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Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Business & Economy

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Business

Minister clarifies that Vitol is single entity despite subsidiaries

The News

International oil trader Vitol, which has been awarded a three-month sole fuel-supplier contract for Namibia, is a single company with multiple operational subsidiaries and offices, according to Minister Modestus Amutse. The clarification was made after confusion arose over which Vitol entity held the tender, with Amutse noting that Vitol has been supplying petroleum products to Namibia for the last six months.

Why it matters

Minister clarifies Vitol structure amid confusion over sole fuel-supplier contract and transparency in tendering process.

20 hours ago · The Namibian

Yesterday

  1. Minister clarifies that Vitol is single entity despite subsidiaries

    International oil trader Vitol, which has been awarded a three-month sole fuel-supplier contract for Namibia, is a single company with multiple operational subsidiaries and offices, according to Minister Modestus Amutse. The clarification was made after confusion arose over which Vitol entity held the tender, with Amutse noting that Vitol has been supplying petroleum products to Namibia for the last six months.

    20 hours ago · The Namibian

Saturday 6 June

  1. Goreangab Mall marks economic progress in Katutura, president says

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday described the newly opened Goreangab Mall in Katutura as a symbol of economic transformation and confidence, noting it created about 300 construction jobs and is expected to sustain nearly 400 permanent jobs while offering over 40 stores providing banking, pharmacies, and restaurants.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Windhoek brewery wins gold, silver at African Beer Cup

    Roof of Africa Craft Brewery secured gold and silver medals at the 2026 African Beer Cup, with its Roof Draught winning gold and Dark Lager taking silver. The competition featured 243 beers from 16 African countries, with the brewery reinforcing its status as one of Africa's most consistently awarded breweries.

    6 June 2026 · Informanté

  3. President opens Goreangab Mall, praises economic transformation

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the Goreangab Mall in Katutura, Windhoek, describing it as a symbol of efforts to reverse apartheid spatial planning inequality and bring investment and opportunities to previously excluded areas. The mall is expected to generate nearly 400 jobs and expose young people to wider economic opportunities.

    6 June 2026 · Informanté

  4. Namibian business urged to use African free trade area

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian business leaders to familiarise themselves with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand trade beyond Namibia's borders. The Invest in Africa Trade Expo and Business Summit, held in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, brought together over 200 policymakers, investors, and enterprise delegates to promote intra-African trade and unlock AfCFTA opportunities, amid concerns that Africa currently conducts only 16% of its trade within itself.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. South African entrepreneurs to speak at 2026 Windhoek business summit

    DJ Sbu and Sheldon Tatchell, South African entrepreneurs, will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on 25 July. The summit, one of Namibia's leading entrepreneurship and networking platforms, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 attendees.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 5 June

  1. Tsumeb mother builds online lactation cookie business across Namibia

    Jamila Jokomo, a psychological counsellor and mother from Tsumeb, transformed her personal breastfeeding experience into a growing online business selling nutrient-rich lactation cookies to support mothers across Namibia. The business grew from homemade cookies she made for herself into a venture that also includes counselling and encouragement for breastfeeding mothers.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. President calls for broader financial inclusion, improved literacy

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater financial inclusion, improved financial literacy and broader access to investment opportunities as key to developing Namibia's financial sector, remarks made during Namibia Asset Management's 30th-anniversary celebration.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Trip cancellation insurance protects travellers' prepaid expenses

    Santam Namibia's chief executive urges travellers to consider trip cancellation insurance as protection against financial losses from unexpected events such as illness, family emergencies, and severe weather. The cover reimburses non-refundable expenses including airline tickets, accommodation, and pre-booked excursions when unforeseen circumstances force cancellation before departure.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Voter cards required for Kamanjab road jobs

    Kamanjab constituency councillor Nicodemus Amutenya says applicants for jobs linked to the Kamanjab-Fransfontein road construction project must submit copies of their voter cards.

    5 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

  5. Gerine Hoff appointed executive director of Network Media Hub

    Journalist and newsroom management veteran Gerine Hoff has been appointed executive director of Network Media Hub (NMH), capping a media career spanning nearly three decades.

