AUGUST, 2020
The Namibia
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY News & Analysis
RECOVERY UNDERWAY?
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: Forest Fire Management Commences Micro Grids or Mini Grids? the Future is Here!
Namibia Harvests Blueberries Tin Production Increases Despite Covid-19
The Revolution of ICT and its Contribution to GDP
Women Women Breaking The Glass Ceiling: Interview with Ms. Mercy Situmbeko Dedication To Craft: Interview with Mr. Wapale Kalla
The NAMIBIA Country Briefing of RDJ Consulting
C O N T E N T S 4
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From The Editor
Quick Facts
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8
Economy at Large
Oil & Gas
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12
Mining
Electricity
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16
Water
Environment & Sustainability
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20
Roads and Transport
Telecommunications
24 Financing
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32
"Women in Industry"
"Youth In Action"
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35
Tenders and Careers
Contributing Authors
AUGUST, 2020
From the Editor RECOVERY UNDERWAY? Dear Reader,
RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.
PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 61 400 171 EMAIL briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za WEBSITE www.rdjconsulting.co.za
Namibia like the rest of the world is coping with Covid-19 spreading at a fast pace, causing not only health impacts to people, but also untold financial damage to businesses and industries. Under the impression that the impacts might last longer than expected, local sectors have not only began showing signals of “surviving” the era but have also began pushing toward repairing the damage caused so far in order to grow. Now, it is clearly observed that the different economic sectors are adopting new methods of keeping business alive on the go, without breaking the new rules and regulations established for this era. This is commitment! In this month’s Publication, you will see how the individual sectors, especially the Roads, Transport, Mining and Telecommunications are showing growth despite the pandemic impacts. The growth observed is mainly a result of; increased demand in Tin production launch and funding of new projects/initiatives ongoing upgrades and installations of new systems investment in maintenance and new programs/projects With all these actions taken to keep business rolling, is it safe to say that RECOVERY IS UNDERWAY? To find out more, please enjoy reading this Publication which was carefully prepared for you by our interns and do join our conversations on Twitter and Wordpress . And, if you are new to the RDJ Briefing, subscribe to this FREE Publication at briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za and freely share the link with others that will benefit from its contents. Enjoy, #Stay Safe and Comments are welcome….
(David A. Jarrett) Editor
Authors RDJ Interns*
This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
89%
Literacy Rate
-1.1%
GDP Growth (2019)
3.75% Repo Rate
66.6%
Employment
2.3M
7.50%
Interest rate (Prime)
2.1%
Population Size
Inflation (CPI)- July 2020
quick facts
8.8M
LTE
Telecom (sophistication)
Tourism, Mining, Fishing Industries
2.575
Million Mobile(cell phones) Subscribers
Water availability (cubic litres/capita)
484.000
Electricity Gen. in MW (Local)
629.000
Electricity Demand in MW (all)
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AUGUST, 2020
THE ECONOMY AT LARGE
The Diagram is a representation of NSA CPI data (using 2012 as base year)
Inflation Increases
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he Namibian Consumer Price Index (NCPI) which was on a gradual decrease in the fourth quarter of 2019 has picked and increased to 2.14% in June
2020. The food & non-alcoholic beverages category displayed a monthly decrease of 0.3%, but a yearly increase of 4.7% in June 2020, making it the largest contributor to annual inflation, accounting for 0.84% of the total 2.1% annual inflation rate. The largest increases were observed in the prices of fruits and vegetables which respectively increased by 21.2% and 11.7% yearly. The price of bread and cereals decreased by 0.9% yearly. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco basket item were the second largest contributor to the annual inflation rate in June, with prices of the basket item increasing by 1.4% monthly and 3.6% yearly. Prices for tobacco products decreased by 0.3% monthly but increased by 3.9% yearly. The prices of alcoholic beverages meanwhile rose by 1.8% monthly and 3.6% yearly.
Readings: https://nsa.org.na/page/publications/ https://www.bon.com.na/Economic-information/Annual-Reports.aspx? page=2
Bank Windhoek Extends Mortgage Loan Term for First Time Property Buyers
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espite the economy showing no signs of recovery as a result of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Windhoek continues to strive
for better the living conditions of its customers via its diverse services and financial approaches. Shortly after reducing its rates to enable borrowing and monetary circulations, the Bank has again introduced a mortgage loan that includes a longerterm repayment plan for first time home buyers. According to Bank Windhoek’s Chief Financial Officer and Incumbent Chief Executive for retail banking services, first-time home buyers who want to buy property with a value between N$500 000 and N$2 million can apply for a mortgage loan with an extended term of up to 30 years (360 months). The primary reasons for the initiative is to make financing more accessible to all.
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AUGUST, 2020
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Namibia Harvests Blueberry
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fter investing about N$90 million in a blueberry farming project at the Mashare Irrigation Scheme, the Mashare Berries Project has successfully
produced its first harvest. The project is considered to be Namibia’s first large scale commercial blueberry and forms part of the Spitz Capital Fund, which is anchored in the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) unlisted investment programme. The project is situated 50km east of Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River and aims to harvest an estimated 150 tons of blueberries between July and October 2020. The blueberries support the investment strategy of selecting high-value crops for export to earn foreign currency. The bulk of the harvest is for export, with 5% reserved for local consumption. 500kg of blueberries are currently being sold in local stores nation-wide, such as Checkers. “GIPF is determined to fund agribusiness to achieve food security; import substitution and export gains of earning foreign currency, to help bolster national reserves. It is against this background that the Fund took a conscious and calculated decision to invest in agribusiness such as Mashare, to deliver returns for our members, while at the same time creating employment and empowering our rural communities. Mashare also produces cash crops such as maize, wheat, potatoes.” said GIPF Alternative Investments Manager, Sara Mezui-Engo.
Readings: https://www.gipf.com.na/PublishingImages/press/Media%20Release%20M ashare%20%2823%20July%202020%29%20final.pdf
Image Source - Namibian Sun Newspaper
Image Source: RDJ Photo
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AUGUST, 2020
OIL AND GAS Namibia Records its First Fuel Price Increase for 2020
Data sourced from Ministry of mines and Energy, fuel press release
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he fuel prices that remained constant for the first seven consecutive months of 2020, have now seen an increase in August as announced by the Ministry
N$18.4 per US$ in May 2020. The stabilization of fuel prices until August was achieved mainly by subsidy.
of Mines and Energy (MME). After the world got hit by the Novel Corona Virus and a lockdown came into play, with travel restrictions being imposed, the demand for fuels dropped and caused a fall in global fuel prices.
After the lockdown restrictions were lifted in most regions of the country, improved economic activities were observed. Other countries have also lifted restrictions and the global oil market has started to correct itself after the major crash in April. With international fuel prices showing a recovery, and the Namibia dollar appreciating against the US dollar, as of 5th August 2020, MME announced the increase of Petrol prices by N$1 per litre while Diesel increased by 70 cents (N$0.70) per litre. These increases bring both prices to N$11.35 and N$11.83 per litre for Petrol and Diesel, respectively.
