Observer Money

Staff Writer FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia have announced changes to their leadership teams. Philip Chapman, previously chief executive officer of RMB Namibia, has been appointed CEO of FNB Commercial. RMB Namibia is part of the FirstRand Namibia Group. Chapman has built his career in corporate and investment banking. During his time at RMB Namibia, he oversaw growth and performance in the business. “His ability to build high-performance teams and drive strategic transformation uniquely positions him to strengthen FNB Namibia’s commercial business and reinforce its market leadership.” Speaking on his appointment, Chapman said, “My career has been firmly rooted in…

Chamwe Kaira  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will compile its findings and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke region. The review focuses on an application for an environmental clearance certificate submitted by Headspring Investments. The application covers a four-year test mining phase using ISL technology.  Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti convened the engagement as part of the ongoing assessment. A final decision is expected by June 2026. An IAEA delegation of six representatives visited Namibia from 9…

Staff Writer  Momentum Metropolitan Namibia has appointed Joggie van Schalkwyk as regional manager in its Metropolitan Retail business unit. Van Schalkwyk joins the company from Old Mutual Broker Distribution, where he served as business support manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in financial services, with roles in direct sales, operational support and functional leadership. The company said his experience across the value chain has given him insight into how different roles contribute to business performance and client outcomes. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Management from Stadio and is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Business Administration…

Staff Writer Alexforbes Namibia has urged investors to rethink traditional strategies as markets become more complex and unpredictable. At its recent Investment Destination Seminar, the firm examined how investors can respond to global market volatility, technological change, geopolitical shifts and rising sustainability demands. These forces are reshaping markets and putting pressure on traditional portfolio models. A key focus of the seminar was the shift from single-manager investing to a multi-management approach. Instead of relying on one manager or one investment style, multi-management combines several specialist asset managers across asset classes, regions and strategies. This structure aims to lower concentration risk,…

Chamwe Kaira Simonis Storm has projected slower economic growth than the 3.1% forecast in the 2026/27 national budget. While the budget estimates growth of 3.1% in 2026, Simonis expects expansion of about 2.5%. Under this outlook, growth would remain concentrated in mining and logistics while domestic demand stays weak. The firm said weaker growth would reduce revenue performance and make deficit reduction more dependent on Southern African Customs Union receipts and global commodity prices. This would narrow the margin for fiscal stability and increase reliance on external factors. Simonis said fiscal consolidation alone will not address structural constraints in the…

Chamwe Kaira Standard Bank Namibia says the success of the 2026/27 national budget will depend on disciplined execution, tight spending control and timely structural reforms. In its technical review of the budget tabled on 26 February by finance minister Ericah Shafudah, the bank said the plan sets out a fiscally responsible but ambitious roadmap. It said results will depend less on projections and more on efficient implementation, stronger institutions and reforms that broaden the revenue base and support investment. The bank said the budget seeks to balance fiscal prudence with growth at a time of weak domestic and global conditions.…

Staff Reporter Instant Payments Namibia has welcomed support from finance minister Ericah Shafudah for the country’s new e-money rapid payment system. During her 2026/27 budget speech in the National Assembly, Shafudah reaffirmed the government's backing for the Instant Payment Solution, Namibia’s first national fast payment platform.  The system aims to modernise payments and expand access to financial services. The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Namibia and payment service providers have worked on the project since its launch in 2024.  The programme focuses on improving financial inclusion through regulatory measures and a secure instant payment platform. In her budget address,…

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited reported profit after tax of N$920 million for the six months ended 31 December 2025. The group operates in Namibia and Botswana and is listed on the Namibian Securities Exchange. It achieved a return on average equity of 15.0% for the period. Group CEO David Nuyoma said disciplined execution and continued investment in long-term initiatives supported performance during the current interest rate-cutting cycle. Net interest income rose by 2.1% to N$1.69 billion. Gross loans and advances increased by 2.6% year-over-year. Non-interest income grew by 3.6% to N$1.34 billion. This was driven by a 29.6% rise…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s informal sector contributes 26.5% to gross domestic product and employs nearly 58% of the country’s workforce. These figures were highlighted at the Informal Sector Track of the Blue Growth Series held in Windhoek. The programme was convened by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy and other stakeholders. More than 100 informal entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners attended the event. The focus was on helping informal businesses move into structured and sustainable enterprises. Arinze Okafor, CEO and founder of NIFA, said informal enterprise plays a key role in inclusive growth. “Funding alone…

Staff Writer Global economic conditions heading into 2026 are expected to support steady growth rather than sharp expansion or contraction. This is according to the 2026 outlook released by Simonis Storm. The report says financial markets are becoming more sensitive to economic fundamentals.  Corporate earnings quality, balance sheet strength and sustainable cash flow are expected to matter more than short-term market momentum. It notes that equity market performance will likely depend on earnings growth and operational efficiency rather than rising valuation multiples.  Fixed-income assets are also regaining importance as sources of real income after years of low yields. Bonds are…