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Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Agribank

Agribank — agricultural finance institution providing loans, technical advisory, and investment support to farmers and agribusinesses in Namibia.

2022-04-142026-07-23
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. February 2026

  2. Informanté

    Agribank has begun implementing its Arrears Relief Programme from 2 February 2026

    Source

    “AGRIBANK has begun implementing its Arrears Relief Programme from 2 February 2026, offering struggling clients relief on overdue loan accounts through the write-off of penalty interest and structured repayment plans, while strengthening the bank's loan recovery efforts.”

    Agribank launches loan arrears relief drive

  3. New Era

    Agribank announced immediate moratorium on salary-backed loans for government employees

    Source

    “Agribank recently announced an immediate moratorium on salary-backed loans for government employees, citing the termination of services with Avril Payment Solutions.”

    Financial advisor bemoans lack of PDMS replacement

  4. New Era

    Agribank officially began implementation of Arrears Relief Programme

    Source

    “The implementation of Agribank's Arrears Relief Programme officially began yesterday and will provide much-needed assistance to hundreds of farmers who have fallen behind on their loan repayments.”

    Agribank’s  debt  relief throws  farmers  lifeline …strategic  alliance  with  AMTA  hailed

  5. New Era

    Agribank entered into a strategic agreement with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency

    Source

    “Late last year, Agribank entered into a strategic agreement with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), under which the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen and expand collaboration in the agricultural sector, particularly by supporting small-scale farmers without market access and through capacity-building initiatives.”

    Agribank’s  debt  relief throws  farmers  lifeline …strategic  alliance  with  AMTA  hailed
  6. January 2026

  7. New Era

    Agribank assessed 5,070 agricultural proposals during pilot phase

    Source

    “Of these, 6 111 projects were assessed by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), 5 070 agricultural proposals by Agribank and 294 eco-friendly projects by the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).”

    Youth fund has no closing date – Ministry … apply any time
  8. April 2022

  9. The Namibian

    Agribank is providing assistance and support to Kamanya's hydroponics unit installation

    Source

    “We are now installing a hydroponics unit, with the assistance and support of Agribank, with the goal to establish a 'smart ' agricultural system geared towards assisting the different community centres to save water as well as mitigate the impact of ever-changing weather conditions on agricultural production.”

    Kamanya's Phoenix Year
Business

MTC retains position as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise

The News

MTC recorded profits of N$1.45 billion in the 2025 financial year, reinforcing its status as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise in the 2026 IJG Public Enterprise Governance Ranking. Other state-owned enterprises including NamPort, NamPower, and NamibRe showed mixed financial performance, with NamPort emerging as a strong turnaround performer with profits rising to N$864.5 million.

14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. MTC retains position as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise

    MTC recorded profits of N$1.45 billion in the 2025 financial year, reinforcing its status as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise in the 2026 IJG Public Enterprise Governance Ranking. Other state-owned enterprises including NamPort, NamPower, and NamibRe showed mixed financial performance, with NamPort emerging as a strong turnaround performer with profits rising to N$864.5 million.

    14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. MTC achieves perfect score in 2026 public enterprise governance rankings

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) scored 20 out of 20 in IJG Securities' 2026 Public Enterprise Governance Ranking, which assessed public enterprises over five years on annual report publication, profitability, fiscal transfer reliance, and CEO stability. NamPort, Agribank, and NamibRe placed second with 19 points each, while NamPower and NamWater tied for fifth with 18 points.

    14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 6 July

  1. Agribank appoints Robert Eiman as new CEO

    Robert Eiman officially assumed duty as Agribank's Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2026 for a five-year term, as the institution pursues organisational transformation to strengthen agricultural finance delivery in Namibia. A new Board of Directors, chaired by Silvia Makgone, will provide strategic oversight during the bank's efforts to enhance sustainability and deliver more innovative financing solutions to the agriculture sector.

    6 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Namibia launches revised National Resettlement Policy 2023–2033

    Government has launched a revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033) that strengthens land tenure security and expands support systems for beneficiaries. The policy allows resettlement beneficiaries to move from leasehold to freehold ownership once they meet specified conditions, improving tenure security and enabling land rights to be used as collateral for credit.

