FlyNamibia February 2024

NAMIBIAN PASSPORT RANKED 65 BEST IN THE WORLD

Namibia’s passport has been ranked 65 globally, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 80 countries.

This is a slip from the 62nd ranking last year which can be attributed to a reduction in the number of countries its citizens can visit without a visa after the United Kingdom introduced visa requirements for all Namibians late last year.

Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Namibia’s passport performs strongly. In comparison with neighbouring nations, Namibia ranks 5th, sharing the ranking with Lesotho.

Seychelles holds the highest ranking in the region and the continent with a global ranking of 26 and the ability to travel visa-free to 156 countries. Mauritius, South Africa and Botswana are all ranked 30th, 53rd and 59th respectively.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola have the lowest rankings in the region with 94th and able to travel to 46 countries and 88th and 53 countries each. While Somalia holds the lowest ranking in the continent with a 99th ranking.

France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as part of the European Union, align with Japan and Singapore in having the best passports globally. Citizens of these six nations enjoy visa-free access to an impressive 194 destinations out of 227 worldwide.

Holding the top position on the index for the past five years, Japan and Singapore continue to dominate.

The Henley Passport Index is the original, authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

The ranking is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information and is enhanced by the Henley and Partners research department.

TRIGON METALS SET TO COMMENCE WITH UNDERGROUND MINING AT KOMBAT

Trigon Metals announces preparations for the first phase of underground mining in early 2024 at Kombat mine, targeting an average copper grade of 2.6% over a 10-year mine life.

This follows the completion of the dewatering of the underground mine, initiated in September 2023, with the company commencing an underground training program for staff in December 2023.

“In 2023, we initiated open-pit mining operations at the Kombat Mine. In 2024, the underground Phase 1 will recommence, targeting an average copper grade of 2.6% with a 10-year mine life,” Trigon has announced.

The company revealed that Epiroc Namibia has delivered brand-new underground utility vehicles, as the company gears up for the start of underground operations in early 2024.

“The first phase of underground mining is scheduled to kick off in early 2024, and Underground training programs will continue for the next few months to ensure that our team is well-prepared to navigate the specific challenges associated with underground mining,” the company said.

Jed Richardson, President and CEO of Trigon, mentioned last year that the expansion of the mill’s throughput and the imminent initiation of underground mining are expected to triple the production profile while reducing production costs and enhancing profitability.

“Now that open-pit mining has achieved commercial production, processing 1,000 tonnes per day of ore and shipping 250 tonnes of concentrate a week. It is important to understand work is well underway to expand the mill’s throughput and commence mining from the underground, leading to a tripling of production profile while lowering production costs and amplifying profitability,” said the CEO.

In July and August 2023, the company installed two powerful 2.5MW submersible pumps in the main shaft at Asis West. Additionally, 7.2MW of emergency backup generators were put in place to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, a critical factor for efficient mining activities.

Richardson noted that the water extracted from the mine is potable and is directed into an open canal that feeds reservoirs near Windhoek. Trigon undertook an extensive hydrogeology study to comprehend the water dynamics associated with the mine, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Kombat Copper Mine in Namibia produced 901 concentrate tonnes in the month of October at a grade of 29.2% copper and 241 g/t silver.

“In a month that saw the plant reach commercial production and our first concentrate sales, concentrate production topped expectations. We are on track to record an operating profit on October’s production and are very pleased with the efforts of the team and the performance of the mine and mill,” Richardson said.

NAMIBIA WINS BEST STARTUP ECOSYSTEM IN AFRICA AWARD

Namibia was awarded the Best Startup Ecosystem in Africa award, confirming the country’s commitment to its entrepreneurship resilience and supportive business environment.

The award, received by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), recognises the country’s dedication to fostering innovation, cross-continental collaboration and entrepreneurship.

This follows as Namibia’s startup ecosystem registered growth in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023 report. The country jumped three spots to secure its place within the top 90 globally.

According to the report, Namibia is ranked in a highly competitive part of the index, where the gap in score between positions 82nd and 89th is 1%.

“Given its ranking towards the bottom of this group, the opportunity to further improve its ranking next year is optimal,” the report reads.

Namibia also retained its position as the second ranked country in Southern Africa, with a two-spot jump, Namibia is now the ninth best ecosystem in Africa while Windhoek is ranked the 651st ecosystem after an increase of 49 spots globally.

“Regionally, Windhoek climbed by one spot to rank fourth in Southern Africa, overtaking Pretoria, South Africa. Windhoek maintained its rank in Africa at 22nd,” the report reads.

The Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023 report was conducted by StartUpBlink, a global start up map and research center that works to gain insights about trends affecting the global start up ecosystem.