Future Media News - The Business Report

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Chinese automotive sector is transforming itself, focusing on software-defined vehicles and expanding its presence in Europe with new models and local assembly. Nico Pieters, franchise executive from Pupkewitz Motor Division, was a guest from GWM at the Auto China 2026. Angie Scholtz is joined by Nico Pieters.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss : whether Prosus can recover from its recent share price slump amid growing AI disruption fears, Canal+’s planned JSE listing and the challenges facing traditional media platforms worldwide, and how Boxer continues outperforming while parent company Pick n Pay battles ongoing retail struggles.

In Tech Talk: Gerald tells us about the growing disconnect between technology and business, and why real innovation depends on developers and executives working together to build practical solutions people actually use.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Namibia is currently hosting the second Namibia–EU Business Forum in Windhoek. The forum focuses on unlocking opportunities in key sectors such as green hydrogen, renewable energy, and agribusiness, while promoting sustainable economic growth. Angie Scholtz sits down with the Managing Director of High Economic Intelligence, Salomo Hei. 

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The African Green Industries Summit 2026 has been officially launched and is set to take place from the ninth to the tenth of September in Swakopmund. Angie Scholtz is joined by William Shilamba, the Executive Director of NEA Consulting, who is hosting the African Green Industries Summit 2026. 

In our spotlight this evening, Angie speaks to Jason Kasuto, founder and managing partner of Monasa Advisory & Associates, a Namibian advisory firm specializing in Research, ESG, and Advisory services, and Chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia. 

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss Pick n Pay’s struggles against stronger retail competitors. MTN Group Nigeria benefiting from a stronger naira, Vodacom achieving stronger growth, and AB InBev surprised markets with stronger beer sales, especially across South American markets.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) has come into operation. The Finance Minister, Ericah Shafudah, announced the commencement in a government gazette issued on 30 April. The gazette states that some provisions of the act have been excluded from the commencement. Angie Scholtz is joined by Namifisa CEO Kenneth Matomola. 

In Tech Talk: Gerald tells us about marketing in 2026, driven by AI, short-form video, and community. Brands must connect authentically, show up everywhere, and turn audiences into loyal tribes today globally.

Coming up in the Market Watch — Michelle van Wyk and Helena Mboti from Standard Bank, speak about the global uncertainty and Middle East conflict driving oil and fuel price increases. Namibia remains vulnerable, with rising transport, food, and housing costs expected to push inflation higher through 2026.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Bank of Namibia has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50 percent. The Monetary Policy Committee says the move is based on the latest economic indicators. Angie Scholtz is joined by Oliver Diggle, an Economist from Cirrus Capital.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • Anglo American – Lab-grown diamonds are disrupting the market, and the pressure on De Beers is only getting worse. • CMH – Strong results as the group adapts to shifting demand in the automotive market. • Mondi & Sappi – Weak numbers and rising pressure, with energy costs and global uncertainty weighing on the sector.

Coming up in the Market Watch — Michelle van Wyk speaks to Oliver Diggle from Cirrus about rising oil prices, global tensions, and the impact on inflation and interest rates.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Zandria Venter, the Business development consultant at Alexforbes Investments Namibia, talks to Angie Scholtz on the hidden cost of poor investment administration.

In Tech Talk Gerald tells us all about data backup and disaster recovery.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Namibia will host the second Namibia–EU Business Forum from the 11th to the 13th of May in Windhoek. The event, co-hosted by the Namibian Government and the European Union, will bring together participants to strengthen trade and investment ties. Angie Scholtz sits down with Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU Ambassador to Namibia.

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT Angie Scholz is joined by Martin Nankela, the chief executive and founder of Cross Branding Investments.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • Labat Africa – A dramatic shift from cannabis to IT leaves the market confused, with a very low PE ratio and unclear strategy. • Sappi – Looking at a joint venture with UPM to survive the structural decline in graphic paper. • Afrimat – A “perfect storm” of a risky acquisition and ferrochrome sector issues pushed the second half into a loss. Still profitable overall, but risks are elevated.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The fourth edition of the Namibia International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition, set for 22–24 April 2026, aims to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a cyber-resilient and responsible digital nation. Angie Scholtz is joined by Paulinus Sheehama, the Chairman of the Namibia International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition.

Coming up in the Market Watch: Michelle van Wyk speaks to Eloise du Plessis from PSG, and they discuss why markets appear unfazed by global uncertainty, along with the importance of long-term investing through compounding and diversification.

Gerald tells us all about AI Security Risks.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Sintana Energy Incorporated says it has begun discussions with the Namibia Securities Exchange over a potential listing on the local bourse. The company has appointed IJG Securities as its sponsor and corporate advisor as part of the process, and plans to create opportunities for Namibian investors to participate once listed. Mark Späth, the Group Managing Director at IJG Securities, joins Angie Scholtz.

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT Angie Scholz is joined by the Interim CEO of the Lotteries Board of Namibia, Dr Johannes Shimaneni.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • RMH’s controversial Grove Mall-linked deal and the challenges of selling minority stakes • Aimia’s unusual JSE listing, its messy past and potential plans ahead • Market resilience despite global uncertainty, with oil prices and inflation as key risks

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Industry leaders, investors, and policymakers are gathered at the International Energy Conference that started today in the Capital. The event covers skills development, infrastructure readiness, and local participation. Angie Scholtz is joined by Dr. Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, an economics lecturer at the University of Namibia.