Despite the fall in fuel consumption, the Namibian government committed to keeping the fuel prices constant since the beginning of the year in order to facilitate business in the transport sector because the United States Dollar (US$), which is the currency used for international trade, had already appreciated a great deal during that period. As experienced, the exchange rate increased from N$14.2852 per US$ in January 2020 to
August 2020 Fuel Prices
Readings: Bank of Namibia Q1 bulletin, 2020
N$ 10.35
N$ 11.83
per litre
per litre
95 Octane Unleaded Petrol
Diesel 50ppm
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AUGUST, 2020
Fuel Consumption Decreases in Q1 of 2020 According to the Bank of Namibia first Quarter Bulletin, the total fuel consumption decreased, both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter during the first quarter of 2020 by 12.5 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively. The Covid-19 pandemic played a role in the decrease of fuel consumption of both diesel and petrol. On a quarterly basis, consumption of diesel decreased significantly by 10.8 percent, while that of petrol declined by 20.9 percent in the first quarter of 2020. The declaration of a state of emergency at the end of the third week of March 2020 restricted travel and tourism related activities, hence, the decrease. Readings: Bank of Namibia Q1 bulletin, 2020
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AUGUST, 2020
MINING Tin Production Increases Despite Covid-19
AfriTin Mining monthly operational update.
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he Uis Tin Mine ("Uis") in Namibia which is under AfriTin Mining Limited (AIM: ATM), an African tin mining company, recorded its highest Tin product-
-ion in July for the year 2020. In Chemistry, tin is defined as “a low-melting, malleable, ductile metallic element nearly approaching silver in color and luster: used in plating and in making alloys, tinfoil, and soft solders” [dictionary.com]. Shortly written as “Sn” on the periodic table, tin has quite a number of uses including: the manufacture of food containers made of steel. applications in the electrodes of batteries such as in the Li-ion batteries. tin plating, coating and polishing as it has a high resistance to corrosion soldering of steel as it possesses high magnetic strengths and lower melting points in the manufacture of other alloys such as Bronze and copper reducing as well as a dyeing glass, ceramics, and sensors anti-fouling agent for boats and ships to prevent them from barnacles In fact, Uis was discovered in 1911 and developed by Iscor of South Africa as the largest hard-rock tin mine in the
world. The Uis tin project consists of three project areas in the Erongo region, all with historical production. The subject of the project is a pegmatite-hosted tin deposit, one of the largest open castable deposits of its kind. According to an update published in August by the mine, despite the Covid-19 crisis, production of tin increased by 68%, which is a rise from 11.4 tonnes in January, 2020 to 35.3 tonnes in July 2020. The Mine’s concentrate production of tin from the beginning of the year 2020 till July totals about 112 tonnes. During of Phase 1 of the Tin project, the Company is targeting the processing of 45 000 tonnes of ore processed per month, at a rate of 80 tonnes per hour, for the production of 60 tonnes of tin concentrate per month. The increase for production is a sign of increased demand for Tin. On the 3rd of August 2020, a dispatch was made from Uis for AfriTin’s sixth shipment of Tin concentrate. Compared to other firms performance and output during this pandemic, it is evident that the Uis Tin Mine is making a difference.
Readings: http://afritinmining.com/uis-project/ https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/afritin_mining/news/rns_widget/story /wkv86yr https://byjus.com/chemistry/tin/
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AUGUST, 2020
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Rössing Uranium’s Exceptional Work in Uranium Supplies
Marenica’s First Drilling Program Brings Positive Results
or over 40 years CNUC Rössing Uranium has been a major contributor of energy to the world and of revenue to the Namibian economy. According to a
arenica, an Australian Securities Exchange listed exploration company which is also listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSE), has announced
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statement by the Managing Director of China National Uranium Corporation Limited ("CNUC"), operations in the mine produces 3.9% out of 11% of Uranium produced in Namibia as part of the world’s primary production of uranium oxide. 75% of CNUC ’s total production was delivered under long-term contracts and several historical spot contracts. The remaining production will be sold to China for use in CNNC nuclear reactors during 2020. A total of 22.4 million tonnes of rock was mined, (13% more than in 2018) of which 8.6 million tonnes was economic uranium-bearing ore, (7% more than in 2018), with 13.3 million tonnes waste and low grade ore mined, about 2 449 tonnes of uranium oxide was produced in 2019, marginally lower when compared with 2018’s production of 2 479 tonnes. John Coetzee explained that revenue was in line with 2018 at N$2.82 billion. Lower sales volumes were largely offset by a more favourable exchange rate, However, a 15% reduction in operating costs had a positive impact on profits before tax. The reduced costs largely contributed to an improved net profit after tax from normal operations of N$503 million (2018: N$166 million). Another important topic to highlight is the conclusion of the purchase of Rio Tinto’s 68.62% shareholding in Rössing Uranium with no change in other minority shareholders that was done in July 2019. CNUC is a subsidiary of state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation Limited (CNNC), a vertically integrated supplier of nuclear energy to Chinese and international markets.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54572/mining-energy/rossing-uranium-toremain-a-competitive-supplier-of-uranium-into-the-nuclear-energy-marketcoetzee/ https://www.rossing.com/bullet/2019-report-stakeholders.html https://www.rossing.com/
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what could potentially be the most significant uranium discovery in Namibia since the Husab uranium deposit in 2008. Marenica reported that with the use of technology, it only cost the company around N$1.2 million to make the discovery – drilling at least 130 holes. The commencement of the first two drilling programs which led to this discovery began shortly after the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. The geological team is still busy analysing exploration results and planning the next stage of exploration. The first drilling program is on exclusive prospecting license 7278 called Hirabeb which was awarded to the company in May 2019. Marenica has two broad areas of focus, namely, uranium exploration and application of its patented beneficiation process called U-pgrade™. The company has a large land position in the globally-recognised Erongo Uranium Province in Namibia which has an established and long running uranium mining industry. Apart from the Marenica Uranium Project, the company has two other uranium exploration project areas, namely, the Namib Uranium Project and Mile 72 Uranium Project. The Marenica Uranium Project has a large inferred uranium resource of 61 million pounds and has has been targeting surficial uranium located in near surface historical river systems in which uranium has been deposited and has identified a network of these places covering a distance of over 36 kilometres. The company received four additional exclusive prospecting licences (EPLs) to explore for uranium in the Namib Desert, the same area which is home to several world-class uranium mines, such as Langer Heinrich and Rössing Uranium.
Readings: https://www.miningreview.com/energy-minerals/marenica-energynamibia/ https://www.namibian.com.na/93021/read/Big-promises-on-Marenicauranium-EPL
Source: RDJ Photo
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AUGUST, 2020
ELECTRICITY Locally Generated Electricity Increases
Data Source - The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Electricity Sectoral Report for April 2020
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he electricity sector falls under the secondary industry alongside other sectors such as manufacturing and construction. Amongst theÂ
power stations that are locally owned and operated by National Power Utility company (NamPower) are the Ruacana hydro-electric power station, Van Eck coal-fired power station and the Paratus diesel power station. The Bank of Namibia (BoN) first Quarterly Bulletin for June 2020 states that for both year-on-year and quarter-onquarter, the locally generated electricity has increased and activity in the electricity sector showed an improvement. Year-On-Year Local Generation Notably, the locally generated electricity increased by 81.9 percent year-on-year to the current 778.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). This increase is attributed to high rainfall levels recorded between January and April 2020 compared to the previous year during the same time. A major contribution to the increment was due to the sufficient inflow of water into the Ruacana hydro-power plant during the stated period. In fact, due to the increase observed in the locally generated electricity during first quarter of 2020, there was a 19.7 percent decrease in the energy imported yearon-year correspondingly. Quarter-On-Quarter Local Generation Furthermore, the Bulletin also reveals that on a quarterly basis, the locally generated electricity also increased
significantly by 180.5 percent from 277.4 million kilowatt hours recorded in the previous quarter, leading to a fall in imported electricity by 31.80 percent quarter-onquarter. Additionally, the seasonally adjusted local electricity generation registered a smaller increase of 11.7 percent during the same period. Electricity Sales/Exports On a year-on-year basis, a decrease in the total volume of electricity sold was recorded, while the quarter-onquarter basis remained constant. The total volume of electricity sold decreased by 5.9 percent year-on-year to the current 962.1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). The reduction in the volume of electricity sold was largely attributed to the decrease in electricity demand from the mining and agricultural sectors. Also, economic activities in the domestic economy played a major role in the reduction of electricity demand for both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis. The graph above depicts the change in Own Generated Index, Imported Index, Domestic Sales Index and Export Index from May 2016 to May 2020.
