These are the stories to expect in Issue 46:

Namibia’s N$224.7 billion investment pipeline faces policy hurdles as agriculture and renewables take the lead; DBN’s Good Business and Innovation Awards 2025 shine a spotlight on the country’s changemakers; Namibia plans a 10% dividend tax for local shareholders alongside a corporate tax cut to 28%; the Windhoek High School principal dispute reignites calls for greater school board autonomy; and get ready for the Vivo Energy Marathon 2025 on the 24th.

Stay tuned for in-depth coverage and insights.

MARKET CORNER

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ECONOMIC PULSE

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Namibia’s N$224.7 Billion Investment Pipeline Faces Policy Hurdles, Agriculture and Renewables Lead the Way

Namibia’s ambitions to unlock over N$224.7 billion in new investments are being slowed by policy uncertainty and bureaucratic bottlenecks, according to the latest insights from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). While the pipeline is brimming with projects promising jobs and economic growth, a lack of clear investment incentives, slow permit approvals, and land availability issues are keeping much of this capital on the sidelines.

Pipeline Packed, But Progress Slow

The NIPDB’s report highlights that oil and gas projects make up just 2.9% of the current pipeline. The real action is happening in sectors like agriculture and food processing, which account for a significant 27.23% of the total value. Renewable energy is also a major player, representing 26.24% of the pipeline, while metals, mining, and related industries contribute 13.37%.

Other sectors in the mix include tourism, hospitality and entertainment (7.43%), digital and global business services (7.43%), chemicals and basic materials (4.46%), and property and housing (4.46%).

What’s Holding Back Investment?

The main barriers, according to the NIPDB, are the absence of robust policies to support investment incentives and data protection, sluggish permit and licence approval processes, and difficulties in securing land for projects.

“We have seen an inflow of investment projects with the potential to create significant employment opportunities. However, many of these projects are struggling to materialise due to various challenges,” the report states.

NIPDB CEO Nangula Uaandja stresses that to unlock these investments and the jobs they promise, Namibia must urgently address land availability, finalise key policies and incentives, and streamline the process for permits and visas.

Call to Action: Performance and Policy Reform Needed

Uaandja recommends the creation of a performance management system with clear delivery timelines for both the private sector and citizens. She also calls for an inter-institutional “ease of doing business” committee and firm deadlines for enacting critical laws and policy changes.

Some Progress, But More Needed

Despite the hurdles, there have been some wins. Between 2022 and 2023, six NIPDB-facilitated projects—Cleanergy Solutions, Your Kitchen, the Northern Grape Project: Otjimbele Agriculture and Loxworth/Namibia Berries, HyIron, and Benguela Blue Aqua Farming—have broken ground, representing a combined investment of N$3.2 billion.

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s investment future is bright, but unlocking the full potential of its N$224.7 billion pipeline will require bold policy action, faster approvals, and a relentless focus on making it easier for investors to do business. With agriculture, renewables, and mining leading the charge, the time to act is now—so Namibia can turn its investment pipeline into real jobs and growth.

SOURCE: The Namibian

DBN’s Good Business and Innovation Awards 2025: Spotlight on Namibia’s Changemakers

Windhoek is set to host some of Namibia’s brightest business minds as the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) rolls out the red carpet for the Good Business and Innovation Awards 2025 this Monday. Under the banner “Celebrating Innovation and Impact,” this year’s ceremony will shine a light on the trailblazers and visionaries shaping the country’s socio-economic future.

A Gathering of Leaders and Visionaries

DBN’s communications manager, Jerome Mutumba, says the event will bring together a distinguished audience—think top executives, industry thought leaders, and high-ranking dignitaries from both public and private sectors. The evening’s keynote address will be delivered by Vice President Lucia Witbooi, who is expected to reaffirm the government’s commitment to enterprise-led development and transformative innovation.

Recognising Excellence, Rewarding Impact

The awards will honour outstanding achievements across three categories, with a total of N$800,000 up for grabs:

• Small and Medium Enterprise Winner: N$150,000

• Large Enterprise Winner: N$250,000

• Innovation Award Recipient: N$400,000

“These awards are more than just a moment in the spotlight,” Mutumba explains. “They’re a testament to our commitment to unlocking enterprise potential and accelerating inclusive development. We’re excited to celebrate the entrepreneurs and innovators who are redefining what’s possible and making a real impact on Namibia’s socio-economic progress.”

Innovation at the Heart of Progress

With this year’s theme, DBN is doubling down on its belief that innovation is not just a buzzword—it’s the cornerstone of economic resilience and social impact. As Namibia continues to navigate a rapidly changing business landscape, the Good Business and Innovation Awards 2025 serve as a powerful reminder: the future belongs to those bold enough to create it.

Stay tuned as Revolox Media brings you highlights and insights from this landmark event, celebrating the enterprises and leaders driving Namibia forward.

Source: The Namibian

Namibia to Introduce 10% Dividend Tax for Local Shareholders, Corporate Tax Cut to 28%

Namibia’s tax landscape is set for a significant shake-up. Starting next year, Namibian shareholders will be subject to a 10% dividend tax—a move that marks a departure from the current regime, where only non-resident shareholders pay tax on dividends.

