GEOxyz Expands to Africa with New Branch in Walvis Bay - ISSUE #50☕

In this edition, we spotlight bold moves, tough truths, and national ambitions:

 Capricorn Foundation intensifies efforts against hunger and malnutrition.
GEOxyz lands in Africa, launching a new branch in Walvis Bay.
 The Real Cost of Car Ownership — it's more than just the price tag.
 Namibia Looks to Norway as the 2025 Oil & Gas Conference sets a forward-thinking agenda.
 A Note from Us — Revolox Media issues a press release and formal apology.

Stay informed, stay sharp — it's all in today's scroll.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Capricorn Foundation Steps Up Fight Against Hunger and Malnutrition

Namibia continues to grapple with a serious food insecurity crisis, with over 1.15 million people—nearly 40% of the population—currently experiencing high levels of hunger1. The situation is expected to worsen during the lean season, with projections indicating that up to 1.26 million people could be affected by early 20251.

The Capricorn Foundation has responded by investing N$2 million in two major initiatives aimed at alleviating malnutrition and hunger. This includes N$600,000 for the Gondwana MealForTwo Programme, which will deliver 400,000 meals to 30 organisations and reach nearly 8,000 vulnerable Namibians, such as orphans, children in hostels, and the elderly2.

Boosting Nutrition in Omaheke

The Omaheke region, which has recorded over 30,000 malnutrition cases and more than 800 deaths in two years, is a central focus2. Genesis Namibia, with N$1.4 million in total support from the Capricorn Foundation, has provided 67,000 meals to 700 children and adults across eight soup kitchens. The new funding aims to reach 1,000 malnourished children, expanding the programme’s impact2.

Genesis Namibia’s approach includes tracking children’s health electronically and providing meals fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids2.

Sustainable Solutions and Collaboration

The Capricorn Foundation’s support extends beyond emergency food relief. Previous efforts have included establishing sustainable gardens at beneficiary organisations and collaborating with partners like the World Food Programme to reduce food waste and improve long-term food security4. The foundation recently distributed 10 tons of butternut and pumpkin to vulnerable communities, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable nutrition4.

Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships:

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s hunger and malnutrition crisis demands urgent, collaborative action. The Capricorn Foundation’s N$2 million investment is a significant step, providing immediate relief and supporting sustainable solutions for the country’s most vulnerable communities. As food insecurity is expected to rise, such interventions are critical in building resilience and hope across Namibia.

Source: The Namibia

GEOxyz Expands to Africa with New Branch in Walvis Bay

Strategic Choice for Regional Hub
International geospatial and marine data services firm GEOxyz has launched its first African branch in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The location was selected for its central position, stable business climate, and growing demand for specialized survey services across offshore and onshore infrastructure sectors. The new office aims to efficiently support projects throughout southern Africa from this strategic base.

Leadership and Integration
Jacques Vancayseele, a Belgian national with seven years of experience at GEOxyz, has been appointed chief executive of the Namibian branch. His leadership is expected to strengthen ties between GEOxyz’s European roots and its new African operations. Vancayseele emphasizes that a dedicated local presence will enable the company to deliver tailored solutions that meet client needs while fostering local growth.

Collaborative and Growth-Oriented Approach
Initially, the Walvis Bay office will operate as a collaboration between European and African teams, with plans to evolve into a fully independent, locally-led entity. GEOxyz is committed to hiring local talent, partnering with regional institutions, and investing in knowledge transfer. The company will continue collaborating with local educational institutions to train future marine data specialists and surveyors.

Global Expansion and Service Offerings
Patrick Reyntjens, GEOxyz’s chief executive, describes the Namibian office as a natural step in the company’s global expansion strategy, with future growth anticipated in West Africa, Asia, and South America. From Walvis Bay, GEOxyz will provide a comprehensive range of data services including offshore hydrographic and geophysical surveys, as well as onshore infrastructure mapping for railroads and land development.

Bottomline:
GEOxyz’s establishment in Namibia marks a strategic move to deepen its footprint in Africa, combining international expertise with local knowledge to support regional infrastructure development and capacity building.

Soure; The Namibian

Understanding the True Cost of Car Ownership: Beyond the Purchase Price

Many prospective car buyers focus primarily on the purchase price when assessing affordability. However, owning a vehicle involves several other expenses that significantly impact monthly costs.

Having recently purchased a new car myself, I experienced the adjustment of managing a vehicle loan instalment after eight years without one.

Monthly Instalments and Financing

For a mid-range hatchback priced around R294,000 (N$294,000), such as the Volkswagen Polo Vivo or Kia Picanto, the estimated monthly loan instalment is approximately R5,554.80. This figure depends on interest rates, which vary based on credit scores and loan terms.

Insurance: A Necessary Protection

If financing through a bank, insurance is mandatory before driving off. Even without financing, insurance protects against losses from accidents or theft. For the example vehicle, comprehensive insurance costs about R1,827.24 monthly. Credit shortfall insurance is a valuable addition, covering outstanding debt in case of death or total loss.

Fuel Costs: A Major Recurring Expense

Fuel is one of the largest ongoing costs. Estimating monthly fuel expenses based on consumption and travel distance is crucial. For the hatchback in question, average monthly fuel costs are around R3,902.50. Choosing a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle can drastically reduce this expense.

Maintenance and Running Costs

Routine maintenance ensures vehicle safety and reliability, costing about R475.75 monthly or R5,709 annually for upkeep.