Readings: https://www.bon.com.na/getattachment/e6233fce-0e89-497b-83eb70616e810a51/.aspx https://nsa.org.na/page/publications/ https://neweralive.na/posts/local-electricity-generation-increaseadequaterainfall-propelled-ruacana-turbines https://d3rp5jatom3eyn.cloudfront.net/cms/assets/documents/Electricity_ SECTORAL_REPORT_APRIL_2020.pdf
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AUGUST, 2020
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Micro Grids or Mini Grids? the Future is Here!
RDJ Graph / Data Source - The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA)
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t is a well-known fact that electrification rate across Africa is low when the multi-tier framework for measuring energy access developed by the Energy
Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is used as the standard. Africa is also now home to the world’s largest free trade area and a 1.2 billion-person market hence, many African countries have seen rapid and meaningful economic growth in the last decade. However, to ensure the sustainability of that growth, the economies need accessible, affordable, and efficient energy. This is further in contrast to the fact that Africa is rich in renewable energy sources which include hydro, solar, wind, and others, which remain vastly underused despite being identified as the most economical approach for powering micro-grids and mini-grids. The micro-grids and mini-grids are technically isolated “grids” that are self-powered as against the national grid which connects wider areas such as a country (national) or a region (regional network). A point to note here is that micro-grids and mini-grids tend to be misunderstood and used interchangeably. Although the development of these grids are a promising way forward, there are challenges such as the funding for these projects primarily due to economies of scale or the lack of an “anchor” customer. However, technical barriers associated with micro and mini-grids can be eliminated by hybridizing them with generation (solar, hydro or other such source), energy storage (such as batteries) and the use of demand-side strategies for the systems to produce or provide an affordable source of energy. Micro-grids and mini-grids in a decentralized setting has other benefits as they do not rely on imported energy due to their very nature. The latest information on the mix of
Micro-grids and mini-grids in a decentralized setting has other benefits as they do not rely on imported energy due to their very nature. The latest information on the mix of local (Namibian) generation versus imported electricity captured by the Namibia Statistical Agency (NSA) in their June 2020 Sectoral Report, shows that Namibia has started to show a decrease in local generation since May 2020 but micro-grids and mini-grids are not affected. IMPower Pty Ltd, (formerly called All Power Systems) has recommended microgrid energy as a means of eradicating energy poverty experienced by many Africans, especially in the rural communities. The company identified the application of the concept during the African Energy Indaba realizing that many Africans still have no access to electricity. The firm strongly believes that the issue at hand could be alleviated by deploying microgrid and off-grid home solar systems in Africa where power utilities have been unable to keep up with demand. Namibia is currently home to a number of micro-grids and mini-grids such as the Tsumkwe and Gam mini-grids to name two that cater for decentralized communities, providing 24 hour per day electricity supplies that power all the needs of the respective communities.
Readings: 1. https://www.im-power.co.za/ 2. https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/overview 3. https://www.irena.org/africa 4. http://www.africanreview.com/energy-apower/renewables/african-renewable-energy-sources-underusedsays-kenyan-power-expert 5. https://www.namibian.com.na/92975/read/Microgrid-solution-forenergy-poverty
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AUGUST, 2020
WATER Water Sector Shows Development
The Diagram is a representation of Water Supply and Resources from National Account report published by the Namibia Statics Agency (NSA)
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amibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) was officially registered as a company on 9 December 1997 – seven years after Namibia’s independence.
NamWater is a commercial entity that specialises in supplying water in bulk to Industries, Municipalities and the Directorate of Rural Water Supply of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. The utility supplies water to both urban and rural communities, while ensuring the efficient resource utilisation. In fact, both the Electricity and Water sector is estimated to have recorded a strong growth of 6.6 percent in real value added in 2018 compared to a decline of 14.9 percent in 2017 according to the 2018 National Account report published by the Namibia Statics Agency (NSA). This strong performance in the sector is accredited to both the Electricity and Water subsectors that recorded positive growths. The water supply subsector recorded a strong growth of 7.7 percent in real value added compared to a contraction of 6.0 percent in 2017.
Water Sources NamWater is not only responsible for providing quality water and the efficient amount of water quantity to its customers, but also satisfying the needs of water related services. Ephemeral surface water, groundwater, unconventional water sources and perennial surface water are the main keys of water resources. The Perennial Rivers are located at the borders of the country, where the four rivers (Okavango, Kunene, ZambeziKwando/Linyanti /Chobe and Orange-Senqu) are located. In 2019, the president of Namibia had stated that the country was facing a “natural disaster” because of poor rains, and that the sparsely-populated country has seen a succession of droughts since 2013, therefore, NamWater could be affected by such climatic conditions when it came to providing water. Thankfully, unconventional water sources were developed for this specific purpose.
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AUGUST, 2020
The Namibia @30 report for 2020 stated that after independence, the government of Namibia invested more in water infrastructure such as boreholes, dams, pipelines, canals, and desalination plants, to ensure water availability for its residents. At present, the large volumes of water supplied are mainly sourced from the various dams in the country, mainly; Hardap, Von Bach, Swakop, Goreangab and Naute dams, along with other small dams like Omatako, Friedenau, Otjivero and Oanob.
Water Consumption According to the 2016 Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES), 97.7% of all Namibians households in urban areas and 68.6% in rural areas have access to clean and safe water. The National Development
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Plan 5 (NDP5) however aims to reach 100% for urban and 90% for rural areas by the year 2022. As seen in the figure, Namibia has effectively increased the number of purification plants in the country with time, from zero in 1990 to nine by 2018. To increase water availability for overall consumption, the country completed construction of the Neckartal Dam in 2018, and the dam is now one of the largest in the country. Situated in the south of the country, this dam was built for the sole purpose of supplying water for irrigation. The dam does not only hold sufficient water, but also has the ability to generate hydroelectricity with the capacity of about 2.7MW according to the Namibia @30 Report of 2020.
