Good morning. It is official. We are back! This Monday morning, we are diving into BoN announcing plans for new notes and coins to a logistics, from trade balance turbulence to women empowerment at Gondwana Collection, and of course the story that got Namibian creators excited last week, MICT’s work to bring YouTube monetization, PayPal, and Apple Pay to the country and many other insights. Strap in and Enjoy!☕

Mini Update: Revolox welcomes Elina Ileka as our new Content Editor. Elina Ileka shares our passion for providing accurate, engaging, and informative and relevant content that empowers Namibian individuals. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to build a thriving and informative newsletter for you.

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Business

Here is What You Might Have Missed Last Week

The Bank of Namibia To Introduce New Notes and Coins

Imagine a financial system where security and innovation go hand-in-hand. That's exactly what the Bank of Namibia (BoN) is aiming for with its announcement last week Wednesday: a brand-new series of banknotes and coins set to launch in June 2025.

You might be wondering why this matters. Well, it's a big deal. The current banknotes have been around since 2012, and the coins haven't seen an update since 1993. It's time for a refresh, and the BoN is taking a proactive approach to ensure its currency remains robust and reliable.

Key Takeaways:

• Advanced Security Features: The new currency series will include cutting-edge security enhancements to protect against counterfeiting and keep up with technological advancements.

• Modernizing Coins: The coin series is getting a complete overhaul to incorporate state-of-the-art security features and address rising metal costs, which have led to negative seigniorage.

• Economic Strength: This move reflects the Bank's commitment to innovation and resilience, ensuring the currency remains a strong symbol of Namibia's economic identity.

Why It Matters:

• Currency Integrity: Regular updates are crucial to maintain currency security and durability. The BoN reviews its currency every six to eight years to stay ahead.

• Historical Context: Namibia's transition to its own currency in 1993 was a significant milestone. This new series represents another major step forward in the country's financial journey.

What's Next?

As the Bank of Namibia prepares to unveil its new currency series, it's clear that innovation and security are at the forefront. Whether you're a financial expert or just interested in how currencies evolve, this is a story worth watching.

Source Credit: The Brief

Namibia's Trade Winds Getting a Little Rough?! 

Okay, folks, let's talk trade. Namibia's latest trade numbers are in, and... well, it's a mixed bag. January 2025 saw a concerning trade deficit of N$2.7 billion, a HUGE jump from the measly N$129 million deficit recorded in December 2024! What's going on? Let's break it down.

The Nitty-Gritty:

• Exports Taking a Dip: Namibia's export earnings dropped by 15%, hitting N$10.7 billion. Ouch! Key commodities like precious stones (diamonds, we're looking at you!), uranium, and certain fruits and nuts took a hit.

• Imports on the Rise: Imports, on the other hand, went up by 5.7%, reaching N$13.4 billion. Copper ores, concentrates, and even aircraft-related equipment contributed to this increase.

• Trading Partner Turbulence: Namibia still got some love from Botswana, Zambia, and the USA (they're buying what Namibia is selling!), but deficits with South Africa, China, and Peru are raising eyebrows.

Sector Spotlight:

• Manufacturing Still King: The manufacturing sector is still the biggest export earner (62.4% of the pie!), but relying so heavily on just a few sectors can be risky.

• Import Dependence: Namibia needs to import a lot of manufactured goods (around N$9 billion worth!), which highlights the need to boost local production.

Trade Agreement Tango:

• SADC & SACU: These agreements are still crucial for Namibia's trade strategy.

• OECD in the Lead: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is the top export destination, followed by SACU and the European Union.

Silver Linings?

• Intra-Africa Trade: Namibia's doing pretty well within Africa, with a trade surplus of N$700 million!

• Food Surplus: Good news for the food sector! Namibia's exporting more food than it's importing, thanks to those fish shipments to Spain, Zambia, and Italy.

The "Commodity of the Month" Shocker:

• Agricultural Tools: Namibia imported N$1.1 million worth of "Disc Ploughs and Harrows" (farm tools) mainly from South Africa and Zimbabwe, but didn't export any. Time to level up the local agriculture game!

The Bottom Line: Namibia needs to diversify its economy, pronto - quickly or without delay! Relying too much on mineral exports is risky, especially with global commodity prices being so unpredictable. Boosting local industries and finding new markets is key to long-term economic resilience.

Source Credit: Namibia Business Express

Namibia Bets Big on Logistics with New N$TBD Nambaza Park

Namibia is making a bold play to become a regional logistics hub, breaking ground on the massive Nambaza Logistics Park in Walvis Bay. President Nangolo Mbumba officiated the ceremony, signaling the government's strong backing for this ambitious project.

For those unfamiliar, Walvis Bay is Namibia's key port city, strategically located to serve the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The Nambaza Logistics Park, a sprawling 150,000-square-meter facility, is designed to supercharge Namibia's logistics capabilities and capitalize on the growth in sectors like green hydrogen, and oil and gas.

This major infrastructure project includes a state-of-the-art truck port with a fuel station, 250 parking bays, accommodation, a healthcare facility, and other essential amenities. It's expected to boost manufacturing, bulk breaking, and export operations, solidifying Namibia's position as a regional trade gateway. The park and associated institute are expected to be operational in early 2026.

