Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Development Bank of Namibia

Also known as: DBN

Development bank that has received a USD 1 million Green Climate Fund grant and manages the National Youth Development Fund.

2022-10-262026-07-23
Share on WhatsApp

What’s been said

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

  1. August 2025

  2. The Namibian

    Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) granted Enercon two loans in May 2015

    Source

    “Court documents show the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) granted Enercon two loans in May 2015 – one for more than N$18 million, another for over N$7 million.”

    One Country, Two Roads: What Corruption Scandals Reveal About Success and Integrity
  3. July 2025

  4. The Namibian

    Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has launched a nationwide campaign to increase awareness and uptake of financial products for young SME entrepreneurs

    Source

    “The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of its financial products tailored specifically for young Namibians in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.”

    DBN pushes for youth uptake of SME finance

  5. The Namibian

    Development Bank of Namibia approved N$74.6 million in SME funding during 2024/25 financial year

    Source

    “While the bank approved N$74.6 million in SME funding during the 2024/25 financial year, only N$170 000 of that amount went to skills-based finance.”

    DBN pushes for youth uptake of SME finance
  6. September 2024

  7. The Namibian

    Development Bank of Namibia loaned to Meatco N$437.3 million to pay off commercial bank debts

    Source

    “A key issue in the ongoing debate is the fact that Meatco managed to pay off its debts to commercial banks, but had to borrow N$437.3 million from the Development Bank of Namibia to do so.”

    Meatco at a Crossroads: To Privatise or Not?
  8. August 2024

  9. The Namibian

    John Steytler (as CEO of the Development Bank of Namibia) serves as CEO of the Development Bank of Namibia

    Source

    “As CEO of the Development Bank of Namibia, I need to keep many balls in the air.”

    Lose the Game, Win the Match
  10. February 2024

  11. The Namibian

    Development Bank of Namibia provided financing of N$65 million for Unam solar project

    Source

    “The University of Namibia (Unam) solar project has secured financing of N$65 million from the Development Bank of Namibia and Old Mutual.”

    Solar project worth N$65m on the cards
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 →

Thursday 9 July

  1. Entrepreneurship must be serious work, not merely slogan

    Namibia has shifted its economic focus from job creation to enterprise development and entrepreneurship support. The editorial argues that building broad prosperity requires embedding entrepreneurship education from primary school through vocational training, and that Namibians must understand they must create their own opportunities rather than wait for salaried employment.

    9 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 6 July

  1. Court orders Elindi brothers to pay N$28.8m to DBN

    A Windhoek High Court judge has ordered businessmen Peter and Malakia Elindi and three close corporations to pay N$28.8 million to the Development Bank of Namibia in a summary judgement, arising from loan agreements with the fuel company Enercon Namibia, of which the Elindis are former directors and shareholders.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 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 →

Friday 3 July

  1. Ohorongo-Cheetah Cement merger approved with operational conditions

    Ohorongo Cement says its merger with Schwenk Namibia's Cheetah Cement, approved with conditions by the minister of industries, mines and energy, will not result in job losses but will involve staff relocation from Otjiwarongo to Otavi and increased local ownership requirements.

    3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. 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 →

  2. Andrada Mining posts record tin output, advances lithium projects

    Andrada Mining reported record tin production of 286 tonnes at Uis in the quarter ended 31 May 2026, a 20% increase year-on-year, with tin concentrate production also reaching a record 473 tonnes. The company secured N$98 million in funding for a tin ore-sorting expansion and advanced lithium and tungsten projects through drilling programmes.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. DBN secures $1 million climate finance grant from Green Climate Fund

    The Development Bank of Namibia has received a US$1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to strengthen institutional capacity and mobilise climate finance for climate-resilient and low-carbon development initiatives over 2026–2027. Through its GCF accreditation, DBN can directly access up to US$250 million in climate finance to support climate-related projects in Namibia.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. DBN secures US$1 million climate grant, opens path to larger funding

    The Development Bank of Namibia received a US$1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund following its accreditation in 2025, unlocking potential access to up to US$250 million in future climate financing and strengthening Namibia's position in the global green economy.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. DBN receives USD 1 million GCF grant for climate readiness

    The Development Bank of Namibia has been approved for a USD 1 million Readiness Grant from the Green Climate Fund to strengthen its institutional capacity and mobilise investment for climate-resilient and low-carbon development. The grant follows DBN's accreditation to the GCF in July 2025, and a programme titled "Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Catalysing Private Sector Climate Investments in Namibia" will be implemented during 2026–2027.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Kavango West maternity ward nears completion with Development Bank support

    The governor of Kavango West announced that construction of the Rupara Maternity Ward is nearing completion with N$1 million support from the Development Bank of Namibia. The facility is expected to improve maternal and childcare services and reduce maternal and infant health risks in surrounding communities.

