Namibia Minute.
Monday, 7 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Standard Bank

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.

2019-08-022026-09-07

What’s been said

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

  1. January 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Standard Bank economist Helena Mboti stated oil royalties and levies could become significant revenue source reaching 20%+ of total revenue

    Source

    "Oil royalties and levies could become a significant medium- to long-term revenue source relative to projected government revenue of N$97.2 billion for the 2028/29 financial year, and easily reach 20%+ of total revenue in the first couple of years," Standard Bank economist Helena Mboti says.

    Another 10 years before oil generates returns
  3. Namibian Sun

    Standard Bank assists with Hope Village's operational costs

    Source

    Corporate partners such as MTC, Standard Bank and Bank Windhoek assist with operational costs, but high municipal bills remain a major challenge.

    Hope Village: Changing young lives
  4. New Era

    Standard Bank announced new pricing strategy effective 1 January 2026

    Source

    The bank yesterday announced their new pricing strategy which has been effective since 1 January 2026.

    Notable reductions in Standard Bank Namibia’s 2026 fees
  5. December 2025
  6. The Namibian

    Standard Bank Namibia has trained 40 micro, small and medium enterprises in entrepreneurial capacity and investment readiness

    Source

    Standard Bank Namibia has trained 40 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in entrepreneurial capacity and investment readiness.

    Standard Bank trains 40 MSMEs on entrepreneurship
  7. The Namibian

    Standard Bank launched the inaugural Blue Growth Series in August

    Source

    The training was done through the bank's inaugural Blue Growth Series, which had received over 695 applications after the pilot was launched in August.

    Standard Bank trains 40 MSMEs on entrepreneurship
  8. The Namibian

    Standard Bank Namibia recorded 98% increase in home loan volumes

    Source

    Standard Bank Namibia has recorded an increase of 98% in home loan volumes.

    More people take up home loans with Standard Bank
  9. November 2025
  10. The Namibian

    Standard Bank Namibia partnered with RMB Namibia and Terminal Investment Namibia to secure N$2.1 billion for Walvis Bay port expansion

    Source

    Standard Bank Namibia and RMB Namibia have partnered with Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN) to secure N$2.1 billion to expand and upgrade the Walvis Bay port.

    Standard Bank, RMB secure N$2.1b for Walvis Bay port
  11. The Namibian

    Standard Bank sponsored the programme for the fifth year

    Source

    It was the fifth year that Standard Bank had sponsored the programme, and tournament coordinator Erwin Handura says it was once again a resounding success.

    Gobabis, Windhoek crowned hockey development champions
  12. September 2025
  13. The Namibian

    Standard Bank reportedly provided R60-million loan to EFF

    Source

    The group points to a "loan" of R60-million to the EFF, which MVC says matches News24's reporting on a R60-million loan to the Fighters from Standard Bank.

    Mired in opacity — 10 hard truths about SA’s political party funding
  14. April 2025
  15. The Namibian

    Standard Bank Namibia generates over a billion dollars a year in profits

    Source

    Yet three banking groups – FirstRand, Capricorn Group and Standard Bank Namibia – each generate over a billion dollars a year in profits.

    If Namibia Won’t Fund its SMEs, Who Will?

Friday 4 September

  1. Katima Mulilo begins N$450 million wastewater treatment plant

    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

Thursday 3 September

  1. Ondangwa crash kills one, injures six roadside vendors

    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

Wednesday 2 September

  1. NFA and Standard Bank sign home ownership deal for staff

    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

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Katima Mulilo N$450m wastewater treatment project commences

    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

Thursday 27 August

  1. Four families receive homes in Okahandja Buy-a-Brick scheme

    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

Monday 24 August

  1. Old Mutual sponsors N$80,000 toward padel fundraiser for housing

    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

Friday 21 August

  1. Onandjokwe urged to reduce trauma patient transfers

    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

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Funky Town Mall struggles to fill boutique and dining slots

    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

  2. SME growth hinges on bankability, not just access to finance

    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

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Standard Bank Namibia appoints Jerome Namaseb as executive officer

    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

  2. Standard Bank hosts 60+ entrepreneurs at market access event

    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

Monday 17 August

  1. Standard Bank appoints Namaseb as personal banking executive

    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

  2. Standard Bank launches dynamic currency conversion for international ATMs

    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

  3. Standard Bank Namibia weighs higher rates, deposit growth benefits

    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

Friday 14 August

  1. N$2bn finance ministry facility boosts Standard Bank loan growth

    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

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Standard Bank launches China payment system in Namibia

    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

  2. Standard Bank launches direct China payment system capability

    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

Saturday 8 August

  1. Standard Bank Namibia opens dedicated breastfeeding room for employees

    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

Friday 7 August

  1. Standard Bank warns of rising investment scams and online fraud

    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

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Prosecutor general seeks to freeze Chinese businessman's account

    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

Thursday 23 July

  1. South African entrepreneurs to headline sixth Business Summit Namibia

    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

Sunday 5 July

  1. Standard Bank Namibia workers threaten strike over wage dispute

    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

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Prosecutor seeks to freeze drug dealer's bank account

    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

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Daron denies misappropriating N$40m from DRC fishing deal

    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

Wednesday 24 June

  1. DRC state fund sues Standard Bank over N$40m fishing deal

    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

Thursday 18 June

  1. Standard Bank appoints Elzita Beukes as marketing executive

    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

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Court orders joinder of SWAPO companies in fishing dispute

    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

Saturday 13 June

  1. Windhoek expands cashless bus payment via PayPulse partnership

    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

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Hodago Fishing's N$65 million trawler heads to auction for unpaid debts

    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

Monday 8 June

  1. SWAPO-linked fishing vessel Venus 1 to be auctioned June 30

    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

Standard Bank — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute