Also known as: Simonis Storm Research Team
Economic research firm that forecasts monetary policy, analyzes economic impacts of events like FMD outbreaks, and publishes market analysis on Namibia's economy.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Simonis Storm
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Simonis Storm projects government revenue at N$87.5 billion, below budgeted N$89.6 billion
“Simonis Storm projects government revenue at N$87.5 billion, below the budgeted N$89.6 billion.”
Fiscal deficit seen widening to 6.5% of GDPWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm identified vehicles priced between N$300 000 and N$800 000 as main competition area
“Simonis Storm identified vehicles priced between N$300 000 and N$800 000 as the main area of competition.”
Vehicle sales reach N$1 billion as market remains below 2015 peakWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm cited figures indicating 64% of homeowners built their homes and 6.9% used bank loans
“Recent figures cited by Simonis Storm indicate that around 64% of homeowners built their homes, while only about 6.9% used a bank loan to buy or build a house.”
Pricing young people out of the housing marketWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm highlighted delays in Windhoek's building plan approval process
“Simonis Storm also highlighted delays in the city's building plan approval process, with the median approval time reaching 63 days.”
Weakness in construction sector masked by N$200m Windhoek projectWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm notes contractors under fixed-price agreements may struggle with higher costs
“Simonis Storm notes that contractors operating under fixed-price agreements may struggle to pass higher costs on to clients, putting pressure on profit margins.”
Weakness in construction sector masked by N$200m Windhoek projectWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm forecast inflation rate of 5.4% in October, 5.7% in November and 5.8% in December
“Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm commented on the inflation figures for August said the firm forecast a rate of 5.4% in October, 5.7% in November and 5.8% in December, and a calendar 2026 average of 4.2% (August: 4.3%–4.6%), reflecting the softer September outcome and the diesel freeze.”
Northern regions record lowest inflation in SeptemberWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm warned that critical formulas and governance safeguards are missing from Namibia's draft Welwitschia Fund Bill
“Critical formulas and governance safeguards are still missing from Namibia's draft Welwitschia Fund Bill, raising concerns that the legislation could leave the sovereign wealth fund vulnerable to political pressure and economic shocks, Simonis Storm has warned.”
Welwitschia Fund bill faces gaps ahead of parliament tablingWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm said the 2023 draft Bill is not ready to enact ahead of parliamentary tabling
“The local brokerage firm says the 2023 draft Bill is "not ready to enact" ahead of its anticipated tabling in Parliament this month, despite the fund having grown to N$508.47 million as at July 31, 2026, with an annualised return of 15.5% since inception.”
Welwitschia Fund bill faces gaps ahead of parliament tablingWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm expects Bank of Namibia to raise repo rate by 25 basis points to 7% in October
“Simonis Storm expects the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to raise its repo rate by 25 basis points to 7% in October, citing the need to protect the Namibian Dollar's peg to the South African Rand and respond to rising inflation.”
Simonis expects BoN to raise repo rate to 7% in OctoberWindhoek Observer
Simonis Storm raised forecast range for private sector credit extension growth in Q4 2026 to 4.5%-5.5%
“Simonis Storm has also raised its forecast range for private sector credit extension (PSCE) growth in the fourth quarter of 2026 to 4.5%-5.5%, from its previous forecast of 3.5%-4.5%.”
Simonis expects BoN to raise repo rate to 7% in OctoberNamibia's national room occupancy rate reached 66.49% in the third quarter of 2026, exceeding the same period last year and the pre-pandemic level from 2019, according to figures from the Hospitality Association of Namibia. Bed occupancy also improved to 58.86%, though September showed a decline in room occupancy despite higher guests per occupied room.
22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's national room occupancy rate reached 66.49% in the third quarter of 2026, exceeding the same period last year and the pre-pandemic level from 2019, according to figures from the Hospitality Association of Namibia. Bed occupancy also improved to 58.86%, though September showed a decline in room occupancy despite higher guests per occupied room.