    14 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 4 June

  1. 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. Most SMEs unprepared for oil sector procurement opportunities

    As TotalEnergies and other companies approach final investment decisions on Orange Basin projects before 2026, the oil and gas sector will begin broad procurement across raw materials, infrastructure, and services. However, most Namibian small and medium enterprises are not yet positioned to compete for these opportunities.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Andrada secures N$98m debt financing for Uis Mine expansion

    Andrada Mining Limited has secured N$98 million in conditional debt financing from Bank Windhoek and the Development Bank of Namibia to support expansion projects at Uis Mine in Erongo. The funds will be used for construction and commissioning of an ore-sorting circuit, increased crushing capacity, accelerated stripping activities, and resource estimates.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. TransNamib to relaunch N$1.7 billion locomotive procurement tender

    A year after cancellation over single-sourcing concerns, TransNamib will restart the process to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion following an independent technical evaluation of manufacturers. The procurement will proceed through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia using secured development finance.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Development Bank of Namibia launches digital Client Portal

    The Development Bank of Namibia has launched a new Client Portal, a secure, mobile-friendly digital platform enabling existing clients to manage their profiles, access account information, and connect with portfolio analysts. The launch forms part of the Bank's five-year strategic plan prioritising digital transformation for improved service delivery and client engagement.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Government launches expanded youth skills and funding programmes

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced expanded government programmes to address youth unemployment through training, skills development, and funding. The initiatives include mushroom cultivation and biomass training, the Youth Credit Scheme, and the Youth Development Fund, which has approved 211 projects worth N$63.1 million with potential to create 898 jobs.

    15 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 9 April

  1. RCC seeks N$500 million loan for stadiums in 14 regions

    The state-owned Roads Contractor Company has requested a N$500 million loan from the Development Bank of Namibia to build sport stadiums across 14 regions without a public tender process. The project, part of the president's infrastructure pledge to all 121 constituencies, has raised concerns about unclear costs, lack of transparency, and potential involvement of foreign contractors despite a directive limiting subcontracting to local small and medium enterprises.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Sport ministry denies involvement in RCC's N$500m stadium loan request

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture said it had not appointed the Roads Contractor Company to source funding from the Development Bank of Namibia for sport stadiums, nor was it aware of or party to any loan application by the RCC. The ministry said it remains the custodian of sport infrastructure development and is implementing its national programme with N$5 million per facility as part of phase 1 of a long-term, phased approach.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. DBN funds N$1bn health infrastructure programme nationwide

    The Development Bank of Namibia has disbursed N$1 billion towards a national health infrastructure programme, part of the government's "Roadmap" initiative. The funding will support construction of a 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital and district hospitals in Nkurenkuru, Otjiwarongo, and Ondangwa to address bed shortages and improve healthcare access.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 5 April

  1. DBN funds N$1 billion Windhoek District Hospital construction

    The Development Bank of Namibia has allocated N$1 billion for construction of a 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital in Havana to address bed shortages and ease pressure on existing facilities in the Khomas region. The project is part of the government's healthcare infrastructure development plan and is expected to stimulate economic activity through construction and job creation, though land clearing remains pending before work commences.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 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 →

Thursday 26 March

  1. DBN launches new financing product for women entrepreneurs

    The Development Bank of Namibia has launched "DBN for Her," a financing initiative designed to increase access to credit for women-owned businesses. The product offers loans at prime interest rate with a 12-month grace period and credit guarantee scheme to address the documented funding gap, with women having received only about 14% of DBN's total funding to date.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. DBN approves N$22.74bn in loans since 2007

    The Development Bank of Namibia has approved N$22.74 billion in loans since 2007, with only N$1.87 billion (14.3% of private sector funding) directed to women-owned enterprises. The bank launched the 'DBN for Her' programme and noted that women's share of approvals has declined to 5% in the current financial year, down from a peak of 22.6% in 2016/17.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. DBN launches N$400 million financing platform for women entrepreneurs

    The Development Bank of Namibia has launched DBN For Her, a women-focused financing initiative backed by N$400 million from the African Development Bank, offering loans ranging from N$150,000 to N$10 million to women-owned businesses employing between five and 300 people.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Swakopmund golf course sold at auction for N$41 million

    Rossmund Golf Course was sold for N$41 million at a judicial auction, with businessman Bokkie Thorburn as the winning bidder. The sale followed a default judgment obtained by the Development Bank of Namibia against the golf course operator for N$19.9 million plus interest.

    20 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. N$40.1 million disbursed to young entrepreneurs via YDF

    Young entrepreneurs have received N$40.1 million through the Youth Development Fund since its launch last year. Development partners are introducing online applications, satellite offices in regions, and business workshops to improve access and address barriers including incomplete applications and limited awareness.

    20 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. High Court blocks bid to halt Rossmund Golf Course auction

    The Windhoek High Court rejected an urgent application by Rossmund Golf Course CC to stop a judicial auction of the course near Swakopmund, with Judge Gabriel Komboni ruling the applicants had not met the requirements for urgent hearing. The 53.6-hectare golf course was set to be auctioned on Wednesday following a default judgment for N$19.9 million owed to the Development Bank of Namibia.

    18 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Development Bank of Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute