Letshego Holdings Namibia Limited (LHN) Chief Executive Officer Ester Kali is expected to step down at the end of December 2027, bringing to a close a 13-year tenure during which she oversaw the establishment of the group’s banking operations and its listing on the Namibian Securities Exchange.
The company announced that Kali, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Letshego Bank Namibia Limited (LBN), will reach retirement age at the end of August 2027 but is expected to remain with the group for a further four months to facilitate a leadership transition.
Kali joined Letshego in 2014 through Letshego Micro Financial Services and subsequently led the establishment of Letshego Holdings Namibia and Letshego Bank Namibia, expanding the group’s operations beyond microfinance.
During her tenure, the group recorded growth in profitability and shareholder value.
For the financial year ended 31 December 2025, Letshego Namibia reported a profit after tax of N$505.8 million, an increase of 130.1% from the N$219.8 million recorded in 2014.
The company’s share price also rose by 71.1%, from N$3.80 at listing to N$6.50 as at 9 November 2026.
LHN Board Chairperson Lionel Matthews said Kali had played a central role in developing the group’s operations and strengthening its financial position.
“Ms. Kali’s leadership, dedication and resilience have strengthened our business and laid a solid foundation for the future,” Matthews said.
The board said it would begin recruiting a successor to lead both Letshego Holdings Namibia and Letshego Bank Namibia.
The recruitment process is intended to allow sufficient time for the appointment of a new chief executive and the handover of responsibilities before Kali’s departure.
The company said the appointment would be subject to the necessary governance and regulatory approvals, with further announcements to follow once the process had been concluded.
Kali will continue overseeing the group’s operations during the transition period, while Letshego maintains its focus on business performance and continuity for customers, employees and shareholders.
Letshego Holdings Namibia is the Namibia Securities Exchange-listed holding company of Letshego Bank Namibia and Letshego Micro Financial Services Namibia.
Listed in 2017, the company forms part of the pan-African Letshego Group. Its parent company, Letshego Holdings Limited, is listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange and is its majority shareholder.
