Page 53 – Windhoek Observer

26 Sep

YOUNG OBSERVER | The future of connectivity in Namibia: progress that includes everyone

Featured, Opinions

From mobile payments to digital banking, Namibians are certainly in their connectivity and technology advancement era. Recently, both MTC and Paratus have announced the launch of e-SIM technology, promising a seamless, flexible and convenient experience for mobile users. For those unfamiliar, an eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to activate a mobile plan without a physical SIM card. It is quite the popular choice, especially for frequent travellers who do not have the luxury of time to buy a physical SIM card while in transit or who simply want to stay connected without constantly swapping SIMs. While Namibia’s network coverage is…

26 Sep

YOUNG OBSERVER | #Unlimited

Featured, Opinions

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) recently advertised a vacancy for an ICT Specialist, specifying that it was open to female candidates only. In a country that proudly celebrates having its first female President, a female vice president, a female speaker of parliament, and a notable level of women’s representation in the cabinet and the National Assembly, all achievements that have earned Namibia international praise, one might have expected applause. Instead, the announcement was met with resistance, scepticism, and even questions about its legality. The legal framework, as critics quickly pointed out, complicates matters. The Labour Act does not…

26 Sep

President Netumbo-Nandi Ndaitwah’s appointment of Namibia’s envoys: Transformative leadership or business as usual?

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) ABSTRACT This analysis examines President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s six months in office through the lens of Paulo Freire’s conscientisation and Roberto Mangabeira Unger’s institutional reinvention and transformative leadership. Moving beyond ceremonial assessments, this examination intends to look at the mantra of “business unusual” of President Nandi-Ndaitwah as opposed to the substantive transformation of Namibian governance structures if juxtaposed to Freire and Unger’s conceptual frameworks. Introduction In any political cycle, the sixth month of governance is a symbolic milestone. It is the moment for a preliminary balance: assessing what has been delivered,…

26 Sep

OM Bank has no plans for Namibia

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The recently launched OM Bank, established in South Africa by the Old Mutual Group, has no immediate plans to expand into Namibia. Nawhal Foster, an official at OM Bank, told Observer Money that the new bank’s focus is on South Africa. “At this stage, OM Bank is focused exclusively on establishing and deepening its presence within South Africa. We are not planning to launch in markets outside of South Africa at this time,” Foster said. The company said it has met the remaining section 17 conditions and received regulatory approval for the appointment of Clarence Nethengwe as chief…

26 Sep

Savanna Beef plans to process 50 000 head of cattle annually

Observer Money

Observer Money spoke to Savanna Beef Processors' chief executive officer, Ian Collard, about the growth of the company since its inception and future plans. Collard started the job as chief executive officer of the company, starting on 13 January. He is a qualified chartered accountant and has served on several boards, including the Namibian Grain Processors’ Association, Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). Savanna Beef has recently started producing beef at its facility in Okahandja. In August, Savanna Beef completed its first trial slaughter at its new processing facility. The company has stated…

26 Sep

Manufacturing decline weighs on economy

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Economic activity slowed in the second quarter of the year, recording 1.6% growth in real value added compared to 3.3% in the same period of 2024. In nominal terms, the size of the economy was estimated at N$64.8 billion, up from N$58.8 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Statistician General and Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) chief executive officer, Alex Shimuafeni, said the performance was mainly influenced by the tertiary industries, which grew by 3.9% compared to 5% a year earlier. Growth in the sector was recorded in wholesale and retail trade (5.2% compared to 9.1%), education (5.6%…

26 Sep

Paladin opens share purchase plan

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Paladin Energy, whose only operating mine is the Langer Heinrich in Namibia, has opened its share purchase plan (SPP) to shareholders with registered addresses in Australia or New Zealand, excluding those in the United States. The company is listed in Australia and has a dual listing on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX). Eligible shareholders may apply for up to A$30,000 worth of new fully paid ordinary shares without broking or other transaction costs. The SPP offer closes on 9 October. Paladin is seeking to raise up to A$20 million. The SPP follows the company’s launch of a A$300…

26 Sep

NamPower commissions N$394m substation

Observer Money

Staff Writer NamPower has commissioned and energised its new indoor 132/66/33 kV Sekelduin substation east of Swakopmund. The project cost N$394 million and is the first fully digital substation on the African continent. The substation is fed from the Kuiseb Substation, about 35 km southeast of Sekelduin, through two parallel 132 kV overhead power lines. This setup improves network robustness and reduces the risk of a single failure affecting coastal nodes. NamPower said the new infrastructure adds to its transmission network, unlocks coastal load growth, strengthens reliability, and prepares the Erongo region grid for the future. The digital design uses…

26 Sep

Construction output projected at N$4.3 billion

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Oryx Properties expects the construction sector to expand, supported by mining-related and public infrastructure projects. “Against this backdrop, the property sector is poised for gradual recovery, buoyed by improved affordability,” the company said in its results for the year ended. Oryx projected that the Namibian economy will grow by 3.5% in 2025, moderating from 3.7% in 2024, before recovering to 3.9% in 2026. “This outlook reflects headwinds in primary industries, particularly agriculture and mining, while tertiary sectors such as wholesale, retail, and transport are expected to remain resilient drivers of growth,” the company said. Simonis Storm Securities projected…

26 Sep

Finance ministry engages regions on procurement changes

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Ministry of Finance is conducting regional consultations on the Public Procurement Act until 4 October. The ministry is inviting the public to review and provide feedback on proposed amendments contained in the Public Procurement Amendment Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to amend the Public Procurement Act of 2015, which regulates the procurement of goods, works, and services; the letting or hiring of assets; the granting of rights; and the disposal of assets by public entities. It also establishes the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the Procurement Policy Unit, and the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, defining their powers…