Happy 35TH Independence Day Namibia - Issue #23☕

Good evening. Happy Independence Day, Namibia!

As Namibia celebrates 35 years of independence, this special edition of our newsletter highlights the incredible strides the nation is making across various sectors. From economic growth and educational empowerment to groundbreaking leadership and technological advancements.

Featured Stories:

1. Namibia's Economy Expands to N$245.1 Billion in 2024!

   • A closer look at the country's economic resilience and growth despite challenges in primary industries.

2. MTC Empowers Namibian Students with N$1.4 Million in Bursaries!

   • Celebrating MTC’s commitment to education and youth development through its annual bursary program.

3. Bank Windhoek Celebrates Coastal Automotive Excellence!

   • Honoring top-performing dealerships and salespeople in Namibia’s automotive sector.

4. CRAN's Universal Service Fund: Bridging Namibia's Digital Divide!

   • How CRAN is driving digital inclusion and expanding connectivity across the country.

5. SADC and EU Unveil Information Portal: Boosting Market Access!

   • A new initiative to enhance trade opportunities between SADC member states and the EU.

6. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Makes History: Namibia's First Female President!

   • A historic moment as Namibia welcomes its first female president, ushering in a new era of leadership.

As we reflect on our journey since independence, let’s celebrate the achievements we have made so far and look forward to a future filled with growth, innovation, and unity. Happy Independence Day, Namibia!

MARKET CORNER

NSX INDEX Overview

TOP MOVERS: NSX Local Stocks

ECONOMIC PULSE

*Data as of Friday 21-03-2025 7:45am

BUSSINESS & ECONOMY

Namibia's Economy Expands to N$245.1 Billion in 2024!

Namibia's economy has shown resilience, expanding to N$245.1 billion in 2024, marking an increase of N$16.2 billion from N$228.9 billion in 2023. This growth reflects a real value-added increase of 3.7% in 2024, down from 4.4% in 2023, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

Key Highlights:

• Primary Industries Decline: The slower growth is attributed to a contraction in primary industries, which declined by 1.8% after a robust 10% growth in 2023. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector was particularly affected, shrinking by 2.7% due to weaker crop farming and reduced fish production.

• Secondary and Tertiary Sectors: Despite challenges in primary industries, secondary industries grew by 3%, driven by manufacturing and construction, while tertiary industries expanded by 4.9%.

• Economic Outlook: The economy is expected to improve in 2025, with projected growth rates indicating a recovery in various sectors.

The Bottom Line:

Namibia's economic growth in 2024 reflects a mixed performance across different sectors. While primary industries faced challenges, the resilience of secondary and tertiary sectors helped maintain overall growth. As the country looks forward to 2025, there are signs of potential recovery and expansion in key sectors, positioning Namibia for future economic development.

Source: The Brief

MTC Empowers Namibian Students with N$1.4 Million in Bursaries!

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to education and national development by awarding N$1.4 million in bursaries to six Namibian students. This year's recipients are pursuing studies in Accounting, Television Production, Data Science, Computer Science, and Law.

Key Highlights:

• Comprehensive Support: The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and pocket allowances for one year, providing holistic support to students.

• Continued Opportunities: Upon graduation, recipients are enrolled in MTC's Graduate Trainee Programme, offering potential full-time employment opportunities based on performance.

• Internal Development: MTC also supports career development for its internal staff members, reinforcing its commitment to growth from within.

Impact and Legacy:

• Long-Term Commitment: Since 2005, MTC has awarded over N$10 million in bursaries, empowering numerous students and contributing significantly to Namibia's educational landscape.

• Inspiring Generosity: Newly appointed Chief Human Capital Officer Raymond Cloete emphasized the importance of recipients giving back to their communities, fostering a spirit of generosity and resilience.

The Bottom Line:

MTC's bursary program is a testament to the company's dedication to nurturing talent and driving national development. By supporting students and fostering career growth, MTC is shaping the future of Namibia's workforce and contributing to a brighter, more empowered society.

Source: Namibian Business Express

Bank Windhoek Celebrates Coastal Automotive Excellence!

Bank Windhoek recently hosted its first-ever Coastal Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) Selekt Sales Awards in Walvis Bay, recognizing the outstanding achievements of automotive salespeople and dealerships from 2023 to 2024.

