Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Business & Economy

Companies, markets, trade, jobs.

Yesterday

  1. New five-year employment permit launched for business investors

    The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched a new employment permit valid for up to five years, effective immediately, to make Namibia more attractive to investors and improve the investment climate by reducing administrative barriers.

    13 hours ago · Informanté

  2. Rundu launches commercial subsidiary to boost council revenue

    The Rundu Town Council has established a commercial subsidiary to generate additional income and diversify revenue sources, citing years of struggling with collections from unpaid municipal bills. The council's debt book grew from N$345.8 million in June 2023 to N$427.6 million in June 2024.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Namra begins financial security framework pilot at Walvis Bay

    The Namibia Revenue Agency will pilot a mandatory financial security framework at Walvis Bay from 1 December to 28 February, requiring traders to provide cash, bonds or guarantees before goods release to mitigate revenue risks and improve customs clearance efficiency.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. Namibian graduate turns to cross-border trading after job search

    A Namibian graduate who spent four years unemployed despite having a qualification has found an alternative livelihood through cross-border trading, sourcing clothes and accessories from Angola and now training others to do the same. She began the business in 2023 after seeing social media encouragement, though her first trip proved harrowing.

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Sound investment strategy requires planning before product selection

    Successful investing starts with understanding your financial goals, risk tolerance, and timeline rather than chasing top-performing funds or market trends. A sound strategy evolves with changing markets and personal circumstances, guiding how investors respond when markets become uncomfortable.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Namibian construction minimum wage rises to N$20.43 per hour

    New minimum wages and employment conditions for construction workers came into force on 1 September and will remain in place for two years. Labourers and general workers will earn a minimum of N$20.43 per hour in the first year, rising to N$21.45 per hour from 1 September 2027, with the agreement also requiring employers to provide protective equipment and setting productivity standards.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  7. V5 Digital launches AI Academy in Windhoek

    V5 Digital has launched an AI Academy in Windhoek to help Namibian organisations integrate artificial intelligence strategies into their operations. The academy offers AI readiness assessments, executive briefings, workshops, implementation programmes and advisory support to help businesses move from AI interest to practical implementation.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  8. President urges Namibian businesses beyond symbolic corporate donations

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian companies to move beyond symbolic corporate social investment donations and instead create lasting socio-economic benefits for communities, measuring impact through outcomes like improved education, healthcare, and youth empowerment rather than announcement visibility.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 4 September

  1. Fisheries Minister calls for expanded onshore processing and transparent quotas

    Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani has called for Namibia to expand onshore processing and adopt a more transparent quota allocation system that rewards investment in local factories and jobs. She also urged the industry to align harvesting capacity with biological limits, restrict commercial licenses to vessels with significant Namibian ownership, and ensure local market access to marine resources.

    4 September 2026 · Informanté

  2. Cloete brothers appeal bail denial in N$300m diamond heist case

    George and Bino Cloete, arrested in May 2025 in connection with a January 2025 diamond heist at Namib Desert Diamonds involving over N$300 million, are appealing against the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court decision to deny them bail. They face charges including money laundering, trafficking of stolen goods, and contravening the Diamond Act, with prosecutors alleging that approximately N$2 million in deposits linked to the heist were used to purchase livestock and a vehicle after diamonds were sold in South Africa.

    4 September 2026 · Informanté

  3. Supreme Court changes severance pay calculation for Air Namibia employees

    The Supreme Court ruled that former Air Namibia employees' remuneration for severance purposes includes only basic salaries and housing and transport allowances, reversing a High Court decision that had also included pension contributions, medical aid and social security. The liquidators must recalculate amounts owed for leave, bonuses, severance and notice period pay based on this narrower definition.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. GreenCycle expo aims to create 5,000 green jobs by 2030

    Namibia's second ReThink Waste GreenCycle expo will be held on 30–31 October, bringing together government, businesses, innovators and communities to turn waste into economic value and advance circular economy transition. The organisers' long-term target is to contribute to 5,000-plus green jobs by 2030, with focus on growing small and medium enterprises in the circular economy, climate resilience and green transition financing.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. President urges caution on foreign debt, domestic capital mobilization

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that Namibia must be cautious about taking on international debt and should instead prioritize mobilizing capital within the country to finance development. During a meeting with Capricorn Group, the financial services company outlined its loan and advances portfolio exceeding N$40 billion and its commitment to invest in sectors including oil and gas and SMEs.

