Observer Money

NAC posts N$9.4m profit

NAC posts N$9.4m profit

Chamwe Kaira The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) recorded a profit after tax of N$9.4 million, driven by its route development strategy that attracted new services from South African Airways, Air Angola, FlySafair, and Discover Airlines.  Increased flight frequencies to Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay International Airports lifted total passenger numbers to 1.1 million in the 2024/2025 financial year. NAC also reported a 6% rise in revenue to N$540 million and received an unqualified audit opinion for the fourth consecutive year. The results were presented during NAC’s annual general meeting (AGM), chaired by the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi. …
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Airlines body calls for reform in African aviation

Airlines body calls for reform in African aviation

Staff Writer The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has called for bold, collective action to transform Africa’s aviation industry.  The association says change requires harmonised regulations, open markets, better governance, financial discipline, and stronger aviation infrastructure and services. Speaking at AASA’s 55th Annual General Assembly in Lusaka, Zambia, CEO Aaron Munetsi said all players, such as airlines, airports, regulators and suppliers, must work together to reshape Africa’s aviation story and prove that African carriers can compete globally.“For too long, African aviation has been underestimated, especially by ourselves. Africa is home to 1.4 billion people, the world’s youngest population and…
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SA to showcase investment potential in US

SA to showcase investment potential in US

Staff Writer The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), in partnership with UBS and Standard Bank Group, will host the annual South Africa Tomorrow Investor Conference on 21–22 October 2025. The event will be held under the theme “Delivering Superior Returns Through Transformative Reforms.” The conference aims to connect the US investor community with South Africa’s top JSE-listed companies and promote the country as an attractive investment destination. The South African delegation will include key figures from government and the financial sector, among them South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago; Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Minister of Public…
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PSG Wealth sells insurance business to Santam for N$51m

PSG Wealth sells insurance business to Santam for N$51m

Chamwe Kaira PSG Wealth made N$51 million from the sale of Western National Insurance Namibia to Santam Namibia. The company said in its interim results for the six months ended 31 August that the assets and liabilities related to the insurance business were classified as held for sale since 29 February 2024, after management approved the sale. The sale became effective on 3 March 2025 after all suspensive conditions were met. PSG, which operates in South Africa and Namibia, reported a 21% rise in recurring headline earnings per share and a return on equity of 28.6%. The company said better…
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IMF forecasts Namibia’s GDP to grow by 3.6% 

Chamwe Kaira The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Namibia’s economy will grow by 3.6% in 2025, compared to 3.7% in 2024. The IMF predicted Namibia's growth to reach 3.8% in its October Sub-Saharan Africa report. Angola’s economy is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2025, down from 4.1% in 2024. Botswana is expected to record a negative growth of -0.9% in 2025, compared to -3.0% in 2024. The IMF expects Botswana’s economy to recover to 2.3% in 2026. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is expected to remain steady at 4.1% in 2025, with a small increase in 2026. The…
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O&L sells its Cleanergy stake to Belgian company 

O&L sells its Cleanergy stake to Belgian company 

Chamwe Kaira H2Infra NV, a subsidiary of Belgian-based CMB.TECH, is set to become the sole shareholder of Cleanergy Solutions Namibia after acquiring the 51% stake held by the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. The transaction, subject to approval by the Competition Commission, marks a new phase for the clean energy company that plays a key role in Namibia’s green hydrogen drive. O&L executive chairman Sven Thieme said CMB.TECH is “ideally positioned to lead Cleanergy forward”, using its international expertise and innovation to support Namibia’s sustainable energy goals. O&L co-founded Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and said it is proud to have helped…
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Strong uranium market fuels Paladin Energy’s growth strategy

Strong uranium market fuels Paladin Energy’s growth strategy

Chamwe Kaira Global uranium demand is rising as more countries expand nuclear energy to strengthen energy security and meet decarbonisation targets. At the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) and COP29, 31 nations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, pledged to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050. In the United States, new executive orders aim to quadruple the national nuclear fleet from about 100 GW to 400 GW by mid-century, which would add around 150 million pounds of uranium demand each year. Paladin Energy, owner of the Langer Heinrich Mine in the Erongo Region, said during a…
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Why a retirement annuity matters and benefits you

Why a retirement annuity matters and benefits you

Sebastian Clementinus  Securing your financial well-being in retirement begins with taking decisive action, yet many delay this crucial step. Among the available options, a retirement annuity (RA) stands out as a reliable and structured solution. Whether you are just starting your career or are close to retirement age, understanding the value of a retirement annuity can make a significant difference to your future. What is a retirement annuity? A retirement annuity is a long-term investment product that helps you save for retirement in a tax-efficient manner. You can make contributions monthly or as a one-off lump sum, and these funds…
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A timely cut, but will lower interest rates be enough to lift Namibia’s economy?

The Bank of Namibia’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, from 6.75% to 6.50%, marks a cautious yet significant attempt to breathe life into a sluggish economy. Announced by governor Johannes !Gawaxab, the rate reduction comes amid weakening growth, subdued inflation, and rising concern that Namibia’s recovery is losing momentum. For households and businesses already grappling with tight financial conditions, the decision offers some relief. But it also raises deeper questions about whether monetary policy alone can lift an economy facing structural headwinds. By reducing the repo rate, the central bank makes it cheaper for commercial…
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BoN plans to accumulate gold

BoN plans to accumulate gold

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has launched a gold accumulation strategy to diversify the country’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthen economic stability amid global uncertainty. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab said the strategy is part of a broader effort to protect Namibia’s financial system and improve its resilience against external shocks. He said gold will now form a key component of the central bank’s reserves portfolio, targeting 3% of total net foreign exchange holdings.  The gold will be acquired from local mines, kept under domestic custody and stored as London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) good delivery bars with 99.9%…
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