MTC Launches Taamba Maris Instant Loan to Expand Access for Namibia's Unbanked- ISSUE # 63☕

Welcome to another edition of Revolox Media — where stories meet substance and the youth stay informed, engaged, and ahead.

In today’s lineup, we’re diving into Namibia’s fast-evolving economic and energy landscape:

• Namibia's Green Hydrogen ambitions hit a milestone, as the government enters €500 million financing talks with the European Investment Bank — a step that could supercharge the country’s green future.

• MTC steps up for the unbanked. Their new “Taamba Maris” instant loan product is designed to provide financial access to thousands of Namibians left out by traditional banking.

• TotalEnergies hits pause on its Venus oil project, pending clearer terms from the Namibian government. What does this mean for our petroleum dreams?

• And finally, local produce takes the spotlight as the Namibian Agronomic Board imposes new import restrictions to support homegrown horticulture this August.

From green energy to agribusiness and oil politics, this issue has the pulse of Namibia’s economic future. Let’s get into it.

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme Advances €500 Million Financing Talks with European Investment Bank

The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) is in advanced discussions with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to secure a €500 million (approximately N$10.3 billion) financing facility aimed at bolstering infrastructure for green hydrogen development and mineral beneficiation in Namibia.

Favourable Loan Terms to Stimulate Sector Growth

According to the NGH2P’s 2025 mid-year review, the proposed loan package offers attractive terms including a 3.5% interest rate and a five-year grace period. The report confirms, “Advanced talks are underway with the European Investment Bank for a €500 million facility at 3.5% interest, with a five-year grace period.”

This financing facility forms a critical part of Namibia’s broader strategy to mitigate investment risk in the emerging green hydrogen sector.

Comprehensive Strategy Backed by Government Partnerships

Developed collaboratively with the Ministry of Finance’s economic policy department, Namibia’s strategy includes introducing globally competitive fiscal incentives. These proposals feature value-added tax (VAT) exemptions on imports, reduced tariffs, and relaxed Namibia dollar currency account regulations—all designed to significantly lower capital costs for project developers, especially those focused on mineral beneficiation.

Additional United Nations-Backed Funding Instruments

Further strengthening the sector, two additional funding instruments are anticipated with backing from the United Nations. One comprises a €25 million (about N$515.5 million) mitigation action facility supporting technical and financial preparations for green industrial hubs. Another targets piloting green hydrogen and associated industrial projects. The report notes, “Namibia is progressing to the second phase after being shortlisted in the top-23 applications.”

Earlier Climate Investment Funds Support

In early 2025, Namibia secured funding from the Climate Investment Funds’ Industry Decarbonisation Programme with ongoing support from the Ministry of Finance. This facility ranges between N$931 million (US$50 million) and N$4.66 billion (US$250 million) at a low average interest rate of 1%. Backed by the Clean Technology Fund, it is expected to leverage an additional 3:1 capital match from other financiers.

Driving Green Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development

NGH2P efforts include advancing green industrialisation and beneficiation hubs by upgrading vital infrastructure such as ports, railways, desalination plants, power grids, and renewable energy systems. Active engagements with multiple capital providers, including development finance institutions, continue to refine the financing approach ensuring optimal support for long-term sustainable growth.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s ongoing negotiations with the EIB and collaboration with international partners highlight a promising trajectory toward establishing a competitive, sustainable green hydrogen industry. With innovative financing strategies and infrastructure development underway, the NGH2P positions Namibia as a leading hub for green hydrogen and mineral beneficiation in Africa.

Source: The Namibian

MTC Launches Taamba Maris Instant Loan to Expand Access for Namibia's Unbanked

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has officially entered Namibia’s cash loan sector with the launch of the Taamba Maris Instant Loan, a new micro-finance product tailored for clients underserved by traditional banking institutions.

Loan Details and Strategic Partnership

Announced on Thursday, the Taamba Maris Instant Loan is made available exclusively to MTC Maris clients, with individual loans ranging from N$100 to N$1,500. The rollout is implemented in partnership with Letsgeho, a micro-financial services company.

Bridging the Financial Gap for the Unbanked

Letsgeho CEO Melvin Angula underscored that the new loan facility specifically targets individuals who lack access to conventional loans—often due to not having collateral, formal employment, or the payslip documentation banks and cash loan firms typically require. “Our target market are those earning between N$2,500 and N$6,500, including the ladies who sell vegetables on the street,” Angula explained.

Accessible, Digital-First Loan Application

To ensure broad inclusion, potential clients can apply for loans offline via a USSD code, eliminating the need for smartphones or data connectivity. This approach is designed to simplify access and reach segments of the population traditionally excluded from mainstream financial services.

Controlled Rollout for Impact

Initially, the Taamba Maris Instant Loan will be offered to a select group of 6,000 pre-selected Maris customers before being gradually expanded to all MTC Maris clients, allowing the companies to refine processes and ensure smooth delivery.

The Bottom Line

With Taamba Maris, MTC and Letsgeho are pioneering instant micro-lending in Namibia’s telecom sector, aiming to bridge the financial inclusion gap for the country’s unbanked population through accessible, tech-driven solutions. The initiative marks a significant step in supporting low- and middle-income earners and informal sector workers by expanding their options for timely, small-scale financial assistance.

Suggested Image: People using mobile phones at a local market, reflecting the reach and impact of digital financial solutions among informal traders and everyday Namibians.