    4 September 2026 · New Era

  6. Self-taught inventor seeks government support for local innovations

    Gustaf Sakaria, a technician from Okapya village in Oshana, is appealing to the government for support to develop his mechanical and electronic inventions since 2000. He believes greater backing for local innovators could reduce Namibia's reliance on imported technology and has named a small aircraft he recently built after Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.

    4 September 2026 · New Era

  7. Savanna Beef revises cattle weight categories from September

    Savanna Beef Processors Limited has adjusted its cattle weight category structure for third-quarter pricing to encourage off-season deliveries while maintaining producer profitability. The revised structure retains three categories (200–219 kg, 220–239 kg, and 240 kg and above) and applies retroactively to all deliveries from 1 September, taking effect officially on 1 October.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Ashante Manetti appointed Letshego Namibia chief commercial officer

    Letshego Namibia has announced the appointment of Ashante Manetti as chief commercial officer, part of the company's effort to strengthen customer focus.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Thursday 3 September

  1. Bank Windhoek sues Malakia Elindi for N$2.7 million BMW debt

    Bank Windhoek has brought a summary judgment application against businessman Malakia Elindi to recoup over N$2.7 million used to purchase a luxury BMW vehicle. Elindi, arrested in July 2025 alongside his brother in a Namcor fraud case alleging N$400 million in losses, has faced mounting creditor claims including prior court orders totalling millions in outstanding debts.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  2. Entrepreneur launches women-only e-hailing service in Namibia

    Simone Frans, inspired by frightening taxi experiences, is developing HerRide Namibia, an e-hailing app restricted to women drivers and passengers. The service, still in feasibility research, aims to provide women with safer transport options and job opportunities for female car owners.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Namibian household credit reaches N$72.7bn in July

    Namibian households borrowed N$438.7 million more in July than June, bringing total individual credit to N$72.74 billion and pushing annual household credit growth to 4.6% year-on-year, the strongest run since August 2023. Mortgage lending accelerated to 2.4% annual growth, while instalment sale and leasing credit continued at 14.6% y/y despite a marginal easing.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. WayaMe is Namibia's new instant payment system

    WayaMe is Namibia's instant payment solution (IPS), operated by Instant Payments Namibia under the Bank of Namibia. It allows money to move instantly between participating banks, wallets and other payment providers, enabling customers to transact across different financial institutions through their existing bank apps, mobile wallets or USSD services.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Oshakati woman wins N$2.7m from N$8 Soccer 13 bet

    A 56-year-old unemployed woman at JSB's Eluwa branch in Oshakati won N$2,745,106 from an N$8 stake on Soccer 13, a payout more than 343,000 times the original bet that ranks among the largest single payouts in Namibia's history.

    3 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  6. NSX-listed ABC places executives on precautionary leave

    Africa Bitcoin Corporation Limited, listed on the Namibia Securities Exchange, has placed its chief executive officer and chief investment officer on precautionary leave following debarment orders issued by South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority against them and the company's head of media and investor relations. The three individuals dispute the orders and intend to seek reconsideration, though no suspension of the decisions has been granted.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Three northern kapana vendors win Nedbank Cook-Off preliminary round

    Lucia Gideon, Saima Shipululu, and Loise Imvula won the northern preliminary round of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off in Oshakati, competing against 46 other vendors, and will advance to the national final where they will compete for business development prizes.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. DStv launches new streaming packages in South Africa after Canal+ takeover

    DStv has introduced new streaming packages—Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series, and Premium—launching on 17 September, with prices ranging from R99 to R799 per month. The overhaul includes a separate Sports package for the first time and applies only to streaming, not satellite decoders.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Cashbuild revenue rises 6% despite Malawi subsidiary loss

    Cashbuild's revenue increased by 6% for the period ended June 2026, but earnings were dragged down by a R34.9 million loss linked to the disposal of its Malawi subsidiary. Gross profit improved to 25.3% margin, though basic earnings per share fell 25% mainly due to the Malawi disposal.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Namibia extends collective wage agreement to all construction workers

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has extended the 2026 Collective Agreement between the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia and MANWU to all construction employers and employees, making the terms legally binding across the entire sector for two years. The agreement, effective from Tuesday, mandates improved wages and conditions including free protective clothing, living-away allowances of 15% of hourly wage for workers deployed away from home, and additional travel allowances where daily travel exceeds three hours.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  11. G4S seeks dismissal of Namdia's N$314 million lawsuit

    G4S Secure Solutions is seeking dismissal of a N$314 million lawsuit filed by Namdia, the state-owned diamond company, accusing Namdia of repeatedly failing to disclose required records.

