Acacia-Composites manufacturers eyes more export markets

Acacia-Composites manufacturers eyes more export markets

Acacia-Composites Manufacturers, the African continent’s only WPC (wood-plastic composite) manufacturer, recently exhibited at WoodEX for Africa 2025, which was held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Acacia-Composites Manufacturers offers premium decking and cladding solutions with sustainably designed exhibition booths built entirely from compressed cardboard. Made using 70% intruder bush species and recycled plastic, Acacia’s WPC products are produced in Windhoek and certified to meet stringent European standards. Eike Bolm, business manager of Acacia-Composites, said the presence at WoodEX is more than just an exhibition but a celebration of Namibian ingenuity.  Bolm told Observer Money that while South…
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Namibia can draw lessons from Thailand, Brazil on EVs

Namibia can draw lessons from Thailand, Brazil on EVs

Chamwe Kaira Namibia can learn from countries like Thailand and Brazil, where early adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) was driven by affordable models and supportive infrastructure, not just income levels. A report by Simonis Storm Securities said the rise of Chinese EV brands globally aligns with Namibia’s increasing preference for Chinese vehicles.  This presents a chance for local dealerships and financiers to position themselves early in the EV shift. The report pointed to fuel price volatility, environmental concerns, and investment in home-charging incentives, smart tariffs, and public infrastructure as key drivers that could speed up EV adoption in Namibia.  It…
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Bank Windhoek’s bondholders to receive 9.2% coupon payment

Bank Windhoek’s bondholders to receive 9.2% coupon payment

Chamwe Kaira Bank Windhoek Limited has announced an interest payment on its BWZJ27 listed notes, according to a notice issued on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).  Bondholders will receive a coupon payment of 9.2% for the interest period from 28 March 2025 to 28 June 2025.  The total interest amount is N$7.2 million. Payment will be made on 30 June 2025. PSG Capital acts as the debt sponsor for the BWZJ27 notes. Paladin Energy Ltd, which owns the Langer Heinrich uranium mine in the Erongo Region, has appointed Paul Hemburrow as managing director and chief executive officer.  His appointment is…
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Peak tourism season starts on soft footing

Peak tourism season starts on soft footing

Namibia’s colder months and the peak tourism season officially began in May, albeit on a soft footing.  While the season typically brings increased activity, the early indicators suggest a more subdued start, with momentum expected to build gradually as the country approaches the height of the season in August and September. National occupancy rates declined marginally by 0.04 percentage points month-on-month, easing from 54.94% in April to 54.90% in May.  On an annual basis, however, the sector experienced a more notable  slowdown, with occupancy rates falling by 5.44 percentage points from 60.34% recorded in May 2024.  Despite this annual decline,…
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BoN ordered to return N$20m forfeited to DRC general

BoN ordered to return N$20m forfeited to DRC general

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to return over N$20 million taken from an investment account held by retired Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army general Francois Tete Olenga. The court found that the central bank acted outside its legal authority when it forfeited the funds. Acting High Court judge Johanna Prinsloo delivered the judgment this week, setting aside the decision made in August 2023 by BoN deputy governor Leonie Dunn.  She also declared all related decisions and actions unlawful. Prinsloo ruled that only the Bank of Namibia’s Board or the Governor has the…
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Union slams new home loan scheme as ‘another bank product’

Union slams new home loan scheme as ‘another bank product’

Justicia Shipena Financial experts and civil servant union representatives have warned that the newly endorsed Pension-Backed Home Loan (PBHL) scheme could push public workers deeper into debt if not properly managed and aligned with wage growth.  The ministry of finance endorsed the scheme on Wednesday, describing it as a step toward affordable housing for government employees. Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said the scheme is simply “another loan product” and fails to empower workers. “Yes, I’ve been saying all along, buying a house is a payslip issue; your income determines what you qualify for. If the…
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CoW to take over recyclable waste collection

CoW to take over recyclable waste collection

Allexer Namundjebo The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it never had a formal contract with Rent-A-Drum for the collection and removal of the well-known clear recycling bags from residential areas.  CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Windhoek Observer that the municipality is not ending any contract, as no official agreement was ever in place. Amutenya responded to growing public concern over the future of household recyclable waste collection in Windhoek. She explained that since 2010, Rent-A-Drum, a private waste recycling company, has voluntarily collected the clear recycling bags.  She stressed that there was no binding contract between the company and the…
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Shortages of doctors push ministry toward private sector support

Shortages of doctors push ministry toward private sector support

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed that ongoing staff shortages and high patient volumes during night hours at Katutura Health Centre have led it to request private doctors to offer their services for free.  The ministry appealed to registered medical officers in private practice to volunteer for evening shifts at the busy Windhoek-based facility from 17h00 to 23h00, starting 1 July and continuing until further notice. Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya explained that while Katutura Health Centre has a good number of staff, the volume of patients at night often exceeds the current workforce's capacity.  “At…
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ECN unveils 2025 election roadmap

ECN unveils 2025 election roadmap

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) launched the 2025 electoral calendar and voter and civic education campaign on Wednesday in Windhoek.  This marks the start of preparations for this year’s Regional Council and Local Authority elections.  ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua described the electoral calendar as more than just a timeline.  “This calendar is not merely the showcasing of dates; it is a beacon guiding us towards active engagement in our democratic rights and responsibilities,” she said.  Nghikembua also confirmed that a post-election review of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections has been completed.  "I wish to assure…
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Cardiac unit places Namibia at the forefront in Africa

Cardiac unit places Namibia at the forefront in Africa

Niël Terblanché Windhoek Central Hospital now hosts the country's most advanced cardiac care unit, placing the country among the top in Africa for specialised heart treatment. Only South Africa and Egypt have similar facilities.  Namibia’s unit is the third of its kind on the continent and the first in the country to treat both adults and children under one roof. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the achievement during a visit to the ministry of health and social services on Monday.  He toured the cardiac unit and praised medical teams for serving both public and private patients. “I urge all of…
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