Readings: Namibia @30 Reporyt 2020
Mininstry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Water Tankers ready for distribution in Northern Namibia Credit: RDJ PhotoÂ
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AUGUST, 2020
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY MEFT Launches Project to Improve Livelihoods and Environmental Governance
Credit - RDJ Photo
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he Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has launched a new project called Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhancing
Livelihoods and Environmental Governance which is aimed at alleviating poverty in rural areas, improving environmental governance and sustainable management of natural resources. The project supports five landscape sites, in five regions namely Omusati, Ohangwena, Kavango West, Zambezi and Kunene. Implementation of the project will be done by the MEFT, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and additional support from the University of Namibia and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia. The project will be financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to an amount of US$10.82 million or N$161 million at the current exchange rate. Much of the funding for the project will be allocated to initiatives and interventions, which supports the restoration of degraded land, also provide support to agroforestry, sustainable crop, rangeland management as well as nature-based enterprise development. The project will therefore include tourism and value addition and processing of natural products, with at least 50% of females benefiting as well. In addition to the planned interventions in the pilot landscapes, the project will enhance the country’s capacity to monitor and research trends linked to land degradation, climate
change and biodiversity conservation. The project seeks to achieve a substantial reduction in deforestation rates, whereas enhancing agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and the income of small-scale food producers living in these landscapes. Furthermore, the project will improve access to financial and technical assistance for communities from across the country, thus allowing them to scale up the integrated landscape management approach and sustainable naturebased enterprises. Lastly, the project is aligned with Namibia’s Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), and the Third Pillar of the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2019-2023, which focuses on Environmental Sustainability with the principle of “Leaving No One behind”, thus targeting vulnerable groups and the marginalized groups including women, the youth and persons with disabilities.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54400/environment/environment-ministrylaunches-project-to-improve-environmental-governance/ https://namibia.un.org/en/53341-launch-new-integrated-landscapeapproaches-project http://www.gov.na/documents/10181/14226/NDP+5/ https://namibia.un.org/en/27050-united-nations-partnership-frameworkunpaf-2019-2023
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AUGUST, 2020
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Forest Fire Management Commences
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he Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has initiated its national fire management programme intending to detect, prevent and
reduction, habitat modification, improvement of natural resources and removal of encroacher bushes.
suppress fires in anticipation of the fire season which starts July to January every year. According to the Ministry, every year, forest fires burn about 2 million hectares of vegetation in fire-prone regions, threatening lives and property, degrading the environment, and posing a threat particularly in the conservation of the forest resources including wildlife.
Despite the danger posed by fire, pre-planned fire is good as it provides agricultural and conservation benefits and gives communities a building layout for such things as rapid egress, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and potential flame propagation.
MEFT noted that under management strategy, more emphasis will be put on educating and training local communities in firefighting skills and establishing community-based fire squads dedicated to assisting in cases of fires in their communities. Training will include fire behaviour and effects, fire prevention, firefighting and management and the Directorate of Forestry assisting individuals, communities and organizations with the basic training and development of fire management plans. The Ministry has also started with the internationally practised prescribed/early burning, which is a preplanned ignition of fire for specific purposes such as fuel
The MEFT is currently in a process of servicing and repairing firefighting vehicles, machinery and has conducted a needs assessment. So far, the Ministry has cleared 634 km out of the expected 3027 km countrywide. In Oshana, 280 km has been cleared; Oshikoto, 124 km, Ohangwena 50 km, Omusati 100 km, Zambezi 40 with Kavango-West and -East, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and Khomas expected to follow.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54632/environment/environment-ministrycommences-with-forest-fire-management/ https://www.nbc.na/news/environment-ministry-starts-nationalmanagement-programme-detect-and-prevent-forest-fires.34591 https://www.namibian.com.na/93064/read/Seasonal-forest-firemanagement-under-way
Credit: RDJ Photo
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AUGUST, 2020
ROADS AND TRANSPORT Namibia’s Transport and Logistics Sector Shows Growth
The chart shows total road networks in Namibia as of December 2019. Data Source - National Planning Commission
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amibia's development expenditure of N$90 billion (US$5.4 billion) in 30 years has strategically positioned it as a southern Africa transport and
independence time, where a total of 8 259 Km is bitumen roads compared to 4 572 Km at 1990.
logistics hub, following the expansion of the Walvis Bay port in August 2019. This was mentioned in a report released by the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN), tittled “Namibia's 30 Years, Developmental Journey” which offers a thorough assessment of the economy and how Namibia has stimulated its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from N$7.2 billion in 1990 to N$177 billion at present.
The new Walvis Bay container terminal has so far contributed to greater handling capacity at the ports, increasing the capacity to 750 000 TEU from 350 000 TEU. The container terminal is the biggest infrastructure project completed by Namibia since independence. The National Planning Commission (NPC) Director general said that these developments together with the construction of the ongoing roads such as the Swakopmund-Walvis Bay dual carriageway are among the developments directly leading to Namibia becoming a logistical hub for SADC and beyond.
On the infrastructure front, major developments have been recorded in the transport and logistics sector as characterized by the roads network connection of more than 47 000 km, providing access to the various parts of the country. Excess capital expenditure has also resulted in Namibia constructing the best road network in Africa. As a credit to this effort, Namibia was recently ranked 21 in the world in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Quality of Road Infrastructure Report for 2019. Bitumen roads nearly doubled when comparing the current status to
Readings: https://www.namport.com.na/news/460/us-268m-new-container-terminallaunched-at-walvis-bay-in-namibia/ https://www.npc.gov.na/publications/ https://www.namibiansun.com/news/namibia-positioned-as-a-regionalhub2020-07-21/ https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/265558931/namibias-roadinfrastructure-shines-in-africa-report
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AUGUST, 2020
New Vehicle Sales Improve
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ew vehicles statistics from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA) of South Africa for June 2020 has indicated a small increase in the sales of new vehicles, symbolizing a slow but positive pick up after a drop in numbers during the national lockdowns in both South Africa and Namibia. In June 2020, total sales of new vehicle increased by 62.8%, which is an increase from 471 cars in May to 767 in June 2020. Despite the increase in these numbers, the industry sales are still far from the sales previously recorded in the absence of the global pandemic and is expected to remain stagnant. Reduced interests for borrowing, closure of businesses and the subsequent loss of income are all believed to be the contributing factors to the reduced spending power of customers. Many car dealers have rolled out various promotional incentives such as reduced deposits and deferred monthly payments to lure buyers ever since the start of the pandemic and this has somewhat started paying off. Researchers however view this as pent-up demand and a possible return to pre-Covid-19 levels, but do not foresee any significant increase in new vehicle sales for the rest of the year from pre-Covid levels.
Readings: https://www.namibian.com.na/93100/read/New-car-sales-close-but-nocigar https://economist.com.na/54364/wheels-wings/new-vehicle-salesincrease-substantially-in-june/
Below, is a graph showing new vehicle sales for 2019 and 2020. The data is sourced form the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Yi Long Shan Cargo Sets New Record for Walvis Bay Port
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i Long Shan is a Bulk Carrier registered and sailing under the Hong Kong flag, with a 32962 gross tonnage and a 56637 deadweight. While many businesses and sectors struggle with the falling economy, Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) continues to stay afloat despite cuts in some of its activities. This is credited to its new container terminal which has improved Namport’s ability to service more and larger international vessels such as the 2000 MT Barge (Sarah) in June, and the Yi Long Shan in July 2020 on its route to Recalada in Argentina. During her first voyage to Argentina in July 2020, the Yi Long Shan made a stop at the port Walvis Bay and offloaded 42 000 tonnes of Sulphur for Swakop Uranium. This load set a new record for bulk commodities surpassing the previous record by 12 000 tonnes. Built in 2013, Yi Long Shan (IMO: 9632284) is a bulk Carrier built with a capacity of 56 637 deadweight tonnage and is biggest sulphurcarrying vessel to dock at the port of Walvis Bay. The vessel is registered and sailing under the flag of Hong Kong and is 189.99 metres long and 32.26 metres wide.
Readings: https://economist.com.na https://www.namport.com.na/news
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AUGUST, 2020
TELECOMMUNICATIONS The ICT Revolution and its Contribution to GDP AUTHOR: Ms. Misozi Mugala Researcher @ RDJ Consulting
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hile Information and Communication Technology (ICT) does not contribute to the Namibian economy in the same way that many
of the sectors do, the sector indirectly contributes a great deal through knowledge and skills development. Namibia seems to be at the point of a major technological revolution. The country suddenly has apps for everything, online payment system and is catching up to technological advancement that other countries have had for years. At independence, Namibia only had radios and television under its Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). It was after Independence that the evolution of ICT started from no internet to 2G to 3G then to 4G and the soon to be established 5G, during the 1990s, Namibia went through a transition in the way Telecommunication Services were delivered through the creation of the commercialised fixed-line operator, Telecom Namibia Limited. Telecom Namibia Limited is the national telecommunications operator, established in August 1992.