    3 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Vehicle pricing guide for N$4,000 monthly car finance budget

    A monthly car finance budget of around N$4,000 can typically put you in the market for a vehicle priced between N$180,000 and N$210,000, assuming a 60- to 72-month finance term, standard interest rates, and no deposit or balloon payment. The article provides examples of entry-level new hatchbacks and pre-owned compact cars available at this price point.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Ministry disavows leaked Namibia Air and Ethiopian Airlines document

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has rejected a leaked document circulating about Namibia Air's engagement with Ethiopian Airlines, stating it is not official or authorised and does not reflect any concluded agreement. The Ministry said discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders remain ongoing as Government assesses viable models for operationalising the proposed national airline.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté

  3. Government distances itself from leaked Namibia Air document

    The ministry of works and transport has distanced itself from a leaked document about proposed engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over establishing a new national carrier, saying it does not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of its positions. The ministry confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines are continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Windhoek electricity tariffs to rise 3.6% from September 2026

    The City of Windhoek has announced a 3.6% average electricity tariff increase for households, businesses and institutions, effective 1 September 2026, following ECB approval. The adjustment aims to support maintenance and improvement of the municipality's electricity infrastructure.

    2 September 2026 · New Era

  5. Capricorn Foundation expands vocational entrepreneur coaching program

    The Capricorn Foundation is expanding its Be Your Own Boss programme to three additional towns, providing entrepreneurship coaching and business development support to 32 vocational graduates, following a successful pilot phase launched in Swakopmund in May 2026.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. International reserves rise to N$58bn as credit growth slows

    Namibia's international reserves increased 2.9% month-on-month to N$58 billion at end-July, supported by SACU receipts and foreign-currency placements, translating to 3.6 months import cover. Private-sector credit extension lost momentum during the month, while banking-sector cash balances fell sharply by 31.5% to N$6.7 billion.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Simonis Storm lowers private sector credit growth forecast for 2026

    Research firm Simonis Storm has downgraded its outlook for private sector credit extension growth through the end of 2026 to 3.5–4.5%, down from its previous 4.0–5.0% forecast, citing weaker corporate borrowing. July data showed headline PSCE growth slowed to 4.2% year-on-year, with business credit contracting to 3.7% while household borrowing strengthened.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Shoprite merchandise sales climb 7.2% to R270.8 billion

    Shoprite Holdings increased merchandise sales from continuing operations by 7.2% to R270.8 billion in the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026, driven by growth across its main banners including a 10% increase at Checkers and 74.5% growth at Petshop Science, while the Sixty60 digital platform recorded 34.5% sales growth to R25.5 billion.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Nedbank secures Kenya central bank approval for NCBA acquisition

    Nedbank Group has received approval from the Central Bank of Kenya for its proposed acquisition of approximately 66% of NCBA Group Plc. The South African banking group expects to receive remaining regulatory approvals by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. N$4 billion salmon project expected to create 5,000 jobs

    The Africa Aquaculture Company plans a N$4 billion Atlantic salmon production operation in Lüderitz targeting 51,000 tonnes annually and expecting to generate around 5,000 employment opportunities. The Namibia Industrial Development Agency has acquired a 40% equity stake, and the company aims to begin operations within 60 to 90 days pending completion of administrative requirements.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Windhoek introduces permit system for heavy vehicles

    The City of Windhoek is launching a new permit system for heavy vehicles over nine tonnes entering the city from 1 September, requiring operators to obtain permits for delivery or authorised purposes and restricting unpermitted vehicles to industrial areas. The city says the system is needed to reduce congestion and road damage caused by rising heavy vehicle traffic.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Employers should regularly review employee group risk benefits

    Group risk insurance policies are often left unchanged for years despite shifts in workforce and business priorities, leaving employee cover misaligned with current needs; regular, structured reviews are needed because salaries, families, and living costs evolve over time.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Kavango West Council formalizes partnership with trading company

    The Kavango West Regional Council signed a memorandum of understanding with Metzger Koranyara Trading CC to formalize a partnership covering agricultural production, agro-processing, trainee internships, tourism, and economic development. Council officials said the agreement formalizes an existing working relationship and will strengthen accountability and trust between the parties.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia launches digital trust system for online document signing

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has launched DigiNam, a digital trust system enabling Namibians to use verified digital identities and electronic signatures to sign documents and access services online. The system, backed by the Electronic Transactions Act of 2019, supports government services, contract signing, banking, business registration, customer verification, and health or education records management.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Filipino billionaire Razon expands ICTSI port operations into Namibia

    ICTSI, controlled by Filipino billionaire Enrique Razon Jr., has agreed to acquire full ownership of African port operator TLG Acquisition Holdings, expanding operations across Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. The transaction, signed but pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, will see ICTSI acquire 74% from African Infrastructure Investment Managers and 26% from Mokobela Shataki Proprietary Limited.

