Repo Rate Expected to Remain Unchanged at 6.75%# ISSUE 53-☕

Welcome to Today’s Issue — Revolox Media

Your trusted source for news that matters, moves, and motivates.

In this edition, we unpack power, policy, and progress across Namibia:

NTB Board’s N$2 Million Travel Bill sparks public concern over accountability and governance.
 N$4.48 Billion Secured to fuel Namibia’s green industry transformation.
 Repo Rate Holds at 6.75%, offering stability amid global uncertainty.
 Debmarine CEO Slams NFA Leadership for lack of respect and structural support.
 Namibia Tops Africa in Gender Equality, breaking into the global top 10.

Stay tuned as we break down the stories shaping Namibia’s headlines.

#RevoloxMedia #NamibiaNews #NTB #GreenEconomy #NFA #GenderEquality #RepoRate #Issue54

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

NTB Board Members’ N$2 Million Travel Spend Sparks Scrutiny

Travel Allowances Under the Spotlight

Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) directors have collectively received N$2 million in travel allowances over just five months, with individual board members reportedly pocketing between N$300,000 and N$600,000 this year. At least 21 international trips have been undertaken by board members since last year, raising concerns about the necessity and frequency of these travels.

Questions Over Purpose and Fairness

Leaked messages reveal internal discontent, with some directors alleging favoritism in trip assignments. Sources claim certain board members are using NTB trips as luxury getaways rather than fulfilling their mandate to promote Namibia’s tourism sector. “Some just want to post on social media about the trips while using NTB’s resources – and the company is already struggling,” one insider shared.

High Flyers and Spending Patterns

NTB allocates about N$4 million annually for board travel and accommodation. This year, vice chairperson Pastor Rachel Koch is cited as a major beneficiary, reportedly traveling first class on one occasion. Board chairperson Olavi Hamwele is also named among the top recipients, with trips to Germany and France. Executive officer Sebulon Chicalu has reportedly undertaken more than four international trips.

NTB’s Response: Policy and Oversight

NTB spokesperson Flora Quest clarified that fewer than 10 out of more than 30 annual international marketing events require board attendance. She stated that board participation is reserved for events involving bilateral discussions and policy networking. All trips are approved by the minister of environment and tourism, and travel allowances are paid according to internal policy. Flight class is determined by journey length, with business class reserved for trips over four hours.

Board Travel: Mandate or Misuse?

Quest emphasized that board members’ involvement provides governance oversight and strengthens Namibia’s presence at international tourism events. She added that the chief executive’s participation in major trade fairs is essential for advancing NTB’s strategic objectives.

Bottom Line

NTB’s board travel spending has ignited debate over priorities and accountability. While management insists these trips are vital for promoting Namibia’s tourism and maintaining governance standards, critics argue that resources could be more effectively allocated as the sector faces ongoing financial challenges

Source: The Namibian

Namibia Secures N$4.48 Billion for Green Industry Transformation

Namibia has been awarded N$4.48 billion (US$250 million) from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to support efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country was selected from 26 applicants worldwide for the CIF Industry Decarbonisation investment programme, which has a total fund of US$1 billion.

Strategic Investment Plan Underway

Following the award, Namibia will develop a detailed investment plan aligned with its sixth National Development Plan. James Mnyupe, head of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, described this as a milestone for the country. The programme aims to demonstrate how concessional finance can reduce risks in pioneering green industry investments while ensuring a just and inclusive transition that matches regional development priorities.

Government and Private Sector Collaboration

Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah emphasized the government's commitment to working closely with the private sector and development partners to build sustainable industrial clusters that foster growth, employment, and economic diversification.

Focus Areas for Green Industrialisation

The funds will kick-start green industrialisation by concentrating on critical minerals, green hydrogen, and renewable energy sources, covering the full value chain from extraction to production. Namibia also plans to increase electricity independence and security by expanding clean energy use, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and supporting cleaner shared electricity networks in southern Africa.

Regional and Global Significance

Nazmeera Moolaat, Ninety One’s chief sustainability officer, highlighted Namibia’s selection as evidence of the significant opportunities for emerging markets to lead in clean and sustainable industries. Namibia’s application, ranked third globally, was prepared by the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme in partnership with Ninety One, a global investment firm.

Bottom Line: Namibia’s successful acquisition of CIF funding marks a critical step toward green industrialisation and sustainable economic growth, positioning the country as a regional leader in clean energy and climate-resilient development.

Source: The Namibian

Repo Rate Expected to Remain Unchanged at 6.75%

Economists predict the Bank of Namibia (BoN) will keep the repo rate steady at 6.75% during its monetary policy announcement scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Key Factors Behind the Decision

• Helena Mboti, economist at First National Bank Namibia, cites ongoing global economic uncertainties, sticky core inflation, and subdued credit growth as reasons for maintaining the current rate.

• Despite headline inflation easing to 3.6% in April 2025 and slow private sector credit growth, the central bank is expected to hold the rate steady rather than cut it.

• Typically, slow credit uptake and slowing inflation would prompt rate cuts to encourage borrowing and boost economic activity, but persistent core inflation at 4.0% and expectations of rising prices later in the year justify caution.

• Mboti projects inflation to increase to around 4.5% in Q3 2025, averaging 3.9% for the year.

External Risks and Regional Context

• Global tighter financial conditions, rising trade frictions, and elevated uncertainty continue to weigh on growth prospects and influence the central bank's cautious stance.

• Governor Johannes !Gawaxab previously noted risks from global geopolitical interests affecting commodity prices.

• The BoN is also mindful of narrowing the policy rate gap with South Africa, whose central bank recently cut its repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.25% on May 25, 2025.

Bottom Line:
The Bank of Namibia is poised to maintain the repo rate at 6.75% amid mixed inflation signals, slow credit growth, and significant global economic uncertainties, balancing domestic economic stability with external pressures.

Source: The Namibian

SPORT

Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Criticizes NFA Leadership Over Lack of Respect and Support

At the recent Debmarine Namibia Premiership prize-giving ceremony held at Independence Stadium, Debmarine Namibia’s CEO Willy Mertens openly expressed dissatisfaction with the Namibia Football Association (NFA) leadership, accusing them of not valuing or respecting sponsors adequately. Speaking on a chilly winter evening, Mertens lamented the strained relationship between the company and the NFA, which he described as "quite chilly."

Call for NFA to Prioritize Football Development Over Personal Interests

Mertens urged the NFA leadership, absent from the event, to place the development of football, player welfare, and club interests above personal agendas. He emphasized that only with such a shift would football in Namibia progress. “We, at Debmarine Namibia, as a sponsor certainly did not feel respected and valued by the NFA leadership – especially over the past two years,” he stated, highlighting the need for mutual respect to move the sport forward.

Push for an Independent League as a Transformation Milestone

Highlighting a lagging transformation project, Mertens called for the establishment of an independent league separate from the NFA. He believes this independence is crucial to attracting and sustaining sponsorship, which is vital for the league’s future. “It is time for the league to transcend to the next stage of becoming independent from the NFA,” he said, expressing hope that the NFA leadership would honor this commitment soon.

NFA President Responds, Seeks FIFA Guidance on Independent League

In response, NFA president Robert Shimooshili acknowledged the ongoing efforts to establish an independent league but emphasized the need for guidance from FIFA. He explained that FIFA’s statutes and concerns about third-party influence require the NFA to normalize football operations before fully transitioning to an independent league. Shimooshili called for unity among stakeholders to achieve this goal and affirmed the NFA’s respect and appreciation for Debmarine Namibia’s sponsorship.

Debmarine Namibia’s Significant Investment in Namibian Football

Mertens outlined Debmarine Namibia’s substantial financial commitment, revealing an investment of about N$50 million in the Premiership over the past three years. This funding has enhanced league operations, improved remuneration for players and staff, and supported various service providers across towns. Over the past decade, the company’s total contribution to football, including support for national teams and clubs in African competitions, has reached nearly N$80 million.

Socioeconomic Impact Beyond the Pitch

Beyond financial support, Mertens highlighted the broader impact of their investment, which has created employment for 877 individuals involved in technical, security, medical, hospitality, transport, refereeing, and vendor roles. He drew a parallel between Namibia’s natural diamonds, which captivate globally, and their investment in football, which positively touches lives within the country.

Bottom Line:
The exchange between Debmarine Namibia and the NFA underscores tensions in Namibian football governance but also reveals a shared interest in advancing the sport. With calls for an independent league and ongoing sponsorship commitments, the future of Namibian football hinges on collaboration, respect, and strategic transformation.

Source: The Namibian

SADC

Namibia Tops Africa in Gender Equality, Breaks Global Top 10

Namibia has set a new benchmark for gender equality in Africa, becoming the continent’s top performer and the only African nation to enter the world’s top 10, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025.

Historic Leadership Milestone

For the first time in Africa, both the president and vice president of a country are women. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed the presidency earlier this year, joined by Vice President Lucia Witbooi. This unprecedented leadership configuration is credited with driving Namibia’s rise in the global rankings.

Closing the Gap

Namibia has closed 81.1% of its gender gap, ranking eighth globally. The country’s score improved by 0.006 points from 2024, reflecting steady momentum. Sub-Saharan Africa, as a region, has also made progress, averaging 68% gender gap closure.

Key Drivers of Progress

• Legislative quotas and affirmative action have normalized women’s leadership in Namibia, particularly in parliament and cabinet.

• Women now hold 40.2% of ministerial roles and 37.7% of parliamentary seats across Sub-Saharan Africa.

• The country’s systematic approach has influenced both policy and public perception.

Expert Perspective

Zoé Titus, a Namibian advocate for media freedom, highlights the importance of political will and institutional reform: “Visible inclusion of women in leadership is no accident. It reflects sustained advocacy, gender-sensitive legislation, and a constitutional commitment to equality.”

Challenges Remain

Despite high rankings, Namibia faces persistent issues:

• Deep-rooted inequality and poverty

• Youth unemployment

• A widening digital divide

Titus cautions that “equal representation doesn’t always mean equal experience,” stressing the need to address structural barriers, especially in rural and marginalized communities.

Global Context

• Women make up 41.2% of the global workforce but only 28.8% of senior leadership roles.

• At current rates, it will take 135 years to reach economic parity and 162 years for full political empowerment worldwide.

• The report notes only a slight correlation between national income and gender gap closure, with Namibia outperforming many wealthier nations.

Looking Forward

The World Economic Forum warns that technological and geopolitical shifts could threaten recent gains. Gender-sensitive policies remain essential to protect progress, particularly as trade and digital disruptions risk disproportionately affecting women in developing economies.

Bottom Line

Namibia’s gender equality achievements demonstrate that strong political commitment and systematic reforms can drive real change—regardless of a country’s income level. The nation’s leadership offers a model for advancing gender parity across Africa and beyond.

Source: The Namibian