Page 7 – Windhoek Observer

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-…

27 Mar

Namibia elected chair of African utility body

National News

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has been elected chair of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Namibia will now take over leadership at the end of the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly, which will conclude today in Swakopmund. Namibia was nominated by Lesotho and elected unopposed. Burkina Faso was elected as vice chair. ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise now assumes the role of AFUR chair. He said Namibia is ready to lead efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery across Africa’s energy and water sectors. He said the organisation will focus on improving regulatory standards, strengthening…

27 Mar

YOUNG OBSERVER | Zambezi youth turn floods into income

National News

Patience Makwele Youth in parts of the Zambezi region are turning floodwaters into a source of income as rising water levels continue to disrupt daily life. In areas such as Kabbe South and Linyanti, young people have taken up small-scale fishing to support their households. With limited job opportunities and ongoing economic pressure, both youth and older residents are using the floods to earn a living. Seasonal floods have displaced families, interrupted schooling and cut off access to services. In response, many young people are fishing and selling fresh and dried fish within their communities. “After the drought, we lost…

27 Mar

YOUNG OBSERVER | Namib Mills joins MTC to train youth in baking

Uncategorised

Staff Writer Young people in the ǁKaras region will begin skills training in April under the MTC4Life 2026 programme, aimed at helping them start small businesses and earn an income. The programme will support 30 young people aged 18 to 35 with training in trades such as baking, hairdressing, barbering, leatherwork, sewing and cell phone repair. This week, Namib Mills has partnered with MTC to support the baking trade. Namib Mills will contribute N$5 000 per trainee, either in cash or equipment, and will also provide a baking expert, equipment and ingredients for training. Participants will attend training sessions over…

27 Mar

YOUNG OBSERVER | Private college fills gap as youth seek skills

National News

Patience Makwele Private colleges are stepping in as many young Namibians struggle to access tertiary education and find work, with institutions like International Training College Lingua offering skills-based training to bridge the gap. As youth unemployment remains high and public institutions cannot absorb growing demand, many school leavers are left without clear pathways into jobs. Some have qualifications but lack practical skills needed in the workplace. Amid this gap, International Training College Lingua has positioned itself as an alternative route. What started as informal lessons in a one-bedroom apartment has grown into an accredited institution that has trained more than…

27 Mar

The case for Namibia Air: A strategic imperative for a rising economy

Editorial

Namibia stands at the threshold of a new economic era. A surging tourism sector, coupled with the transformative potential of newly discovered oil reserves and expanding gas developments, is rapidly redefining the country’s growth trajectory. In this moment of opportunity, the question of establishing a new national airline, Namibia Air, should not be approached with hesitation or nostalgia but with strategic clarity and national ambition. The government’s assertion that Namibia Air will be a new entity, distinct from Air Namibia, is not merely semantic. It is fundamental. The failure of Air Namibia, while costly and instructive, should not serve as…