It is operating as a subsidiary of its parent company, Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Limited and as a commercialised company. Telecom Namibia is also serving more than 396 000 (fixed and mobile) customers, with 986 employees and annual revenue of more than N$ 1.5 Billion. In 1995, the Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), joined the world's fast-growing mobile communications industry as a commercialised mobile operator. MTC, seems to be the Namibia’s premier network and Information Technology Company, with a staff of more than 560 people and 2.5 million active subscribers mark on its books as of 09 November 2018. Both companies were owned by Government through the holding company Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH). A second mobile operator, Cell One was licensed in 2006, and was renamed Leo in 2009. In 2005, another telecommunications company, Paratus was founded as Internet Technologies Namibia and became the first privately and 100% wholly owned Namibian telecommunications operator.
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The Diagram is a representation ICT Contribution to Gr oss Domestic Product form 1985 to 2020. Data Sourced from the Namibia Statistics Agency.
For the last 30 years, the ICT sector has been very helpful to the Namibian society by donating to charity organizations, sponsoring sports (assisting with the creation of direct and indirect employment through wages for coaches, players and administrators), helping with projects to save the environment and on a broader level, contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Namibia. ICT Contribution to GDP It is evident that Science, technology, and innovation have become key factors contributing to economic growth in both advanced and developing economies. Amidst the current Covid-19 crisis ICT is being used to facilitate daily social and economic activities. In the knowledge economy, information circulates at the international level through trade in goods and services, direct investment and technology flows, as well as the movement of people. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been at the heart of economic changes for more than two decades. ICT sector plays an important role, notably by contributing to rapid technological progress and productivity growth.
Readings: Readings https://neweralive.na/posts/icts-contribution-to-the-namibian-economy https://economist.com.na/54057/columns/ict-is-the-catalyst-for-economicdevelopment/ https://www.telecom.na/index.php/who-we-are https://www.npc.gov.na/download/NPC_Reports/Namibibia@-30REPORT_2020.pdf https://www.teamnamibia.com/b/7791/mtc/ https://www.mtc.com.na/pressreleases/article/18 https://www.researchictafrica.net/publications/ICT_Sector_Performance_R eviews_2010/Vol%202%20Paper%207%20%20Namibian%20Telecommunication%20Sector%20Performance%20Revie w%202010.pd https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2009/08/24/feline-fresh-orascomrebrands-cell-one-as-leo-other-units-to-follow/ https://www.nawa.com.na/supplier/paratus-africa https://www.devex.com/organizations/mobile-telecommunicationscompany-ltd-38281 https://nsa.org.na/page/publications https://www.researchictafrica.net/publications/ICT_Sector_Performance_R eviews_2010/Vol%202%20Paper%207%20%20Namibian%20Telecommunication%20Sector%20Performance%20Revie w%202010.pd  https://ideas.repec.org/h/izm/prcdng/200804.html
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AUGUST, 2020
Telecom's 3G and 4G Networks Enhanced
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elecom Namibia, one of Namibia’s telecommunication/mobile providers offering the population various mobile services nationwideÂ
Upgrades and instalations of new networks were carried out as shown in the diagram below.
such as its 3G and 4G network, recently expanded both its 3G and 4G mobile services further to urban and rural settlements countrywide.
Meanwhile, the company intends to set up 34 LTE (4G) sites countrywide in future, and are expected to be functional over the next three months. With the help of investment as part of Telecoms five- year Strategy Plan, the continuation of more sites is to help expand and upgrade the company’s data and voice quality network nationwide. Leaving no one behind, the plan will extend to all parts of the country where accessibility to ICT services are limited.
The initiative occurred from December 2019 to April 2020, resulting in 63 enhanced sites and ten new base stations located in numerous areas of the country. The improvements were made to ensure that the network architecture is capable of boosting its performance and alleviate any network strains caused as Telecom receives new customers on a daily basis who constantly make use of their various services. The network optimisation efforts are expected to result in Telecom Namibia consistently delivering improved quality service and customer experience.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54436/technology/telecom-upgrades-its-3g-and4g-network/
The Diagram above shows Upgrades and instalations of new networks done in the different areas of the country by Telecom Namibia.
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AUGUST, 2020
Telecom Upgrades VSAT
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elecom Namibia has upgraded its Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) hub to ensure faster and reliable IP-based connectivity for users in remote
areas. The hub, aptly called Satlink, comes with unlimited data volume downloads and high-speed internet access at a flat rate as well as transmission of integrated, voice, fax, and internet on one network. Satlink has already started yielded satisfactory results. Telecom further migrated the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute to the upgraded VSAT platform which provides better throughput, with the aim of improving the customer’s internet experience. The roll-out of remote terminals to various areas across Namibia is also expected to commence soon as the company has already begun engaging their customers. VSAT is a customised integrated voice/fax, data, and video satellite communication solution available everywhere, including all remote areas in Namibia. VSAT Technology provides new methods of service delivery and introduces innovations that will create opportunities for economic and social development for all users. The VSAT is well considered a solution for those having difficulties accessing a voice and/or broadband internet via any of the existing Telecom Wireless or Wireline Access Technologies. To ease migration to the new Satlink packages, Telecom has opted to absorb all once-off device and installation/ service replacement cost for its existing customers.
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MTN and the GridOnline Venture into Bulk Data Transmission
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TN Namibia and the GridOnline signed their first commercial contract for Bulk Data Transmission Services in July 2020. The GridOnline, which is NamPower’s Fibre Optic Broadband Service that was launched in March 2019, has the potential to provide additional managed services to licensed telecommunication service providers and wholesale clients. Apart from that, the initiative will provide Namibia with much needed additional national telecommunications bandwidth, creating an openly accessible framework for all service providers to make use of the valuable fibre optic asset, regardless of whether they may be start-ups or already established businesses. NamPower acknowledges the initiative as a demonstration of corporates consolidating efforts to propel the National and Southern African ICT sector forward, and stabilising the framework within which development can be streamlined. The availability of reliable and affordable telecommunications is seen by both organisations as a fundamental pillar for the growth of a multitude of sectors, including Education, Trade and Industry, Medical Services, Tourism and Entertainment, Engineering and Manufacturing, Infrastructure Development and Effective Administration. MTN Namibia is committed to connecting Namibians from all walks of life to the global village, enabling learning, communication, and innovation to improve the livelihoods of Namibians and growing the economy.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54868/technology/gridonline-mtn-namibia-inkcommercial-contract-for-bulk-data-transmission-services/ https://www.nampower.com.na/public/docs/wattson/Watts%20On%20New sletter%20Edition%201%202019.pdf https://neweralive.na/posts/the-gridonline-signs-up-mtn-namibia
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54721/technology/telecoms-upgraded-vsatto-bring-connectivity-to-remote-areas/
Credit: RDJ Photo
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AUGUST, 2020
FINANCING
Credit: RDJ Photo
Government Erongo
Assists
MSMEs
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Germany to Assist Tourism Sector
Namibia's
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he environment in which Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operate was negatively affected during the period of the state of emergency and as a result, the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) has introduced a number of initiatives to help save jobs in the small and medium enterprises sector in Erongo region. The industries affected mainly include hospitality and entertainment, retail, and construction. Some of the initiatives included contracting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to produce personal protective equipment used in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, such as reusable masks.
fter months of the country and the world at large being under lockdown, many sectors are suffering great losses. One of the greatly affected sectors is Tourism, which has so far seen 20 000 people jobless, and millions lost in terms of revenue.