Coming up in the Market Watch — Michelle van Wyk speaks to Capricorn Asset Management's Floris Bergh about the surprising rebound in global markets despite rising oil prices and inflation concerns

In Tech Talk Gerald tells us all about Answer Engine Optimisation.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • FirstRand facing a massive UK regulatory hit and why it may exit the market • BHP’s multi-billion dollar silver streaming deal and how these mining finance structures work • Exxaro and Eskom locking in a long-term coal supply deal and what it says about energy security

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General and CEO of the Namibia Statistics Agency, joins Angie Scholz.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has outlined the government’s priorities for the year ahead, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and improved service delivery. Delivering the State of the Nation Address in Windhoek, the President emphasised the need to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen the country’s energy and water security, and expand investment in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. On the economic front, the President stressed the importance of fiscal discipline and of creating a conducive investment environment, alongside efforts to advance Namibia’s digital transformation. Angie Scholtz sits down with Almandro Jansen, Associate Economist at Simonis Storm to dissect the Address.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Namibian Lottery Board plans to introduce a 5 percent levy on competition prizes, along with a N$2,000 processing fee for organisers. The proposed measures are part of efforts to strengthen regulation and compliance in Namibia's sector. Angie Scholtz sat down with the CEO of the Lotteries Board of Namibia, Dr Johannes Shimaneni.

In Tech Talk Gerald tells us all about the 3 phases of AI adoption.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • MTN’s expanding board and whether directors truly add value or simply add cost • CA Sales delivering strong growth in Botswana despite a weak outlook • Standard Bank’s Africa growth strategy and what it means for investors

Coming up in the Market Watch — RMB’s Ray Auala explains how rising oil prices are driving inflation higher, what it means for your money, and why inflation-linked bonds could offer both protection and surprisingly strong returns.

Coming up in the Market Watch — RMB’s Ray Auala explains how rising oil prices are driving inflation higher, what it means for your money, and why inflation-linked bonds could offer both protection and surprisingly strong returns.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Namibia’s Otjikoto Mine delivered strong gold production in 2025, performing near the top of its target range, with a strong final quarter boosted by high-grade stockpiles. Costs came in lower than expected, but output is set to decline in 2026 as the mine transitions to underground operations, with higher costs anticipated. Angie Scholtz is joined by John Roos, the Director and Country Manager for B2Gold Namibia.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Development Bank of Namibia has launched a new women-focused financing initiative. The program, called “DBN for Her,” aims to improve access to funding for female entrepreneurs by offering tailored finance and support. Cliffy Nauses, the Acting Chief Investment Officer at DBN, joins Angie Scholtz.

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT Angie Scholtz is joined by Edwin Kamatoto, the Country Manager and Group Chief Executive Officer of NovaNam.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • Discovery Limited: A standout investment story, turning a $5 million stake into $78 million through its telematics partner — highlighting the value of smart partnerships and equity positioning. • PSG Financial Services: Strong earnings growth of over 30%, driven by an aggressive, advisor-led model and consistent client acquisition across markets. • The Foschini Group: Earnings expected to drop at least 20%, with weak offshore performance and pressure in the apparel sector weighing heavily on results.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Nasan Energies has been approved to acquire over 50 Engen and Shell service stations from Vivo Energy Namibia — marking a major shift toward local ownership in the fuel retail sector. Managing Director Jean Blaise Ollomo and Angie Scholz discuss what it means for jobs, investment, and keeping value right here in Namibia.

Coming up in the Market Watch — Standard Bank’s Helena Mboti unpacks oil prices surging above $100, the global supply risks driving it, and what it means for fuel price increases in Namibia and South Africa.

In Tech Talk Gerald tells us all about how to use AI without learning AI.

Today in Ghost Biz, Gary Stroebel and The Finance Ghost discuss: • Spar Group vs Woolworths Holdings: Spar looks to cut costs through a voluntary severance program, while Woolworths moves the other way — acquiring a key supplier to strengthen control of its supply chain. • Mr Price Group: The market reacts negatively to its European acquisition of NKD, with concerns around valuation and execution risk — and a familiar warning about SA retailers expanding offshore. • MTN Group: Despite strong operational performance and a sharp share price recovery, geopolitical risk linked to Iran remains a major overhang for investors.

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT Angie Scholtz is joined by Modestus Amutse, the Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy of Namibia.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: The Namibia–Mauritius Business Forum was hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board in collaboration with the Economic Development Board of Mauritius, focusing on the Information and Communication Technology sector. Angie Scholtz sat down with Pratima Sewpal, the Senior Manager for Emerging Technology at the Economic Development Board of Mauritius.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Concerns over rising government spending and growing debt risks were highlighted during the presentation of Namibia’s latest budget analysis. Angie Scholtz sits down with Economist Robin Sherbourne after he presented his report, Treading a Fine Line, examining the implications of the 2026/27 national budget for Namibia.

Coming up in the Market Watch — Michelle van Wyk speaks to Robert McGregor from Cirrus Capital. They unpack the latest oil price surge as Middle East tensions push Brent above $100 a barrel, what it could mean for inflation, and whether expected interest rate cuts are still realistic.

In Tech Talk Gerald tells us all about adding AI to your business.

In the Alexforbes Lead Story: Standard Bank Namibia hosted its Annual Budget Dialogue 2026, bringing together leaders from government and industry to discuss the 2026/27 National Budget. The dialogue aimed to unpack the implications of the national budget and explore opportunities for Namibia’s economic development. Angie Scholtz caught up with Robert Grant, Senior Partner, at KPMG after the Budget.

In the Namdeb SPOTLIGHT this evening, Angie Scholtz is joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Standards Institution, Dr. Eino Mvula.