Corp shares will be suspended on 26 August 2024 and delisted from the Namibian Stock Exchange on 30 August. Osino has already announced that Shanjin International Gold Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Yintai Gold Co., Ltd will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Osino for cash consideration of C$1.90 for each Osino Share.…
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Uranium market resurgence unfolding

Uranium market resurgence unfolding

CHAMWE KAIRA Bannerman Energy Ltd, which is developing the Etango project in the Erongo has said persistent cumulative supply gap now stands at approximately 150 million pounds of uranium oxide. Namibia stands to gain from increase in demand for uranium is it is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. Bannerman said in a presentation to investors that Emerging Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is driving further new demand additions. The company added that the industry has lost a decade of uranium exploration and project development post Fukushima. The other factors that are driving demand for uranium include the…
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