Checkers Leads on Grocery Prices - Issue #27☕

Good Morning. Welcome to your Monday edition. Here is what you need to know to get the week started:

Featured Updates:

• Checkers Leads on Grocery Prices: Checkers is the cheapest this month at N$945.74 for a basket—N$19.99 milk, N$69.99 toilet paper, N$76.99 macaroni. Shoprite’s close at N$985.81, Metro’s highest at N$1,126.92. A win for budget shoppers!

• Namibia Breweries Invests N$25 Million: NBL is putting N$25 million over 5 years (N$5 million yearly) into small businesses. Seven Khomas firms got N$550,000 already, with //Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke next.

• MultiChoice Cuts Payouts: Phuthuma Nathi shareholders face smaller dividends this year as MultiChoice struggles with fewer DStv subscribers and tough markets. A hit for 75,000+ investors.

• Demshi Scores Botswana Telecom License: Namibia’s DemshiTelco got a license to build fibre networks in Botswana, starting June 2025 in Francistown and Gaborone, with plans to grow across southern Africa.

• Discord Plans Stock Market Move: The gaming chat app is eyeing an IPO with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, backed by $600 million in revenue from Nitro subscriptions. A big step ahead!

Enjoy the read and have a blessed and productive week ahead! ☕

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Checkers Snags Top Spot for Affordable Groceries in March 2025

Checkers has taken the lead as the most budget-friendly grocery store in March 2025, offering a standard grocery basket for just N$945.74. This marks a notable shift from February, when Metro held the title of cheapest retailer, signaling a win for savvy shoppers looking to stretch their dollars this month, according to The Brief .

Key Highlights:

Grocery Price Standouts

Checkers clinched the top spot with unbeatable deals like a 9-pack Twinsaver toilet paper (350 sheets) for N$69.99, 1L Nammilk Full Cream Milk at N$19.99, and the lowest price on 3kg Pasta Polana Macaroni at N$76.99. These competitive prices have made Checkers the go-to choice for cost-conscious consumers.

Hypermarket Showdown

For those who prefer one-stop shopping, Woermann Brock Hyper leads the pack with a basket cost of N$1,004.80, driven by deals like 5kg Top Score Maize Meal (N$79.99) and 750ml Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid (N$31.99). Checkers Hyper trails slightly at N$1,026.80, while Metro Hyper lags behind at N$1,085.80, weighed down by pricier staples like beef stew (N$199.99 per kg).

How Did Stores Stack Up?

• Checkers: The affordability champ at N$945.74.

• Shoprite: A close second at N$985.81, keeping prices competitive.

• Spar: Affordable but higher at N$1,003.80.

• Choppies: Steady at N$1,020.80, a reliable budget option.

• Pick n Pay: Mid-tier at N$1,036.25, with slight hikes in essentials.

• OK Foods: At N$1,051.95, fresh produce pushed costs up.

• Metro: The priciest this month at N$1,126.92, hit by costly staples.

Impact on Shoppers and Retail:

Budget-Friendly Shopping

Checkers’ low prices offer relief for households keeping a tight budget, with savings on everyday items like milk, pasta, and toilet paper making a real difference.

Hypermarket Insights

While hypermarkets promise variety, Checkers’ regular stores outshone them all this month, proving smaller formats can pack a punch on price. Shoppers might want to rethink the “bigger is cheaper” assumption.

What’s in the Basket?

The comparison is based on a standard grocery haul:

• Loaf of bread

• 2L Nola Sunflower Oil

• 5kg Top Score Maize Meal

• 2.5kg Marathon White Sugar

• 1.5kg Real Good Chicken

• 1kg Beef Stew

• 2kg Mama Rice

• 3kg Pasta Polana Macaroni

• 1L Nammilk Full Cream Milk

• 9-pack Twinsaver Toilet Paper (350 sheets)

• 700ml Wellington Tomato Sauce

• 1kg Sunlight Washing Powder

• 750ml Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid

• 500g Rama Butter

The Bottom Line:

Checkers’ rise to the top in March 2025 highlights its knack for delivering value where it counts. With tomatoes climbing in price and beef stew shaking up basket costs, finding deals is key—and Checkers is leading the charge. Whether you’re stocking up on staples or hitting the hypermarkets, this month’s price check shows where your money goes furthest.

