Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Person

Ebson Uanguta

Also known as: Current central bank governor Ebson Uanguta · Central bank governor Ebson Uanguta · Governor Uanguta

Governor of the Bank of Namibia overseeing monetary policy, financial stability, and economic diversification strategy.

2024-01-102026-09-06
Share on WhatsApp

What’s been said

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

  1. August 2026

  2. The Namibian

    BoN governor Ebson Uanguta said the bank's first-ever commemorative currency honoured Fredericks

    Source

    “BoN governor Ebson Uanguta at the handover said: "The bank's first-ever commemorative currency honoured Fredericks, reflecting the significance of his achievements to Namibia's history.”

    Sprint king finally gets cheetah on coin

  3. Windhoek Observer

    Governor Ebson Uanguta called on financial sector to strengthen technical expertise and risk management

    Source

    “The Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Ebson Uanguta, has called on the country's financial sector to strengthen its technical expertise, governance and risk management capabilities to participate sustainably in Namibia's emerging oil and gas industry.”

    BoN urges financial sector to build expertise for oil and gas opportunities

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Uanguta expressed appreciation to Bank of Uganda for sharing experience on oil and gas sector preparation

    Source

    “He also expressed appreciation to the Bank of Uganda for sharing its experience in preparing Uganda's banking sector to participate in the oil and gas value chain, saying Namibia could benefit from lessons learned by fellow African central banks as it develops its own regulatory framework.”

    BoN urges financial sector to build expertise for oil and gas opportunities

  5. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta emphasised importance of coordination among ministries, regulators and public institutions for oil and gas industry success

    Source

    “THE Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Ebson Uanguta, has emphasised the importance of coordination among ministries, regulators and public institutions for the success of the emerging oil and gas industry.”

    Uanguta urges coordinated approach to Namibia’s oil and gas industry
  6. July 2026

  7. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta was welcomed as successor to Johannes !Gawaxab as Bank of Namibia Governor

    Source

    “The association also paid tribute to outgoing Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes !Gawaxab and welcomed Ebson Uanguta as his successor, as the institution prepares for the next phase of payment system development.”

    PAN marks 20 years of payments evolution as national strategy concludes

  8. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta explained domestic economy demonstrated resilience despite ongoing global headwinds

    Source

    “Ebson Uanguta, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, explained that despite ongoing global headwinds, the domestic economy demonstrated resilience during the period under review.”

    Namibia’s financial systems stable, says Bank of Namibia

  9. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta said banking sector remained well capitalised, profitable and liquid in Q1 2026

    Source

    “He added that the banking sector remained well capitalised, profitable and liquid during the first quarter of 2026, with notable improvements in asset quality.”

    Namibia’s financial systems stable, says Bank of Namibia

  10. Windhoek Observer

    Governor Ebson Uanguta led Bank of Namibia delegation at Declaration of Intent signing

    Source

    “The signing brought together senior representatives from the Bank of Namibia, led by Governor Ebson Uanguta, IPN, led by Chief Operating Officer Marsorry Ickua, and NamClear, led by Managing Director Fabian Tait.”

    NamClear, IPN sign Declaration of Intent
  11. June 2026

  12. New Era

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta stated that exit from FATF grey list reflects commitment to safeguarding financial system integrity

    Source

    “"Namibia's exit from the FATF grey list is a significant national milestone that reflects our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system and strengthening confidence in our economy," he said.”

    Namibia’s passes FATF litmus test … exits grey list, boosts financial credibility

  13. Windhoek Observer

    Bank of Namibia Governor Ebson Uanguta said removal from grey list marks successful conclusion of financial governance reform efforts

    Source

    “Bank of Namibia Governor and chairperson of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Council, Ebson Uanguta said Namibia's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list marks the successful conclusion of one of the country's most significant financial governance reform efforts, while stressing that maintaining international standards will require continued vigilance.”

    FATF grey list exit boosts confidence in financial system
Business

Bank of Namibia to launch digital money via phones by June

The News

The Bank of Namibia plans to introduce digital money on mobile phones by next June to expand financial inclusion and improve instant payments, with initial use for government-to-person transactions followed by person-to-person transfers. The central bank governor said the digital system will help formalise the informal economy by creating transaction histories that businesses can use to obtain loans from banks.

27 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 27 August

  1. Bank of Namibia to launch digital money via phones by June

    The Bank of Namibia plans to introduce digital money on mobile phones by next June to expand financial inclusion and improve instant payments, with initial use for government-to-person transactions followed by person-to-person transfers. The central bank governor said the digital system will help formalise the informal economy by creating transaction histories that businesses can use to obtain loans from banks.

