Author: Maihapa Ndjavera (Maihapa Ndjavera )

Mines minister Tom Alweendo has said the two companies that made noteworthy oil discoveries off Namibia’s coast, Shell and TotalEnergies, are in a rush to reach production stage.

Taxi owners were identified as primary consumers of smuggled fuel, thereby resulting in serious economic and security implications for the country. These sentiments were shared last week by Carlo McLeod, deputy director of regulation, compliance and economics in the energy ministry.

An environmental and safety engineer at a uranium mine in Kazakhstan last week explained there are certain measures the Russian company exploring for the rare mineral in the Omaheke region should undertake to ensure it does not contaminate a valuable water aquifer in the area. 

Red flags continue being raised by various communities regarding continued uranium exploration activities being conducted in the Omaheke region.

The Okakarara community aims to revive its business opportunities post Covid-19 through the 14th Okakarara Trade Fair themed “Unlocking business growth opportunities for Okakarara”. The trade fair started on Monday, and is expected to conclude on 10 September after two years of suspension due to Covid-19 regulations.

The Agricultural Bank of Namibia has encouraged farmers to prepare for a better rainfall season, and at the same time urged them to continue building adaptive capacity to climate change through various strategies such as optimal rangeland management, optimal restocking and farm diversification.

Government Institutions Pension Fund CEO David Nuyoma said there is a special need to be on guard to thwart any attempts by those who are tempted to satisfy their greed by dipping their hands in the cookie jar. 

For the month of July 2022, Namibia recorded a trade deficit to the tune of N$4.3 billion, reflecting a worsened trade deficit when compared to N$2.5 billion recorded in June 2022, and N$3.6 billion recorded in July 2021.

Standard Bank Namibia has shaken off the adverse impact of Covid-19 in its half-year results after the bank recorded an increase in profit after tax of 24.1% for period on period to N$235.3 million. This is according to the bank’s interim results announcement for the first six months ended 30 June 2022, released this week.

The continued growth of informal settlements remains one of Namibia’s biggest developmental challenges. In this vein, FirstRand Namibia yesterday presented an investment of N$5 million for the country’s land and housing programme, through the Development Workshop of Namibia.