    1 September 2026 · Informanté

  6. Katima Mulilo N$450m wastewater treatment project commences

    Construction of the Katima Mulilo Wastewater Treatment Plant has begun following the handover of the project site to Fulbright Water, after delays related to environmental clearance and resident relocation. The project includes the treatment plant, upgraded sewer infrastructure, and network expansion, with about 70–75% of the workforce sourced from the Zambezi region.

    1 September 2026 · New Era

  7. Beifang Mining challenges union recognition agreement in Labour Court

    Beifang Mining Technology Services has appealed an arbitration award that reinstated a recognition agreement with the Revolutionary Union, arguing the union did not represent the majority of employees when the agreement was signed in March 2024. The company contends the agreement is null and void from the outset and faults the arbitrator for failing to distinguish between voidable and void agreements.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Ethiopian Airlines seeks management control in Namibia Air deal

    Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. Skeleton Basin Investments lists on NSX Development Capital Board

    Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has been listed on the Development Capital Board of the Namibia Securities Exchange as a Capital Pool Company, effective 28 August 2026. The listing provides the company with a vehicle to pursue investment opportunities and potentially acquire an operating business or assets.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Average house ownership requires N$43 765 monthly income

    Prospective buyers in Namibia need a gross monthly income of about N$43 765 to qualify for a mortgage on an average-priced home, according to a Simonis Storm Research report, highlighting a widening gap between house prices and household incomes. The housing affordability crisis is driven mainly by weak household incomes and slow delivery of serviced land, compounded by high construction costs and financing conditions.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Old Mutual reports 21% Life APE sales growth in first half 2026

    Old Mutual Limited reported strong new business growth for the six months ended 30 June 2026, with Life APE sales rising 21% to N$7.86 billion and gross flows increasing 21% to N$128.91 billion, though adjusted headline earnings were affected by weaker shareholder investment returns in volatile financial markets. The financial services group attributed growth mainly to strong group risk and annuity sales in Old Mutual Corporate, higher living annuity and endowment sales in Wealth Management, and growth across Old Mutual Africa Regions.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Regular reviews of employee group risk benefits essential

    Group risk insurance policies are often left unchanged for years despite shifts in workforce needs and business priorities, yet regular structured reviews are necessary to ensure cover remains relevant as salaries, families, and living costs evolve.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  13. Bank of Namibia cuts 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%

    The Bank of Namibia has lowered its 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.1%, down from its June projection and below the government's 3.1% target, citing sluggish mining, manufacturing, electricity and transport activity. The central bank held its repo rate at 6.75% in August as headline inflation plateaued at 4.4%, with foot-and-mouth disease and El Niño now identified as emerging risks.

    1 September 2026 · Informanté

Monday 31 August

  1. Middle East conflict drives Namibian fuel prices higher

    Escalating Middle East conflict and global oil supply disruptions have driven up international crude prices, with petrol increasing by 60c and diesel by 160c per litre as of 2 September. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 25% of the world's oil supplies, has caused oil prices to spike to around US$120 a barrel.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Fishrot scandal: seven years of corruption case

    The Fishrot scandal involves the alleged misappropriation of Namibia's horse mackerel fishing quotas through a network of politicians, businesspeople and international companies working to manipulate the quota system in exchange for bribes. The case has been before Namibian courts since 2019 following WikiLeaks' publication of the Fishrot Files and remains ongoing.

    31 August 2026 · New Era

  3. Fuel prices rise sharply amid Middle East tensions

    Namibian fuel prices are set to increase effective 2 September 2026, with ULP95 rising 60 cents per litre and both diesel grades rising N$1.60 per litre, driven by geopolitical volatility and disruptions in global oil markets stemming from Middle East tensions.

    31 August 2026 · New Era

  4. Government advancing plan for manufacturing in all fourteen regions

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says the government is making progress on establishing manufacturing facilities across Namibia's 14 regions, each aligned with local products and economic strengths. The initiative, directed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aims to expand local processing, promote value addition, create jobs, and move Namibia beyond primary production.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Deputy minister urges Namibian entrepreneurs to pursue regional markets

    Deputy minister of education Dino Ballotti challenged Namibian entrepreneurs to expand beyond the domestic market of three million people and pursue customers in Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa using technology. The article's author, while agreeing with the ambition, questions whether Namibia has the foundational business infrastructure—competitive companies, proper capitalization, technological capability, and consistent delivery—necessary for successful regional expansion.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

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