22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's fiscal deficit is projected to widen to 6.5% of GDP in the 2026/27 financial year due to a N$2.1 billion revenue shortfall, rising debt-servicing costs, and economic pressures from foot-and-mouth disease and El Niño. Government revenue is forecast at N$87.5 billion against a budget of N$89.6 billion, with economic growth expected to slow to between 2% and 2.3% in 2026.
20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
September vehicle sales were worth approximately N$1 billion, but the market remains about 25% below 2015 levels. Rising fuel prices and anticipated interest rate increases are expected to pressure vehicle demand.
19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia faces a housing paradox: hundreds of thousands of homes are needed, but formal market prices have soared beyond the reach of ordinary workers. The Bank of Namibia reports the weighted average house price at approximately N$1.44 million in the first quarter of 2026, while about 75% of workers earn less than N$5,000 a month.
17 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Building plan approvals in Windhoek and Swakopmund rose 57.5% in value in September, but excluding one N$200 million commercial project, Windhoek's approvals fell 13.2% year-on-year, indicating the increase was driven by larger projects rather than broader growth. The report notes construction activity is constrained by approval delays, with a median time of 63 days, and completions in Windhoek have declined 41% year-to-date.
14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's headline annual inflation for September stood at 5.4%, with core inflation at 4%. Zone 1 (northern regions) recorded the lowest annual inflation at 4.3%, while Khomas Region recorded the highest at 6.2%.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Simonis Storm warns that Namibia's draft Welwitschia Fund Bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament this month, is "not ready to enact" due to missing critical formulas and governance safeguards. The firm cited concerns including unspecified petroleum deposit and withdrawal parameters, a fixed revenue threshold that could halt savings during downturns, and excessive concentration of powers in the finance minister without parliamentary checks.
8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's tax revenue as a percentage of GDP was 35.25% in 2024, comparable to developed economies like Iceland and New Zealand, but an economist notes this figure is significantly boosted by the country's share of Southern African Customs Union revenue, which has made up roughly a third of total revenue in recent years.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, and certain processed meat products from Namibia following a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed last month in the ||Kharas region and now affecting 11 farms. The EU ambassador says Namibia's market share is small and EU businesses will source beef from other suppliers, with limited market impact expected.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The European Union has suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat and related products from Namibia's FMD-free zone following confirmation of 79 new foot-and-mouth disease cases across 11 farms in the ||Kharas region. The World Organisation for Animal Health has revoked Namibia's FMD-free zone status.
6 October 2026 · New Era →
Economic research firm Simonis Storm expects the Bank of Namibia to raise its repo rate by 25 basis points to 7% in October to protect the Namibian Dollar's peg to the South African Rand and respond to inflation at 5% in August. The firm also raised its forecast for private sector credit extension growth in Q4 2026 to 4.5%-5.5%, citing higher interest rates and declining real incomes as likely to slow credit growth.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Despite the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting the livestock sector, farmers remain required to pay agricultural workers the national minimum wage—N$14 per hour from 1 January, rising to N$18 next year—with no government exemption announced. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations says all employers must comply unless officially notified otherwise, though regional authorities are discussing the wage issue as part of developing an outbreak response plan.
4 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's international reserves increased by 0.7% to N$58.5 billion at the end of August, driven by net commercial bank transfers, strong Customer Foreign Currency placements, and positive asset swap valuations, with the position providing an estimated 3.6 months of import cover.
2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia Breweries Limited reported a 22.7% decline in after-tax profit for the six months ended 30 June 2026, with analyst Simonis Storm flagging export and liquidity risks following the lapse of its Heineken Beverages minimum volume commitment in April. Beer volumes to South Africa fell 38.2%, contributing to a 20.6% operating profit decline to N$221.8 million.
30 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A commercial farm in Karasburg district tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease, prompting the government to freeze all nationwide movements, imports, and exports of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Simonis Storm research warns the trade bans could reduce 2026 economic growth to 2% and drain up to N$1.8 billion over two years as markets like the EU, US, and China close their doors.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Karasburg district, prompting the government to freeze all nationwide movements, imports, and exports of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The Simonis Storm research team warns trade bans could reduce 2026 economic growth to 2% and drain up to N$1.8 billion over two years as major markets including the European Union, United States, and China restrict imports.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia risks losing its European market for beef due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that threatens the country's disease-free status and could suspend exports to international markets. About 60% of beef export earnings, roughly N$3.3 billion annually, come from European, British and Norwegian markets, which apply strict sanitary rules and are expected to close first.
28 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Simonis Storm estimates the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak could result in approximately 12,000 job losses across 2026 and 2027, reduce real GDP growth to 2.0% in 2026, and add up to 0.29 percentage points to inflation in the fourth quarter of 2026. The outbreak could cost government about N$1.80 billion in 2026 and 2027, with severe consequences for rural Namibia and agricultural communities.
28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak confirmed in the //Kharas Region on 23 September is expected to cost the economy about N$1.8 billion over 2026 and 2027 and reduce 2026 economic growth by 0.45 percentage points, with nationwide livestock movement restrictions disrupting farming, meat processing, and exports valued at approximately N$5.5 billion annually.
24 September 2026 · Informanté →
In August 2026, European markets accounted for 62.86% of beds sold across Namibian accommodation properties, with DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) as the largest source at 32.22%, followed by Italy (13.44%), France (11.05%), and Benelux (6.15%). Leisure travellers represented 95.17% of all arrivals, up from 94.30% in August 2025.
23 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The sixth leg of the Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm Schools Tournament Series was held on 19 September 2026 at Havana High School in Windhoek, attracting 88 entries. Silas Anguku won gold medals in the U15, U17 and U19 Boys divisions.
21 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Simonis Storm reports that availability of serviced land is a fundamental constraint on Windhoek's building activity. Two government interventions—a debt-for-land swap converting N$357.8 million into 423 hectares and a Khomas regional commitment of N$1.7 billion toward housing and infrastructure—are expected to unlock more than 6 000 residential erven.
21 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Simonis Storm forecasts Capricorn Group's 2027 headline earnings at N$1.626 billion with Headline Earning Per Share expected to decline 6.8% to 320.4 cents, based on assumptions of 3% loan growth and a 105 basis points credit loss ratio, though the group's capital position remains strong.
21 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's headline inflation reached 5.0% in August, the highest in two and a half years, driven primarily by transport inflation accelerating to 13.2% after the Government reinstated fuel levies. Simonis Storm has raised its full-year inflation forecast to between 4.3% and 4.6%, citing continued pressure from rising fuel prices and international oil pressures.
17 September 2026 · Informanté →
A strengthening El Niño overlapping with Namibia's 2026/27 planting season could significantly raise food inflation, with Simonis Storm warning that weaker agricultural conditions in Namibia and South Africa could push food inflation up by 5–10 percentage points into 2027. The World Meteorological Organization has assigned near-100% probability that El Niño will persist through February 2027.
15 September 2026 · Informanté →
Research firm Simonis Storm has downgraded its outlook for private sector credit extension growth through the end of 2026 to 3.5–4.5%, down from its previous 4.0–5.0% forecast, citing weaker corporate borrowing. July data showed headline PSCE growth slowed to 4.2% year-on-year, with business credit contracting to 3.7% while household borrowing strengthened.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Businesses and workers face potential financial pressure over compulsory contributions under a planned national pension fund. Employers warn that the contributions could squeeze struggling small businesses and reduce take-home pay for low-income employees, with concerns that adding another statutory obligation could discourage hiring.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Simonis Storm expects the Bank of Namibia to keep interest rates unchanged at its next Monetary Policy Committee meeting, citing improving currency conditions and narrowing contraction in net foreign assets as providing room to pause, though persistent inflation limits near-term rate cuts.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia has expanded access to financial services, with 86.0% of adults aged 15 and older now using at least one formal or informal financial product compared with 78.0% in 2017, but the gains have not translated into stronger household resilience or productive economic activity. According to Simonis Storm's analysis of the 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey, formal saving among adults fell from 60.0% in 2017 to 53.2% in 2025, prompting calls to focus on the quality and impact of financial access rather than product ownership.
28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibians report that expenses are rising faster than wages, forcing many to rely on side hustles and cash loans to survive. The squeeze is intensifying as electricity and municipal tariffs increase while workers' salaries remain stagnant.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →