Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Ebson Uanguta

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

Governor of the Bank of Namibia, managing monetary policy and currency peg maintenance amid economic headwinds.

2024-01-102026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. April 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Current governor Ebson Uanguta says the agreement with Navachab represents an important step in advancing the bank's reserve diversification strategy

    Source

    “Current governor Ebson Uanguta says the agreement with Navachab represents an important step in advancing the bank's reserve diversification strategy.”

    BoN to refine Navachab gold abroad, considers London storage

  3. New Era

    Governor Ebson Uanguta said global growth remained steady at 3.3% in 2025 supported by investment in technology

    Source

    “"Global growth remained steady at 3.3% in 2025, the same as in 2024, supported by investment in technology, supportive policies and resilient private sector activity," he said.”

    Growth slows as global risks rise – BoN

  4. New Era

    Governor Ebson Uanguta said real GDP growth dropped to 1.7% in 2025 from 3.8% in 2024

    Source

    “"The slowdown was mainly due to weaker performance in the primary industries. Agriculture declined due to restocking activities, while mining was affected by lower global demand for diamonds," Uanguta said.”

    Growth slows as global risks rise – BoN

  5. The Namibian

    Ebson Uanguta said redemption of Eurobond and weakening US dollar contributed to loss

    Source

    “Current central bank governor Ebson Uanguta, in the annual results released yesterday, said the redemption of the Eurobond and the weakening of the United States (US) dollar contributed to the loss.”

    Bank of Namibia reports record N$892m loss

  6. New Era

    Ebson Uanguta said the bank performed strongly despite global challenges

    Source

    “BoN Governor Ebson Uanguta said the bank performed strongly despite global challenges.”

    BoN pays N$200m dividend to gov

  7. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta explained that decline in global inflation and weakening US dollar contributed to reduction in operating profit

    Source

    “This was revealed by Ebson Uanguta, the central bank's governor, who explained that the decline in global inflation, the weakening of the US dollar, the redemption of the Eurobond, and the Bank's continued fulfilment of its mandate, namely currency issuance, reserve management, and the advancement of financial inclusion, collectively contributed to a reduction in the Bank's operating profit for the 2025 financial year.”

    Bank of Namibia declares a dividend of N$200 million to government
  8. March 2026

  9. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta said the agreement represents an important step in advancing reserve diversification strategy

    Source

    “"This agreement represents an important step in advancing the Bank's reserve diversification strategy. Gold continues to play a critical role as a store of value and a hedge against global uncertainty", BoN's Governor, Ebson Uanguta, said.”

    Bank of Namibia signs gold purchase deal with Navachab Mine

  10. New Era

    Ebson Uanguta said this development forms part of the Bank's broader gold acquisition programme

    Source

    “Governor of the central bank, Ebson Uanguta, said this development forms part of the Bank's broader gold acquisition programme, which aims to strengthen the composition of reserve assets, enhance financial resilience, and support the country's capacity to respond to external shocks.”

    BoN, Navachab Mine signs gold purchase deal

  11. Informanté

    Ebson Uanguta stated partnership with NAMFISA strengthens oversight and proactive risk management

    Source

    “"This partnership enhances our ability to maintain a sound and resilient financial system. By working closely with NAMFISA, we strengthen oversight and ensure that risks are addressed proactively," the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Ebson Uanguta, said.”

    BoN and NAMFISA sign updated agreement to strengthen financial sector oversight

  12. The Namibian

    Central bank governor Ebson Uanguta says the partnership enhances the institutions' ability to maintain a sound and resilient financial system

    Source

    “Central bank governor Ebson Uanguta says the partnership enhances the institutions' ability to maintain a sound and resilient financial system.”

    Central bank, Namfisa strengthen oversight partnership
Business

Bank of Namibia vows gradual banking fee reduction over three years

The News

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.

Why it matters

Central bank's commitment to gradually reduce banking fees over three years addresses longstanding consumer complaints about high financial sector charges.