    5 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Thursday 4 June

  1. Fuel shortages hit Nasan service stations across Windhoek

    At least four service stations supplied by Nasan Energies have run dry in recent days as logistical, financial and supply issues plague the company's takeover of 52 new stations. Fuel and Franchise Association chairperson Michael Ludeke says retailers are being affected worst financially, particularly due to Nasan's shift from a "load-over-load" payment model to upfront payment for fuel orders.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Fisheries ministry defends private DRC fishing quota deal

    Namibia's fisheries ministry says quota holders may enter private commercial agreements with third parties to use allocated quotas, a practice it characterizes as private business arrangements. The statement follows a disputed agreement between a DRC-linked entity and Namibian fishing companies over horse mackerel quota.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Roads Authority spent N$2.6 million firing two executives

    The Roads Authority paid private lawyers more than N$2.6 million to discipline and fire two executives accused of inflating a vehicle procurement tender. Labour experts say the expense demonstrates how parastatals squander public money.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Minister denies illegality of exclusive fuel supply mandate to Vitol

    Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse denied that Vitol Bahrain's appointment as sole fuel supplier to Namibia for three months was illegal, responding to AR leader Job Amupanda's claim that the arrangement violates the Petroleum Products and Energy Act, which requires fuel importers to hold a wholesale licence and be registered in Namibia.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté

  5. Karibib Council to sell 100 unserviced plots via joint venture

    The Karibib Town Council plans to dispose of 100 unimproved plots at Usab Extension 6, generating more than N$403 000, through a joint venture with mining company Osino Resources and Development Workshop Namibia. The plots range from 300 to 1 500 square metres, designated for single residential use, with prices between N$3 000 and N$4 700 per plot; objections are due by 30 June.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Telecom Namibia CEO Shanapinda takes CRASA Executive Secretary role

    Dr Stanley Shanapinda, outgoing CEO of Telecom Namibia since 2021, has been appointed Executive Secretary of the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa (CRASA), a SADC-based organisation mandated to promote regulatory harmonisation among regional communications regulators. During his tenure at Telecom Namibia, he led transformation initiatives including network modernisation, digital infrastructure investment, and implementation of the 2023–2027 Strategic Business Plan.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. PM urges DBN to improve feedback to youth entrepreneurs

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare visited the Development Bank of Namibia to assess the National Youth Development Fund and urged officials to provide clear, constructive feedback to applicants whose submissions need improvement, rather than leaving them without guidance. He called for faster resolution of administrative bottlenecks and innovative outreach to fully utilise the N$500 million allocated to the fund.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Oceana says Lucky Star cannery operations temporarily consolidated

    Oceana Group has disputed reports that its Lucky Star cannery in South Africa is closing, stating that operations have only been temporarily consolidated due to fish supply shortages. The company moved operations from its Amawandle facility to Lucky Star at St Helena Bay to protect workers' jobs amid difficulties sourcing sufficient fish stock.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Bank of Namibia vows gradual banking fee reduction over three years

    The central bank governor told parliament that reducing high banking fees will take time as new regulations are implemented, though he expects significant progress within three years. Banks earned N$5.0 billion from fee income last year, representing 31.3% of their total income.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibia implements Financial Institutions and Markets Act

    Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the implementation of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act on 1 May marked a significant step in modernising the regulation of Namibia's non-banking financial sector. The act, passed in 2021 alongside the Namfisa Act, establishes a modern regulatory framework designed to strengthen oversight of financial institutions, improve market confidence and support sustainable growth, with over 150 regulations and standards developed through stakeholder consultations between 2021 and 2025.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  4. First Capital denies wrongdoing in property dispute

    First Capital chief executive Laina Amutenya rejected allegations that the company deducted nearly N$48 million in unlawful project management fees from a 300-house Grootfontein project, stating the company operates in accordance with contractual obligations and applicable laws. Amutenya cautioned against incomplete reporting on matters subject to judicial determination.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  5. TransNamib backs safety reforms following Rovos Rail derailment

    An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Vitol sole fuel supply deal draws monopoly concerns in Parliament

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté

  7. TransNamib receives independent rail accident investigation report

    TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté

  8. Telecom Namibia CEO takes SADC regulatory harmonisation role

    Shanapinda, who led Telecom Namibia for six years, has been appointed to lead an organisation responsible for promoting regulatory harmonisation and cooperation among communication regulators in the Southern African Development Community. A new chief executive will be recruited once Telecom Namibia's new board starts on 3 June.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Banking sector attracts investors despite earnings quality differences

    Namibia's banking sector continues to draw investors, though earnings quality differences among listed banks are now structural rather than cyclical, according to Simonis Storm's Banking Report 2026. FirstRand Namibia is identified as the preferred banking stock, while Standard Bank Namibia received an accumulate rating and Capricorn Group a reduce rating pending improvements in key indicators.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Swakopmund advances housing and infrastructure expansion plans