Key Highlights:

• Celebrating Success: The event honored top performers in the coastal region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dedication in vehicle financing.

• Top Winners: Indongo Toyota Walvis Bay took the gold award for new vehicles, while Steckels Toyota Swakopmund secured the silver. For used vehicles, Indongo Toyota Walvis Bay won gold, and Novel Ford Walvis Bay took silver.

• Salesperson Awards: Eddie Bamm from Indongo Toyota Swakopmund was named the overall top salesperson, with John Feris from Indongo Toyota Walvis Bay receiving the silver award.

The Bottom Line:

Bank Windhoek's Coastal Selekt Sales Awards underscore the company's commitment to fostering partnerships and recognizing excellence in the automotive industry. By celebrating these achievements, Bank Windhoek reinforces its role as a key player in Namibia's vehicle financing sector, driving growth and innovation along the coast.

Source: Namibian Business Express

TECH

CRAN's Universal Service Fund: Bridging Namibia's Digital Divide!

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has officially launched the Universal Service Fund (USF) to enhance digital connectivity across the country. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to essential telecommunications services, particularly in underserved areas.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: The USF is designed to support interventions that promote universal access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), aligning with Namibia's national goal of achieving widespread digital inclusion.

• Funding: The fund is supported by a universal service levy, which is set at a rate not exceeding 0.5% of the annual turnover of telecommunications licensees.

• Impact: By improving ICT access, the USF will contribute to economic growth, social development, and better connectivity for all Namibians, especially in rural and disadvantaged communities.

The Bottom Line:

CRAN's Universal Service Fund represents a significant step towards bridging Namibia's digital divide. By investing in digital infrastructure and promoting universal access, this initiative will drive economic development, enhance education, and improve the overall quality of life for Namibians.

Source: Namibia Business Express

SADC and EU Unveil Information Portal: Boosting Market Access!

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Union (EU) have launched a groundbreaking Information Portal to enhance market access under the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This initiative aims to support businesses in six SADC member states: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Key Features:

• Portal Functionality: The portal features a user-friendly interface, Google-powered search tool, and mobile compatibility. It provides critical information on EU market requirements, customs protocols, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical trade barriers.

• Capacity Building: SADC plans to optimize the portal's use through capacity-building initiatives for private sector stakeholders, focusing on EU market rules and standards.

• Regional Integration: The portal is part of SADC's broader vision to create a comprehensive trade information system, encompassing data on the SADC Free Trade Area, Tripartite Free Trade Area, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Bottom Line:

The SADC-EU Information Portal is a significant step towards enhancing trade facilitation and economic integration. By providing businesses with easy access to critical trade information, this initiative will help boost exports, foster economic growth, and strengthen the partnership between SADC and the EU.

Source: SADC.int

EVENTS

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Makes History: Namibia's First Female President!

Namibia has marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. This historic event took place on March 21, 2025, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of Namibia's independence.

Key Highlights:

• Leadership Background: Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned politician and diplomat, has served in various roles, including vice president, deputy prime minister, and minister of international relations. She joined SWAPO at age 14 and played a pivotal role in Namibia's liberation struggle.

• Economic Vision: She has pledged to diversify Namibia's economy, focusing on agriculture and value addition to address high unemployment and income inequality.

• International Support: The inauguration was attended by several African leaders, including Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, underscoring regional support for her leadership.

The Bottom Line:

Nandi-Ndaitwah's presidency marks a new chapter for Namibia, with high expectations for economic growth, social development, and gender equality. As she takes the reins, her commitment to implementing reforms and fostering a culture of meritocracy will be crucial in meeting the nation's aspirations.

Source: The Namibian

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

President Nandi-Ndaitwah's story is a powerful reminder that success is within reach for anyone who believes in themselves and works tirelessly towards their goals. Whether you are a man or a woman, your dreams are valid, and with persistence and dedication, you can achieve greatness. Let her remarkable journey inspire you to chase your aspirations and never give up on your vision for a brighter future!

Quote for Today:

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt

This quote emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and one's dreams. It's a reminder that success often begins with a strong vision and unwavering faith in your abilities.