Page 8 – Windhoek Observer

06 Feb

GIPF assets grow by N$16bn

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) recorded growth in assets from about N$167 billion as of 31 March 2024 to around N$183 billion by 31 March 2025. GIPF maintained a balanced portfolio across local and international markets, allowing it to access global opportunities while managing risk. GIPF officially launched its 2025 integrated annual report on Thursday in Oshakati. Speaking at the launch, GIPF chief executive officer and principal officer Martin Inkumbi said the report provides a full account of the Fund’s financial and operational performance for the year ended 31 March 2025. Inkumbi said the 2025 financial results…

06 Feb

House price growth picked up in late 2025

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia’s residential property market showed mixed results in the final quarter of 2025, according to the latest FNB House Price Index report. House price growth remained modest due to weak economic conditions, strained household finances and uneven activity across regions. The FNB House Price Index rose to 7.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 5.9% in the previous quarter. Over the same period, growth in transaction volumes eased to 17% from 18.4%. “This reflects an uneven market, with strong price growth observed in the central and coastal regions, while the northern region continues to lead in transaction…

06 Feb

Letshego appoints new board director

Observer Money

Staff Writer Letshego Holdings Namibia Limited has appointed Christoffer Chipeio as an independent non-executive director, effective 4 February 2026. The company said the appointment was made in line with Rule 3.59 of the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX) listing requirements. Chipeio is a Namibian legal practitioner with more than ten years of experience in compliance, legal advice, corporate governance and regulatory matters. His career includes senior and executive roles in the financial services and corporate sectors, with experience in both banking and legal practice. Letshego Holdings Namibia says Chipeio brings a strong understanding of governance, risk management and regulatory frameworks, which…

06 Feb

Namibia targets mining investment in Cape Town

Observer Money

Staff Writer Namibia will present a range of investment-ready mining opportunities at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) announced on Thursday. The mining sector is supported by a broad resource base that includes uranium, diamonds, lithium, rare earth elements, copper, graphite, cobalt, manganese and zinc. Mining remains a key contributor to economic growth, jobs and industrial development. As part of its long-term mining and industrialisation strategy, Namibia is promoting both large-scale mining and small-scale and emerging mining. The approach forms part of an integrated development pipeline aimed at…

06 Feb

Political rhetoric is meaningless without ideological recalibration

Opinions

Kae Matundu - Tjiparuro “We are too few to be poor” is and has been one of the famous catchphrases of the president of the eighth administration of the Republic of Namibia. Yours Truly Ideologically indeed, this catchphrase has been given serious reflection, wondering if it ever has or shall have any practical and consequential meaning or if it is just another popular rhetoric by a politician? One, for that matter, without any hint of ideological conviction. For, indeed, unless backed by some serious ideological conviction and inclination, as much as ambition, such shall remain no more than just another…

06 Feb

Namibia’s strategy for performance-driven governance – from delay to delivery, the tone is set

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) In a defining address that has recalibrated the nation’s governance priorities, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah declared the era of excuses over. Opening the new judicial year, she delivered a stark verdict on public service, saying there is no room for failure. This was not merely a speech; it was a strategic blueprint, positioning a strong legal framework and an efficient judiciary as the indispensable engines of national performance. The timing could not be more critical. With magistrates grappling with caseloads of up to 63 cases simultaneously, public trust is under strain.…

06 Feb

An engineer’s perspective on leadership in Namibia

Opinions

Ndeya Iita As engineers, we are trained to think in systems. We analyse problems, design solutions, test assumptions, and measure outcomes. We value clarity, evidence, and continuous improvement. From this professional lens, one conclusion becomes unavoidable: Namibia would benefit greatly if its ministers and public officials became regular writers. Engineering teaches us that complex systems fail when communication is weak. The government is one of the most complex systems in any country, involving people, policies, institutions, budgets, and infrastructure. Yet too often, decisions appear disconnected from clear explanations, data, or long-term logic. Writing can help close this gap. When leaders…

05 Feb

Parliamentary pressure forces Herunga to step down

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has resigned as the party’s chief whip in the National Assembly. He cited intense parliamentary pressure. Herunga will remain a member of parliament. Herunga has served as chief whip of Swapo since the start of the eighth Parliament. During Wednesday’s sitting, National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced that member of parliament Alpheus !Naruseb has been appointed as his replacement. Herunga has also stepped down as chairperson of the whole house committee. “Honourable Alpheus !Naruseb as the government chief whip. You are further informed that honourable Herunga has tendered his resignation as deputy…

05 Feb

No room for failure, Nandi-Ndaitwah tells Swapo MPs

National News

Renthia Kaimbi There is no room for failure in delivering services, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told newly inducted Swapo members of parliament on Wednesday. She said the party’s return to electoral dominance is a direct mandate for disciplined action. She addressed the opening of the Swapo party induction workshop for members of the eighth Parliament, where she said recent local and regional authority election results have restored public faith that must now be justified through performance. “The result of last year’s Regional and Local Authorities Elections, where the Swapo has gained back her glory, is a clear indication that the people…

05 Feb

Moongo questions Govt spending on workshops and committees

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo has questioned the government's spending on workshops, conferences and high-level committees. Moongo is asking whether these activities deliver results at a time of tight public finances. In a notice submitted to Parliament on Wednesday, Moongo said the government continues to spend public funds and time on engagements that revisit the same issues each year, often without clear plans for implementation or measurable outcomes. “These engagements are routinely convened on the same issues, with little regard for value for money or tangible results,” Moongo said. She said the growing number…