The construction sector in Namibia is grappling with a challenging landscape as the real value of building plans approved has significantly decreased. During the third quarter of 2024, this value fell by 40% year-on-year and 15.8% quarter-on-quarter, totalling N$315.2 million. “Being a leading indicator for future construction activity, this is not a good development for...
In Otjinene, a small bakery known as Omboroto Yetu is fighting for survival due to competition brought to its doorsteps by established entities allegedly deploying unfair pricing. At the moment, Omboroto Yetu is grappling with the harsh realities of competition from larger corporations, particularly in light of aggressive promotional strategies by Shoprite and Namib Mills,...
MALTAHÖHE – The Maltahöhe community has expressed concern over the recent concession awarded for the Farm Arbeit Campsite. The concession also includes a related shuttle service in the Namib Naukluft National Park. In a letter dated 20 November 2024 and addressed to the executive director of the environment ministry, representatives from the Witbooi Traditional Authority...
MARIENTAL – In the southern region of Hardap, the political rivalry between Swapo and the Landless People’s Movement has intensified, shaping the landscape of recent elections. The vibrant colours of both parties, Swapo’s red, green and blue alongside LPM’s orange and white, dominated the campaign trails, signalling a fierce competition for voter allegiance. The 2024...
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has invested N$533 million in fibre deployment over the past five years, a move aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting the growing demands of various sectors. As the company prepares for an anticipated expansion in the energy sector next year, it acknowledges that this is a much-needed intervention. Also, in its...
The first mobile telephony company in the country, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), stated it remains unshaken by the potential introduction of Elon Musk’s low earth orbiting satellite communication company, Starlink. This is as Starlink, a wholly owned subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX, currently faces regulatory hurdles in Namibia and across many other African countries. At its...
As the countdown to Namibia’s crucial elections climaxes, citizens are gearing up to cast their votes to determine the country’s fate for the next five years. Namibia is pregnant, and will in the coming days deliver a president-elect and 96 members of the National Assembly to preside over the executive and legislative branches of the...
Namibia’s potential to enhance charcoal competitiveness in the global marketplace remains hindered by branding issues. This major challenge remains a critical barrier to market infiltration because charcoal produced in Namibia is still branded with logos of international companies. “International charcoal buyers are protecting their market and prioritising branding imported products with their logos to keep...
The domestic charcoal industry is grappling with pressing challenges, particularly concerning the treatment of undocumented workers. A recent report on the industry reveals a significant number of charcoal cutters and burners on farms are undocumented Angolan immigrants, primarily from the Ovazemba indigenous community. The report stipulates that many of these workers often find themselves without...
PyroNam, a Namibian biochar production company, is set to invest approximately N$7 million in establishing its first biochar plant in Otjinene. Located in the Omaheke region, Otjinene has the potential to produce biomass. Henrike Geldmacher, managing director of PyroNam, announced that the company has diversified its focus to engage with communal areas authorised under local...