Congo’s Digital Revolution: 2025 Marks a New Era for Connectivity, Governance, and Innovation- ISSUE #41☕

Monday Briefing: Stories Shaping Identity, Economy, and Innovation

Start your week with a sharp look at the forces redefining Namibia and the continent. In today’s lineup:

• Bank of Namibia Unveils N$60 Commemorative Banknote Honouring Hage Geingob:
  A nation pays tribute to its late president and liberation architect, with a rare banknote marking his legacy and Namibia’s journey since independence156.

• Namibia’s VW Badge Theft Reveals a Hidden Economy Built on Scarcity and Survival:
  Explore the underground market thriving on the disappearance-and resale-of iconic car emblems, exposing the realities of informal economies and everyday hustle.

• Congo’s Digital Revolution: 2025 Marks a New Era for Connectivity, Governance, and Innovation:
  From 5G rollouts to e-government, Congo steps onto the digital fast lane, reshaping public services and opening new frontiers for tech-driven growth.

Stay tuned for deep dives into the stories and systems shaping Africa’s future.

MARKET CORNER

NSX INDEX Overview

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ECONOMIC PULSE

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Bank of Namibia Unveils N$60 Commemorative Banknote Honouring Hage Geingob

The Bank of Namibia has rolled out commemorative banknotes valued at N$270 million to celebrate the nation’s past presidents, with a special focus on the late Dr. Hage Geingob. This initiative includes five million N$30 notes, first introduced in 2020 to mark 30 years of independence, and two million newly issued N$60 notes, launched in 2025 to honour Geingob’s 60 years of dedicated service to Namibia’s independence, democracy, and socio-economic progress.

A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

The N$60 commemorative banknote, officially unveiled by President Nangolo Mbumba in Windhoek, stands as a rare collector’s item and legal tender. The denomination itself is symbolic, reflecting the six decades Dr. Geingob devoted to public service-from his years in exile to his leadership as Namibia’s third president. “This commemorative banknote immortalises Dr. Geingob’s steadfast leadership and lifelong commitment to peace, unity, and resilience. Through this banknote, we honour his achievements and inspire future generations to uphold the values he championed,” President Mbumba said at the launch.

Limited Circulation, Global Interest

Of the two million N$60 notes printed, 677,000 (33.9%) have already entered circulation since March, while 6,853 pieces (0.3%) have been acquired globally by collectors-a testament to the note’s unique appeal. For the earlier N$30 note, 32,735 (0.7%) have been collected internationally. The Bank attributes limited domestic uptake to Namibia’s small collector market, with most demand coming from South Africa and abroad.

Durability and Design

The commemorative N$30 note is made of polymer, offering enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. Only 1.2% (60,000 pieces) have been returned as damaged since issuance, underscoring the quality of the material. No reprints are planned for either denomination, reinforcing their status as once-off tributes to national milestones.

How to Obtain the Notes

Both the N$60 and N$30 commemorative banknotes are available at commercial bank branches across Namibia but are not dispensed via ATMs. They circulate alongside standard currency and serve as both legal tender and collector’s items.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s commemorative banknotes not only celebrate pivotal moments and leaders in the nation’s history but also serve as lasting symbols of unity, resilience, and national pride. The N$60 note, in particular, cements Dr. Hage Geingob’s legacy as a nation builder \and visionary, inspiring future generations to pursue the values he championed.

Source: The Namibian

Namibia’s VW Badge Theft Reveals a Hidden Economy Built on Scarcity and Survival

In Namibia, a curious market has taken shape around the repeated theft of Volkswagen badges from parked cars. These aren’t random acts of vandalism but part of a self-sustaining informal economy where stolen badges are resold, creating a cycle of loss and demand.

Value Through Dispossession

The theft of the iconic VW badge creates a gap-an incomplete identity for the car owner. This gap fuels demand for replacement badges, often supplied by the very actors who orchestrate the thefts, selling them at prices below official dealerships. What emerges is a market built on engineered scarcity and everyday survival, operating outside legal boundaries yet following economic logic.

More Than Opportunistic Crime

This phenomenon reflects deeper structural realities: high youth unemployment, inequality, limited formal job opportunities, and a normalized hustle culture. Scarcity here is not natural but deliberately created, sparking demand that sustains this informal market. It’s a microcosm of wider economic patterns where problems are manufactured to sell solutions-much like tech companies design addictive apps only to offer paid limits, or pharmaceutical firms delay cures to protect profits.

The Badge as Symbol

The VW badge transcends its physical form; it’s a symbol of status, identity, and belonging in a consumer-driven world. Even buyers who suspect the badge was stolen still purchase it, driven by the need to restore their car’s image. This cycle of theft and resale is a strange blend of aspiration and systemic inequality playing out in a small but telling transaction.