The MITSMED, with the help of MSMEs, have produced about 14 700 reusable masks in a space of two weeks, and donated them to the office of the governor and the regional health director. The masks were meant to be distributed to vulnerable people such as pensioners, children living with disabilities and patients in hospitals in Erongo region. As part of the Step Up project, which is a NamibianGerman initiative facilitated by the MITSMED and the German Development Agency GIZ. The Ministry further donated 198 hygiene and personal protective kits consisting of two litres of hand sanitiser, two litres of surface sanitiser, two litres of hand wash soap and five masks each.
The Funds will be used to secure employment of game wardens and other people in communities living around conservation areas, as well as to support the implementation of human-wildlife conflict mitigation and prevention measures while some of the funds have been reserved for National Parks and other protected areas to assist them in minimizing the ecological and economic impacts of COVID-19. These measures are to be implemented through the existing NamParks V Project, and the funds are meant to ensure the continuation of anti-poaching and wildlife crime prevention measures, which involves financing patrols and implementing park regulations. Other funds will be directed to the KavangoZambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) within the context of mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
Readings:
Readings:
https://www.namibian.com.na/93185/read/Government-helpsErongo-businesses
In response to this, the German Government gave the Namibian government N$250 million (approximately US$15 million) to revive the industry. The amount is to be directed to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and is to be used for Poverty Oriented Support to Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Project implemented by the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia.
https://southerntimesafrica.com/site/news/tourism-gets-us15mfillip-from-germany https://www.africanews.com
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Bank Windhoek Helps Finance the Climate Change Fight
Credit: RDJ Photo
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ank Windhoek has joined the global fight against Climate Change with vigor by now having Green Bonds. This was memorialized by their First Green Impact Report5 launched officially July 2020. With this firm footing in climate finance, Bank Windhoek can now expect to be closely watched to see what innovations that meet its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) alignment come forth. Namibia is the ideal spot to harness solar energy in particular due to its hot and dry climate and abundant sunlight for more than 300 days a year – meaning up to 2 200 kilowatt-hours kWh) per square metre, are recorded annually in the country. The latest information on the mix of local (Namibian) generation versus imported electricity captured by the Namibia Statistical Agency (NSA) in their June 2020 Sectoral Report, shows that Namibia has started to show a decrease in local generation since May 2020 but micro-grids and mini-grids are not affected. This shows that solar energy could be a part of the solution to increased local generation on and off-grid, a well as to benefit the various economic sectors such as agriculture and water. Green bonds are commonly fixed income instruments where the proceeds are exclusively applied to finance or re-finance, in part or full, new and /or existing eligible Green Projects and which are aligned with the four core components of the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) Green Bond Principles (GBP). Bank Windhoek’s Green Bond is listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX), complies with the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, a United Nations (UN) Partnership Programme of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Global Compact thus to build the capacity of stock exchanges, securities market regulators.
In the Report, the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects currently (as of July 2020) financed by the Bank’s Green Bonds are expected to generate 77.9 million kWh of electricity in the next five years and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by some 305 710 metric tonnes over their expected lifetime(next 25 years7). So far, the Green Bond related projects have been issued N$66 million to fund the generation of renewable energy around Namibia which are envisioned to help further reduce the country's carbon footprint. The projects funded cover a variety of economic sectors with three powering agricultural projects. The largest project is the PV ground-mounted system with integrated axis tracking, located at Okatope in the Ohangwena region, in the north of Namibia which required N$57.2 million of the funds expended through the bond framework. The second-largest project is the Commercial Roof-Mounted and Grid-Tied Solar PV system, reducing 443.35 carbon dioxide-equivalent (tCOe2) greenhouse gas, annually. It should be noted that the impact indicators utilized by Bank Windhoek are derived from the Bank’s Green Bond Framework aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles.
Readings: https://www.bankwindhoek.com.na/Reports/2020%20Bank%20Win dhoek%20Green%20Bond%20Impact%20Report%20(4MB).pdf https://www.namibian.com.na/93034/read/Green-bond-injectsN$66-million-in-clean-energy https://www.bankwindhoek.com.na/Pages/Reports.aspx https://economist.com.na/54568/environment/bank-windhoeksgreen-bond-key-to-carbon-footprint-reduction/
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AUGUST, 2020
EIF Continues Investing in Climate Related Projects
Nedbank Allocates N$1 million to CBNRM Fund
he Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MTEF) through the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) has mobilised about N$560 million in grants for projects helping Namibia adapt to the impact of climate change Since 2015.
he Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) launched a Conservation Relief, Recovery, and Resilience, (CBNRM) Fund on 5 May 2020 in response to the global pandemic, Covid-19 in order to help moderate the economic and social impact of the catastrophic drop in tourism (hunting and photographic), as well as ensure that the natural resource base is secured for a recovery of nature based tourism in Namibia.
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While 238 000 people are expected to benefit from current projects funded by the EIF, a number of projects have already benefited through EIF’s mix of projects. This include 44 natural resource-based enterprises which were created in 23 communal conservancies, 120 boreholes that were rehabilitated to the benefit more than 60 000 people and 950 jobs which were also created mainly in rural areas. The EIF was established in 2011 to manage an endowment fund that will generate income in perpetuity and to allocate this income to projects relating to the sustainable use and management of natural resources. In 2015, the EIF was accredited by the Green Climate Fund and has since been able to mobilise N$560 million in grants, for projects relating to climate change adaptation. The EIF has also been instrumental in the establishment of a credit facility known as the Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Resources and Energy Financing (SUNREF Namibia) programme which is the global green finance label of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). In the context of energy and environmental transition, SUNREF helps private actors in southern hemisphere countries to seize the opportunities of this transition via an innovative approach, and encourages local banks to finance them. The programme is worth N$800 million at the current exchange rate. SUNREF Namibia is being implemented through three commercial banks to support entrepreneurs in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and tourism development, with the EIF supplying technical support. According to the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, the Ministry introduced environmental taxes on harmful products of which 30% of the taxes on incandescent bulbs, tyres, and carbon emissions goes to the EIF. Furthermore, new taxes on plastic bags, lubricant oils and batteries were introduced in 2019 and the EIF has received about N$31 million worth of environmental taxes collected from these by the Ministry of Finance.
Readings: https://www.eif.org.na/ https://www.eif.org.na/project/sunref-namibia-programme https://www.namibiansun.com/news/more-than-200-000-benefitfrom-eif-projects2020-07-10/
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As a key partnership working towards promoting sustainable development and community-based wildlife conservation, Nedbank remains committed to supporting communities and wildlife, especially during this pandemic and as a result, the Nedbank Corporate social investment (CSI) committee made an executive decision to allocate an amount of N$1 million towards supporting rural conservancies. The funds will be coordinated through the Conservation Relief Recovery & Resilience facility established by the MTEF.
Readings: https://economist.com.na/54681/environment/nedbankcontributes-n1-million-to-conservation-relief/ https://www.eif.org.na
Capricorn Group Provides Assistance to the Disadvantaged Groot Aub Residents
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urther to their commitment of helping their customers and the country at large during this unprecedented time, Bank Windhoek Executive Officer has announced that the Capricorn Group of Companies donated N$ 300 000 to a Feeding Cetre and Orphanage called the Youth Worship Team in Groot Aub. In addition to the financial support, Capricorn Group has started infrastructure development at the orphanage which is home to 10 orphans and a feeding centre to more than 70 children. This is simply because the home was originally built with corrugated structure, has no running water and no electricity. The Bank therefore assures that the children will soon have a solid housing structure, toilets and water tank to provide a decent sanitation system. From the time of the Covid-19 outbreak till now, Capricorn Group and its subsidiaries report to have contributed about N$5 million to the Namibian communities.
