On Thursday, 30 October 2025, FirstRand Namibia hosted a mid-term Economic Breakfast Budget Review, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors to unpack the key insights and implications of the 2025 National Budget.
The event, held at the FNB Namibia Parkside Head Office, provided an engaging platform for economic dialogue and analysis, featuring a lineup of distinguished speakers and experts.
The welcoming remarks from FirstRand Namibia Group CEO, Mr Conrad Dempsey highlighted the importance of continuous and open dialogue around Namibia’s economic direction.
Reflecting on the current national conversation, Dempsey commended Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership style, noting that her openness to dialogue and willingness to engage directly with citizens at the Namibia Public Private Forum set an example for all.
“Her Excellency is an exemplary reminder of the importance of accessibility and conversation in leadership. I see today’s discussion around national budgets; where we are spending, collecting, and how we are all contributing; as a continuation of that dialogue and an opportunity to have real conversations about taking the country forward,” said Dempsey.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Ericah Shafudah, lauded the private sector as the “engine of job creation,” calling for continued collaboration to strengthen fiscal performance and reform procurement and tax frameworks.
“A robust domestic capital market is crucial for sustainable development financing,” she added, thanking the banking sector for its partnership in redeeming Namibia’s Eurobond, a move that demonstrated the country’s financial strength and responsibility.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion brought together prominent thought leaders, including:
- Hon. Ericah Shafudah, Minister of Finance
- Cheryl Emvula, FirstRand Namibia Group Economist
- Sam Shivute, Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA)
- Abigail Nainda, Deputy Director of Policy Research and Analysis, Bank of Namibia
- Gerda Brand, Tax Specialist, Deloitte
The discussion explored the broader implications of the budget for businesses, investors, and the Namibian public, under the theme of Revenue Realities and Tax Transitions.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the panellists and gain deeper insight into the country’s economic trajectory.
The FirstRand Namibia Mid-Term Economic Breakfast brought together industry leaders to chart a course for sustainable growth amid global uncertainty. The event underscored the urgency of bold fiscal reforms, debt management, and infrastructure investment as catalysts for long-term stability. It reaffirmed Namibia’s resilience and FirstRand’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and collaborative leadership.