Lessons for Broader Economies

Namibia’s VW badge economy reminds us that markets are often constructed through unmet needs and manufactured problems-not just supply and demand. The same profit-making patterns seen in global economies emerge at street level, where symbols like a car badge embody pride, dignity, and economic realities.

As Namibia and Africa strive for inclusive futures, these everyday moments reveal how people adapt and resist exclusion, turning scarcity into opportunity. A stolen badge, it turns out, speaks volumes about the complex world we live in.

By Sheldon Subeb, Master of Philosophy candidate in Inclusive Innovation, researching economic systems, sustainability, and community transformation.

Source: The Namibian

TECH

Congo’s Digital Revolution: 2025 Marks a New Era for Connectivity, Governance, and Innovation

The Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are accelerating their digital transformation in 2025, setting the stage for a tech-driven future that promises to reshape economies, public services, and daily life across Central Africa.

Digital Strategies Take Center Stage

Both Congos have placed digital technology at the heart of their national development agendas. In the DRC, the government’s 2025 strategy is laser-focused on digitizing public finance management, rolling out integrated management software across key sectors like mining, hydrocarbons, and telecommunications to boost transparency, efficiency, and fight corruption. The aim: lift real GDP by 5.4% and modernize the entire public financial management system by 2027.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Congo is executing its “Congo Digital 2025” roadmap, targeting universal internet access, e-government, and a thriving digital economy. The government’s ambitions are backed by global partners, with €136.5 million mobilized for the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project, and a $72.8 million state-of-the-art data center set to launch by the end of 2024.

5G, Fiber, and the Rise of Tech Hubs

This year, MTN Congo’s commercial launch of 5G marked a leap into the future, delivering speeds over 10 Gbps and paving the way for advanced mobile services. The expansion of the national fiber optic network is set to lower internet costs and connect more citizens, while a new digital skills incubator in Brazzaville will train the next generation of tech talent.

Energy and tech are converging too: startups like AndrewTek and GazTech are harnessing digital solutions to optimize energy use and expand access, with support from major players like TotalEnergies.

Unified Data and E-Government

The DRC is moving to establish a National Unified Information Center, a centralized platform for managing critical national data across sectors such as health, security, and education. This initiative, aligned with the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, will also lay the groundwork for 5G integration and smarter public services.

Inclusion, Skills, and Social Impact

Digital transformation in Congo isn’t just about infrastructure. The strategies emphasize digital and financial inclusion, job creation, and gender equality. Projects like the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project are targeting youth and women, aiming to close the digital divide and foster a more inclusive digital economy.

The Bottom Line

2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for Congo’s digital ambitions. With major investments, ambitious government roadmaps, and support from international partners, both Congos are positioning themselves as rising tech hubs in Africa. As fiber, 5G, and digital platforms roll out, the region is set for a new era of innovation, smarter governance, and economic diversification-where digital isn’t just an add-on, but the engine of transformation.

Would you like a deeper dive into Congo’s startup scene, digital skills initiatives, or the impact of 5G on local businesses?

Source: UNDP

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Health Trends to Watch in 2025

Staying healthy is the foundation for personal growth, productivity, and resilience. In 2025, Africa’s health landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, offering both new opportunities and challenges for individuals committed to personal well-being.

Digital Health Revolution
Telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable devices are making healthcare more accessible than ever. Whether you live in a city or a remote village, digital tools now connect you to doctors, health advice, and wellness tracking-empowering you to take charge of your health and make informed decisions.

Local Solutions for Local Needs
Africa is ramping up local vaccine and drug production, with new facilities in Morocco and Rwanda leading the way. This means improved access to essential medicines and less reliance on imports, helping communities respond faster to health crises and routine care needs.

Universal Health Coverage on the Rise
Countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco are expanding health insurance schemes, aiming to ensure everyone can access care without financial hardship. As these systems grow, more people will be able to seek help early, stay healthier, and avoid medical debt.

Wellness and Prevention Take Center Stage
There’s a renewed focus on holistic wellness, from nutrition and fitness to mental health and preventive screenings. Trends like indigenous birthing models and the rediscovery of ancient grains (such as fonio) are gaining traction, blending tradition with innovation for better health outcomes.

Invest in Your Health Skills
With health systems under pressure and skilled professionals in high demand, consider upskilling in areas like digital health literacy, first aid, or community wellness. Not only does this boost your own resilience, but it also positions you to support your family and community during health challenges.

The Bottom Line
Taking charge of your health in 2025 means embracing new technologies, making use of expanded healthcare access, and investing in lifelong wellness habits. In a world where change is constant, your health is your most valuable asset-nurture it, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.