Author: Maihapa Ndjavera (Maihapa Ndjavera )

NamPower remains adamant it will disconnect the electricity supply of defaulting customers as of 5 June 2023 if those customers fail to honour their debt by the end of this month, but Nored has said it is trying to find a way out of its crisis. 

Finance and public enterprises minister Iipumbu Shiimi  has appointed and inaugurated a 36-member technical advisory committee (TAC) on Monday, tasked to consult the broader public on a proposed regulation (RF.R.5.10) on the preservation of retirement benefits.

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi warned that tax does not discriminate and thus urged all Namibian citizens to be compliant and pay tax as required. Shiimi further cautioned those trying to escape and avoid honouring their tax obligations to the revenue agency to be mindful because “it is just a matter of time”.

Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) president Bisey /Uirab yesterday said Namibia’s recent oil discoveries and its renewable energy ambitions can significantly boost economic growth. He further noted that the evolving opportunities cannot be ignored by the local business community.

Struggling Namibian consumers barely dealing with rising debt levels, inflationary pressure and dwindling disposable income now have to deal with another price hike that will certainly fuel an increased cost of most other goods.

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) CEO Emilia Nghikembua stated total investment in the telecommunications sector declined during the fourth quarter of 2022. She cautioned that in the long run, this could result in poorer service quality due to congestion in some areas.

Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo believes that among the challenges that could derail the effective implementation of a local content policy for the oil and gas sector is corruption.

Road Fund Administration (RFA) CEO Ali Ipinge has come out loud and clear that gradual increases in fuel-efficient vehicles on Namibian roads and the advent of electric vehicles are increasingly constraining the fund’s revenue.

The European Union (EU) and Namibia are devising a strategic plan for the implementation of an agreement the two parties signed to detail a way forward for sustainable raw material value chains and renewable hydrogen. This is according to the EU ambassador to Namibia Sinikka Antila. 

The trade ministry has partnered with the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK) to strengthen the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Namibia through the provision of business simulation training workshops.