Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

01 Apr

Brand Africa launches inaugural Africa CMO 100

Observer Money

Staff Writer Brand Africa has announced the launch of the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a new initiative recognising the 100 most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s global narrative, identity and economic progress. Namibia is represented on the list by marketing executive Tim Ekandjo, alongside a diverse group of leaders from across Southern Africa. The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency. The full list, along with detailed analysis, will be published in the April 2026 edition of African Business and across partner platforms. The ACMO100 builds…

01 Apr

FirstRand appoints new FNB CEO

Observer Money

Staff Writer FirstRand has announced changes to its banking structure, including the appointment of Lytania Johnson as chief executive officer of First National Bank. The changes form part of a restructuring aimed at simplifying the bank’s customer model. FNB has operated with separate retail and commercial segments, each with several subsegments. The group said the size of these divisions now requires a simpler structure. Under the new structure, retail and commercial segments will be merged into a single retail and business banking division. The unit will serve entry-level to middle-income customers and small and medium-sized businesses. Johnson, who leads the…

01 Apr

From policy to practice: Ubuntu and the future of work-integrated learning in Namibia

Opinions

Mwetuvaya Nghiiki and Selma Iipinge Namibia stands at a defining moment in how it prepares its people for the world of work. The launch of the National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy (2025–2030) signals more than progress in education milestones; it reflects a national shift towards building graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully from the start. As the country advances toward a knowledge-driven economy, one truth stands out: the strength of Namibia’s workforce will rely on how learning connects with real-life practice. For years, universities and training institutions have worked from their own internal WIL guidelines. Now, with a unified…

31 Mar

CPBN orders Nust to evict ‘illegal’ security contractor …as N$40 million tender battle escalates

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has directed the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to issue an immediate notice to vacate PIS Security Services. CPBN said the company is occupying the campus without a valid contract. In a letter dated 24 March 2026 to acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo, CPBN chief executive officer Idi Itope said the company has no legal basis to remain on site. “There is no procurement contract between the Board and PIS for the rendering of security services to Nust,” Itope wrote. He said the continued occupation of the premises by PIS…

31 Mar

Disaster funding cut as Zambezi floods

National News

Patience Makwele Parliament has approved a N$535 million budget for the Office of the Prime Minister, while funding for disaster risk management has dropped to N$47 million. The Disaster Risk Management Programme allocation has fallen from N$1.6 billion two years ago. This has raised concern among lawmakers as floods hit the Zambezi region and drought persists in other areas. Some communities in the region have been displaced, with homes and crops affected. Lawmakers warned that recent rains could also increase the risk of veld fires. Members of parliament questioned whether the country is prepared to respond to emergencies. Swapo member…

31 Mar

Contractor fights ministry over N$77m school contract cancellation

National News

Justicia Shipena An engineering and construction company, Radial Truss Industries, has taken the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) and other parties to court in a bid to stop the termination of a construction contract at Tubusis Primary School in the Erongo region. The tender on renovation and upgrading of the school was awarded in 2021. In an urgent application set down for hearing in the High Court on Monday, Radial Truss Industries is asking the court to review and set aside a termination notice issued on 6 February 2026. …

31 Mar

A Personnel costs push defence ministry over budget

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs overspent its 2025/2026 budget by 3.67%. This was driven by high personnel costs. During the 2025/2026 financial year, defence was allocated N$7.49 billion. The Ministry of Finance later suspended N$11 million from the development budget, reducing the allocation to N$7.48 billion. More than 60% of the budget went to personnel expenditure, while goods and services accounted for 22%. Spending on capital assets and infrastructure increased to 18%, aimed at upgrading facilities. The ministry expects a budget execution rate of 99.8% and reported six consecutive years of clean audit outcomes. Defence and…

31 Mar

Hunting body denies blocking global participation

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NPHA) has rejected claims that individuals or groups were excluded from participating in events related to the hunting sector. NAPHA President Hannes du Plessis said recent commentary has raised concerns about participation, representation and access. He stated that set rules govern participation at international events like the Dallas Safari Club. “Participation at such shows is governed by strict international rules, and only registered exhibitors who have paid for stand space may market or sell services,” Du Plessis said on Friday. He said these rules are not set by NAPHA and apply to all…

31 Mar

From liberation to exploitation: Namibia’s shameful betrayal of the vulnerable

Editorial

There are moments in a nation’s life that force it to look into the mirror and confront an uncomfortable truth. The recent case of a 16-year-old Angolan girl, rescued from horrific abuse in northern Namibia, is one such moment. It is not just a criminal matter. It is a moral indictment of who we are becoming. The facts are chilling. A child, lured from her home in Angola with the promise of a modest N$500 monthly salary, was instead delivered into a life of cruelty and degradation. She was starved. Beaten. Forced to work both in the house and in…

31 Mar

Non-banking sector hits N$552bn

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia’s non-banking financial institutions sector reached total assets of N$552.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) released its latest statistical bulletin, outlining trends and performance across the sector. The sector includes insurance companies, medical aid funds, retirement funds, friendly societies, capital markets and microlending institutions. It recorded 1 193 active entities and 15 512 intermediaries at the end of the quarter. Assets grew by 4.7% compared to the previous quarter and by 16.6% year-on-year. Pension funds, long-term insurers and collective investment schemes accounted for more than 90% of total assets.…