    27 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 24 August

  1. Venus oil project offers US$17 billion entrepreneurial ecosystem opportunity

    The proposed Venus oil discovery could require US$17 billion in investment—exceeding Namibia's estimated annual economy—with planned production of 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. The article argues that entrepreneurs should focus on the supporting ecosystem of services and industries that the major project would create, rather than the headline transaction itself.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 21 August

  1. National Steering Committee on Informal Economy inaugurated

    Minister Modestus Amutse officially inaugurated the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek on Friday, a 35-member body chaired by Diina Nashidengo. According to the minister, 58% of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, with 59% in rural areas.

    21 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 17 August

  1. Namibia, Botswana emphasise diversification beyond natural resources

    Namibia and Botswana have discussed how natural resource wealth can be transformed into sustainable and inclusive prosperity, with both countries stressing the importance of economic diversification, strong institutions, and saving for future generations. Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta highlighted that resource wealth alone cannot guarantee broad-based prosperity, and called for greater local value addition, technology transfer, and stronger domestic supply chains as the country explores opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Welwitschia Fund reaches $30.85 million market value

    The Welwitschia Fund, established in 2022 to convert Namibia's resource wealth into longer-term financial wealth, has recorded a market value of US$30.85 million (N$508.47 million) as of 31 July, with an annualised return of 15.5% since inception. The fund is designed to strengthen Namibia's resilience to economic shocks and promote intergenerational equity, with a companion Sovereign Wealth Fund of Namibia Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2026.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Bank of Namibia hosts dialogue on resource wealth management

    The Bank of Namibia and UNAM convened a public lecture featuring the governors of Namibia and Botswana to discuss translating natural resource endowments into sustainable prosperity through economic diversification, sovereign wealth management, and local value addition in sectors including oil, gas, and green hydrogen.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 16 August

  1. Namibia and Botswana discuss diversifying resource-dependent economies

    At a Bank of Namibia public lecture, the governors of Namibia and Botswana stressed that natural resource wealth alone cannot guarantee broad-based prosperity, emphasizing the need for economic diversification, strong institutions, local value addition, technology transfer, and saving for future generations.

    16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 14 August

  1. Capital outflows to South Africa decline to N$10bn this year

    Capital outflows from Namibia to South Africa fell to about N$10 billion year-to-date, down from N$18 billion in the corresponding period last year, Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta said. The central bank is monitoring the interest rate differential with South Africa, warning that a widening gap could increase capital outflows and pressure the country's foreign reserves and currency peg.

    14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate steady at 6.75%

    The Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75% and the prime lending rate at 10.25%, citing a need to support international reserves and maintain the Namibia Dollar–South African Rand peg while balancing subdued economic activity and relatively benign inflation.

    12 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate steady at 6.75%

    The Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee has decided to leave the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, where it has been since a 25 basis point increase in June 2026. The central bank cited efforts to maintain price and financial stability amid domestic and external economic conditions.

    12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 7 August

  1. Bank of Namibia formally presents Olympic sprinter Frank Fredericks commemorative coin

    The Bank of Namibia formally handed over a 1996 commemorative silver coin to Olympic sprinter Frank Fredericks on 31 July, honouring his four Olympic silver medals and 30 years of achievements. The non-circulating N$10 coin, minted in his honour in 1996, features a cheetah symbolising speed and resilience alongside Namibia's coat of arms.

    7 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. BoN urges financial sector to build oil and gas expertise

    The Governor of the Bank of Namibia has called on the country's financial sector to strengthen its technical expertise, governance, and risk management capabilities to participate in Namibia's emerging oil and gas industry. He noted that opportunities extend beyond oil production into transport, logistics, engineering, and professional services, and that non-bank financial institutions like pension funds and insurers could also play a significant financing role.

    7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Bank governor urges multi-agency coordination on oil and gas

    The Governor of the Bank of Namibia emphasized that success in the emerging oil and gas industry requires coordination among ministries, regulators, public institutions, financial institutions, energy companies, investors, and educational institutions. He noted that collaboration among regulators is particularly important because risks can spread across institutions and sectors, and that financial institutions must fully understand the sector to participate meaningfully.

    7 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. NPC clarifies oil revenue projections not yet in fiscal planning

    The National Planning Commission said government will only factor oil income into fiscal planning once oil and gas projects reach a final investment decision, and that borrowing decisions are based on broader economic projections rather than a single sector. The clarification followed criticism from the Independent Patriots for Change, which had accused the NPC director general of proposing that Namibia borrow against future oil revenues despite sector uncertainty.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 30 July

  1. PAN marks 20 years, NPS Strategy reaches 87% implementation

    The Payments Association of Namibia has celebrated two decades of transforming the country's payment landscape, highlighted by the successful completion of the National Payment System Strategy 2021–2025, which achieved an 87% implementation rate and transitioned Namibia from manual, paper-based payments to a digital financial ecosystem.

