BoN convenes financial sector leaders to chart 2025 course

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) hosted a high-level CEO Round-table on February 17, 2025, bringing together players in the financial sector to discuss critical issues and chart a course for 2025. The event, titled "Setting the Scene and Driving Impact for 2025," saw attendance from Chief Executive Officers of banks and major non-banking financial institutions, the CEO of the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA), and the leadership of the central bank.The round-table provided a crucial platform for financial sector leaders to engage in discussions on a range of pressing topics. Among the key areas explored were the increasing significance of climate risk management, the persistent threat of cybersecurity attacks, and the evolving landscape of regulatory priorities. The Bank of Namibia also took the opportunity to unveil its recently launched 2025-27 Strategic Plan. Furthermore, participants considered the findings of the World Bank’s 2025 Country Partnership Framework for Namibia report, which identified key challenges facing the nation's financial sector.Bank of Namibia governor Johaness !Gawaxab stressed the vital role of collaboration in navigating the complexities of global and domestic economic uncertainties. A key theme of the discussions was smart regulation and ensuring a balance between financial stability and economic growth. The Governor emphasised the importance of regulatoryframeworks that are clear, proportionate, tailored to Namibia’s specific needs and which is supportive of economic growth.“Namibia is a developing country, yet our regulations often reflect those of more advanced economies. While best-in-class frameworks offer valuable insights, they should not be adopted blindly; instead, regulations must be tailored to our local context to ensure they are fit for the purpose. Regulatory measures essential for financial stability must remain uncompromised. However, we must also ensure that the financial system serves as an engine for economic growth by facilitating lending and investment," !Gawaxab said. The views were echoed by Namfisa CEO, Kenneth Matomola, who emphasised the importance of the domestic financial sector in shaping regulatory approaches tailored to the local context. He urged financial institutions to actively participate and contribute to the regulatory agenda and economic growth.

BoN convenes financial sector leaders to chart 2025 course

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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BoN convenes financial sector leaders to chart 2025 course

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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