Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira  New services under NamPower’s GridOnline platform will enable smaller operators to be competitive and expand internet access to underserved areas.  This forms part of a new, unified national pricing framework launched in Windhoek, replacing the previous cost-recovery model that was based on fibre distance usage. NamPower’s chief operating officer, Fritz Jacobs, speaking on behalf of managing director Kahenge Haulofu, said the change goes beyond pricing adjustments.  “We are adding services that will enable smaller operators to be competitive and to grow, to offer internet connectivity in underserved areas. With these innovations, GridOnline is positioning itself not simply as…

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) recently hosted its first Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship Breakfast Session, an event that highlighted technology’s role in advancing entrepreneurship across the country. Cran's chief executive officer, Emilia Nghikembua, said starting a business is never easy and requires resilience, strategic foresight, and commitment.  “The journey of entrepreneurship is often filled with challenges, uncertainties, and hurdles, but it also offers immense opportunities for growth, impact, and economic development,” she said. She noted that success begins with clarity of purpose, sound financial management, and a clear understanding of what one seeks to offer. She stressed the…

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has expanded its fixed internet service, Spectra, to Maltahöhe, Rietoog, Stampriet, Aranos, Oshifo, Khorixas, Tsandi, and Otavi. MTC’s chief brand, marketing, communications and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, said the rollout is part of the company’s commercial strategy to connect rural and semi-urban communities to fibre before the end of its financial year.  He explained that the expansion forms part of MTC’s remote outreach strategy aimed at bridging the digital divide by investing in high-speed internet for settlements outside urban centres. “Our Spectra offering is the last entrant in the highly competitive fixed internet market, and our…

Chamwe Kaira  Bannerman Energy Ltd, developer of the Etango uranium project, has signed two binding contracts to sell one million pounds of uranium oxide over five years from 2029 to 2033.  The offtake agreements were concluded with two tier-1 North American power generation companies. The company said the agreements provide delivery flexibility, allowing it to preserve capacity ahead of a final investment decision at Etango.  It added that the contracts include market-related pricing components designed to capture higher forecast uranium prices. Each agreement also allows the utilities to flex volumes up or down by 10% annually. Bannerman stated that the…

Chamwe Kaira  De Beers’ Namibian operations recorded major milestones in 2024, including strong mining achievements and progress on a landmark renewable energy project, according to the company’s 2024 Sustainable Report. Namdeb engineering manager, Pankratius Kondjamba, said renewable energy is becoming a driver of socio-economic growth in Namibia.  “Our efforts to build a wind farm to serve Namdeb’s land-based mining operation hold promise for Oranjemund and neighbouring communities as well as our carbon reduction journey,” he said.  Kondjamba added that the project would create opportunities for local businesses and promote skills development in the renewable energy sector. Namibia has been central…

Chamwe Kaira  Beverage imports averaged N$325 million between July 2024 and July 2025, with November 2024 recording the highest value at N$489 million, the Namibia Statistics Agency has reported.  During the same period, exports averaged N$111 million. July 2024 registered the highest export value at N$189 million, while April 2025 recorded the lowest at N$62 million. The agency said that in July, Namibia exported blankets worth N$398 104, mostly as re-exports, primarily to Angola. Imports of blankets in the same month amounted to N$8.1 million, mainly from South Africa, China, and Pakistan. Blanket imports over the year averaged N$6.8 million,…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia exported goods worth N$5.1 billion to African countries in July, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) said in its International Merchandise Trade Bulletin.  Imports from the continent stood at N$6.1 billion, leaving a trade deficit of N$1 billion. The NSA said intra-Africa exports made up 40.7% of Namibia’s total exports, while imports from Africa accounted for 48.7% of total imports.  Most exports went to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. Imports mainly came from South Africa, Zambia, the DRC, Nigeria, and Morocco. Namibia’s overall trade balance in July was a deficit of N$58…

Chamwe Kaira Sanlam Group has reduced its shareholding in SanlamAllianz to 51% following the sale of Sanlam Life Namibia and the acquisition of an additional stake by Allianz Europe BV. According to the group’s half-year results for the period ending 30 June 2025, Allianz acquired 8.59% of SanlamAllianz on 7 April 2025, leaving Sanlam with 51% and Allianz with 49%.  Sanlam Life Namibia was sold to SanlamAllianz with effect from 1 July 2024. Before the transaction, Sanlam owned 100%, but afterward its effective ownership in Sanlam Life Namibia dropped to 59.59%. The group said the first half of the year…

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy has reinforced its commitment to sustainability in Namibia by investing in communities in the Erongo Region while increasing uranium production at its Langer Heinrich Mine, the company said in its 2024 sustainability report. Paladin holds a 75% controlling interest in Langer Heinrich Uranium, with 25% owned by China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Uranium Holding Limited.  The company said its operations in Namibia contribute to global efforts to move away from fossil fuels, with uranium playing a key role in supplying low-carbon power to developed countries. With the mine back in production, Paladin has rolled out a…

Wandile Sihlobo  For much of the past few weeks, we have focused on the summer grains and oilseed, the plantings of which have recently started across South Africa. But other equally essential crops are winter grains and oilseeds. After a reasonably good production period during the winter season, the farmers are now busy harvesting the 2024-25 winter crops. Unlike other crops where we monitor the production conditions nationally, with winter crops, we pay close attention to the Western Cape because of the province’s significant contribution to these crops. For example, about 70% of the winter wheat plantings for the 2024-25…