RMB is a division of First National Bank of Namibia Ltd, Reg. No. 2002/0180. A subsidiary of FirstRand Namibia Limited.
RC 1031371 Copyright © FirstRand 2026. All rights reserved.
RMB is a division of First National Bank of Namibia Ltd, Reg. No. 2002/0180. A subsidiary of FirstRand Namibia Limited.
RC 1031371 Copyright © FirstRand 2026. All rights reserved.
MEDIA RELEASE
5 December 2022
As a major player in the country’s Corporate and Investment Banking space, RMB in Namibia is committed to unlocking new opportunities in the Namibian aviation industry by providing innovative finance solutions.
These were the sentiments expressed by Jason Shikalepo, RMB in Namibia’s Head of Investment Banking, during a panel discussion at the recently concluded Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum held in Windhoek.
The forum, a first of its kind for Namibia, aims to create a platform where key industry players and stakeholders share, tackle, rethink and put into motion ideas on the trajectory that the aviation industry and its related ecosystems will take over the next few years. It further seeks to cement the industry’s role as key to Namibia’s economic recovery and growth, as well as drive the revival of the aviation and other ancillary industries such as tourism, following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We pride ourselves in developing a globally competitive Namibia, so it is not hard to see why infrastructure development is close to our business. As a funding opportunity, we see it as a clever combination of development finance and sophisticated investment banking. We have been very busy in the aviation sector, and even after the COVID-19 pandemic our outlook remains the same, mainly because an innovative approach is core to all our solutions.” Shikalepo explained.
Shikalepo added: “What this means is that with every opportunity, whether it be infrastructure or logistics, we have the discipline of looking broadly at the investment case so that the due diligence and technical expertise that we apply aren’t simply to assess repayment, but will ensure we are solving problems in a meaningful way. When lending to the sector, we look at the risk parameters, which guide the design of our solutions. We also draw in other capital pools such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) to assist in delivering the best funding solutions.”
While responding to a question from the audience on the financing of aircrafts, Shikalepo emphasised that this is an emerging opportunity locally and probably where the market is heading given the developments that are coming.
“A registry would be a good instrument to perfect collateral for Africa and it is already in use in South Africa. But locally RMB has not had any meaningful opportunity that requires us to rely on this.” he said.
Verengai Ruswa, Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum Project Lead, expressed gratitude to RMB for their contributions towards the aviation industry. “Success of the aviation industry relies heavily on close partnerships with the financial services industry.
Said Ruswa: "RMB has a track record of being a partner of note in supporting the growth of the industry - even during the COVID-19 pandemic by funding the expansion of the Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Forum is honoured and grateful to have continued to hold hands with RMB as we define the path which the industry will take going forward”.
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) CEO Bisey /Uirab shared the same sentiments, adding that RMB has been a long-standing partner of the NAC. “RMB played a significant role in sponsoring the Aviation Forum where we brought together all the key role players in the Aviation sector. RMB’s contribution made the event a great success. We look forward to strengthening the relationship with RMB going forward and we are confident that this forum will continue to create great opportunities for many Namibians. RMB therefore remains our partner of choice,” concluded /Uirab.
The Namibia Aviation and Connectivity Forum took place from 16 to 18 November at the Safari Court Hotel with about 35 renowned local, regional, and international speakers on topics ranging from regulatory reforms, training and skills development, route development, regional and international connectivity, as well as Infrastructure Investment, amongst others.
RMB in Namibia represents FirstRand Namibia’s activities in the Corporate and Investment Banking segments.
Ends.
Contact:
Hileni Amadhila l Communications Specialist l FNB Namibia l (+264 61) 299 2115 l hileni.amadhila@fnbnamibia.com.na