Source: The Namibian

TotalEnergies Delays Final Investment Decision on Venus Oil Project Pending Namibian Government Clarity

TotalEnergies is holding off on a long-awaited final investment decision (FID) for its massive Venus oil project offshore Namibia, pending clear signals from Namibia’s new administration about which projects will be approved and how oil development will proceed. The French energy giant’s stance emerges as judicial reviews and regulatory complexities stall similar projects in the region, including ongoing debates over offshore authorisations in South Africa’s Western Cape.

Readiness Meets Cautious Approach

In its Q2 2025 earnings report, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné reiterated the company’s readiness to push forward, aligning with Namibia’s ambition to commence oil production by 2029. However, Pouyanné stressed the need to avoid misunderstandings with Namibian authorities—highlighting that, as Namibia is a newcomer to large-scale oil projects, early consensus between government and investors is crucial to avoid costly disputes down the road.

“It’s better to take time at the beginning… if we want to meet the 2029 target, we must decide before the end of 2025,” Pouyanné noted, following his April courtesy visit to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek.

Scale of the Venus Project and Exploration Activity

TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery, located on Block 2913B in Namibia’s Orange Basin, is estimated to hold around three billion barrels of recoverable oil. Phase one of development aims for initial production of 150,000 barrels per day, with a long-term target of 180,000 barrels daily by 2029. The project is set to involve up to 40 production and injection wells.

TotalEnergies commands a 40% stake in PEL 56 (alongside QatarEnergy, Impact Oil & Gas, and Namcor) and a 47.2% share in PEL 91 with Namcor, investing nearly US$1 billion in the region to date.

Oil Rush in the Orange Basin

The Venus discovery is part of a broader oil rush in and around the Orange Basin, where Namcor holds 10%–15% equity in nearly 29 active blocks. Industry estimates suggest around 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas lie within the Namibian sector of the basin. Since 2022, exploration spending has already topped US$3 billion, signalling a potential transformation of Namibia’s economy as it looks to diversify away from diamonds and uranium.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Regional Rivalry

While Shell’s Mopane find in a neighbouring block highlights the basin’s competitiveness, Pouyanné insists that further moves by TotalEnergies will depend on how regulatory and government priorities play out. The company also maintains interest in South African prospects, with hopes to start drilling there by 2026 once lengthy environmental and regulatory processes conclude.

The Bottom Line

TotalEnergies’ commitment to the Venus project reflects the basin’s vast potential but underscores the importance of regulatory alignment when pioneering oil frontiers. Namibia’s government now faces a defining moment to set out clear, robust processes that balance sector growth, local participation, and sustained economic benefits from what could become a transformative industry for the nation.

Source: The Namibian

AGRICULTURE

Namibian Agronomic Board Imposes August Import Restrictions to Boost Local Horticulture

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has announced a temporary closure of the border for the importation of seven special controlled horticultural products effective from 1 to 31 August 2025. This directive aims to protect and develop Namibia’s burgeoning local horticulture sector by limiting competition from imports during peak production periods.

Products Subject to Complete Import Ban

According to NAB Chief Executive Fidelis Mwazi’s notice dated 23 July, imports of all types and sizes of butternut, cabbage, onion, and sweet potatoes will be fully prohibited, except for specific exclusions outlined under the Agronomic Industry Act and the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion (MSP) Scheme. Newly added to this full restriction are cocktail tomatoes, round tomatoes, and spinach, marking a notable tightening compared to recent months where some import allowances existed for these produce.

NAB spokesperson Liseli Mwilima emphasised that the ban demonstrates the domestic producers’ ability to meet current demand for these special products, stating, “This shows that local producers are capable of meeting the demand for these special products.”

Import Allowances with MSP Conditions

While imports are closed for certain crops, other products remain open for import subject to the MSP’s 47% local sourcing rule, which requires importers to source nearly half of their supply locally before importing the remainder. These include beetroot, gem squash, washed potatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, sweet melon, and sweetcorn—crops for which local production does not yet fully meet demand.

Pro-Rata Import Limits on Additional Crops

NAB has also allowed limited importation rates for crops partially supplied by local farmers under a pro-rata system:

• Jam tomatoes: 20% of total import requirements

• Lettuce (iceberg): 30%

• Coloured and green peppers: 30%

• Carrots: 50%

• English cucumbers: 50%

These quotas aim to strike a balance—supporting local farmers while maintaining sufficient market supply.

Policy Context and Industry Impact

This import management aligns with the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion (MSP) Scheme, a long-standing initiative to bolster local production and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from South Africa. The scheme currently mandates that importers secure at least 47% of their produce requirements from Namibian growers.

Though the restrictions have drawn criticism, especially from South African farmers, NAB views them as necessary for protecting growing local horticultural industries and fostering national food security. The policy is dynamic, with NAB indicating possible adjustments depending on production realities during the month.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s targeted import restrictions for August 2025 demonstrate a proactive approach to nurturing its nascent horticulture sector. By combining full import closures on select crops with pro-rata allowances and MSP conditions on others, the country aims to empower local farmers, limit influxes of cheaper imports, and stimulate domestic agricultural growth.

Source: The Namibian

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Empower Your Growth: Take Small Steps Every Day

Personal development is a journey, not a destination. Start with small, consistent actions—whether it’s reading for 10 minutes, setting daily goals, or practicing mindfulness. Over time, these small steps build resilience, sharpen skills, and boost confidence. Remember, growth is about progress, not perfection. Commit today to invest in yourself and watch your potential unfold.