Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

30 Mar

Windhoek formalisation cost still unknown

Observer Money

The City of Windhoek is implementing a large-scale planning and formalisation process to address the shortage of serviced land as informal settlements continue to grow. Data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development shows there are 419 informal settlements across 57 local authorities in the country, with 150 located in Windhoek. A total of 606 435 people, representing 176 708 households, live in informal settlements nationwide. Of these, 213 234 people, or 67 077 households, are in Windhoek. The municipality said the formalisation process follows statutory town planning, environmental management, land surveying and…

30 Mar

Vetumbuavi Mungunda elected NCCI chairman

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has elected a new leadership team at its Annual General Meeting in Windhoek. Vetumbuavi Mungunda takes over as president from Bisey /Uirab, who remains on the board. Leake Hangala continues as an honorary director. In his first remarks, Mungunda acknowledged past leadership and said directors are custodians responsible for strengthening the institution to support the economy. The new board will serve a two-year term. Patty Karuaihe-Martin is the first vice president and Tarah Shaanika is the second vice president. Other members are Amalia Schmidt, Bisey /Uirab, Brent Eiseb, Caroline Mswabi,…

30 Mar

BoN, PAN launch payment system strategy

Observer Money

Staff Writer The Bank of Namibia, in collaboration with the Payments Association of Namibia and the payments industry, has launched the National Payment System Vision and Strategy 2026–2030 under the theme “Inclusive Payments, Shared Prosperity: Charting the Next Era". The strategy builds on progress made under the previous framework, which focused on modernising the payments system. Developments include regulatory reforms, wider use of digital payment services, improved interoperability across platforms and the adoption of standards such as ISO 20022, open banking and NAMQR code. These changes have supported growth in electronic funds transfers, card payments and e-money platforms. The new…

30 Mar

O&L subsidiaries earn recognition at SADC awards

Observer Money

Staff Writer Two operating companies within the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) have received recognition at the SADC Quality Awards 2025/2026. Hartlief and O&L Leisure were awarded certificates of recognition at a ceremony held in Johannesburg on 25 March 2026. Hartlief was recognised in Category 4: Exporter of the Year (Large Enterprise), while O&L Leisure received recognition in Category 3: Service of the Year (Large Enterprise). The awards were accepted by Beverly Jandrell, who represented both companies at the event. O&L executive chairman Sven Thieme said the recognition reflects the group’s focus on operations and its Vision 2029 strategy. He…

30 Mar

Namcor welcomes production testing at Kavango West

Observer Money

Staff Writer The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), through its upstream unit Namcor Exploration and Production, has welcomed the start of production testing at the Kavango West-1X discovery well in PEL 73, onshore Namibia. PEL 73 is operated by ReconAfrica with a 70% stake, alongside BW Kudu with 20% and NAMCOR E&P with 10%. The joint venture is focused on developing the Kavango Basin. Regulatory approvals have been secured and work crews are on site preparing the well for testing. The Kavango West-1X well has shown encouraging data. Updated analysis indicates about 75 metres of net hydrocarbon pay in…

30 Mar

Exporting labour when the state lets its talent serve other economies

Opinions

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi said the government should explore exporting labour by sending qualified Namibians abroad and receiving remittances that can be ploughed back into society. This follows his concerns that the government is overemphasising social protection and particularly education, the highest-funded sector with a budget allocation of N$28 billion this financial year, which could create more problems. Swartbooi made the remarks while contributing to a discussion on the national budget in the National Assembly. “The government needs to look at countries like Nigeria and South Africa,…

30 Mar

Old Mutual Investment appoints Sepo Haihambo as MD

Observer Money

Staff Writer Old Mutual Namibia has appointed Sepo Haihambo as managing director designate for the Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIGNAM), effective 1 April 2026. Haihambo has more than 20 years of experience in banking, investment management and financial services. She previously served as chief executive officer for Commercial at First National Bank Namibia and has held senior leadership and board roles in the financial sector. She is a Harvard Business School alumnus. The appointment forms part of OMIGNAM’s leadership and succession planning to support investment delivery and growth. Group chief executive officer Tassius Chigariro said, “Sepo is a highly respected…

27 Mar

Resource curse fears dominate oil bill debate

National News

Justicia Shipena Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Michael Mulunga warned that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill could drive Namibia into a “resource curse” if adopted in its current form. A resource curse is when a country has valuable natural resources like oil but ends up worse off economically. He was speaking in parliament when the House resumed debate on the proposed law this week. The bill proposes shifting authority over the oil and gas sector from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the Presidency. It would give the President powers to grant, renew or revoke oil…

27 Mar

Namibia exports N$1.2bn worth of grapes

Uncategorised

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia exported grapes worth more than N$1.2 billion during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). The horticulture sector recorded export earnings of N$1.3 billion, with grapes making up the largest share. Key markets included the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany. NSA said imports of horticulture products remained steady at N$327.1 million, led by potatoes, apples and bananas. NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector remains important to the economy. “The agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors remain paramount as they play a critical role…

27 Mar

MPs call for investment in digital infrastructure

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The parliamentary standing committee on information and communication technology has called for stronger digital laws, more investment in infrastructure and better protection for citizens online. The call follows two reports tabled in the National Assembly after the committee attended the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and an e-Governance Conference in 2025. The reports aim to align Namibia’s digital policies with global developments. A key concern raised in the IGF report is the rise of misinformation and disinformation online. The committee said false information is shaping public opinion and could affect democratic processes. “The societal impact of online mis-…