3 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 →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Bank of Namibia governor visits East African central banks

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta visited Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to strengthen cooperation and learn from other African central banks, focusing on financial systems, digital transformation, banking supervision, oil sector management and economic policy. The Bank of Namibia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda's central bank on economic research, financial inclusion, digital transformation, sustainable finance, innovation and staff training.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 30 April

  1. Bank governor urges public to handle new coins properly

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta has urged the public to stop damaging the country's new coin series, saying such actions are contributing to their deterioration. The coin series, introduced last year, has drawn criticism over rust and reduced durability; Uanguta said the bank is investigating concerns and testing coins in laboratories.

    30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Bank of Namibia maintains repo rate at 6.50%

    The Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.50%, with commercial banks expected to maintain their prime lending rate at 10.00%. The decision was guided by weak domestic economic activity, higher inflation forecast for 2026, and the need to safeguard the peg between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand.

    29 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 10 April

  1. Bank of Namibia appoints Mukasa as deputy governor

    The Bank of Namibia has appointed Nicholas Mukasa as second deputy governor effective May. Mukasa previously served as director of financial markets, managing foreign exchange reserves, implementing monetary policy, and overseeing government debt issuance.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. Bank of Namibia to refine and store Navachab gold abroad

    The Bank of Namibia has agreed to purchase gold from Navachab Gold Mine for its reserves, but will send the unrefined gold abroad to be refined to international standards and is considering storage at the Bank of England in London. The central bank will buy gold through planned transactions over several months at prevailing market prices, aiming for a single-digit allocation to its foreign reserves.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Namibian economic growth slows amid global risks, sector weakness

    The Bank of Namibia reported that real GDP growth dropped to 1.7% in 2025 from 3.8% in 2024, driven by weaker agriculture, lower global diamond demand, and manufacturing contraction, though inflation eased to 3.5% and services remained steady. Global growth is expected to slow to 3.2% by 2027 due to rising public debt and geopolitical tensions.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 4 April

  1. Bank of Namibia reports record N$892 million loss in 2025

    The Bank of Namibia declared a record annual loss of N$892 million for 2025, primarily due to unrealised foreign exchange losses from Eurobond redemption and currency fluctuations, though operating profit of N$569 million allowed a N$200 million dividend to government.

    4 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Bank of Namibia pays N$200m dividend to government

    The Bank of Namibia paid N$200 million in dividends to the government for the 2025 financial year, down from N$720 million in 2024, despite strong operating profit of N$569 million. Governor Ebson Uanguta attributed the decline to factors including reduced global inflation, weakening of the US dollar, Eurobond redemption, and currency fluctuations.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Bank of Namibia declares N$200 million dividend to government

    The Bank of Namibia recorded an operating profit of N$569 million in 2025 and will distribute N$200 million in dividends to government, down from N$750 million in 2024, following a 50% decline in distribution profits due to global inflation declines, US dollar weakness, and Eurobond redemption.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 27 March

  1. Bank of Namibia enters gold purchase deal with Navachab Mine

    The Bank of Namibia has signed a gold purchase agreement with QKR Namibia Navachab to acquire locally produced gold, part of a broader programme to strengthen reserve assets, enhance financial resilience, and support the country's ability to respond to external shocks. The phased gold acquisition programme aligns with international reserve management standards and aims to support macroeconomic stability and national economic interests.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Bank of Namibia signs gold purchase deal with Navachab Mine

    The Bank of Namibia has signed a gold purchase agreement with QKR Namibia Navachab to strengthen the country's financial reserves and implement a structured gold acquisition programme. The agreement aims to improve reserve management, enhance financial resilience, support retention of national resources, and help the economy respond to external shocks.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Bank of Namibia and NAMFISA sign updated cooperation agreement

    The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen cooperation in regulating Namibia's financial sector. The framework enables information sharing, joint supervision, joint investigations, and coordination on emerging risks and financial technology matters.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Bank of Namibia and Namfisa strengthen financial oversight partnership

    The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority have signed an updated agreement to improve cooperation in regulating and supervising the financial sector, including joint supervision, information sharing, and support for fintech development. The partnership aims to safeguard financial stability, protect consumers, and align Namibia with international standards.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. BoN and NAMFISA sign cooperation deal for financial oversight

    The Bank of Namibia and NAMFISA have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen cooperation in regulating the financial sector, establishing a system for information sharing, joint inspections, and risk monitoring. The deal includes creation of a technical working group to support responsible growth of financial technology in Namibia.

