MALTAHÖHE – Namibia is poised to become the first African nation to harness renewable energy from the cactus plant, thanks to a pioneering Nopal Carbon Farming project launched in Maltahöhe last week. This project marks a step forward in converting arid lands into productive bioenergy sites. The project, located on farm Namseb in partnership with...
Business
Nujoma architect of business growth
The passing of Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, has sent ripples through the business community. As a pivotal figure in the country’s struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa, Nujoma laid the groundwork for a stable and inclusive economic environment. Many stated that his leadership was crucial in fostering national reconciliation and economic stability after...
Opinion – National minimum wage, a catalyst for economic growth, community upliftment
The introduction of a national minimum wage in Namibia is a landmark in the country’s economic and social journey. While its implementation poses challenges for businesses in the short-term, the long-term benefits for the economy, communities, and social equity far outweigh these initial hurdles. This policy is not merely a mandate, but a strategic investment...
Windhoek’s hardships through vendors’ lenses
Kavetja Ngaizuvare Street vendors are an important part of urban life, providing affordable food and goods to the public, at their convenience. However, despite their crucial role, their daily lives are filled with challenges, as they work hard to make a living. This week, New Era spoke to a few vendors to hear challenges from...
Airlines’ association concerned with aviation infrastructure
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has expressed renewed concern and frustration regarding a spate of incidents that disrupted airline operations over the summer peak travel season and throughout January. The incidents are primarily related to the reliability of refuelling infrastructure, electrical power supply and redundancy systems at the OR Tambo International Airport and...
Future Energies Services appoints Shindubu as GM
Future Energies Services, a Namibian-owned company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, has appointed Aron Shindubu as general manager, effective 1 February 2025. Future Energies Services operates as the corporate wing of the Namibia Youth Energy Forum, a Section 21 registered non-profit organisation. Shindubu is an accomplished business development and strategy expert. He has...
Zambezi entrepreneurs to receive tailoring training
KATIMA MULILO – Twenty selected entrepreneurs from Zambezi region’s eight constituencies will receive two-weeks training in tailoring and fashion design. The training is an initiative of the Zambezi Regional Council and is funded by the Community Skills Development Foundation (Cosdef) Oyetu Project. Addressing the participants, Zambezi Regional Council chairperson Matengu Simushi stated that the training...
Repo rate reduction expected this month …as domestic inflation in December fell to 3.4% year-on-year
The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points (bp) at its February 2025 meeting. This would bring the repo rate to the 2017-2019 average of 6.75%, and would spell some marginal relief for Namibian households. The Bank of Namibia’s (BoN) MPC has expressed confidence in...
Musk takes reins of US Treasury payments
WASHINGTON – Elon Musk and his aides have taken control of the US Treasury Department’s payments system, triggering a lawsuit charging he is illegally getting access to private data of millions of Americans. Musk, the world’s richest person, is leading president Donald Trump’s federal cost-cutting efforts under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The...
Cran appoints Shigwedha to executive team
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has appointed Josephine Shigwedha to its executive team, effective 3 February 2025. Shigwedha will assume the role of Executive: Regulatory and Corporate Legal Services. She is an admitted legal practitioner with a Master of Laws (LLM), and has over 11 years of dedicated experience in various aspects of...