Total Monthly Ownership Costs

Combining instalments, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, the total monthly cost for owning a popular hatchback reaches approximately R11,760.29, slightly above the 2024 average of R11,578.70.

Historical Cost Increases

Over time, vehicle ownership costs have risen significantly:

• Monthly instalments increased from R2,417.03 in 2012 to R5,554.80 in 2025.

• Insurance premiums rose from R802.66 to R1,827.24.

• Fuel costs grew from R1,856.75 to about R3,902.50 monthly.

Bottom Line

Evaluating the full spectrum of ownership costs is essential before committing to a long-term vehicle finance contract. This comprehensive approach ensures buyers understand true affordability beyond the sticker price.

Source: The Namibian

OIL CENTRE

Namibia Eyes Norway’s Model as Oil & Gas Conference 2025 Sets Ambitious Agenda

Windhoek, Namibia – As Namibia prepares to host the third Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) from 12 to 15 August 2025, industry leaders and policymakers are being urged to draw lessons from Norway’s success in ensuring that oil and gas sector growth translates into broad-based national benefits.

Learning from Norway: A Blueprint for Inclusive Growth

Clemens von Doderer, resident representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) in Namibia, highlighted Norway as a global benchmark for leveraging oil wealth for the benefit of all citizens. Speaking at the NOGC media launch, von Doderer stated, “Norway is one example Namibia can look at, and one of the countries that have had success when it comes to the oil and gas sector.” He stressed that Namibia should aim for real economic growth and equitable distribution of resource benefits, echoing calls for strategic management and transparent governance.

From Exploration to Action: Conference Theme and Focus

This year’s conference, themed “From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier,” signals a shift from resource discovery to tangible industry development. Paulo Coelho, spokesperson for the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), emphasized, “We are now focused on taking real steps to grow the industry and place Namibia at the centre of the global energy stage.” Coelho encouraged young Namibians—students, entrepreneurs, and early-career professionals—to actively participate and seize new opportunities.

Empowering Local Business and Talent

A supplier and local content masterclass will guide Namibian businesses on how to become suppliers to major industry operators. For the first time, the conference will host a dedicated technical programme on 13 and 14 August, covering emerging industry trends, research, and regulatory changes.

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) will cap off the event with a business matching session to connect local companies with potential investors. “The initiative is intended to create more structured engagement between international stakeholders and the local private sector,” Coelho noted.

Growing Participation and Youth Empowerment

Jesaya Hano-Oshike, deputy chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), reported significant growth for the conference: “NOGC saw a 52% increase in exhibition space and a 40% rise in participants from 2023 to 2024.” The 2024 edition drew over 1,000 delegates from 35 countries, with 71 speakers and 42 exhibitors. This year’s event will introduce a mentorship platform and allocate part of public exhibitor entrance fees to support a selected youth beneficiary.

“There’s an urgent need to move beyond talk and start implementing tangible, long-term benefits for Namibians,” Hano-Oshike said, underscoring the event’s commitment to impact.

Strategic Priorities for 2025 and Beyond

Margareth Gustavo, NIPDB’s executive director for strategy and branding, outlined the agency’s 2025 focus: unlocking investment-ready supply chains, increasing local industrial participation, and boosting youth employment through skills development. “The future of Namibia’s oil and gas industry is not offshore. It is here onshore – in our people, our businesses and our ambitions,” Gustavo stated.

Collaboration and Endorsement

The NOGC is organized by the EAN in partnership with the NIPDB and HSF, and supported by Namcor, SNC Incorporated, and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

Key Points

• Norway as a Model: Namibia is encouraged to follow Norway’s example for inclusive oil and gas sector growth.

• Conference Focus: Moving from exploration to actionable industry development.

• Local Content: Supplier masterclass and technical sessions to empower local businesses.

• Youth Engagement: New mentorship platform and support for youth beneficiaries.

• Investment Drive: NIPDB to facilitate business matching and skills development.

• Record Growth: 52% increase in exhibition space, 40% more participants year-on-year.

• Collaboration: Event backed by EAN, NIPDB, HSF, Namcor, SNC Incorporated, and government ministries.

Bottom Line

Namibia’s third Oil and Gas Conference marks a pivotal moment for the country’s energy ambitions. By learning from Norway’s model and focusing on local capacity, youth empowerment, and investment-ready infrastructure, Namibia aims to ensure its oil and gas sector delivers lasting, broad-based benefits for all citizens. The 2025 conference is set to be a catalyst for turning resource potential into real economic transformation

Source: The Namibian

Revolox media statement

Press Release and Apology from Revolox Media

Date: Wednesday, June 04, 2025
Subject: Apology for False Report in Issue 49 Regarding Namibian Oil Partnership

Revolox Media sincerely apologizes for the inaccurate information published in Issue 49 concerning Namibia’s alleged cancellation of its oil partnership with the United States. After thorough verification, we confirm that this report was incorrect and did not reflect the true status of the partnership.

We deeply regret any confusion or concern this false news may have caused to our readers, stakeholders, and the wider public. At Revolox Media, we are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and trustworthy journalism. This incident has highlighted areas where we must improve our fact-checking and editorial processes.

Moving forward, we pledge to strengthen our verification protocols and ensure that all news we publish meets the highest standards of accuracy and integrity. We appreciate the continued support and trust of our audience and promise to do better in providing factual and responsible reporting.

Thank you for your understanding.

Revolox Media Editorial Team