Page 123 – Windhoek Observer

04 Dec

New farming project to help 24 000 people affected by drought

National News

Justicia Shipena Japan has committed N$48 million to a new agriculture project aimed at helping drought-affected farming communities build resilience through adaptive, climate-smart practices. The funding was announced on Tuesday in Windhoek during an exchange-of-notes and signing ceremony. The event was attended by Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Planning Commission (NPC). The project, titled Enhancing Resilience in Farming Communities Affected by Drought Through the Promotion of Adaptive Agriculture, will run for two years until…

04 Dec

Joint committee to guide FOA–IUM skills partnership

National News

Renthia Kaimbi A joint technical committee will guide a new academic partnership between the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) and the International University of Management (IUM), following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding yesterday. The agreement sets out a structured plan to strengthen the country's marine resource management through education, training, and research. The joint technical committee will define technical details, monitor progress, and determine funding needs for planned activities. FOA chief executive officer Stanley Ndara signed the MoU alongside IUM vice chancellor Osmund Mwandemele. Ndara said the agreement is the first between the two institutions and will be…

04 Dec

The Namibian skills armageddon: Time to match education with national needs

Editorial, Featured

Namibia stands at a defining crossroads. With 70% of our population under the age of 35, we possess what many nations can only dream of: a young, energetic demographic capable of driving innovation, production, and economic transformation for generations to come. And yet, ironically, we are simultaneously burdened by soaring unemployment rates, a growing semi-skilled workforce, and a tertiary education system that often operates in isolation from the true requirements of the economy. This is a dangerous contradiction, one that may soon plunge us into what can only be described as a skills armageddon if decisive action is not taken.…

04 Dec

The beauty of a country undermined by mines: Is it true that the underground resources bring more wealth than tourism?

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah observes that Modestus Amutse’s leadership record at the regional level strengthens the experience he brings to his new role as Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy. We agree with those who are saying that this ministry needs someone at the helm who has outstanding analytical and communication skills, a deep understanding of energy and mining policies and leadership experience in the field. Someone who has the capability to integrate mining into the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) to enhance implementation by aligning the sector with national economic…

04 Dec

Trade balance records deficit of N$2.9 billion in October

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia recorded a trade deficit of N$2.9 billion in October, an improvement from the N$3.4 billion shortfall in September. Statistician general and chief executive officer of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Alex Shimuafeni said the latest figures show a smaller gap between exports and imports. Year-on-year, the deficit stood at N$7.2 billion. China was Namibia’s largest export market in October, while South Africa remained the main source of imports. In September, South Africa had been the top market for both exports and imports. Most exports in October came from the mining sector. Uranium, non-monetary gold, diamonds, and copper…

04 Dec

Interest rates stay steady amid economic uncertainty

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) monetary policy committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%. BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab said commercial banks are expected to keep their prime lending rate at 10.125%. “This policy stance is deemed appropriate for safeguarding the one-to-one link between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand, while remaining supportive of domestic economic activity,” he said during the announcement this week. !Gawaxab said the committee considered ongoing global policy uncertainty and potential risks to the domestic economy. He noted that South Africa’s formal adoption of a 3% inflation target requires “additional…

04 Dec

Deep Yellow appoints Greg Field as CEO

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The board of Deep Yellow Limited has appointed Greg Field as managing director and chief executive officer, with his tenure set to begin no later than 1 May 2026. His appointment follows a global search guided by the company’s leadership transition plan. The board focused on securing a leader with strong execution skills, a proven record in delivering capital projects and experience in the regions where the company operates. Field is a qualified mining engineer and previously served as managing director for project development at Rio Tinto. He has worked in the resources sector for 29 years, gaining…

04 Dec

GIPF explains unlisted investments to Namfisa

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) this week presented an overview of its unlisted investment ecosystem to the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) amid growing calls for transparency. The fund reported that its alternative investments portfolio had reached N$24.9 billion in committed capital and N$22.8 billion invested by 30 June 2025. The portfolio includes 77 indirect funds, 307 underlying companies and 41 fund managers across private equity, private credit, real estate, venture capital and infrastructure. Undrawn capital stood at N$4.8 billion. The GIPF has been under pressure after announcing an N$815 million impairment loss from its investment…

04 Dec

Choppies shareholders back new director appointments

Observer Money

Staff Writer Choppies Enterprises shareholders have endorsed all resolutions presented at the retailer’s 2025 annual general meeting, held on 28 November. Results released on the Namibia Stock Exchange show that 93% of the company’s 1.82 billion shares were represented at the meeting. All ordinary and special resolutions passed, including the adoption of the audited financial statements, the remuneration policy, and the appointment of Forvis Mazars as external auditors. Shareholders confirmed the appointment of Natalie Graaff as a non-executive director with full support. The re-election of two directors drew more mixed backing. Uttum Corea received 75% approval, while Valentine Chitalu secured…

04 Dec

FirstRand says earnings are on track for the year

Observer Money

Staff Writer FirstRand says its operational performance for the six months ending 31 December 2025 is tracking in line with expectations. The group said easing inflation, lower interest rates and gradual improvements in household affordability supported performance across its key markets. A voluntary trading update released on the JSE noted that macroeconomic conditions in South Africa, most African markets and the UK remained as anticipated, although Mozambique and Botswana continued to pose challenges. Despite subdued domestic system growth, inflation eased, and two 25 basis point rate cuts in July and November helped stimulate demand. FirstRand said both operational and financial…