Page 41 – News Stand

01 May

Mixed start for Namibian swimmers in Cairo

info_e12wt4csSports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibian swimmers began day one of the African Aquatics Junior Swimming Championship in Cairo with mixed results. The four-day competition, which started on Wednesday, brings together swimmers from 44 African countries. The event serves as a platform for young athletes to improve their personal times and prepare for the Junior World Championships in Romania in July, as well as meets scheduled for later this year in Nigeria and Senegal. Lorenzo Esterhuizen, 16, swam the 100m backstroke in 59.68 seconds. He scored 628 points and qualified for the Junior World Championships. Jessica Humphrey placed third in the 100m backstroke…

01 May

NNN, the team and the country must brace selves for capitalist backlash

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro With its mantra of “business unusual”, needless to mention, the 8th administration of Namibia, new as it may be and proffered and sounded and perceived to be under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is essentially old. The Swapo of Namibia is a long-standing political party that has undergone constant change, transformation, transition, and metamorphosis. In many aspects and respects. Whether democratically, ideologically, politically and otherwise. Thus, it must have its work cut out. Because it is surely a tall order for it to navigate the entrenched capitalist system in the country and, at the same time, fulfil the “business unusual”…

01 May

Rethinking Corporate Social Responsibility as a Model to Fund the Noble Idea of Free Education in Namibia

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Lazarus Kwedhi Namibian society emerged from a history of German colonialism and apartheid under South African rule, during which native Namibians were denied access to quality education and economic opportunities. Post-independence Namibia is founded on public values of non-discrimination, including the constitutional right to education. However, despite this right, many Namibians still face challenges in accessing education due to financial constraints and limited government support. Therefore, finding a sustainable funding model for free education is critical to relieving low-income families of the financial burden and enabling their children to reach their full academic potential. In her first State of the…

01 May

PRESIDENT NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH’S MAIDEN STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS: THE PRICE OF PROGRESS; ASPIRATIONAL POLICIES AS JUXTAPOSED TO FISCAL REALITY

info_e12wt4csOpinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) A Legal and Political Analysis of the Tension Between Constitutional Aspiration and Fiscal Reality The maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Repiblic of Namibia, on April 24, 2025, represents a significant political milestone in Namibia’s governance trajectory. Themed “Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development,” this address articulates a comprehensive vision for national development while introducing substantive policy reforms across multiple sectors. As the 8th administration charts a bold course for national development, the financial sustainability…

01 May

Coca-Cola Relaunches “Share A Coke” Campaign in Namibia

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Judith Wilhelm Coca-Cola brought back its popular “Share A Coke” campaign to Namibia, aiming to reconnect people through shared moments and meaningful experiences. The new campaign, titled Share A Coke Namibia, began with a vibrant launch under the theme “Painting Namibia Red.” According to Faith Nehanda, Coca-Cola Namibia’s Senior Manager for Frontline Marketing, this phase saw Coca-Cola transforming urban spaces with bright red campaign installations and rolling out in-store activities to get consumers excited. “This campaign is not just about a drink.It reminds us that memories happen when we come together and experience the real magic of human connection; those…

01 May

Economy seen improving slightly in 2025

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s economy is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest forecast. This represents a slight increase from 3.7% recorded in 2024 and matches the IMF’s projection for 2026. Among neighbouring countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe are expected to post the highest growth rates. Zambia’s economy is projected to grow by 6.2% in 2025, up from 4.0% in 2024, and to reach 6.8% in 2026. Zimbabwe is expected to grow by 6.0% in 2025, up from 2.0% in 2024, with a slight drop to 4.6% in 2026. In contrast, Botswana’s economy is…

01 May

Swakop Uranium explores uranium partnership in Zambia

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Swakop Uranium (Pty) executive president, Irvine Simataa, along with two officials, recently paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta. The discussion centred on a potential partnership to develop high-potential uranium projects in Zambia, the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Minerals said. Swakop Uranium, a Namibian mining company specialising in uranium production, is keen to expand its expertise to emerging markets, including greenfield mining opportunities. This collaboration could mark a significant step in Zambia’s mining sector, leveraging Swakop Uranium’s experience to unlock new opportunities in uranium development, the Zambian ministry…

01 May

Electricity, water sector to expand by 13.5%

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The electricity and water sector is projected to expand by 13.5% in 2025 and 12.8% in 2026, representing a notable rise from the 2.3% growth observed in 2024. The Bank of Namibia said in the December 2024 Economic Outlook update that this expected improvement in 2025 primarily stems from favourable rainfall patterns, which are anticipated to boost electricity generation, especially from the Ruacana hydropower plant. The improvement will also be bolstered by additional solar generation from the Otjikoto Biomass and the Rosh Pinah 70 MW PV plants, the central bank said. “Furthermore, rising reservoir levels will contribute to…

01 May

Namibia has 3.9 months of import cover

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Bank of Namibia’s stock of international reserves decreased at the end of March and stood at N$59.7 billion, reflecting a month-on-month decrease of 7.4%. The central bank stated that the government's rising imports and foreign payments primarily drove the monthly decrease in reserves. This level of international reserves translated into 3.9 months of import cover. When excluding oil exploration and appraisal activities, which are mainly financed from abroad, the import cover stood at 4.8 months of imports, the central bank said. Cash balances in the overall banking industry remained robust at N$9.4 billion in March 2025, relative…

01 May

Mining sector adds jobs, boosts local spending

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA In 2024, total direct employment in Namibia’s mining industry increased to 20 654, marking a 13.6% rise from 18 189 recorded in 2023, based on the Chamber of Mines of Namibia statistics. The chamber said this growth highlights the continued expansion of the sector, despite a few retrenchments reported during the year. “The steady rise in employment underscores the industry's resilience and its contribution to national job creation efforts. Employees in the mining sector collectively contributed N$1.69 billion in Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, further emphasising the sector's role in supporting public revenue. The total wage bill amounted to N$7.9…