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Coastal Towns Receive Donations
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ince the outbreak of Covid-19 in Namibia, the coastal towns have been the first most affected. Apart from the towns recording the highest infected cases countrywide, one of the Walvis Bay’s informal settlement called Twaloloka was greatly destroyed by a fire outbreak, leaving residents without homes and assets. In face of these events, many individuals and firms have rushed to their rescue by providing with essential needs. Some of the donations made are detailed below.
Namport Donates N$1 Million for Oxygen to Coastal Covid-19 Facilities Assisting the government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has been one of many of the coastal companies’ priorities. Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) joined the fight as well by recently donating N$1 million to help supply Covid-19 facilities situated at the coast with oxygen. According to the acting CEO of Namport, Kevin Harry, the gas company Afrox was set to begin with the oxygen installation at the medical facilities in both Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Consistent and reliable oxygen supply at the coastal health facilities is a major necessity not only when treating those infected with the virus, but generally in cases of other critical conditions.
Namport and Walvis Bay Municipality Provide Mobile Ablution Facilities to Twaloloka Community After the misfortune of the fire outbreak that occurred at the Twaloloka informal settlement, 300 residents of the settlement were recently provided with flushing toilets for the first time ever since the establishment of the settlement. All thanks to the Namport Social Investment Fund in collaboration with the Municipality of Walvis Bay, a 20-foot container was transformed into a fully equipped mobile ablution facility supplying the residents with a total of six toilets and wash basins which cost a total of N$260 000.
Before this new establishment, the company ensured that the Twaloloka community had 20 mobile toilets ready for use during the lockdown duration. According to the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Immanuel Wilfred, the municipality carried out their responsibility in making sure that the facility had water accessibility and that it is connected to the municipal sewer line.
Walvis Bay Receives Covid-19 Donations from Standard Bank The coastal town of Walvis Bay has been worryingly recording increasing numbers of positive coronavirus cases. The government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) has been doing its best to maintain the spread of the virus and many organizations have joined in the fight. Standard Bank joined the chain of those offering their assistance and support to further reduce and combat the number of infections and deaths caused by the virus. The blue bank provided households and families residing in informal settlements at Walvis Bay that are mostly at risk with immune boosters and a total of 1000 food parcels. In a statement, the Bank informed that the food and immune boosters donations are specifically for individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19, those that lost their employment due to the virus and those with little or no means to fight it. The Governor’s office of Erongo aided in identifying the most at-risk families to ensure that the donations reached those that really need them. Meanwhile, Standard Bank wants to bring hope to the infected individuals and the rest of the country that in order to become successful in defeating this virus, teamwork and adhering to the regulations laid out on health and safety are the keys to accomplish this.
Readings: https://southerntimesafrica.com/site/news/engen-namiba-collaborateswith-wbcg https://www.petrolworld.com/africa-middle-east/item/35315-namibiaengen-donates-n-100-000-fuel-towards-covid-19-support https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/engen-namibia-sponsors-fuelto-aid-covid-19-screenings-2020-06-26/rep_id:4136
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WOMEN IN INDUSTRY Women Breaking The Glass Ceiling Interview with Ms. Mercy Situmbeko Interviewed by Ms. Kina Indongo (Communications Specialist - RDJ Consulting)
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ts a new month, and as we a celebrate women who continue to make a difference in various industries, we are deeply honoured to have Ms. Mercy Situmbeko, a selfdriven extraordinary woman, who makes the face of the “Women in Industry” Section of the RDJ Briefing this August! In fact, this inspirational woman is a true maverick in her profession and a woman dedicated to her craft.
Personal Journey Ms. Situmbeko graduated from the University of Namibia with an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology and then went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. As if it wasn’t enough, she further pursued a certificate in Arbitration and Conciliation and is now registered with the South African Health Council as a Psychometrist: Private Practice. In fact, Ms. Situmbeko has an impressive professional background, which attests to her value and skill. She started off as a Psychometrist Intern at the Ministry of Labour’s Employment Planning Division, where she conducted research on psychological testing for career development and recruitment in Namibia. Through this research, Ms. Situmbeko, along with her colleagues published the first and second edition of books titled "Careers in Namibia". Since then her career has taken off exponentially, as she was later promoted to the Office of the Prime Minister under the Public Service Commission as the Personnel Systems Analyst.
"know what your core-values are. knowledge is a journey, not a destination." Ms. Mercy Situmbeko In 2008, Ms. Situmbeko decided to start her own business called Dimples Psychometrics and Management which focused on representing employees and assisting employers/ Management on Labour matters.
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She joined Namibia's National Power utility (NamPower), as the Senior Organisational Development Analyst responsible for Psychometrics, implementing the Performance Management System and coordinating Training of employees.
AUGUST, 2020
She was then promoted to Manager of the Education, Training & Development Section in which all training in NamPower was placed under one section. Ms. Situmbeko was the first woman to Head the NamPower Vocational Training Centre which is a very male dominated Industry.At ETD, Ms Situmbeko initiated and implemented projects such as the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in which employees without academic qualifications are assessed on their experience, recognized and credited; and considered for promotional positions. "This gives employees a sense of value and pride!" In 2010, she joined the Namibian University of Science & Technology (NUST) as a part-time Lecturer in the Compensation Management Section. Later In 2016, she was appointed Board Member to NUST for 3 years and resigned as a Lecturer. Finally, She is currently serving as a Member of the Advisory Council to NUST on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Department for TVET programmes and for the Management Programmes since 2017.
Dimples Psychometrics Dimples Psychometrics initially started as an agency that represented employees in labour disputes however,
“my first love is still Psychometrics and people/skills development” said Ms. Situmbeko. Over time she got more and more requests to mentor and coach people and companies approached her to speak at seminars and conferences often. This made her commit herself to coaching people and helping them develop themselves, and she then became a “CoachPreneur” as she puts it. Ms. Situmbeko muses that “the Covid-19 situation has been a blessing to Dimples because we got a lot of, leadership and general coaching requests to help people cope. It has been the busiest time for Dimples – which is a nice-life-problem.”
The Importance of Psychometrics to Human Resource Management Psychometrics are assessments aimed to inform on a person’s natural strengths/aptitude, personality, thinking styles/preferences, cognitive or problem-solving capacities and working styles. It is regarded as important for self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence. Psychometrics are crucial in recruitment for when you have candidates who all have the same technical skills of the job but the essential skills such as being “Analytical, or Planner, or CompleterFinisher of whatever project one takes on”, etc. Therefore, for recruitment, www.rdjconsulting.co.za
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the team might be needing a person whose strength is that of being Analytical. Such competencies and traits can only be determined using psychometric assessments. Psychometrics are able to inform on Leadership styles or cognitive capacities and what to focus on when developing essential skills like leadership skills.
Challenges As a woman in the Human Resource and Training Industry, Ms. Situmbeko has faced a lot of discrimination as well as being undermined by colleagues as well as outsiders. “People just assume that the older man standing next to you is the Head of the Vocational Training Section” Says Ms. Situmbeko. “I feel that as a woman I have had to prove myself over and over again, and have had to work harder to provide above target results, yet, my work is constantly second guessed male counterparts and seniors just because of my gender” She adds. Additionally, because of her very assertive and strong-minded nature, she is usually referred to as being too aggressive or too much. Ms. Situmbeko says she pays no mind to such criticism as “I know my corevalues and I am making an impact, the company, employees and the trainees.”