    30 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Bank of Namibia: Financial system remains sound and stable

    The Bank of Namibia's Macroprudential Oversight Committee concluded that Namibia's financial system remains sound and stable following an assessment of systemic risks and vulnerabilities. Real GDP grew by 2.0% in the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, with growth projected to reach 2.6% in 2026, though the outlook faces downside risks from geopolitical tensions, weaker global demand, and water supply constraints.

    22 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 2 July

  1. Bank of Namibia, IPN, NamClear sign collaboration agreement

    The Bank of Namibia, Instant Payments Namibia (IPN), and NamClear signed a Declaration of Intent to strengthen collaboration and align their operations, aiming to enhance efficiency, resilience and interoperability of the national payments ecosystem by connecting instant payment capability with existing clearing infrastructure.

    2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Namibia exits FATF grey list after major financial reforms

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as of 19 June 2026, following the amendment of nine laws and enactment of four new pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. The government hailed the removal as a turning point for investor confidence and integration into the global financial system.

    24 June 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia exits FATF grey list, strengthening financial system confidence

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, effective 19 June 2026. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the exit reflects political commitment and institutional coordination on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms, while cautioning against complacency.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate amid global supply shocks

    The Bank of Namibia's governor reports that the Monetary Policy Committee increased the repo rate by 25 basis points in response to rising inflationary pressures driven by oil infrastructure damage and shipping disruptions from Middle Eastern conflict. As a small open economy, Namibia remains vulnerable to external shocks transmitted through global markets.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate to 6.75%

    The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, pushing the prime lending rate to 10.25%, which means commercial banks will charge more for home loans, vehicle finance, and other credit. Governor Ebson Uanguta said the decision was necessary to mitigate inflationary risks and safeguard the one-to-one link between the Namibian dollar and the South African rand.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate to 6.75%

    The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, bringing the Prime lending rate to 10.25%, citing rising global and domestic inflationary pressures and shifting monetary policy stances among major central banks.

    17 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Bank of Namibia raises repo rate to 6.75 percent

    The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, effective immediately, with the prime lending rate also rising to 10.25%. Governor Ebson Uanguta said the Monetary Policy Committee tightened policy to counter rising inflation and maintain the NAD/ZAR currency peg, with headline inflation climbing to 4.1% in May 2026.

    17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Opinion: PM's housing policy response lacks substance and scale

    An editorial criticizes Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare's approach to Namibia's housing crisis, arguing that appealing to commercial banks to lower mortgage rates ignores the systemic failures that have produced a backlog of over 300,000 units and left the ultra low-income majority unable to qualify for traditional mortgages.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Central bank warns public debt could reach 70% of GDP

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta warned that Namibia's public debt could rise to 70% of GDP by the end of the current financial year without spending reforms, noting that debt has already exceeded the 60% benchmark and currently stands at 65.2% of GDP. The central bank says the government can no longer rely on borrowing to fund expenditure and cautioned against borrowing against future oil revenues.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Prime minister calls for review of housing finance models

    Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has questioned Namibia's housing finance model, arguing that lengthy repayment periods of up to 20 years make homeownership unaffordable for young people, and has urged the Bank of Namibia to engage commercial banks to review and reform existing housing finance models. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah welcomed the directive and called for the central bank, her ministry, and the office of the prime minister to work with commercial banks to implement the proposal.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. 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 →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate at 6.50% until mid-June

    The Bank of Namibia announced its repo rate will remain at 6.50% until mid-June, keeping commercial bank prime lending rates at 10%. The central bank cited weak domestic economic activity, higher inflation forecasts for 2026, and the need to maintain the Namibia dollar's peg to the South African rand in its decision.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. BoN governor warns of economic headwinds despite medium-term recovery prospects

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta said Namibia's economy faces headwinds from weaker diamond prices, drought and constrained fiscal space, though it is projected to gradually strengthen over the medium term supported by increased uranium production, tourism recovery, and mining and energy investment. He noted that Namibia's strategic importance presents opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining, but cautioned that global growth is expected to remain subdued through 2026 and 2027 amid geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bank of Namibia discusses economic outlook with diplomats

    The Bank of Namibia hosted diplomats, development agencies and international stakeholders to discuss global economic developments and Namibia's economic outlook. BoN governor Ebson Uanguta said the global economy faces structural changes from geopolitical tensions, technology shifts, climate risks and supply-chain disruptions, and that central banks must strengthen areas beyond traditional mandates including digital finance and cyber resilience.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Ebson Uanguta — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute