Sanlam Namibia Rebrands to SanlamAllianz - ISSUE #57☕

Good Morning! Welcome to your Wednesday edition. Here is what you need to know.

Featured Updates:

• SanlamAllianz Rebrand: Sanlam Namibia is now SanlamAllianz, joining a R35 billion pan-African venture across 27 countries. New products and local investments are set to boost financial inclusion!

• Green Hydrogen Booms: Namibia’s green hydrogen sector secured N$2.08 billion, creating 800+ jobs and N$170 million for SMEs. Projects like HyIron Oshivela cut 27,000 tonnes of CO₂ yearly!

• N$25M Hydrogen Scholarships: The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme launches a N$25 million scholarship in July, targeting Hardap and //Kharas youth to build skills for 250,000 jobs by 2040!

• PowerCom’s 5G Push: PowerCom teams with MTC and Telecom Namibia for 5G, focusing on site-sharing to cut costs. With N$28.5 million from spectrum auctions, 5G trials are set for 2025!

• ElevenLabs’ Voice App: ElevenLabs’ new mobile app offers AI voiceovers in 70+ languages. Perfect for creators, it could amplify Namibia’s tourism promos this Friday!

• 56% Vegetable Self-Sufficiency: Namibian farmers meet 56% of vegetable demand, up from 4% in 2004, aiming for 60% by 2030. Green Scheme irrigation and youth training drive growth!

Enjoy the read and have a blessed and productive Wednesday! ☕

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Sanlam Namibia Rebrands to SanlamAllianz, Bolstering Pan-African Financial Services

Sanlam Namibia has officially rebranded to SanlamAllianz, finalizing its integration into the joint venture between Sanlam Group and global insurer Allianz, launched in September 2023 to create a leading pan-African non-banking financial services entity across 27 African countries.

Rebranding and Operational Continuity
At the launch event on June 24, 2025, SanlamAllianz Namibia CEO Tertius Stears emphasized that the rebrand completes a transition that included prior alignment of reporting structures and internal systems. “Operationally, we’ve already been part of the company… The brand was almost the last step,” Stears said, reassuring clients that existing policy terms and benefits remain unchanged. The rebrand, announced at the SanlamAllianz Centre and celebrated at a gala dinner, marks Namibia’s inclusion in the joint venture, which was delayed until October 2024 due to regulatory processes.

Strategic Vision and Expansion
SanlamAllianz CEO Heinie Werth described the Namibian rebrand as a milestone in transforming non-banking financial services across Africa. “Our mission was set clearly – to improve non-banking financial services in all 27 economies,” Werth said, highlighting the venture’s aim to enhance financial inclusion and deliver value through economies of scale. The company plans to introduce new products within the next year, driven by client needs, and will invest in Namibian businesses with strong track records to support local economic growth, Stears noted.

SanlamAllianz Joint Venture Overview
Formed with a combined group equity value of R35 billion (approximately N$35 billion), SanlamAllianz operates in 27 African markets, excluding South Africa, with ambitions to rank among the top three in market share and profitability. The venture leverages Sanlam’s extensive African footprint and Allianz’s global expertise, offering life and general insurance, asset management, and retail credit. In Namibia, with a 7% insurance penetration rate (second-highest in Africa), SanlamAllianz aims to deepen access through digital innovation and bancassurance partnerships.

Economic and Social Impact
The rebrand supports Namibia’s economic development by prioritizing local investments and financial inclusion. Werth emphasized, “Economic development is not always just about the big ticket… it’s making financial services also available.” The venture’s commitment to trust and long-term value aligns with Namibia’s growing financial sector, which saw N$14.5 billion in banking revenue in 2024.

The Bottom Line
Sanlam Namibia’s rebrand to SanlamAllianz strengthens its position within a R35 billion pan-African joint venture, promising enhanced financial services and local investment in Namibia. With operational integration complete and new products planned, the move supports financial inclusion and economic growth, aligning with Namibia’s thriving tourism sector and broader development goals.

SOURCES: The Brief

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Sector Secures N$2.08 Billion, Drives 800+ Jobs

Namibia’s green hydrogen sector has attracted N$2.08 billion in investment since its inception, fueling five major projects that advance the country’s green industrialization strategy, according to Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe. These initiatives have created over 800 jobs and invested N$170 million in local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Key Projects and Milestones

1. HyIron Oshivela Project: Launched in March 2025, this project produces 15,000 tonnes of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) annually using a 12 MW electrolyzer powered by a 20 MW solar plant, avoiding 27,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions yearly. It aims to scale to 2 million tonnes by 2028, supported by a N$600 million investment and a €13.7 million German grant. Over 60 Namibian SMEs contributed to its development, with plans for 900 permanent and 6,000 construction jobs.

2. Cleanergy Solutions: Set to begin green ammonia production at 200 tonnes per year in 2025, scaling to 220,000 tonnes by 2028. The N$500 million Walvis Bay pilot plant, developed with CMB Tech and the Ohlthaver & List Group, received 40% grant funding, with the consortium covering N$300 million. In May 2025, 950 kg of green hydrogen was imported for display.

3. HDF Energy: Developing the Renewstable Swakopmund facility to generate 142 GWh of green baseload electricity annually from 2028, supporting Namibia’s grid stability and decarbonization goals.

4. Zhero/Envision: Targeting 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia production annually by 2029, scaling to 2 million tonnes by 2030, powered by a 2,500 MW solar park near Walvis Bay.

5. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy: The largest project, with a US$10 billion investment, aims to produce 1 million tonnes of green ammonia by 2028, scaling to 2 million by 2030. Located in Tsau //Khaeb National Park, it will employ 15,000 during construction and 3,000 permanently, supplying surplus electricity to Namibia’s grid and exporting hydrogen to South Africa. The SDG Namibia One Fund holds a 24% stake, backed by €23 million from the European Commission.

Capacity Building and Studies
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) has awarded 183 scholarships (90 TVET, 93 tertiary) and allocated €1.3 million for training in Hardap and //Kharas regions, prioritizing skills development. Three pre-feasibility studies, funded at N$2.5 million, confirmed:

• Viability of an ammonia and fertilizer facility near Neckartal Dam.

• Sites for gigawatt-scale hydrogen projects outside Tsau //Khaeb, supporting green steel and lithium beneficiation.

• Offshore wind potential of 20-35 GW near Lüderitz, recommending a pilot turbine project.

Economic and Environmental Impact
The sector’s 800+ jobs and N$170 million SME investment reflect its economic promise, with economic modeling suggesting 250,000 jobs by 2040. Projects like Hyphen and HyIron aim to cut 5-6 million and 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, respectively, positioning Namibia as a global green hydrogen hub.

The Bottom Line
Namibia’s green hydrogen sector, with N$2.08 billion in investment, is transforming the economy through job creation, SME support, and sustainable industrialization. Projects like HyIron Oshivela and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy position Namibia as a leader in Africa’s green transition, with robust policy frameworks and international partnerships ensuring scalability and environmental responsibility.

SOURCES: The Brief

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme to Launch N$25 Million Scholarship Initiative

The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) will launch a N$25 million scholarship initiative in July 2025 to address skill shortages in the green hydrogen sector, targeting youth in the Hardap and //Kharas regions, according to Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe.

Scholarship Details and Capacity Building
The new scholarships will build on the NGH2P’s existing efforts, which have awarded 183 scholarships (90 at Technical and Vocational Education and Training level, 93 at tertiary level) to support green industrialization. An additional €1.3 million (approximately N$25 million) has been allocated for capacity-building in Hardap and //Kharas, where projects like Hyphen Hydrogen Energy are planned. “This new scholarship programme will be officially launched in early July,” Mnyupe said, aiming to equip Namibians for roles in the burgeoning hydrogen economy.

Economic Impact and Job Creation
The green hydrogen sector has employed over 800 Namibians and channeled N$170 million to local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating early progress in value chain localization. However, this falls short of the Green Industrialisation Blueprint’s projection of 250,000 jobs by 2040, including 185,000 direct jobs (e.g., wind and solar farm construction, pipeline operations, electrolyser assembly) and 70,000 indirect jobs (e.g., concrete manufacturing, metals production, business services). Since inception, the sector has attracted N$2.08 billion in investments across five major projects, including HyIron Oshivela and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy.

Pre-Feasibility Studies and Strategic Projects
The NGH2P completed three pre-feasibility studies costing N$2.5 million to advance long-term goals:

• Neckartal Dam Fertiliser Green Scheme: Confirmed the viability of an ammonia and fertilizer production facility near the dam, supporting agricultural development.

• Gigawatt-Scale Green Hydrogen Project: Identified sites outside Tsau //Khaeb National Park for large-scale hydrogen production, with potential to anchor industries like green steel, lithium beneficiation, agriculture, and green electricity exports via the Southern African Power Pool.

• Offshore Wind Feasibility: Estimated 20-35 GW of offshore wind potential near Lüderitz, recommending a pilot turbine project to build local expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Key Green Hydrogen Projects

• HyIron Oshivela: Produces 15,000 tonnes of Direct Reduced Iron annually since March 2025, aiming for 2 million tonnes by 2028, reducing 27,000 tonnes of CO₂ yearly.

• Cleanergy Solutions: Plans 200 tonnes of green ammonia production in 2025, scaling to 220,000 tonnes by 2028.

• Hyphen Hydrogen Energy: Targets 1 million tonnes of green ammonia by 2028, scaling to 2 million by 2030, with surplus electricity for Namibia’s grid and exports to South Africa.

The Bottom Line
The NGH2P’s N$25 million scholarship program underscores Namibia’s commitment to building a skilled workforce for its green hydrogen sector, which has already secured N$2.08 billion in investments and created 800 jobs. Strategic projects and feasibility studies position Namibia as a global green hydrogen leader, with tourism bolstering economic growth, though scaling to 250,000 jobs by 2040 remains a challenge.

SOURCES: The Brief

TECH

PowerCom Collaborates with MTC and Telecom Namibia for 5G Rollout

PowerCom, a subsidiary of Telecom Namibia, is engaging with Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Telecom Namibia to facilitate the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile network services in Namibia, focusing on frequency allocation and infrastructure sharing to accelerate deployment.

Details of the 5G Discussions
PowerCom CEO Beatus Amadhila revealed that the talks center on accessing frequencies held by MTC and Telecom Namibia, critical for launching 5G. “We are currently in the consultation phase with MTC and Telecom, who hold the frequency needed to start 5G,” he said, noting that both operators are prioritizing upgrades of existing sites to 5G before expanding to new locations. PowerCom is advocating for site-sharing to avoid duplication and expedite the rollout, with Amadhila stating, “Our expectation is that we should at least have more than one operator at one site.” Infrastructure sharing remains under discussion, with no decision yet on whether the rollout will be collaborative or independent.

Regulatory and Licensing Context
In 2023, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) awarded 5G licenses to Loc8 Mobile, Telecom Namibia, and MTC following a spectrum auction that raised N$28.5 million. The licenses cover the 703-788 MHz and 790-862 MHz bands, mandating a minimum downlink speed of 20 Mbps and are valid for 10 years, with options for renewal, cancellation, or transfer. Telecom Namibia plans to trial 5G in Otjozondjupa and Omaheke in 2025, aiming for commercial services in targeted areas by 2026, while MTC began trials in late 2023. CRAN’s push for rural investment aligns with the government’s goal of 95% broadband coverage by 2024.

Challenges and Opportunities
The primary challenge is the operators’ focus on upgrading current 4G and 4.5G infrastructure, delaying new 5G site development. PowerCom’s infrastructure-sharing proposal could reduce costs—estimated at N$2.371 billion for Telecom Namibia’s 2023-2027 capital projects—and enhance efficiency. With 1.37 million internet users (53% penetration) and 2.81 million mobile connections in Namibia, 5G could drive e-governance, e-commerce, and e-health, as emphasized by ICT Minister Emma Theofelus. However, bureaucratic delays in land access for tower construction, as noted by Telecom Namibia’s CEO Stanley Shanapinda, remain a hurdle.

The Bottom Line
PowerCom’s negotiations with MTC and Telecom Namibia signal a collaborative push toward 5G deployment, leveraging shared infrastructure to overcome cost and logistical barriers. While challenges like network upgrades and regulatory delays persist, 5G’s potential to transform Namibia’s digital landscape aligns with tourism-driven economic growth, positioning the country as a connected, investment-friendly destination.

SOURCES: The Brief

ElevenLabs Launches Stand-Alone Voice-Generation Mobile App

Voice AI company ElevenLabs released a stand-alone mobile app for iOS and Android on June 24, 2025, enabling users to generate voice clips from text on the go, moving beyond its web-based platform.

App Features and Functionality
The app allows users to type or paste text, select a voice from ElevenLabs’ AI-powered library, and generate audio clips. It integrates the v3 alpha text-to-speech model, supporting over 70 languages and expressive audio tags (e.g., [excited], [whispers]) for nuanced delivery. The free plan offers approximately 10 minutes of audio generation (10,000 characters monthly), with shared credits across web and mobile platforms. Users can choose models to balance cost and quality, and export clips to apps like CapCut, Instagram, or InShot. Key features include:

• Synced voices and projects with web accounts.

• Access to favorite voice presets.

• Seamless integration with video editing tools.

Jack McDermott, ElevenLabs’ mobile growth lead, noted, “Many have accessed ElevenLabs from mobile web browsers and asked for a faster, intuitive, more powerful experience built natively for mobile,” highlighting the app’s response to creator demand.

Market Context and Competition
The app positions ElevenLabs against competitors like Speechify and Captions in the growing voice cloning and generation market. With a $3.3 billion valuation following a $180 million Series C round in January 2025, ElevenLabs leverages its 5,000+ voice library and partnerships (e.g., ESTsoft for lip-sync video localization) to cater to content creators, educators, and marketers. The company’s focus on expressiveness, supporting 70+ languages, and accurate pronunciation of unique names sets it apart, though ethical concerns persist over training data and voice cloning misuse, as seen in past controversies involving celebrity voice replication.

Future Plans
This is ElevenLabs’ second consumer app, following the Reader app (launched June 2024) for converting text to audio. The company plans to add features like speech-to-text, conversational AI agents, and MCP-powered tools like 11.ai, a voice-first assistant for task management and research.

The Bottom Line
ElevenLabs’ mobile app launch enhances accessibility for creators, offering studio-quality voiceovers in a competitive AI audio market. While its expressive v3 model and mobile-first design drive adoption, ethical challenges around voice cloning require careful navigation. In Namibia, such tools could amplify tourism promotion, supporting economic growth alongside traditional sectors.

SOURCES: TechCrunch

AGRICULTURE

Namibian Farmers Meet 56% of Vegetable Demand, Aiming for 60% by 2030

Namibian farmers now supply 56% of the country’s vegetable demand, up from 4% in 2004, driven by state initiatives like the Market Share Promotion (MSPPL) scheme, with the Ministry of Agriculture targeting a 60% share by 2030, Minister Inge Zaamwani announced.

Key Drivers and Policies
The MSPPL, introduced in 2004, mandates importers to source at least 47% of fresh produce locally, boosting domestic production. The Special Controlled Products Scheme restricts imports of 21 key vegetables—such as tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and butternut when local supply is sufficient. Zaamwani credited these measures for stabilizing farmer incomes despite climate challenges, including droughts in 2023/24 and 2024/25. The ministry is also revising the Namibia Agriculture Policy and Agronomic Industry Act in 2025/26 to enhance productivity, market access, and agro-processing while ensuring compliance with World Trade Organisation obligations.

Challenges to Self-Sufficiency
Namibia imports vegetables due to:

• Seasonal Gaps: Insufficient local supply during off-seasons.

• High Input Costs: Potato production, for example, requires over N$250,000 per hectare, relying heavily on South African seed potatoes.

• Limited Infrastructure: Constrained irrigation systems hinder scalability.

Strategies for Growth
To achieve the 60% target, the ministry is:

• Expanding Irrigation: Through the Green Scheme Programme, developing communal irrigation along rivers, dams, and boreholes, engaging Traditional Authorities for land access.

• Promoting Climate-Appropriate Crops: Revising crop value chains to utilize underused arable land, focusing on regional agro-ecological suitability.

• Targeting Youth Employment: Offering training, financial incentives, and placements in small-scale Green Scheme farms to address youth unemployment (20.3% in 2024).

• Strengthening Procurement: Coordinating with government departments to prioritize local produce.

Economic and Social Impact
Agriculture employs 23% of Namibia’s workforce, with potential to reduce youth unemployment through targeted programs. The Green Scheme has irrigated 12,000 hectares, producing 60,000 tonnes of crops annually, but only 5% of arable land is cultivated, highlighting growth potential. Local vegetable production saved N$500 million in import costs in 2024, per the Namibian Agronomic Board, supporting economic resilience.

The Bottom Line
Namibia’s 56% vegetable self-sufficiency reflects the success of policies like MSPPL and Green Scheme, with a 60% target by 2030 driving job creation and economic stability. Overcoming irrigation, cost, and climate challenges will be critical, while agriculture and tourism synergize to bolster Namibia’s development amid global trade and environmental pressures.

SOURCES: The Brief