Desert FM 95.3

di Desert FM 95.3

National Youth Fund Aims to Boost Namibian Youth Entrepreneurship and Job Creation.

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled the National Youth Fund offering low-interest loans, grants, mentorship, and market linkages to support youth-led businesses across Namibia. With a focus on transparency, sustainability, and rural outreach, the initiative aims to fund at least 100 enterprises in its first year while encouraging youth-led innovation through national competitions. We spoke to Ministry of Finance Executive Director Michael Humavindu for the full breakdown.

Toni Hancox on repeat offenders being granted bail by Namibian courts

We tackle a pressing concern that’s been echoed in many Namibian communities: the repeated cycle where individuals arrested for crimes like housebreaking and theft are granted bail, only to return to the streets and allegedly commit the same offences again. It’s a pattern that not only frustrates residents, but also raises questions about our justice system, bail conditions, and the balance between rights and public safety. Joining us, to shed light on what the law says, where the gaps might be, and what reforms could break this cycle, is Toni Hancox, Director of the Legal Assistance Centre.

Wilson Shikoto: How social grants will be distributed in Namibia from 1 October

Next, we talk about a major shift in how social grants will be distributed in Namibia. Starting 1 October, NamPost will take over the mandate, a move the government says will save an estimated N$58 million and offer beneficiaries more security by moving payments into bank accounts. But, what does this mean in practice? How will it affect beneficiaries especially those who don’t have a NamPost account? Joining us now is Wilson Shikoto, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Finance, to break down what this transition means, what beneficiaries need to know, and how the ministry is ensuring no one is left behind.

Shoki Kandjimi on how PETROFUND’s new partnership could power Namibia’s future

We are zooming in on a brand-new partnership that’s set to boost Namibia’s readiness for the oil and gas boom. The Petroleum Training and Education Fund better known as PETROFUND has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FirstRand Namibia, which includes RMB Namibia, FNB Business, and FNB Retail. The aim? To build local skills, strengthen suppliers, and make sure more of the value from this emerging industry stays right here in Namibia. With a N$1 million co-sponsorship package on the table, the big question is how will this opportunity translate into real benefits for our people and businesses? We were joined by Shoki Kandjimi, PETROFUND’s Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, to unpack what this MoU means for Namibia’s energy future.

Jason Kasuto unpacks the big questions ahead of the Oil and Gas Conference 2025

We are talking oil, gas, and the big picture for our economy. The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2025 has been called a platform for real deals, not just talk. But with that comes big questions from avoiding the so-called ‘resource curse’ that’s plagued other nations, to making sure local skills, suppliers, and communities benefit directly from the boom. We’ll explore whether our policies on local content are truly opening doors, how we can diversify beyond oil and gas, and what urgent steps Namibia must take to turn forecasts into long-term prosperity. Joined us is Jason Kasuto,CDFA President of the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN).

Happy Auala: From blank walls to bold stories

We are taking you into the colourful, expressive world of street art. One Namibian artist is transforming bare walls into vibrant canvases that tell stories, celebrate culture, and beautify our spaces. Her name is Happy Auala a mural artist whose work you might have walked past, photographed, or even had as the backdrop to your social media posts. We’re talking to Happy about where his passion for multi function artist murals began, what goes into creating these large-scale artworks, and how his art is shaping conversations in the community.

Standard Bank Fights Against Financial Crime

Standard Bank Namibia will host its Annual Anti-Financial Crime Conference today, bringing together government, regulators, industry leaders, and corporate partners. The aim is to tackle urgent threats such as money laundering, cybercrime, and fraud crimes that not only cost Namibia millions but also threaten public trust in the financial system. Joining Desert FM is Roxzaan Witbooi, Head of Compliance at Standard Bank Namibia.

Namibia Reaffirms Support for Palestine

Namibia has once again taken a firm and public stand in support of Palestine, this time condemning Israel’s newly approved plan to take control of Gaza City. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade warns that the move could deepen the humanitarian crisis already unfolding in Gaza, and calls on the international community to act in line with UN resolutions. But what does this mean in real diplomatic terms? What impact will it have on Namibia’s foreign relations, especially with nations backing Israel? And what does this say about the global balance in the ongoing conflict? To understand this, Desert FM is joined by international relations expert Marius Kudumo.

FirstRand, PETROFUND Partnership to Boost Namibia’s Oil and Gas Capacity

FirstRand Namibia and PETROFUND signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the ongoing Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, aiming to boost local capacity in the country’s emerging oil and gas industry. With global investors and local stakeholders focused on turning exploration into economic opportunity, Energy Coverage Manager at RMB Namibia Olavi Hangula, joins Desert FM to give a brief on what these developments mean for the sector, particularly in terms of financing, local skills, and Namibia’s investment appeal.

Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu on why a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate would have been a wise move

We’re talking money matters - specifically the repo rate and how a possible cut could affect you. The Bank of Namibia today announced to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.75 percent. Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu believes a 25 basis point cut would have been a wise move. With inflation under control, he says such a cut could stimulate the economy, boost consumer spending, and encourage investment. But what does this actually mean for ordinary Namibians, and how can we make the most of it if the decision were to have gone our way.

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