    25 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 23 March

  1. PM urges financial institutions to prioritize dignity in lending practices

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on financial institutions to engage in respectful dialogue that preserves individuals' dignity and minimizes severe consequences like home repossession, emphasizing humanity and shared national responsibility. During a meeting with the Bank of Namibia, he commended the institution's strategic direction and affirmed government support for advancing the Sixth National Development Plan through credible and forward-looking institutions.

    23 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Bank Windhoek pilots digital government payment system

    Bank Windhoek has joined the first cohort of institutions testing government-to-person (G2P) payments under Namibia's national instant payment programme, initially piloting digital social grant disbursements with beneficiaries already familiar with digital channels before a nationwide rollout.

    11 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Bank of Namibia withdraws winding-up case against Trustco Bank

    The Bank of Namibia has withdrawn its High Court application to wind up Trustco Bank Namibia, a former Trustco Group subsidiary. Trustco confirms the bank remains solvent and states that all depositors have been fully repaid with no losses.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 March

  1. Bank of Namibia and South African Reserve Bank sign revised agreement

    The Bank of Namibia and South African Reserve Bank have signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen institutional cooperation on central banking functions, supervision, regulation, and resolution planning of cross-border financial institutions. The agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration on financial stability, monetary coordination, and capacity-building while protecting the statutory independence of both institutions.

    5 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Bank of Namibia and South African Reserve Bank strengthen cooperation deal

    The Bank of Namibia and the South African Reserve Bank signed a revised agreement to enhance cross-border cooperation, financial stability, and supervisory coordination. The updated accord replaces a 2015 agreement and establishes a framework for central banking cooperation while maintaining both institutions' statutory independence.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bank Windhoek leads digital government grant payment pilot

    Bank Windhoek has begun piloting government-to-person digital payments for social grants through the national instant payment programme. The initial phase involves pension and grant beneficiaries already familiar with digital channels, with the aim of validating system stability and efficiency before national rollout.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 March

  1. Namibia launches instant payment system for government benefits

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced that Namibia's Instant Payment Solution (IPS), a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Namibia, and payment service providers, will launch in the third quarter of 2025. The system will enable government to pay social grants and other benefits directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts or e-wallets within seconds, replacing cash payouts through NamPost and reducing travel costs and long queues, especially for elderly and rural citizens.

    2 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 28 February

  1. Namibia to launch e-money system for social grant payments

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced that the country's first e-money system will launch later this year, transitioning government social grant disbursements from cash to instant digital payments via accounts or e-wallets. The Bank of Namibia's subsidiary Instant Payments Namibia is developing the system, which has completed integration testing and is undergoing user acceptance testing, with plans for a national digital literacy campaign before rollout.

    28 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 21 February

  1. Namibia's foreign reserves recover to N$51.9 billion

    Namibia's international reserves rose from N$48.6 billion to N$51.9 billion, recovering from a decline caused by the October 2025 Eurobond redemption. Central bank governor Ebson Uanguta attributed the increase mainly to Southern African Customs Union receipts and said the level provides 3.3 months of import cover, sufficient to support the currency peg.

    21 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

  1. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate steady at 6.50%

    The Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain the repo rate at 6.50%, prioritising monetary stability and protecting the Namibia Dollar's peg to the South African Rand amid a slowing domestic economy, though inflation remains contained and the external trade position has strengthened.

    19 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Retail bonds launch pushed back to 2027 due to capacity constraints

    The Bank of Namibia has postponed the introduction of retail bonds to 2027, citing the need to develop systems and external capacity as obstacles, after previously targeting a 2026 launch. Retail bonds will allow individuals to lend to the government at a lower entry point than existing treasury bills or fixed-income bonds.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Three Bank of Namibia execs race for deputy governor post

    Three Bank of Namibia executives—Nicholas Mukasa, Emma Haiyambo, and Florette Nakusera—have been shortlisted to fill the vacant deputy governor position; according to sources, Mukasa is the front-runner after the Public Service Commission submitted him as the top contender.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Ebson Uanguta — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute