Also known as: Standard Bank Namibia · Standard Bank Group · The Standard Bank of Namibia Limited · Standard Bank South Africa · SBSA · Standard Bank SA
Namibian financial services group financing infrastructure projects, home ownership schemes, and offering cross-border payment systems including China connectivity.
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Informanté
Standard Bank Namibia employed economist Helena Mboti
“According to an economist from Standard Bank Namibia, Helena Mboti, the moderation was largely driven by weaker business credit growth, which declined by 1.0 percentage point (ppt) to 3.8% in January 2026 compared to the previous month, alongside still-sluggish (albeit marginally improving) household credit, which edged up 0.3 ppt to 5.8% during the same period.”
Credit extended to private sector slows in January 2026The Namibian
Standard Bank has invested in the Blue Growth Series as a strategic national intervention for women entrepreneurs
“This surge reflects extraordinary ambition, even as women continue to face systemic barriers. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women remain 47% more likely than men to close a business due to family or personal pressures. They also continue to face challenges accessing finance and formal market networks. These realities mirror the experiences of many Namibian entrepreneurs, which is why the Standard Bank Blue Growth Series has become a strategic national intervention rather than a routine training programme.”
Standard Bank Invests in Women for Economic GrowthThe Namibian
Standard Bank continues to invest in platforms strengthening bankability and financial confidence among women entrepreneurs
“These structural inequities underscore why Standard Bank continues to invest in platforms that strengthen bankability and financial confidence among women entrepreneurs.”
Standard Bank Invests in Women for Economic GrowthNew Era
Standard Bank Namibia has been named Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in 2026 Global Finance Awards
“Standard Bank Namibia has been named the Best Trade Finance Provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards, reinforcing the bank's role as a leading enabler of cross-border commerce, investment flows, and sector expansion.”
Standard Bank named best trade finance provider in NamibiaNew Era
Standard Bank Namibia appointed Rejoice Itembu as operations executive
“Rejoice Itembu has taken up the role of operations executive at Standard Bank Namibia, effective 1 March 2026.”
Itembu appointed Standard Bank’s operations executiveThe Namibian
Standard Bank Namibia has been named best trade finance provider in Namibia in 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards
“Standard Bank Namibia has been named the best trade finance provider in Namibia in the 2026 Global Finance Best Trade Finance Providers Awards.”
Standard Bank best trade finance provider in NamibiaNew Era
Standard Bank Namibia Group had economist Helena Mboti commenting on budget implications
“stated Standard Bank Namibia Group Economist, Helena Mboti.”
Operational spending dominates N$104b budget …leaving room for private sector to meet developmental needsThe Namibian
Standard Bank Namibia employed Helena Mboti as an economist
“Helena Mboti is an economist at Standard Bank Namibia.”
Shafudah Walks Fiscal Tightrope as Growth SlowsNew Era
Standard Bank launched 2026 Blue Growth Series Informal Sector Activation programme in partnership with NIFA
“He was speaking at the launch of the 2026 Standard Bank Blue Growth Series (SBGS) Informal Sector Activation, rolled out in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA) at the Khomas regional office.”
Standard Bank targets informal sector growthThe Namibian
Standard Bank Namibia group economist Helena Mboti said upcoming budget expected to provide clarity on fiscal policy and regulatory reforms
“Standard Bank Namibia group economist Helena Mboti said the upcoming budget is expected to provide greater clarity on fiscal policy direction, regulatory reforms and measures aimed at stimulating economic activity while preserving fiscal stability.”
Fiscal constraints set to shape Namibia’s 2026/27 national budgetKatima Mulilo Town Council has handed over the site for a N$450 million wastewater treatment plant to contractor Fulbright Water, financed by Standard Bank Namibia and Old Mutual. The 13 to 14-month project aims to address persistent sewerage problems while creating local employment opportunities.
4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Katima Mulilo Town Council has handed over the site for a N$450 million wastewater treatment plant to contractor Fulbright Water, financed by Standard Bank Namibia and Old Mutual. The 13 to 14-month project aims to address persistent sewerage problems while creating local employment opportunities.
4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A silver VW Polo Vivo made an unsafe lane change on the main road between Onethindi and Ondangwa on Tuesday afternoon, colliding with an Iveco bus whose driver then lost control and hit roadside vendors, killing one pedestrian and injuring six others. The Iveco driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after a breathalyser test recorded 0.69 mg/l.
3 September 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Football Association and Standard Bank Namibia have signed an agreement to help NFA employees access home ownership opportunities and tailored financial solutions, reflecting the association's commitment to employee welfare.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Construction of the Katima Mulilo Wastewater Treatment Plant has begun following the handover of the project site to Fulbright Water, after delays related to environmental clearance and resident relocation. The project includes the treatment plant, upgraded sewer infrastructure, and network expansion, with about 70–75% of the workforce sourced from the Zambezi region.
1 September 2026 · New Era →
Four families in the Oshetu 1 community of Okahandja received keys to newly constructed homes this week through the Standard Bank Namibia Buy-a-Brick initiative.
27 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Old Mutual Namibia has contributed N$80,000 to the third Standard Bank Padel for Purpose event on 11–12 September in Windhoek, which raises funds for the Buy-a-Brick Programme supporting low-income housing construction. The programme has raised more than N$27 million since 2016 and contributed toward building approximately 740 houses for low-income families.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been equipped with specialised medical equipment worth approximately N$4 million, including a C-Arm imaging machine and orthopaedic tools, to strengthen its capacity to handle trauma and orthopaedic cases locally. The regional health director urged the facility to treat eligible trauma patients on-site rather than transferring them to other providers.
21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Khomas Grove Mall (Funky Town), a retail hub in Khomasdal with an 80–85% occupancy rate and strong anchor tenants, has struggled to fill secondary lifestyle, dining, and boutique spaces on its upper floors, though ground-floor retail remains fully occupied.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Many Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to access high-value opportunities not primarily because of lack of capital, but because they lack the financial records, operational capability, compliance standards and risk management structures that large buyers and trade partners require.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Jerome Namaseb as executive officer of personal & private banking, effective 3 August. Namaseb brings over a decade of experience in banking, financial services, strategy and product management, most recently leading the development of the Dâures Green Hydrogen project.
18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
More than 60 Namibian entrepreneurs were provided with a direct platform to showcase and sell their products at the Standard Bank Blue Growth Series Market Access Day in Windhoek, part of an entrepreneurship development programme designed to equip SMEs with skills, networks and business opportunities.
18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Jerome Namaseb as executive officer for personal and private banking, effective 3 August. Namaseb previously served as chief executive of the Daures Green Hydrogen Village and held senior positions in the financial services sector.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia has made Dynamic Currency Conversion available across its ATM network, allowing international cardholders to view and complete cash withdrawals in their home currency. The service provides clarity on exchange rates and supports informed decision-making by visitors.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Standard Bank Namibia benefits from higher interest rates and strong deposit growth (31% to N$39 billion in H1 2026), but faces pressure on asset quality as the bank deploys surplus funds into loans to other banks and short-term investments rather than customer lending.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
SBN Holdings Limited's loan book grew 17.4% to N$29 billion in the six months to June 2026, largely due to a N$2 billion facility extended to the finance ministry for Eurobond redemption; underlying customer loan growth excluding the facility was 9.3%. The group reported a 3.6% increase in profit after tax to N$576.4 million despite lower lending rates.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Standard Bank Namibia has launched its Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) capability, becoming the first bank in Namibia to give clients direct access to China's international payment system. The capability is expected to strengthen financial connectivity between Namibia and China by enabling faster, more efficient and cost-effective cross-border payments for businesses trading and investing between the two countries.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia has launched Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) capability, becoming the first bank in Namibia to offer direct access to China's payment infrastructure for RMB transactions, enabling faster and more cost-effective cross-border payments for businesses trading between the two countries.
11 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Standard Bank Namibia has established a "mommy's room" at its Windhoek head office to provide employees who are breastfeeding with a private space to express and store breast milk. The bank says the facility supports mothers returning to work after maternity leave and is part of creating a workplace that values and responds to diverse employee needs.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia has alerted the public to growing investment scams and online marketplace fraud, noting that criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit digital transactions and manipulate consumers into transferring money. The bank advises verifying the legitimacy of investment opportunities and online sellers before making payments.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3.2 million held in the account of Chinese businessman Yan Qiang, alleging the funds are proceeds of illegal abalone trading, money laundering, and immigration fraud. The case stems from May discovery of 512 frozen abalone at a Windhoek supermarket.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
South African entrepreneurs Sbusiso Leope (DJ Sbu) and Sheldon Tatchell are scheduled to headline the sixth Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday, which will feature speakers, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
23 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia workers are threatening industrial action after wage negotiations collapsed, with the union demanding a 7% salary increase while the bank has offered 5%. The union accuses management of rewarding executives with bonuses while refusing to meaningfully improve staff salaries, despite the bank generating N$1.2 billion in profit.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The prosecutor general has approached the High Court for a preservation of property order to freeze money in a Standard Bank account belonging to alleged drug dealer Edward Kambahe, following an unexplained wealth order granted in February and a police interception of a vehicle carrying 1.912 kilograms of cannabis valued at about N$95,600.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Daron Namibia has rejected allegations that it misappropriated funds from a N$40-million Democratic Republic of Congo fishing venture now in a High Court dispute involving Standard Bank Namibia and Hodago Fishing. Daron says its role was limited to operating and maintaining the fishing vessel, and that it did not receive or control the N$40 million.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Democratic Republic of Congo's state social fund has taken Standard Bank Namibia to court over a N$40-million transaction involving a fishing company that is partly owned by Swapo, alleging that N$13 million was misappropriated from a protected account after the bank allowed unauthorized changes to account mandates and transfers without consent.
24 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Standard Bank Namibia has appointed Elzita Beukes, its senior public relations manager, as executive of marketing and branding from 1 July. Beukes brings over 15 years' experience in marketing, communications and reputation management across banking, corporate and development sectors.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
A High Court judge has ordered the joinder of Kuiseb Fishing and two other respondents in a legal dispute between Delmare Group and Hodago Fishing, in which Delmare seeks to prevent Hodago from transacting in fish worth N$15 million that Delmare claims it paid for upfront. The dispute arises from a June 2025 Supply and Financing Agreement between Delmare and Hodago, co-owned by SWAPO entities and other fishing companies.
16 June 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek has partnered with Standard Bank's PayPulse platform to enhance its cashless municipal bus payment system, launched in August 2025, allowing commuters to register, manage accounts, and top up funds remotely via mobile phones or at Woermann Brock supermarkets. The system accommodates both smartphone and non-smartphone users.
13 June 2026 · Informanté →
Hodago Fishing, a company 45% owned by Gendev Fishing Resources (which has links to Swapo business interests), faces financial pressure as its flagship freezer trawler, Venus 1, is set for auction in Walvis Bay on 30 June following unpaid debts to Standard Bank Namibia of N$18.4 million and N$17.6 million.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hadago Fishing's freezer trawler Venus 1 will be auctioned on 30 June 2026 in Walvis Bay after the company failed to repay debts to Standard Bank Namibia and workers' wages. The vessel, valued at N$65 million, is being sold following a High Court order to recover millions owed by the fishing company, which is 45% owned by SWAPO-linked Gendev Fishing Resources.
8 June 2026 · Informanté →