The year that was – Conrad Dempsey

RMB Namibia chief executive Conrad Dempsey reflects on 2025 as a year of milestones, collaboration, and optimism, while anticipating pivotal developments for the country in 2026.

• 2025 was?

A year full of milestones.

• 2026 will be?

A pivotal year for Namibia.

• Last three things you spent money on?

I cannot remember but it was definitely not on card swipes.

• Last text you sent?

A thank you message to my team.

• What has 2025 taught you?

The true meaning of collaboration, not just at FirstRand but across industries and sectors. We have several exciting new chapters on the horizon for Namibia and I’m excited to see them come to fruition in 2026 and beyond. This year has also been incredibly refreshing, there is an air of optimism about our future as a nation, much of which stems from the vision and leadership of our newly elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. I feel inspired by what we can achieve together as a country and look forward to contributing to this exciting journey.

• What is the single most important quote or line of text that defines your outlook in 2025?

“Do what matters” and for me it applies beyond 2025.

• If artificial intelligence (AI) I could magically fix one everyday task for you, what would you pick?

If there was a way to fully translate my thoughts as they are into writing, that would be great!

• What was the song you played most this year?

As a fan of rock, this answer is always tricky for me. But in 2025, I discovered many incredible Namibian artists whose songs I couldn’t stop playing on repeat, each one bringing something fresh and inspiring to my playlists.

• Where would your dream Namibian holiday destination be?

Anywhere in Namibia is a dream destination.

• Which technology rollout in 2025 was most complex?

This year saw us truly integrate AI into our everyday lives and that was definitely quite complex at first. Seeing how quickly industries changed to adapt or even struggled to integrate it was quite eye opening. It will be interesting to see what other challenges or opportunities it’ll present in the coming years.

• How do you handle disruptive technologies or trends?

My approach will always be to learn and adapt when they’re first introduced then use them or the knowledge I’ve learned from them to innovate.

• Most overrated trend or idea?

There’s no idea or trend too overrated, just some that have been introduced at the wrong time.

• Biggest blunder of 2025?

Underestimating both Namibia and its people.

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