Page 113 – News Stand

06 Feb

DRC conflict remains unresolved

info_e12wt4csAfrica / World

Stefanus Nashama Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his role as facilitator of the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi process, has expressed concerns over the ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite ongoing dialogue efforts, Kenyatta highlighted in a report on Thursday that both the political and security situations in eastern DRC remain precarious. Kenyatta, who was tasked by the EAC with leading peace efforts in the region, explained that, despite consultations between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, instability continues to plague the region. "The political and security landscape in the DRC became…

06 Feb

Zambian teen creates life-saving sunscreen for people with albinism

info_e12wt4csAfrica / World

Moses Magadza In a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform lives, 15-year-old Mwape Chimpampa, a Grade 11 pupil from Naboye Secondary School in Kafue District in Zambia, has developed an organic sunscreen to address the dire need for sun protection among people with albinism. Her invention, named The Organic Sunscreen, is incubated at the Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC), where efforts are underway to bring it to mass production. For Chimpampa, this innovation is deeply personal. Having lost her father to skin cancer in the year 2017, she was determined to create a solution to prevent others from facing the…

06 Feb

African Stars face tough weekend without a coach

info_e12wt4csSports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Reigning Debmarine Premier League champions African Stars will need to be at their best this weekend as they face two tough away matches in Oshakati—without their coach. Stars will take on Eeshoke Chula Chula Football Club on Saturday at 17h00 at the Oshakati Independence Stadium. Their opponents are also desperate for points to improve their position in the log standings. On Sunday, they will return to the same venue to face newly promoted and in-form King Kauluma Palace at 16h00. Their challenge is further complicated by the sudden resignation of head coach Fillemon Ronny Kanalelo, who stepped down…

06 Feb

UN agencies support women to cope with devastating drought

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The drought in Namibia has led to widespread food insecurity, environmental degradation, health threats, and rising unemployment, affecting more than half of the country’s people. According to the UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, recognising the acute vulnerability of certain groups, particularly nursing mothers, women, and children, the United Nations in Namibia has mobilised resources through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address the crisis. "Even as women and girls disproportionately feel the impact of droughts, we have an opportunity to leverage their leadership and boost drought resilience in communities," she said. In the Mupuni…

06 Feb

Strategic planning needed to strengthen digital governance

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia is taking decisive steps to strengthen digital governance and enhance electronic information management with the Electronic Information Systems Management Advisory Council (EISMAC). During a strategic planning retreat held in Windhoek on Thursday, the minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, reiterated the critical role the Council plays in shaping Namibia’s digital landscape. She urged members to set realistic strategies that will guide Namibia in strengthening digital governance. “You have a mammoth task ahead of you, and I have no doubt in your individual and collective expertise,” she said. The minister added that the work of EISMAC…

06 Feb

Namibian women’s hockey team qualifies for World Cup quarter-finals

info_e12wt4csSports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian women's hockey team suffered its first defeat at the ongoing Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč, Croatia, after losing to Germany on Thursday afternoon. Despite the loss, Namibia secured a spot in the quarter-finals after winning their first two matches. They defeated New Zealand 7-0 in their opening game and went on to beat Australia in their second match. Germany topped the group standings with nine points from three games, while Namibia finished second with six points. Australia and New Zealand were eliminated after finishing third and fourth, respectively. This marks the first time in history…

06 Feb

B2Gold announces positive assessment results

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA B2Gold Corporation has announced the preliminary results of a positive preliminary economic assessment on the Antelope deposit located at the company’s Otjikoto open pit and underground gold mine. The Antelope deposit, which comprises the Springbok Zone, the Oryx Zone, and a possible third structure, Impala, subject to confirmatory drilling, is located approximately 4 kilometres southwest of the existing Otjikoto open pit. B2Gold said the Antelope deposit will have an initial life of mine of approximately five years (life of mine) with an average grade processed of 5.75 grams per tonne gold over the life of mine. Total production…

06 Feb

Namibia De Beers JV expires in 2026 next year

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The De Beers Group has confirmed that the sales agreement between De Beers and the Government of the Republic of Namibia is valid until May 2026. The Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group own equal shares (50:50) in Namdeb Holdings (Proprietary) Limited Holdings, under which Namdeb mining, Debmarine Namibia falls. The government and De Beers also have equal (50:50) shares in the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC). “At this stage we are not in a position to comment on the negotiations process or the associated timeline,” De Beers said in a response to questions…

06 Feb

Koryx mulling listing on NSX

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Koryx Copper Inc, the Canadian copper development company focused on advancing the 100% owned Haib Copper Project in the south of the country and copper exploration licenses in Zambia is fast tracking the development of the Haib Copper Project. Observer Money asked Heye Daun, CEO and President of Koryx to provide an update on the company’s projects. Observer Money (OM): How much is Koryx Copper spending on the Haib Copper exploration project in 2025? Heye Daun (HD): This 2025 technical strategy comprises an intensive drill and study program, including more than 55 000 meters of growth and quality improvement drilling,…

06 Feb

MTC anticipating mobile money will drive revenue

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Over the long term, Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) anticipates that Maris will evolve into a key driver of revenue and profitability, capitalising on its potential to tap into underserved financial markets, according to an analysis on its 2024 financial year. MTC launched Maris last year and the product will allow people with no bank account to send and receive money. The product targets the bulk of the unbanked market. Entering a highly competitive mobile financial services landscape as a newcomer, Maris faces formidable challenges against established providers, Simonis Storm Securities said in a report. To stand out, MTC…