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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 · Person

Omu Kakujaha-Matundu

Also known as: Dr Omu Kakujaha-Matundu

Economist who argues government should reduce house prices rather than extend mortgage terms to improve housing affordability.

2023-10-092026-07-23
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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. The Namibian

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said the 30% allowance for foreign nationals will cater for external or expatriate expertise

    Source

    “Kakujaha-Matundu says in ensuring that these regulations balance the development of local talent with the need for specialised skills from abroad, he says the remaining 30% will cater for external or expatriate expertise.”

    Namibia bars foreign nationals from top bank jobs as Shafudah pushes 70% local leadership

  3. The Namibian

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says bank's stokvel encourages financial inclusion by bringing more people into banking sector

    Source

    “Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says the bank's stokvel encourages financial inclusion by bringing more people into the banking sector.”

    FNB stokvel brings inclusion, transparency

  4. The Namibian

    Kakujaha-Matundu warned members to read fine print when signing up for account to avoid entrapment

    Source

    “He, however, warned members to read the fine print when signing up for the account to avoid entrapment.”

    FNB stokvel brings inclusion, transparency
  5. May 2024

  6. The Namibian

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu welcomes the loan as conforming to the 'golden rule' for capital investment

    Source

    “Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu welcomes the loan as it conforms to the 'golden rule' that money borrowed should be invested in capital projects and not be used for consumption.”

    Local experts welcome N$2,6 billion WorldBank loan
  7. November 2023

  8. The Namibian

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said public enterprises can retain their board despite massive losses

    Source

    “Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu said public enterprises can mess up badly, yet still retain their board and management.”

    Namcor blames N$700m loss on internal breach, market instability
  9. October 2023

  10. The Namibian

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says the job creation figure is highly exaggerated

    Source

    “However, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says this figure is highly exaggerated.”

    ‘600 000 new jobs by 2040’

  11. The Namibian

    Former New Era Editor Kakujaha-Matundu joined discussion on national reconciliation policy

    Source

    “Political Activist Dimbulukweni Nujoma ,Former New era Editor Kakujaha-Matundu and former cabinet minister and writer Helmut Angula Join John-Colin Namene On Breakfast in the Desert disscuss the national reconciliation Policy.”

    NATIONAL RECONCILIATION DISSCUSSION
Business

Agribank appoints Robert Eiman as new CEO

The News

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 →

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 →

Sunday 28 June

  1. Government warns of mandatory investor community contribution law

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that the government could introduce legislation requiring investors to contribute to community development if companies fail to do so voluntarily, urging them to build clinics, roads and sport facilities as part of corporate social responsibility.

    28 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Government cash balance hits zero, uses N$1.8b overdraft

    The government's available cash balance dropped to zero at the end of May, forcing it to rely on a N$1.8 billion overdraft facility from the Bank of Namibia to cover financial needs. An economist says the overdraft reflects temporary cash flow timing issues, not insolvency.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 14 June

  1. Economist says high house prices, not loan terms, block affordability

    Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu argues the government should reduce house prices rather than target mortgage repayment periods, which typically range from 20 to 30 years. He says longer loan terms make expensive houses affordable for first-time buyers and borrowers can pay off mortgages early if they choose.

    14 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 11 June

  1. Namibia considers up to N$3bn stake in diamond firm De Beers

    The government is considering spending up to N$3 billion to buy a stake in De Beers, reportedly partnering with Angola and Botswana, which already hold 15% of the diamond company. The deal follows Anglo American's decision to exit De Beers and sell its 85% stake, with De Beers' valuation dropping significantly from N$65.7 billion to N$6.9 billion.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. 70% of Namibians unable to afford formal housing

    Less than 10% of the working population hold home loans; 70% of the population cannot afford formal housing due to low incomes and limited mortgage access, according to central bank data. Average house prices have risen from N$200,000 in 2000 to between N$1.3 million and N$1.4 million today, while the average working Namibian earns N$5,000 or less per month.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Namibian food prices show mixed trend despite Iran conflict

    Namibians have yet to experience a significant impact on basic food prices from the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, despite predictions of rapid food-price rises. Retail data from January to April shows maize meal prices decreased, sunflower cooking oil rose notably, and other staple items recorded mixed results.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. President Nandi-Ndaitwah faces pressure on jobs, housing, fuel ahead of Sona

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address employment creation, housing affordability, fuel prices, and service delivery in today's state of the nation address. Politicians, businesses, civil society, and economists are calling for practical solutions and progress reports on previous commitments, including the 500,000 jobs target and structural economic reforms.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Marine Advisory Council tasked with sustainable fisheries management

    Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture has inaugurated a Marine Advisory Council chaired by executive director Teofilus Nghitila to advise on sustainable management of marine resources. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani highlighted the council's role during a critical period for the fishing sector, which faces declining catches due to overfishing, natural conditions, and population pressures.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 5 April

  1. Namibian retailers warn of imminent food price hikes from fuel costs

    Rising fuel costs are expected to drive up distribution and import expenses, prompting major retailers and suppliers to increase prices over coming months. Economists warn that Namibia's heavy reliance on food imports from South Africa, combined with higher transport and production costs, will push inflation higher and hit low-income households hardest.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry appoints 12-member Marine Resources Advisory Council

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed a new 12-member Marine Resources Advisory Council to advise the minister on total allowable catch and marine-related matters. The council will help the ministry sustainably manage marine resources and enhance the fishing industry's contribution to economic development.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Economists warn government fuel subsidy unsustainable

    The government's N$500 million monthly fuel subsidy in response to rising oil prices is unsustainable and will not effectively help the poorest Namibians, according to economists. Several specialists argue direct cash grants to low-income groups would be more effective than broad price subsidies, while transport operators warn of industry strain from the fuel increases.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 8 March

  1. 75% of employed Namibians support adult dependants

    A 2025 Old Mutual financial monitor report shows that 75% of employed Namibians have adult dependants relying on them for financial support, trapping them in a poverty cycle that prevents savings and wealth accumulation. Economists warn that when one person supports multiple family members, limited income leaves little for daily needs and nothing for long-term investments or generational wealth-building.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Strait of Hormuz closure threatens Namibia fuel prices and supply

    Reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle East conflict threatens Namibia's fuel supply and could raise prices, as the country imports most refined petroleum from Gulf producers via the strait. Namibian economists warn that prolonged instability could force Namibia to seek alternative suppliers at higher shipping costs and impact inflation through transport and food prices.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Namibia's N$104 billion budget prioritises operations over development spending

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled a N$104 billion budget for 2026/27 with N$81.3 billion allocated to operations and only N$6.5 billion to development, drawing criticism from economists and opposition figures who warn this allocation will constrain economic growth. The government collected N$89.8 billion in revenue and plans to borrow N$15 billion, while interest payments of N$16.2 billion now exceed the development budget.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 22 February

  1. Namibia requires 70% local citizenship in bank leadership roles

    The government has introduced regulations barring foreign nationals from top banking positions, requiring that at least 70% of directors and CEO posts be held by Namibians. Banks that fail to comply face fines of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment, though foreign nationals may be appointed if no qualified Namibian is available.

    22 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 February

  1. FNB launches weSave group savings account for stokvel groups

    First National Bank Namibia has introduced weSave, a group savings account designed to enable structured collective saving for stokvel-style groups with up to 93 members. The product aims to promote financial inclusion and transparency while removing barriers to group saving regardless of location or income level.

    13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Omu Kakujaha-Matundu — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute