Business & Economy
Markets, mining, fintech and the macro forces shaping Namibian commerce.
China extends zero tariff access to 63 nations
China’s economy has shown strong momentum in the first half of the year, supported by robust growth metrics and expanded international trade partnerships, acc
Wernhil, Maerua parking machines reject new notes
Parking payment machines at Windhoek’s Wernhil Shopping Centre and Maerua Mall are not accepting some of the recently introduced Namibian banknotes and coins, leaving customers struggling to pay for parking. This has sparked frustration from customers, who say they should not be inconvenienced because automated parking systems have not been updated to recognise the new […] The post Wernhil, Maerua parking machines reject new notes appeared first on The Namibian .
Ideology disrupts Brazil-US relations: Analysts
RIO DE JANEIRO - Rising diplomatic and trade tensions between Brazil and the United States have fuelled concerns among analysts and former diplomats that ideolo
Beading passion turns into business
Loide Namukwambi’s nine years of beadwork have evolved into a handbag business that has earned her a place among the top five winners of the SanlamAllianz Bri
SME TIPS: Smart business growth tips
Did you know? You can register your business name with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) before you start trading under that name. Did
Mining contributes 14% to Namibia’s economy
Mining remains one of the biggest drivers of Namibia’s economy, contributing about 14% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025. Mineral sales
TransNamib, MSC expand cargo movement by rail
TransNamib and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have taken steps to expand the movement of containerised cargo by rail between Windhoek and Walvis Bay. T
Nedbank awards N$700 000 to green projects
Elizabeth Likoro Nedbank Namibia awarded N$700 000 to projects that are championing biodiversity. Among the funded environmental projects through t
Standard Bank launches direct payment system for trade with China
Standard Bank Namibia has become the first bank in the country to offer businesses direct access to China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), maki
Farmer bypasses hurdles to feed Rundu
MUPAPAMA – Along the banks of the Kavango River, some 55km east of Rundu, an agricultural revolution is quietly taking root. On a small piece of land in
Oshana Afrikaans festival hailed success
Elizabeth Likoro Ondangwa Prof primary school hosted the second Oshana regional Afrikaans festival at the Ondangwa Trade fair Centre following the success of
‘City bankrolls Khomas RC with N$100m’ … Kahungu demands receipts
A dispute has erupted between the City of Windhoek and the Khomas Regional Council (KRC) over the use of millions of dollars collected through the capital’s
NamPower sued over N$100m solar power deal
PRIVATE company has dragged NamPower to court over a failed solar power plant deal that was expected to cost around N$100 million. The project had the […]
Miners cry foul over working conditions
Small-scale miners in the Kunene region have raised concerns over conflicts with established mining companies, inadequate working conditions and limited opportunities to benefit from mineral resources in their communities.
Accidental fire destroys N$3 million lodge project in Kavango East
Sostenus Wilherm Entrepreneur Isdor Muronga says a fire has destroyed much of a lodge he had been building for years in Andara village in the Mukwe Constituency of the Kavango East region, wiping out an investment of more than N$3 million and forcing him to appeal to Namibians for help to rebuild the project. In […]
Electricity, construction growth expected to moderate
Namibia’s electricity and water subsector is expected to remain a key contributor to secondary industry growth in 2026, although its growth rate is projected to slow significantly from the strong performance recorded last year, according to the Bank of Namibia’s August 2026 Economic Outlook.
Serviced land shortages constrain Namibia’s housing market recovery
Structural challenges, particularly delays in land servicing and the limited delivery of serviced plots, continue to constrain housing supply, while broader economic conditions hinder a more inclusive recovery in housing market participation.
Environmental clearance granted for Sandpiper marine phosphate project
Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) has received an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for Mining Licence 170 and its Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, although the company says the approval does not allow mining to begin immediately.
Trustco issues further caution over planned JSE, NSX delisting
Trustco Group Holdings Limited has advised shareholders to continue exercising caution when trading in the company’s securities as it progresses with its planned delisting from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX).
TransNamib, MSC launch container cargo deal
TransNamib and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a global shipping company and TransNamib client, have taken an important step towards expanding containerised cargo movement by rail, following a soft launch held at TransNamib’s WINCON Depot in Windhoek.
Nedbank Go Green Fund awards N$700 000 to conservation projects
The Nedbank Go Green Fund awarded N$700 000 to three projects namely: the Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP); //Kharas Region Pilot Carbon Footprint Challenge, and Awareness Raising on Plant Poaching.
Balancing growth and sustainability in Namibia’s mining sector
While many developed economies have strict, comprehensive ESG standards that are fit for purpose within those jurisdictions, the African reality is unique.
Namibia, Singapore, and the political economy of becoming
At the opening of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026, an AI-generated video projected a future Namibia of modern ports, integrated energy infrastructure, industrial corridors, and logistics networks, a nation visibly in command of its own developmental trajectory.
Competition commission to investigate unfair pricing in fishing sector
Staff Reporter THE Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has said that it has resolved to initiate a formal investigation into the Namibian fisheries sector, after it came to the view that various fishing vessel owners and operators are engaged in unfair pricing practices in the sector. Dina //Gowases, corporate communications officer of the NaCC, said that ... The post Competition commission to investigate unfair pricing in fishing sector appeared first on Informanté .