Aside from the infrastructure, the groundbreaking also marked the launch of the Blue Institute of Technology (BIT). This institution will focus on skills development, research, and job creation, ensuring Namibia's youth are equipped to capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.

But Namibia has some competition to contend with, including:

• South Africa: The region's economic powerhouse, with established logistics infrastructure.

• Other SADC countries: Competing for a share of regional trade and investment.

The potential prize is a share of the growing market for logistics services in Southern Africa, driven by increased trade and investment.

Namibia has been actively working to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, with a focus on developing its infrastructure and human capital.

Bottom line: The Nambaza Logistics Park represents a strategic investment by Namibia to strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub, capitalize on emerging economic opportunities, and drive long-term growth

Source Credit: The Brief

Gondwana Collection: Where Women are Leading the Charge! 

This past Saturday was International Women's Day. Gondwana Collection Namibia, are seriously walking the walk when it comes to empowering women in their ranks! From the front lines of hospitality to key management positions, women are absolutely CRUSHING it at Gondwana!

What's the Buzz?

• Diversity is Their Superpower: Gondwana Collection isn't just paying lip service to diversity; they're living it! Their company guidelines emphasize the importance of a diverse workforce, and women in leadership roles are a core part of their ethos.

• Women in Charge: According to their internal gender parity report, women hold a whopping 56% of middle and senior management positions! We're talking lodge managers, assistant finance managers, assistant inventory managers – the whole shebang! Lodges like Kalahari Anib Lodge, The Desert Grace, and Canyon Village are all led by amazing female managers.

• Walking the Walk: Gondwana's Windhoek offices, where women outnumber men, is a tangible representation of its inclusive hiring practices.

Why This Matters:

• Breaking Barriers: Gondwana Collection is actively challenging historical patterns in Namibia's labor market, where colonial-era policies and cultural norms have historically limited women's opportunities.

• Leading by Example: In a sector where gender disparity is still a challenge, Gondwana is setting a new standard for inclusivity and equality.

• National Impact: By prioritizing gender equality in the workplace, Gondwana is contributing to Namibia's broader aspirations for a more equitable society.

Gondwana Academy: Developing Leaders for the Future

Gondwana invests in their employees through Gondwana Academy, with initiatives such as the ‘2025 Academy Value Tour’, designed to reinforce the organization’s core values, improve product knowledge, and allow participants to experience Namibia through the eyes of tourists.

The Bigger Picture:

Gondwana Collection is proving that when you empower women, everyone wins! They are not just building a successful business; they are building a more inclusive and equitable future for Namibia.

Source Credit: Gondwana Collection

Tech

YouTube Earnings, PayPal, and Apple Pay Incoming

Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is working to bring YouTube monetization, PayPal, and Apple Pay to the country, opening doors for local creators and digital workers to tap into global earnings.

Key Details:

• The Goal: Enable YouTube monetization through Google AdSense, plus add PayPal and Apple Pay.

• The Why: Help Namibian YouTubers and remote workers get paid for their efforts.

• Online Reach: 51% of 1.3 million Namibians (over 650,000 people) have internet access, boosting platforms like Buy Online Namibia and Jumia.

• Funding: N$100 million from the government to expand internet coverage and lower data costs.

• Future Moves: Bank of Namibia’s instant payment system and the Electronic Transactions Act aim for a cashless economy.

Minister Emma Theofelus is driving the change. “Our creators are producing great content, but they can’t cash in yet. We’re fixing that,” she said at the 12th SAPOA Postal Forum. Challenges linger - rural areas lack coverage, and mobile providers are not rushing to help. Still, with Namibia’s strong road network and a push for better delivery tech, Theofelus sees smoother e-commerce ahead. “Tech needs to make deliveries faster and cheaper, or it’s not worth it,” she noted.

Bottomline: Digital skills training is also in the works - access alone is not enough.

Source Credit: The Brief

Credit Hits Nedbank Namibia’s Avo Supershop

Nedbank Namibia is giving its Avo Supershop a shiny new perk: instant credit options. Starting Q2 2025, shoppers can snag appliances and goods on the spot, no cash upfront needed. It’s all part of the bank’s push to go big on digital.

Key Details:

• What’s New: Credit options roll out on Avo Supershop and Pay Today platforms in April-June 2025.

• The Boss Says: Managing Director Martha Murorua promises, “You’ll get credit right there to shop—easy as that.”

• Track Record: Since its 2023 debut, Avo’s racked up 2,250 users and 3,000+ products.

• Money Moves: In 2024, loans grew 5%, cash-out deals jumped 64%, and insurance premiums rose 20%.

Murorua’s team isn’t stopping there. They have automated overdrafts and credit decisions, boosting efficiency, while the bank’s penetration rate climbed to 72% from 64%. Sure, home loan hiccups stung, but a 21% surge in business banking loans softened the blow. Nedbank Group’s 2024 haul? A tidy R16.9 billion in earnings, up 8%.

Source Credit: The Brief

Personal Development

Quote of the Day

Architect and furniture designer Eileen Gray on thinking for yourself:

“To create, one must first question everything. Never adopt someone else’s conclusion without putting it to the test of your own reasoning and imagination.”

Source: ​Eileen Gray: Her Work and Her World