    The Municipality of Swakopmund is pursuing multiple housing, land servicing and infrastructure projects under its 20-Year Structure Plan to accommodate growth and address informal settlement housing needs. Land parcels for low, middle and high-income residential developments have been identified and submitted for approval expected in 2026, while the municipality also progresses commercial township and precinct development projects.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Inflation accelerates to 3.1% on fuel costs, straining households

    Namibia's headline inflation rose to 3.1% year-on-year in April from 2.1% in March, driven by higher transport costs following fuel price increases linked to Middle East tensions. FNB Namibia warns inflationary pressures are likely to persist, with further strain dependent on geopolitical developments that could push transport and food prices higher.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Mediclinic reports 11% revenue growth despite restructuring

    Mediclinic Holdings Limited reported group adjusted revenue of US$842 million, up 11%, with EBITDA margin improving to 15.7%, as Remgro prepares to acquire full ownership of Mediclinic Southern Africa including Namibian operations for US$950 million.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  13. Momentum Africa earnings rise 60% as Namibia operations boost group

    Momentum Group reported a 15% increase in normalised headline earnings to N$5.54 billion for the nine months ended 31 March 2026, with Namibia's operations contributing strongly to growth in life insurance, new business volumes and contractual service margins across African operations. Momentum Africa, which includes Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho, recorded a 60% increase in earnings to N$304 million, driven by strong investment income, improved operating profits and positive changes in economic assumptions.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  14. Namibia's inflation surges to 3.1%, reshaping real interest rates

    Headline inflation jumped to 3.1% in April from 2.1% in March, primarily driven by transport costs reflecting currency depreciation and higher global fuel prices. With the repo rate held at 6.50%, real interest rates have fallen, supporting credit demand but eroding household purchasing power.

    3 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  15. Telecom Namibia CEO Shanapinda departs for CRASA role

    Telecom Namibia CEO Dr Stanley Shanapinda will step down from the state-owned telecommunications company on 1 July after accepting a senior regional appointment with CRASA (the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa).

    3 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Businessman denies political role in Namibia fuel supply deal

    Mathews Hamutenya has denied having political connections to State House or involvement in the government's decision to appoint Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier, though his son recently bought 52 service stations and Hamutenya is a partner in a storage facility with Vitol. The Independent Patriots for Change have linked Hamutenya to what they describe as a "conglomerate at the centre of Namibia's petroleum oil takeover."

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Yango Group launches AI and digital infrastructure service in Africa

    Yango Group has announced the launch of Yango Tech in Africa, offering artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure solutions to businesses, city authorities and public-sector organisations across sectors including mobility, healthcare, financial services and retail.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian

  3. DStv and GOtv launch seasonal movies showcase

    DStv and GOtv have launched a "Movies Showcase" running from June to August, featuring blockbuster movies, popular favourites and classic films across various genres designed for family and group viewing. The lineup includes international titles such as Spider-Man: Far From Home, Wicked, Rampage and others, available across multiple channels.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Zeda expects Namibia recovery to boost African portfolio

    Vehicle and equipment leasing company Zeda Limited anticipates improved performance in Namibia during the second half of its financial year, which it expects will help recover its wider African portfolio. Namibia and Mozambique faced pressure during the six-month period to March 2026, contributing to a 2.1% decline in the Greater Africa division, though other African markets including Ghana, Zambia and Lesotho recorded double-digit growth.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Fitch: NamPower stronger financially than South Africa's Eskom

    Fitch Ratings says Namibia Power Corporation has stronger liquidity and leverage metrics than South Africa's Eskom, which relies heavily on government support. NamPower holds a 'BB-/Stable' rating with a 'bb-' standalone credit profile, while Eskom is rated 'B' with a 'ccc+' standalone profile.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Anirep delays financial results until June 2026

    NSX-listed renewable energy company Anirep has secured approval from the Namibia Securities Exchange to postpone publication of its audited annual financial statements until 30 June 2026, citing complexities in goodwill valuation assessments as the reason for exceeding the standard three-month deadline.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Namibia's 2025 GDP growth fell short at 1.7%

    Namibia closed 2025 with GDP growth of 1.7%, below government and IMF forecasts, weighed down by depressed diamond revenues and livestock sector recovery from drought; uranium and gold mining, wholesale trade, transport, and services supported growth. The Bank of Namibia has revised its 2026 forecast down to 2.6%, citing elevated fuel costs and softer global demand, while inflation rebounded to 3.1% in April after reaching a cycle low of 2.1% in March, driven by rising transport, utility, and food prices.

    2 June 2026 · Informanté

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