20Twenty Issues N$350 Million in Home Loans, Delivers N$10.7 Million in Client Savings- # ISSUE 37☕

Happy Monday, folks! Here’s what to expect in our Monday issue:

1. Namibia’s Credit Ratings Hold Steady Amid Growth Prospects and Fiscal Discipline
   Moody’s and Fitch have reaffirmed Namibia’s sovereign credit ratings, highlighting positive outlooks driven by emerging hydrocarbon and renewable energy sectors, strong governance, and fiscal management despite ongoing debt challenges.

2. 20Twenty Issues N$350 Million in Home Loans, Delivers N$10.7 Million in Client Savings
   Since its 2022 launch, 20Twenty Financial Solutions has provided affordable, inflation-linked home loans, saving clients millions in interest and advancing inclusive homeownership across Namibia.

3. Calls for Local Empowerment and Infrastructure Dominate Namibia Energy Conference
   At this week’s Namibia International Energy Conference, industry leaders called for accelerated oil production, stronger local participation, and urgent infrastructure development to position Namibia as a regional energy hub.

4. Namibia’s Diamond Output Rises 8% in Q1 2025, Driven by Offshore Gains
   De Beers reports an 8% increase in Namibia’s diamond production in Q1 2025, fueled by a 17% rise in offshore mining, even as onshore output declined slightly amid subdued global demand.

Stay tuned for detailed coverage and expert insights on these key developments shaping Namibia’s economic and energy landscape this week!

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

20Twenty Issues N$350 Million in Home Loans, Delivers N$10.7 Million in Client Savings

20Twenty Financial Solutions has rapidly emerged as a disruptor in Namibia’s home loan market, issuing N$350 million in home loans since its 2022 launch and saving clients over N$10.7 million in interest costs compared to traditional bank offerings.

Innovative Lending Model Targets Affordability and Inclusion

Positioning itself as a purpose-driven lender, 20Twenty’s inflation-linked home loans are designed to protect disposable income and reduce the total cost of homeownership. The company’s first social impact report reveals that 34% of its clients are first-time homeowners, while women make up 43% of the client base-highlighting progress in inclusive access to housing finance.

Clients Thrive, Not Just Survive

“Homeownership should be accessible, sustainable, and a gateway to long-term financial freedom. Our clients don’t just own homes, they thrive in them,” the company states in its report. Notably, 66.2% of 20Twenty’s clients previously borrowed from traditional lenders before switching, attracted by lower costs and innovative repayment structures.

Zero Non-Performing Loans, Real Impact on Lives

The lender boasts a zero non-performing loan rate, crediting its sustainable lending approach and rigorous underwriting standards. Client surveys show 42% report improved cash flow, 30% have increased their savings, and 28% are paying off their home loans faster than expected-a testament to the model’s positive impact on financial well-being.

Aligned with Global Impact Standards

20Twenty’s social impact reporting aligns with international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Reporting Initiative. The company, backed by a team with over 300 years of combined financial experience, remains committed to expanding access to affordable housing and calls on partners to support its mission.

The Bottom Line

20Twenty’s innovative, inflation-linked home loan model is reshaping Namibia’s housing finance landscape-delivering measurable savings, fostering financial inclusion, and empowering more Namibians to achieve sustainable homeownership.

SOURCE: The Namibian

Namibia’s Credit Ratings Hold Steady Amid Growth Prospects and Fiscal Discipline

Namibia’s sovereign credit rating remains stable and positive, with Moody’s affirming a B1 rating and Fitch maintaining a BB- outlook, both reflecting growing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

Hydrocarbon and Renewable Energy Prospects Drive Optimism

Moody’s cited the transformative potential of Namibia’s emerging hydrocarbon and renewable energy sectors as key drivers behind its positive outlook. The agency highlighted that new industry developments are expected to bolster growth in other sectors, support primary budget surpluses, and help reduce the nation’s debt-to-GDP ratio over time.

Fiscal Management and Institutional Strengths Recognized

Fitch’s BB- rating underscores Namibia’s solid governance, institutional frameworks, and fiscal flexibility, supported by a robust non-banking financial sector. However, both agencies flagged persistent challenges, including a larger budget deficit and relatively high government debt levels compared to similar economies.

Debt Profile and Repayment Commitments

As of February 2025, Namibia’s total debt stock stands at N$165.9 billion-over 60% of GDP. The 2025/26 national budget includes N$13.7 billion in loan repayments, with a focus on redeeming the US$750 million Eurobond maturing in October 2025. The government has accumulated US$463 million in its sinking fund and plans to add N$3 billion more before the bond matures, leaving a manageable balance for final settlement.