Source: The Brief

Namibia Breweries Pledges N$25 Million to Boost Small Businesses

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has unveiled a bold commitment to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a N$25 million investment over the next five years. The initiative, launched through the MSME Development Fund in 2024, will channel N$5 million annually to support businesses owned by historically disadvantaged Namibians in the beverage industry’s manufacturing and supply sectors.

Key Highlights:

MSME Development Fund

NBL’s fund aims to fuel the growth of small businesses, with N$25 million earmarked to bolster firms that contribute to Namibia’s economic landscape. “This budget is designed to foster their development and advance the nation’s economy,” says NBL manager Franck Fléchard.

First Round Success

In Q1 2025, seven Khomas region businesses received grants totaling N$550,000. Beneficiaries include Hansen and Hansen Investment, Ink Blink, JCD Signs, Wanyela Investment, Ultra Statix Engineering, Exquisite Signs CC, and Jet Cooling Investment. A second phase is now underway, targeting MSMEs in the //Kharas, Hardap, and Omaheke regions.

How Are Businesses Benefiting?

• Hansen and Hansen Investment: Awarded N$80,000, founder Delano Hansen emphasized their dual mission: delivering signwriting, signage design, branding, embroidery, and printing services while training community members. “This grant will help our community grow,” Hansen says.

• Wanyela Investment: With N$77,197, founder Nehemia Hailume plans to purchase equipment, tools, and protective gear to expand his fridge and appliance repair business. “This will help me secure corporate contracts and grow,” he notes.

• Selection Process: Phase two recipients will pitch their ideas, with funding awarded based on their ability to enhance service delivery in the beverage industry and benefit Namibia’s broader economy.

The Bottom Line:

NBL’s N$25 million pledge signals a powerful investment in Namibia’s future. “Every small business we support has the potential to shape the economy and drive progress,” says Managing Director Waldemar von Lieres. With the MSME Development Fund already making waves, NBL is proving that backing local talent is key to building a stronger, more inclusive Namibia.

Source: The Namibian

MultiChoice Money Woes Hit Phuthuma Nathi Shareholders

MultiChoice, South Africa’s leading pay-TV operator, has sounded the alarm for investors, signaling a significantly reduced dividend for its 2025 financial year. This spells trouble for shareholders of its black economic empowerment (BEE) scheme, Phuthuma Nathi, who have long relied on robust payouts from their 25% stake in MultiChoice South Africa.

Key Highlights:

Dividend Downturn

Phuthuma Nathi, a cornerstone of MultiChoice’s BEE efforts since 2006, has historically delivered impressive returns, distributing R19.1 billion ($1 billion) in dividends through 2023, with annual payouts peaking at R1.5 billion ($81.4 million) in 2020. However, MultiChoice has warned that this year’s dividend, to be finalized in June, will shrink considerably due to mounting financial pressures.

Operational Struggles

The company is grappling with a shrinking subscriber base for its flagship DStv service, prompting price hikes in South Africa. Beyond its home market, MultiChoice faces weak currencies and chronic power outages in other African regions, further eroding profitability. These challenges have put the brakes on the cash flow that once fueled generous shareholder returns.

How Are Shareholders Affected?

• Phuthuma Nathi Investors: With over 75,000 black South Africans—from domestic workers to professionals—holding shares, the scheme’s dividends have been a lifeline for many. A steep cut will hit these investors hard, especially those who depend on the income rather than stock value fluctuations.

• Stock Market Context: MultiChoice’s share price dipped 0.81% to R11,060 ($600) on Friday, though it’s been buoyed by Canal+’s R125 ($6.78) per share takeover bid. For Phuthuma Nathi shareholders, however, the stock price matters less than the dividend yield they’ve come to expect.

• Canal+ Takeover: The French media giant’s acquisition, now extended to October 2025 for regulatory review, offers a potential lifeline for MultiChoice but doesn’t guarantee relief for Phuthuma Nathi’s immediate payout woes.

Impact on Investors and Beyond:

Economic Strain

The dividend slash underscores MultiChoice’s broader struggles in a tough economic climate, from subscriber losses to inflationary pressures across Africa. For Phuthuma Nathi shareholders, this marks a shift from a reliable income stream to an uncertain future.

BEE Legacy at Risk

Phuthuma Nathi has been hailed as one of South Africa’s most successful BEE initiatives, empowering a diverse shareholder base. A reduced dividend could dent its reputation and the financial security it has provided to thousands of households.

The Bottom Line:

MultiChoice’s money troubles are rippling through to Phuthuma Nathi, leaving shareholders bracing for a lean year. As the company navigates a shrinking market and a pivotal takeover, the once-lucrative promise of its BEE scheme faces a reality check. For now, all eyes are on June—and the hope that Canal+’s bid might eventually steady the ship.

Source: TechCabal

TECH

Demshi Secures Telecoms License in Botswana

Namibia-based Demshi Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, operating as DemshiTelco (Pty) Ltd in Botswana, has secured a Network Facilities Provider (NFP) telecommunications license, marking a significant step toward establishing and managing network infrastructure in the country.

Key Highlights:

NFP License Details

The two-year provisional NFP license allows DemshiTelco to kickstart commercial operations, with an extension to 20 years upon launch. “This license empowers us to roll out and manage telecommunications infrastructure across Botswana,” said Managing Director Werner Shilunga.

Fibre Deployment Plans

DemshiTelco will introduce an Open Access Fibre Network, enabling Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver services via its infrastructure. Shilunga noted, “Our focus is on Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and Fibre to the Business (FTTB), addressing a gap in Botswana where many towns lack FTTH services.” The rollout begins in June 2025, targeting Francistown and Gaborone in phase one, followed by Maun, Jwaneng, Kanye, and Lobatse.

How Will It Unfold?

• Current Progress: DemshiTelco is setting up offices in Gaborone with a small team, while conducting detailed network surveys and planning.

• Regional Ambitions: Shilunga shared a five-year vision to expand across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East Africa. “Botswana is our first step, with Zambia and Angola targeted by the end of 2025,” he said, aiming to build a Pan-African network powerhouse.

• Strategic Partnership: A collaboration with Paratus, a telecoms firm spanning eight African countries, bolsters DemshiTelco’s investment appeal.

The Bottom Line:

DemshiTelco’s entry into Botswana with its NFP license signals a transformative push for fibre connectivity in the region. With ambitious plans and a strategic ally in Paratus, the company is poised to reshape Botswana’s digital landscape—provided it can secure the funding to fuel its Pan-African dreams.

Source: The Brief

Popular Chat App Discord Eyes IPO

Discord, the go-to chat platform for gamers and developers, is gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO), collaborating with financial heavyweights Goldman Sachs Group and JPMorgan Chase & Co, according to sources close to the matter.

Key Highlights:

IPO Preparations

The San Francisco-based company could hit the stock market later this year, though the timeline and plans remain fluid, insiders say. Discord may also bring additional advisers on board as its strategy takes shape. Representatives from Discord, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan have stayed mum on the matter.

Social SDK Launch

Last week, Discord rolled out its Social SDK, embedding its social features into games like Scopely’s Marvel Strike Force. This move underscores its ambition to deepen ties with the gaming industry, a core pillar of its growth.

What’s Driving Discord’s Move?

• Revenue Surge: Between 2020 and 2024, Discord’s annualized revenue quadrupled to over $600 million, fueled by its Nitro subscription service ($3-$10 monthly for premium features like custom emojis and larger uploads). CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy called Nitro’s performance “remarkably well” at the Game Developers Conference in March.

• Gaming Focus: Beyond subscriptions, Discord earns from game developers advertising titles on the platform. Vishnevskiy emphasized the company’s goal to be “at the center of gaming” and help studios connect with players.

• Past Milestones: Founded in 2015, Discord rejected a $12 billion Microsoft buyout in 2021. With $1.1 billion raised from backers like Index Ventures and Greylock Partners, its last valuation hit $14.7 billion in 2021, per PitchBook.

The Bottom Line:

Discord’s IPO push signals a bold step for a platform that’s evolved from a gamer’s chat tool to a $600-million revenue engine. With a fresh SDK and a gaming-centric vision, it’s betting big on its future—but regulatory risks and market timing will test its mettle. For now, the chat app’s next level-up is in the hands of Wall Street.

Source: TechCentral ZA

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Banker and archaeologist John Lubbock on the value of downtime:

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

Source: ​The Use of Life​