Author: Maihapa Ndjavera (Maihapa Ndjavera )

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Locals urged to seize emerging business opportunities
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Locals urged to seize emerging business opportunities

As foreign investment levels continue to flow into Namibia, concerns are mounting about the lack of local engagement and knowledge among Namibian entrepreneurs. Despite a wealth of opportunities available, many locals remain unaware of the heightened potential that resides within their own economy. CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) Nangula Uaandja...

Luderitz housing backlog hits 6 000
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Luderitz housing backlog hits 6 000

LÜDERITZ’s – Lüderitz economy is expected to grow massively due to new developments en route, but this comes with a pressing concern of lack of affordable housing and adequate office space for businesses, particularly in the oil and gas sector.  The mayor of Lüderitz, Phillippus Balhao, has thus called for urgent action to address these...

Lüderitz finalises major development plans
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Lüderitz finalises major development plans

LÜDERITZ – In an ambitious move to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens, the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC) is expected to soon announce a series of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform the town’s tourism and healthcare sectors.  Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday on behalf of a leading...

Lüderitz museum celebrates opulent maritime heritage
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Lüderitz museum celebrates opulent maritime heritage

LÜDERITZ – Yesterday marked a historic occasion with the country’s first-ever maritime museum launched by President Nangolo Mbumba in the quaint southern coastal town of Lüderitz. The Namibia Maritime Museum celebrates the country’s rich maritime heritage. Built for N$75 million, the museum is housed in the town’s historic Old Power Station complex, which includes a...

Africa must control its resources…Belgian energy minister urges inclusivity in green hydrogen
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Africa must control its resources…Belgian energy minister urges inclusivity in green hydrogen

Belgian energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten is advocating a collaborative and inclusive approach to Africa’s green hydrogen development.  As Europe forges ahead with its own energy transition, Van der Straeten emphasised the importance of ensuring Africa remains in control of its vast and valuable renewable resources, particularly wind and solar, while fostering mutually beneficial...

Value addition leads to wealth creation
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Value addition leads to wealth creation

New Era business reporter Maihapa Ndjavera (MN) sat with Kadri Simson (KS), European Commissioner for Energy, during the inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit last week to discuss issues such as the EU’s interest in Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.  MN: How are you finding the summit? KS: So far, I am positively impressed, and the most...

Green Hydrogen: Letís collaborate, not compete ñ Alweendo
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Green Hydrogen: Letís collaborate, not compete ñ Alweendo

MINEs and Energy minister Tom Alweendo said the potential for green hydrogen to transform Africa’s energy landscape is increasingly recognised, with calls for collaboration rather than competition among nations. As Namibia positions itself as a key player in this emerging sector, he said the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a crucial vehicle to...

Economist: Oil not a job-creator
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Economist: Oil not a job-creator

The oil and gas sector primarily serves as a source of substantial revenue for the government rather than a significant creator of jobs, an economist said.  The sector has generated considerable excitement among Namibians, following recent discoveries. “Oil and gas are not a job-creator, but will generate potential revenues for government. Government needs to be...

Payday lenders dominate new loans at 83%…as microlending up by 7.9% to N$7.2 billion 
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Payday lenders dominate new loans at 83%…as microlending up by 7.9% to N$7.2 billion 

The number of new loans issued in Namibia during the first quarter of 2024 increased by almost 10% to 166 452. This represents a quarter-to-quarter increase of 9.8%, and a 16.1% increase year-on-year (y/y).  This uptake in loans suggest a robust demand for financing, indicative of a strengthening lending environment. This can have broader implications...