IMF Benchmarks and Policy Outlook

The International Monetary Fund recommends a debt-to-GDP ratio of around 60% for developed economies and 40% for emerging markets, placing Namibia at the upper end of prudent fiscal management. Both Moody’s and Fitch expect the government’s fiscal reforms and new resource projects to stabilize and eventually lower the debt ratio, provided economic growth remains on track.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s stable credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch reflect investor confidence in the country’s resource-driven growth prospects and commitment to fiscal discipline. While challenges remain, the outlook is buoyed by new energy projects and a clear strategy to manage debt and sustain economic stability.

SOURCE: The Namibian

MINING & ENERGY

Namibia’s Diamond Output Rises 8% in Q1 2025, Driven by Offshore Gains

Namibia’s diamond sector posted an 8% production increase in the first quarter of 2025, with total output reaching 631,000 carats, according to the latest figures from De Beers Group. The upturn was largely propelled by a sharp 17% surge in Debmarine Namibia’s offshore mining, which delivered 461,000 carats-up from 395,000 carats in the previous quarter. However, onshore operator Namdeb saw production dip by 10% to 170,000 carats.

De Beers noted that the overall stability in Namibia’s diamond output was the result of higher-grade ore and improved recoveries at Namdeb, which offset planned reductions at Debmarine. Despite the production gains, the global diamond market remained subdued. Demand for rough diamonds was muted, with midstream buyers cautious about restocking due to excess polished inventory.

Regional Performance and Market Trends

Elsewhere in southern Africa, De Beers reported a 19% drop in South African production to 500,000 carats, citing operational disruptions from heavy rainfall and shift changes. Botswana’s output also declined by 8% to 4.6 million carats as part of a planned scale-back.

During the first quarter, De Beers sold 4.7 million carats of rough diamonds (4.2 million on a consolidated basis), generating US$520 million in revenue-a sharp drop from US$925 million in the same period last year. The average realized price per carat fell 38% to US$124, driven by a weaker sales mix, stock rebalancing, and a 15% decline in the rough diamond price index.

Outlook: Steady Guidance Amid Uncertainty

Despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and the impact of US tariffs, De Beers maintained its full-year production guidance at 20–23 million carats and reaffirmed its unit cost target of US$94 per carat. The company signaled a cautious but flexible approach to managing market volatility, noting some stabilization in polished diamond prices but warning that industry confidence remains fragile.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s diamond industry is holding steady in a challenging global market, with offshore mining driving growth even as onshore output softens. While production remains robust, subdued demand and falling prices continue to test the sector’s resilience.

SOURCE: The Brief

Namibia’s Diamond Output Rises 8% in Q1 2025, Driven by Offshore Gains

Namibia’s diamond sector posted an 8% production increase in the first quarter of 2025, with total output reaching 631,000 carats, according to the latest figures from De Beers Group. The upturn was largely propelled by a sharp 17% surge in Debmarine Namibia’s offshore mining, which delivered 461,000 carats-up from 395,000 carats in the previous quarter. However, onshore operator Namdeb saw production dip by 10% to 170,000 carats.

De Beers noted that the overall stability in Namibia’s diamond output was the result of higher-grade ore and improved recoveries at Namdeb, which offset planned reductions at Debmarine. Despite the production gains, the global diamond market remained subdued. Demand for rough diamonds was muted, with midstream buyers cautious about restocking due to excess polished inventory.

Regional Performance and Market Trends

Elsewhere in southern Africa, De Beers reported a 19% drop in South African production to 500,000 carats, citing operational disruptions from heavy rainfall and shift changes. Botswana’s output also declined by 8% to 4.6 million carats as part of a planned scale-back.

During the first quarter, De Beers sold 4.7 million carats of rough diamonds (4.2 million on a consolidated basis), generating US$520 million in revenue-a sharp drop from US$925 million in the same period last year. The average realized price per carat fell 38% to US$124, driven by a weaker sales mix, stock rebalancing, and a 15% decline in the rough diamond price index.

Outlook: Steady Guidance Amid Uncertainty

Despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and the impact of US tariffs, De Beers maintained its full-year production guidance at 20–23 million carats and reaffirmed its unit cost target of US$94 per carat. The company signaled a cautious but flexible approach to managing market volatility, noting some stabilization in polished diamond prices but warning that industry confidence remains fragile.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s diamond industry is holding steady in a challenging global market, with offshore mining driving growth even as onshore output softens. While production remains robust, subdued demand and falling prices continue to test the sector’s resilience.

SOURCE: The Brief

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Monday Motivation: Start Your Week Strong

Mondays are a fresh start-a chance to set the tone for a productive and positive week ahead. Whether you’re facing new challenges or chasing big goals, a little motivation can make all the difference.

“Every Monday is a chance to start anew and write your success story.”

Remember, success is built on small efforts repeated day in and day out. Embrace today’s opportunities, take that first step, and let your enthusiasm fuel your week. You’ve got this-happy Monday