Cash-in-transit murder trial to continue in November
The trial of a former security company employee accused of murdering and robbing a colleague nearly 15 years ago is scheduled to continue in November after it was postponed in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday. The trial of Teodor Shipanga (49) is due to continue before judge Eileen Rakow from 2 to 13 November. […] The post Cash-in-transit murder trial to continue in November appeared first on The Namibian .
Namibia Has ‘Struck Gold’. Will We Keep It?
Namibia has all but transformed from a low-key market into one of Africa’s hottest investment stories.
Bank launches China payment system
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. Launched on Monday in Windhoek, the CIPS is expected to strengthen financial connectivity between Namibia and China by enabling faster, more efficient and cost-effective cross-border payments for […] The post Bank launches China payment system appeared first on The Namibian .
Fishing confederation threatens court action against phosphate mining
Staff Reporter THE Confederation of Namibian Fishermen’s Association has threatened legal action following the granting of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to the Namibia Marine Phosphate (NMP) mining project. The Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project (“Sandpiper Project”) is a marine phosphate deposit located offshore, comprising some 1.6 billion tons of resources and 132 million tons of ... The post Fishing confederation threatens court action against phosphate mining appeared first o
Namibia economic growth too slow for jobs, IMF warns
Namibia’s economy is not growing at a fast enough pace to address the high unemployment rate and inequality. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says economic growth remains too weak to make a meaningful dent in unemployment, inequality and poverty. In its 2026 Article IV consultation, the IMF says Namibia’s economy grew by just 1.7% in […] The post Namibia economic growth too slow for jobs, IMF warns appeared first on The Namibian .
Gendev wage dispute remains deadlocked
Gendev Fishing Group has offered striking workers a revised pay proposal of 70% during non-operational periods as wage negotiations remain deadlocked. The group is offering to pay 70% of the guaranteed 195 hours during periods when the company is not fully operational. This development comes as Gendev employees continue their protected strike after failing to […] The post Gendev wage dispute remains deadlocked appeared first on The Namibian .
Farmers show resilience at Aminuis agricultural show … Zaamwani calls for continued value addition
The 22nd Aminuis Annual Agricultural and Industrial Show, held under the theme ‘Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence’, brought together dedicated farmers, agribusinesses, exhibitors, innovators, development partners and stakeholders from across Namibia. United by a shared commitment to advancing the agricultural sector, Namibia’s economic growth, food security and rural development, this year’s edition again demonstrated that... The post Farmers show resilience at Aminuis agricultural show … Zaamw
Chinese AI drives price competition among US labs
BEIJING – Artificial intelligence users are shopping around as US giants face fierce competition from Chinese rivals, and in Beijing’s tech district, drinkers at an AI-themed bar can even plug in to DeepSeek for free. A new generation of cost-efficient, high-performance Chinese AI is putting pressure on Silicon Valley’s leading labs to lower prices to... The post Chinese AI drives price competition among US labs appeared first on New Era .
SACU expands AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa
Staff Reporter THE Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is expanding its Regional Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, with officials assessing border processes ahead of the second phase’s formal launch later this month. Officials from the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), SACU ... The post SACU expands AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa appeared first on Informanté .
Who Gets a Seat at the Table? Namibia’s Labour Council Dispute Needs Dialogue, Not Deadlock
The dispute over the reconstitution of Namibia’s Labour Advisory Council may appear, at first glance, to be a disagreement over names and nominations. It is, however, about something considerably more important: who gets to speak for workers and employers when decisions affecting the country’s labour market are being made. Four major social-partner organisations, the National […]
Social partners challenge Immanuel over labour council
Patience Makwele Four major social-partner organisations have challenged labour and justice mpinister Wise Fillemon Immanuel’s decision to seek fresh nominations for the Labour Advisory Council, arguing that representatives of organised labour and business should be selected by the constituencies they represent. The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), Namibian […]
Windhoek unveils N$1.9bn water infrastructure upgrade
Sostenus Wilherm The City of Windhoek has outlined major infrastructure and service delivery investments for the John Pandeni constituency, including more than N$1.9 billion in planned upgrades to water reclamation facilities. The developments were presented during a public meeting with residents of the John Pandeni constituency held on Sunday under Section 88 of the Local […]
Diamond slump deepens as Namibia’s growth outlook improves
Namibia’s diamond industry is facing another sharp contraction, with the Bank of Namibia warning that weak global demand, growing competition from lab-grown diamonds and trade tariffs are deepening what it describes as a structural decline in the sector.
Standard Bank to enable direct payments with China
Standard Bank Namibia has officially launched its Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) capability, becoming the first bank in Namibia to offer clients direct access to China's payment infrastructure.
Namibia faces race to secure Copperbelt freight
Namibia's long-term trade prospects are increasingly tied to the development of rail infrastructure, with the Walvis Bay-Karibib freight corridor already operational and plans for links to Zambia and Botswana emerging as key priorities, according to Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm Securities.
MUN reinforces commitment to workers and sustainable mining
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) participated in the 2026 Namibia Mining Expo, using the platform to engage industry stakeholders on the future of mining, worker empowerment and the importance of ensuring that Namibia’s mining sector continues to deliver inclusive and sustainable development.