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Other Engagements Ms. Situmbeko is a member of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia (PSAN) and the Global Speakers Association. She has been speaking professionally and internationally in countries like Spain,since 2016. Additionally, she is a member of the John Maxwell Team of which she praises, “the business support from them is amazing. They are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters” she adds. During the global pandemic lockdown in Windhoek, Ms. Situmbeko started a water project in Havana to support and provide informal communities with clean drinking water, and she also donates water and food packages to women who sell grass along the road in the Northern Industrial area near Natis Valley.
"I was the first woman to Head the NamPower Vocational Training Centre which is a very male dominated Industry" Ms. Mercy Situmbeko
At the end of the interview, Ms. Situmbeko advised women to “know what your core-values are.” She explains that “your core values are the things you invest your time and money on. That is where your personal corevalues and non-negotiable which inform your work ethics are”. She encourages women to build genuine relationships to give and support as they would expect to be supported. “Be the Leader that they would want to follow, and to develop a new skill every year. knowledge is a journey, not a destination.” concludes Ms. Situmbeko.
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AUGUST, 2020
YOUTH IN ACTION Dedication To Craft Interview with Mr. Wapale Kalla Interviewed by Ms. Kina Indongo (Communications Specialist - RDJ Consulting)
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his month in our Youth Section of the RDJ Briefing, we had the exciting opportunity to speak to Mr. Wapale Kalla, an ambitious, well-rounded young man whose dedication to his craft as an Electrical Engineer and Project Manager, is truly inspirational.
Personal Journey Mr. Kalla is currently pursuing his Masters in Business Administration – Management Strategy at the Namibia Business School (NBS). Apart from that, he is a holder of several academic qualifications namely: National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, South Africa; Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) from CPUT, Bachelor Degree in Project Management (cum laude) also from CPUT; and finally, a Post Graduate Diploma Business Management from the NBS. Due to his professional achieves, Mr. Kalla is an accredited Renewable Energy supplier who also happens to hold a Wireman’s license for Low and Medium Voltage installations. He has further ambitions to enroll and complete a PhD qualification, “which would bring an end to my long and winding academic journey” Says, Mr. Kalla
Occupational Journey Mr. Kalla is currently the Senior Electrical Project Engineer at Sunrise Solar Solutions CC. His professional professional career spans 8 years, having started as a Tutor and Lab
"Dust yourself off and try again." Mr. Wapale Kalla Assistant at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he was then hired as an Engineering Intern at Namibia's national power (NamPower) Ruacana Hydro Power Station and Van Eck Coal Power Station. . The experience he gained working at the different Power Stations, as well as jobshadowing helped him glean valuable insight into the level professionalism andeffort required to reach the pinnacle of success in the engineering profession. www.rdjconsulting.co.za
Sunrise Solar Solutions CC. Sunrise Solar Solutions CC. is an Engineering company under the Renewable Energy sector of Namibia. Its area of focus involves the supply, design and creation of renewable energy solutions relating to solar water heating, photovoltaic energy, borehole pumping solutions as well as solar streetlights. “We offer consultancy services relating to solar
AUGUST, 2020 projects of different sizes and render energy management solutions for households in residential areas” said Mr. Kalla. Sunrise Solar Solutions CC. activity and presence in the renewable energy sector spans a total of 17 years. During these years, the firm has helped increase access to electricity among rural inhabitants, and has also reformed the curriculum standard in vocational institutions by creating stakeholder forums, which led to the development of competent technicians in the industry. Furthermore, Sunrise Solar Solutions CC. has helped reduce dependency on hazardous fossil fuels relating to lighting and heating in the informal sectors by providing solutions to the less fortunate. The company also spearheads philanthropic activities such as donations to schools and the more vulnerable members of society, whether monetary or material. Apart from that, the firm has also offered internship programs and training for artisans and students in need of vocational experience, and helped launch them into the industry, improving the lives of many.
Challenges Some of the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs include, lack of funding, talent, business-nurturing programmes, inadequate skill development and specialist training platforms. The largest obstacle Mr. Kalla faced however was access to funding. “When I first started out, the need for collateral and other kinds of security was hard to come by.” Project financing with reasonable rates in relation to larger and more complex projects has now arguably become one of the largest challenges, combined with exposure to fluctuating currencies. When it comes to acquiring funds for a project, very little funds are allocated to small and medium scale renewable energy
technologies as compared to the conventional energy sector. However, the energy sector is slowly approaching a period in which relevant stakeholders finally understand the importance of renewable energy adoption. Therefore, the government, key stakeholders and other enablers are doing relatively well in advancing access to stable financing. Mr. Kalla says that although there is still much which can be done, “we’re right on track though. One day we’ll get it right”.
Renewable Energy sources adoption in Namibia There are a number of reasons why Namibia is slow to espouse renewable energy sources. According to Mr. kalla, the following reasons explains possible reasons that may be causing this situation: 1. High initial capital required to undertake renewable energy projects, foregoing future financial benefits. 2. Lack of incentives such as energy subsidies on energy products. 3. A lack of general understanding and certainty on the benefits of renewable energy usage. 4. Inadequate funding institutions, misaligned financial funding models for those who are interested in making use of renewable energy sources. 5. Competition from finite energy resources such as fossil fuels which are cheaper alternatives. 6. Lack of specific policy and regulatory frameworks for clean energy development which would encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
Namibia’s Renewable Energy sector and future “Namibia has immense renewable energy potential, yet we remain a netimporter of energy”, said Mr. Kalla, as he hopes to see renewable energy becoming the cornerstone of economic www.rdjconsulting.co.za
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prosperity in future. He also hopes to see Namibian solutions being applied to Namibian energy problems and not just the adoption of European solutions as is the case at present. Mr. Kalla went to mention his desire for Namibia to realize the enactment of all intentional policies and programme goals which were built on and around the White Paper on Energy Policy of 1998, which would ensure the mandatory use of broad-based renewable energy technologies as a first option in a number of sector He adds that it is important for local and regional government structures to become major stakeholders in the energy sector. This would allow them to become self-sufficient which in turn, would enable them to create more conducive living conditions for their inhabitants. “For Namibia to become energy independent, we must move from a centralised system of energy provision to a more decentralised model”, said Mr Kalla. Therefore, investing in Renewable Energy Research and Development Centres is a key element in the quest for energy independence. “I anticipate a wider range of tailor-made energy solutions to be unearthed in line with national renewable energy security efforts.” However, one of the main obstacles to implementing renewable energy projects is often not the technical feasibility of these projects but the absence of low-cost, longterm financing. Finally, Mr. Kalla encourages other youth to identify their area of intended focus, and study the sector while engaging relevant stakeholders. He adds “give it your best shot, and in the event that you meet failure, don’t take it to heart, dust yourself off and try again.” Finally, he reminds the youth of the importance of humility “In the event that you meet success, don’t let it get to your head and become complacent.”
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AUGUST, 2020
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CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
David Jarrett (Managing Consultant) RDJ Consulting Services CC Chilombo Olga Priscila (Operations Manager) RDJ Consulting Services CC Naemi Shoopala (Head - Research) RDJ Consulting Services CC Misozi Mugala (Research Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Haikali Ndafimana Malakia (Research Intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC Kina Indongo (Communications Specialist) RDJ Consulting Services CC Lydia Kalilo Namutenya (Research intern) RDJ Consulting Services CC
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