Observer Money

It would be difficult to overstate the degree to which the global trading environment has deteriorated in early 2026. What began as a series of distinct geopolitical tensions – the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, deepening US-China rivalry, and the steady ratcheting up of protectionist trade measures – has now converged into a single, compounding set of risks.  The US-led military strikes on Iran in late February and Tehran’s subsequent declaration of war have added a volatile and unpredictable dimension to an already fragile global order. For a small, open, commodity-exporting economy like Namibia, these developments are not abstract.  They transmit directly…

Staff Writer  FirstRand Limited says high commodity prices, a weaker US dollar and policy easing by the US Federal Reserve will support the macroeconomic environment in many of the countries where the group operates. The bank said this outlook remains in place despite geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty in major global economies. In Namibia, the FirstRand Namibia Group owns FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia. FirstRand said the macroeconomic environment in South Africa is improving during the second half of the financial year. Progress on structural reforms continues, including measures that allow more private sector investment and the creation of more…

Chamwe Kaira  Authorities have assured investors operating in Namibia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that their interests will be protected while the government reviews tax incentives offered under the framework. CDH Namibia noted in its 2026/27 budget review that measures will be introduced to maintain a stable and predictable rules-based environment for businesses already operating within SEZ structures. The planned reforms aim to strengthen the role of SEZs in supporting economic activity, skills transfer and technology development while contributing to national revenue. The government indicated that the design of SEZ incentives will consider global economic conditions and Namibia’s international obligations. It…

Staff Writer Namdeb Diamond Corporation has launched a book documenting more than three decades of its operations and contribution to Namibia’s diamond industry. The book, titled Mining for Good: The Namdeb Story 1994–2024, was unveiled at an event attended by industry leaders, partners and stakeholders. The publication traces Namdeb’s development since its establishment in 1994 as a 50:50 partnership between the Government of Namibia and the De Beers Group. It also explores the broader history of diamond mining in Namibia, beginning with the first discovery in 1908. Namdeb said the book presents a narrative on the value of natural diamonds…

Staff Writer Namibia is preparing to test its first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive as part of efforts to modernise rail transport and introduce cleaner energy solutions in the logistics sector. CMB.TECH Namibia is leading the engineering and development of the locomotive, which is being assembled at the facilities of South African rail engineering company Traxtion. The project forms part of a partnership between TransNamib Holdings Limited, Africa Global Logistics and CMB.TECH Namibia. The partners aim to show how hydrogen can be integrated into Namibia’s freight rail system while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Namibia currently has a number of idle locomotives.…

Staff Writer The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (Sauma) has raised concerns about a report tabled in Parliament by the standing committee on natural resources recommending that Headspring Investments be allowed to drill and carry out in situ uranium extraction at its Omaheke sites in the transboundary Stampriet Artesian Basin. Sauma said it was surprised by the committee’s findings and stated that it was not consulted during the process despite efforts to engage with the committee. The association said the committee appeared to have engaged only with Headspring Investments, a foreign-owned company. “This raises fundamental questions about the transparency, balance,…

Staff Writer  Bannerman Energy Ltd has strengthened its board with the appointment of chief executive officer Gavin Chamberlain as managing director and Danny Goeman as an independent non-executive director. Chamberlain joined Bannerman as chief operating officer in February 2023 and was promoted to chief executive officer in March 2024. He has experience in construction, engineering and project management in the mining sector in southern Africa. Chamberlain previously served as project director for the development of the US$2 billion Husab Uranium Project in Namibia, which is now one of the world’s largest operating uranium mines. Goeman joined Bannerman in May 2025…

Staff Writer  MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA, has announced that the Showmax streaming service will be discontinued following a review of its streaming operations. The decision was taken by the Showmax Board of Directors as the company reassessed its position in the global streaming market. MultiChoice said the review focused on financial sustainability and investment priorities in a competitive and capital-intensive streaming environment. The company noted that the Showmax business has recorded substantial annual losses that are no longer sustainable. “The decision to phase out Showmax reflects our focus on building a sustainable, competitive business for the long term in…

Staff Writer  Standard Bank Namibia has been named the Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards. The award recognises the bank’s role in supporting cross-border trade, investment flows and business expansion. It comes as Namibia prepares for increased activity in sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, logistics and export agriculture. As global trade conditions shift and competition increases, businesses are seeking stronger risk management tools, efficient working capital solutions and reliable cross-border support. Standard Bank Namibia said its Corporate and Investment Banking division has expanded its trade finance services…