    1 July 2026 · New Era →

  2. N$18 million grant fund supports youth and women-led businesses

    An N$18 million grant fund from the Pro-SME Project, a joint Namibian-German initiative, is available to young entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them formalise, expand and create jobs, with the first application round closing on 24 July.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 29 June

  1. Zaamwani urges land for active farmers, not lifestyle assets

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says resettlement farms should go to people who will actively work the land rather than use it as a lifestyle asset, signalling a possible review of the current scoring system that gives higher marks to applicants with master's degrees or PhDs. The government is considering overhauling beneficiary selection criteria under the revised 2023 National Resettlement Policy.

    29 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Small-scale crop farmers advised on formal market access strategies

    Small-scale farmers face challenges accessing formal markets for horticultural produce, which limits expansion and sustainability. The article outlines key strategies for farmers to secure formal market off-take agreements, including measuring production area, registering with the Namibian Agronomic Board, and understanding yield potential.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Presidential adviser faces scrutiny over N$15m Agribank debt

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's newly appointed economic adviser Shali Shindume reportedly owes Agribank over N$15 million from a loan obtained while he was the bank's credit manager. Agribank sought High Court action in 2021 over breach of contract, with a settlement agreement requiring Shindume to subdivide his mortgaged farm property and make specified monthly payments.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Agribank invests N$50,000 in Kavango horticulture projects

    Agribank has invested nearly N$50,000 in irrigation equipment and farming materials for two horticulture projects to boost rural food production and community agriculture.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Namibian farmers study Kenya cooperative model

    A Namibian delegation of farmers and agricultural leaders visited Kenya to observe mixed farming and cooperative practices, including a zero-grazing dairy system, as a potential model to address rural poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in Namibia.

    20 May 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Rainy season brings livestock disease risks to Namibian farmers

    A technical advisor from Agribank warns that while rainfall is essential, wet conditions during the rainy season increase livestock disease risks including footrot, sweating sickness, gall sickness, and lumpy skin disease, and recommends farmers implement preventive measures such as vaccination and proper herd management.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Organisational structure critical for agribusiness success

    According to Agribank's technical advisor, a well-designed organisational structure in agribusiness improves decision-making, efficiency, job clarity, and financial management while supporting succession planning and sustainable growth. The article outlines how clear roles, reporting lines, and span of control help agribusinesses reduce bottlenecks, align operations with strategic goals, and strengthen their ability to secure funding.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 5 April

  1. Postfin CEO Robert Eiman appointed Agribank leader

    Robert Eiman, chief executive of Nampost Financial Brokers, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Agribank effective 1 July, succeeding Raphael Karuaihe who retired in March.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Step-by-step guide to growing tomatoes successfully

    Agribank's technical adviser outlines best practices for tomato production, covering crop variety selection, soil preparation, spacing, irrigation schedules, fertilisation, pest management, and staking requirements across a 90–120 day growing cycle.

    31 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Finance Minister defends 2026/27 budget against parliamentary concerns

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah defended the N$104 billion 2026/27 budget, stating it balances fiscal consolidation with economic support without introducing broad-based tax increases. She addressed parliamentary concerns about taxation, public debt levels, and sectoral allocations, emphasizing that development spending extends beyond the official figures and that agricultural financing should be viewed holistically including through Agribank.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Monoculture farming damages soil and invites pests

    Monoculture — repeatedly growing the same crop on the same land — offers efficiency gains but damages soil structure, depletes nutrients, and allows pests and diseases to thrive. Experts recommend crop rotation and incorporating legumes to restore soil health and reduce vulnerability to pest outbreaks.

    24 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 9 March

  1. President meets SWANU leaders on land, genocide, agriculture

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with South West Africa National Union (SWANU) at State House to discuss national issues including land reform, genocide negotiations, agriculture financing, and water challenges facing farmers. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.

    9 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Driest January since 1981 prompts proactive farming strategies

    Namibia's Meteorological Services reported the driest January since 1981, with uneven rainfall posing risks to livestock and crop production. The article urges farmers to take early action—such as selling vulnerable animals and securing irrigation—and calls on policymakers to support export abattoirs, subsidize irrigation systems, and strengthen border security against foot-and-mouth disease.