A Fairer, More Equitable Tax System

The new dividend tax will be rolled out alongside a reduction in corporate tax to 28%. According to the Ministry of Finance, this dual approach is designed to foster a fairer, more equitable tax regime, align Namibia with its regional peers, and curb tax avoidance.

Deputy Executive Director of Finance, Oscar Capelao, says the reform is about broadening the tax base and ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share. “It will ensure that the wealthy get to pay their fairer share of taxes, contrary to the tax avoidance tactics currently being deployed due to 100% exemption on dividends,” Capelao explained.

Incentivising Reinvestment and Protecting Small Businesses

Currently, dividends received by Namibian corporates, individuals, and trusts are fully exempt from tax. Under the new policy, companies will benefit from a lower corporate tax rate on profits, incentivising them to reinvest earnings back into their operations. However, once profits are paid out as dividends, the 10% tax will apply.

Capelao emphasised that small businesses will be protected: “Just like the N$100,000 income tax exemption, there will be a tax exemption on the first N$100,000 of profit for businesses.” Additional exemptions will apply to dividends paid to Namibian resident companies, retirement funds, and other exempt persons.

Foreign companies will not be affected by the new tax, as dividends to non-resident shareholders are already subject to a separate tax.

Catching Up With the Region

Namibia’s move brings it in line with other Southern African countries that have already implemented similar taxes:

• South Africa: 20% dividend withholding tax (up from 15% in 2017), with exemptions for resident companies and retirement funds.

• Botswana: 10% for locals, 15% for non-residents.

• Zambia: 15% on local dividends.

• Angola: 10%, withheld at source.

How Does Namibia Compare Globally?

Globally, dividend tax rates vary widely. Ireland tops the list in Europe with a 51% rate, followed by Denmark (42%) and the United Kingdom (39.4%). On the lower end, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Greece levy just 5%, with Moldova and Ukraine at 6% and 6.5%, respectively (PwC data).

The Bottom Line

Namibia’s introduction of a 10% dividend tax for local shareholders, combined with a lower corporate tax rate, signals a shift towards a more balanced and competitive tax system. With safeguards for small businesses and exemptions for key sectors, the new regime aims to boost reinvestment, reduce inequality, and bring Namibia up to speed with its regional and global peers.

SOURCE: The Namibian

EDUCATION

Windhoek High School Principal Dispute Sparks Calls for Greater School Board Autonomy

A recent legal battle over the appointment of Windhoek High School’s new principal has reignited the debate on empowering state school boards with greater decision-making authority.

The National Organisation of Parents in Education (Naope) argues that school boards should have full autonomy in appointing school leaders, free from Ministry interference.

This controversy follows Windhoek High School’s decision to take the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture to court over the appointment of Teofilus Nuugulu, currently principal at Okahandja Secondary School, who was slated to start his new role this month.

Calls for School Board Autonomy

Speaking on Desert FM, Naope chairman Paulus Hawanga emphasized that the current Education Act only allows school boards to endorse recommendations rather than make final decisions.

He warned that if a school board does not support the appointed principal, school operations could suffer, regardless of the principal’s qualifications.

“If there’s no will to adhere to governance procedures between the school board and management, effective leadership becomes impossible,” Hawanga said.

He further criticized the limited role of school boards, often reduced to ceremonial functions, excluded from critical recruitment decisions.

“They’re informed last minute about principal or head of department interviews, with little genuine consultation,” he added.

Ministry Pushes Back on Autonomy

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp rejected calls to grant school boards full autonomy, citing the need for checks and balances to ensure transparent and lawful appointment processes.

“What checks and balances remain if school boards hold all decision-making power? We cannot give them full autonomy,” Steenkamp told The Namibian.

She explained that appointments follow the Basic Education Act 3 of 2020, which also defines school boards’ roles. The ministry involves unions and board members as observers during interviews to safeguard credibility.

Perspectives from Education Stakeholders

John Mulundu, principal of Oshifanya Combined School, highlighted that school governing bodies are responsible for recommending staff appointments, shaping school vision, and promoting welfare. He stressed that decisions must comply with statutory laws and regulations.

Regarding the WHS principal appointment, Mulundu noted that board and panel members should have agreed on shortlisting criteria beforehand, subject to approval by education officials.

Loide Shaanika, secretary general of the Namibia National Teachers Union, reminded that the Basic Education Act governs school board powers. “If boards wanted more authority, they should have raised this during the 2020 Act drafting. No one is above the law,” she said.

WHS Board Denies Racial Motives

The Windhoek High School board has dismissed claims that its legal challenge is racially motivated. In a letter to parents and guardians, the board stated its concerns focus solely on procedural irregularities.

The board emphasized that legal action aims to ensure compliance with the Basic Education Act, which mandates meaningful consultation of school boards in key staffing decisions.

The dispute at Windhoek High School underscores ongoing tensions around governance and autonomy in Namibia’s education sector, highlighting the need for clear roles and collaborative decision-making to foster effective school leadership.

Source: The Namibian

EVENTS

See you on Saturday 24th of May 2025!!!!