De Beers contribution to Namibia’s economy drops

De Beers contribution to Namibia’s economy drops

Chamwe Kaira Anglo American, through its subsidiary De Beers, revealed in its 2024 tax and economic contribution report that its total tax and economic contribution in Namibia amounted to US$545 million (N$10.2 billion), a decrease from US$611 million (N$11.4 billion) in 2023. Taxes and royalties borne in Namibia amounted to US$63 million, compared to US$144 million the previous year. Total taxes and royalties borne and collected reached US$136 million, lower than US$234 million in 2023. De Beers operates in Namibia through a 50:50 partnership with the government. It recovers land-based diamonds through Namdeb and offshore diamonds through Debmarine Namibia. The…
Read More
Safari investments deal dependent on fulfilled conditions

Safari investments deal dependent on fulfilled conditions

Chamwe Kaira Oryx Properties Limited, a company listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange, says its planned acquisition of Safari Investments Namibia (Proprietary) Limited is still subject to conditions agreed with the sellers. Safari owns and manages the Platz am Meer Shopping Centre in Swakopmund. Oryx announced in March that it had entered into a sale of shares and claims agreement with Safari Investments RSA Limited, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  Under the deal, Oryx will acquire 100% of the issued share capital in Safari Investments Namibia and all related loan claims from the seller for N$290 million.…
Read More
New Walvis Bay hotel will have local and foreign funding

New Walvis Bay hotel will have local and foreign funding

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of three new hotels in Namibia as part of a franchise agreement with Cadence Capital & Santiago Property Developers Pty Ltd. The agreement will see the debut of Vignette Collection Dunes Resort Swakopmund, Holiday Inn Walvis Bay, and voco Windhoek CBD, collectively adding 347 rooms to IHG’s growing pipeline in Southern Africa.  The three properties will be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global leader in integrated hotel management and operations solutions, and one of IHG’s trusted partners. All hotels are expected…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More