    3 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Kunene farmer grows herd from seven to ninety goats

    Ingrid Heigan, a single mother in Tsaurob, Kunene, built her goat herd from seven animals to over 90 through hard work and a livestock support programme (IREMA) run by the Environmental Investment Fund in partnership with the agriculture ministry, which has benefited an estimated 68,600 people in drought-prone areas.

    18 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Foot-and-mouth disease threatens Namibia's livestock exports

    With FMD spreading in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana, Namibia's livestock industry—valued at N$6–15 billion and heavily reliant on exports—faces an imminent threat. An outbreak could devastate export markets, employment, food prices, and government budgets across multiple economic sectors.

    17 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Agribank launches loan arrears relief programme for struggling clients

    Agribank is implementing an Arrears Relief Programme from February 2026 for clients with overdue accounts, offering 100% write-off of penalty interest, de-listing from credit bureaus, and structured repayment plans over up to 60 months. Eligible clients in pre-legal status must pay at least 20% of arrears, while those in legal status must pay 25%, with the remaining balance ring-fenced and charged no further interest.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 3 February

  1. Agribank Arrears Relief Programme opens for struggling farmers

    Agribank's Arrears Relief Programme, launched in September 2025, began implementation and offers farmers with overdue loans a 100% write-off of penalty interest plus the option to repay remaining arrears over up to 60 months, subject to paying at least 20–25% of arrear balances upfront. The bank has also entered into a strategic alliance with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency to support small-scale farmers, expand market access, and promote value-added agricultural projects.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Expert advises aspiring farmers on key mistakes to avoid

    Agribank's technical advisor Hanks Saisai outlines crucial errors for new farmers to avoid, including prioritising infrastructure over home construction, starting at small scale, targeting specific markets, hiring qualified personnel, and viewing farming as a long-term investment requiring patience and disciplined financial management rather than a quick-profit scheme.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

  3. Financial advisor warns of PDMS shutdown risks to civil servants

    A senior accounting advisor has criticised the government's discontinuation of the Payroll Deduction Management System (PDMS) as of November 2025, calling the proposed "PDMS Helpdesk" replacement a step backwards that relies on manual processes rather than digital automation for managing civil servants' financial deductions. The Finance Ministry has stated the shutdown aims to address over-indebtedness among government employees and suggests the Enhanced Debit Order (EnDo) platform as an alternative, though financial institutions have already begun restricting salary-backed loans in response.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

  4. DBN approves N$15m in youth enterprise funding

    The Development Bank of Namibia has approved approximately N$15 million through the National Youth Development Fund to support 46 youth-owned enterprises aged 18 to 45, with collateral-free financing ranging from N$60,000 to over N$1 million at interest rates of 2–4% per annum. The Fund, launched in September 2024, continues to accept applications on a rolling basis through regional governors and participating development finance institutions.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

  5. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 30 businesses

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses and expects to create 147 jobs. The fund, launched in September 2025 with N$500 million allocated, offers collateral-free loans at 2% to 4% interest to young Namibians aged 18 to 45 to boost entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment.

    3 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 February

  1. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 46 young entrepreneurs

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 46 youth-owned businesses through the Development Bank of Namibia, with about 40 additional applications under assessment. The fund, a N$500 million initiative supporting Namibians aged 18–35, offers loans from N$60,000 to N$1 million at interest rates from 2%, with no collateral required.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 27 January

  1. Mulching practice conserves water in Namibian farming

    Mulching—covering soil between crops with a layer of material—is an efficient water conservation technique for arid regions like Namibia. It reduces evaporation, cuts watering frequency, prevents weeds, regulates soil temperature, and can provide nutrients when organic materials are used.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Monday 26 January

  1. Deputy minister urges youth toward modern, value-driven agriculture

    Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake told young Namibians at an Oniipa engagement that the future of agriculture rests in their hands, urging them to embrace modern farming practices and access low-interest loans through the National Youth Development Fund launched in September 2025. Legislator Willem Amutenya stressed the need to commercialise production on communal land and secure reliable markets for northern region produce.

    26 January 2026 · New Era →

Agribank — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute