Namibia Minute.
Friday, 9 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 9 January 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Friday, 9 January 2026
Politics

NCAA denies acting unreasonably over IShowSpeed flight permit denial

The News

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority defended its refusal to issue overflight and landing clearance for American content creator Darren Watkins Jr. (IShowSpeed), stating the proposed flight exceeded passenger limits under regulations and lacked required exemption from the Transport Commission. The NCAA said it offered a lawful alternative of using a local Namibian charter operator, which the agent declined.

9 January 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. NCAA denies acting unreasonably over IShowSpeed flight permit denial

    The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority defended its refusal to issue overflight and landing clearance for American content creator Darren Watkins Jr. (IShowSpeed), stating the proposed flight exceeded passenger limits under regulations and lacked required exemption from the Transport Commission. The NCAA said it offered a lawful alternative of using a local Namibian charter operator, which the agent declined.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Ohangwena governor warns leaders against self-sabotage culture

    Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa told regional councillors and officials that leaders must stop undermining their own efforts and causing poor service delivery. She urged urgency in leadership, called for political differences to not interfere with service provision, and emphasised that engaging with central government to unlock funding is critical for development.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Mariental council chief prioritizes land access and youth skills

    Hermanus Isaaks, management committee chairperson of Mariental Municipal Council, says leadership is a responsibility to be carried with care. The municipality is addressing land scarcity through informal settlement formalization and relocation to new extensions, while also developing a skills programme targeting approximately 230 young people.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Central bank expected to cut interest rates next quarter

    Financial advisory firm Simonis Storm predicts a 25 basis point rate cut in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on inflation remaining contained and financial stability being maintained. The forecast comes as inflation slowed to 3.4% year on year in November, within the Bank of Namibia's target range.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Fine-dining Taste Restaurant in Eros permanently closes

    After four years of operation, Taste Restaurant in Eros closed on 1 January 2025. Chef and owner Nicla Dos Santos said the closure aligns with the group's long-term vision, though the Taste Hospitality Group continues to operate other outlets including a location at Hosea Kutako International Airport and CHOW NOW concepts.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Ainna Vilengi Kaundu appointed new BIPA CEO for five years

    The Business and Intellectual Property Authority has appointed Kaundu as chief executive officer effective from the start of this year. She previously served as acting CEO and as executive of intellectual property services, and holds leadership positions in international intellectual property organisations.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Samsung Electronics forecasts record Q4 profit on AI chip demand

    South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics expects fourth-quarter operating profit to reach a record 20 trillion won (US$13.8 billion), driven by soaring global demand for high-performance memory chips used in data centres and AI infrastructure. The forecast would mark roughly a 200% year-on-year increase and surpass its previous record quarterly profit from 2018.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Canadian miner Koryx raises N$300m for Haib Copper Project

    Koryx Copper is raising C$25 million (approximately N$300 million) through a share offering to advance technical studies and exploration on its Haib Copper Project in southern Namibia. The offering is expected to close on or near 20 January 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia should pursue nuclear energy alongside renewables

    A New Era editorial argues that Namibia should seriously consider nuclear power as part of its energy strategy, noting that the country exports uranium while importing over half its electricity. The piece contends that modern nuclear technology, including small modular reactors, offers reliable low-carbon baseload power to complement renewables and reduce energy dependence on neighbouring countries.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Oil discoveries position Namibia as African exploration frontier

    Recent major offshore oil and gas discoveries in Namibia's Orange Basin since 2022 are attracting global investment and generating optimism across African upstream energy sectors, with additional drilling campaigns and exploration planned for 2026 and beyond to confirm commercial viability and advance development.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Oniipa teacher earns N$6,000 monthly from fruit tree sales

    Vistorina Joel, a secondary school teacher in Oshakati, sells fruit tree seedlings—mango, guava, avocado, and others—to community members around Oniipa and Oshakati, earning about N$6,000 a month. She waters her plants using tap and harvested rainwater, manages costs at around N$1,100 per month, and has planted 70 trees at her homestead, with plans to sell their produce next year.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia suspends bran imports from Angola over compliance

    The Directorate of Veterinary Services has suspended importation of bran and milling by-products from Angola effective 5 January 2026, citing non-compliance with import requirements and disease risks to Namibian livestock. All previously issued import permits have been cancelled pending further agreement between the two countries' veterinary authorities.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Okongo to remove 22 illegal fences on communal land

    The Ohangwena Communal Land Board will remove at least 22 illegal fences in Okongo constituency at a cost of around N$500,000 after farmers ignored orders to take them down. The board has received reports of 196 illegal fences across the region, of which 126 have been investigated, with farmers having erected fences unlawfully in communal grazing areas despite public awareness campaigns and legal proceedings.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Woman tractor operator breaks into male-dominated machinery role

    Agnes Sirudi Mutanuka, 41, has spent nearly two decades at Uvhungu Vungu irrigation scheme in Kavango East, working her way from farm labour to becoming one of the few women operating heavy row-crop tractors. Despite initial scepticism from colleagues, she credits training, mentorship, and her own determination with overcoming gender barriers in machinery operation.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. National dam storage levels rise compared to last year

    The Namibian Hydrological Services reports that national dam storage levels remain significantly higher than the same period last year, with total dam content at 80.1% as of 5 January and a storage surplus of 28.7% compared to the previous year. River flow conditions have increased across parts of the country, with the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo recording notably higher water levels than last year.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. New councillor prioritises poverty and hunger through agriculture

    Ndonga Linena constituency councillor Anselm Marungu, who is also joining the National Council, says his agenda focuses on fighting hunger and poverty through agricultural empowerment, including establishing village development committees and community gardens. He plans to continue serving both his constituency and national roles, and is also organising a sports tournament to support community development.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Two young boys injured after jumping from moving truck

    Two boys aged seven and eight jumped onto a moving truck in Henties Bay on January 6, 2026, and were injured after jumping off. The eight-year-old was taken to Swakopmund State Hospital, while the seven-year-old sustained bruises.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Education ministry warns schools against accepting bribes for admissions

    Ahead of schools reopening on 12 January 2026, the Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning that staff members found soliciting or accepting bribes, money, gifts or favours in exchange for learner admission will face serious disciplinary action and criminal charges. The ministry also urged parents and guardians not to offer bribes, and reiterated that admissions must be transparent, based on approved procedures, and free from fees beyond a N$10 application charge.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Archbishop encourages Namibian priests studying in Kenya

    The Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Namibia, Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, visited Kenya and encouraged four priests from the Windhoek Archdiocese—PhD candidate Martin Appolonaris and Master's degree students Felix Nangolo, Steven Shaningwa, and Linus Shipena—studying at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi to persevere in their studies and explore Kenya's cultures and traditions.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Police arrest 222 suspects in December drug busts

    The Namibian Police Force announced 222 arrests during December 2025 drug operations, involving 214 Namibians and eight foreign nationals. The seizures included over one million kilograms of cannabis, Mandrax tablets, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and abortion tablets.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  5. DesertKidz Care Foundation marks decade of community service

    The Namibian non-profit organisation, founded in 2015 by Jasmine Goagoses, has expanded from a small community initiative to a nationwide organisation delivering food, relief packages, and programmes addressing social needs. Key initiatives include the Kiddies Survival Course covering life skills and the Desert Skills Studio Crash Course, which uses film production to help young people engage with social issues.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Namibia's rising singlehood reflects social transformation, experts say

    Namibia's unmarried population has grown to 69.7% of those aged 15 and above in 2023, with psychologist Shaun Whittaker characterizing the trend as a sign of social transformation rather than crisis, driven by people prioritizing education, employment, and financial stability before marriage. The shift coincides with rising out-of-wedlock childbearing, increasing average marriage ages (30.5 years overall), and growing acceptance of cohabitation, though concerns persist about rising divorce rates and their impact on families and children.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Okaonde–Oshitha Shembungu village receives electricity after years

    Community members of Okaonde–Oshitha Shembungu village in Omusati region have received electricity for the first time following years of waiting, a development officials say follows the broader government electrification plan for schools. Residents expect the power to improve daily life, enable income-generating activities, and eliminate the need for practices like drying fish.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. Education ministry to discipline staff taking bribes for learner placement

    The education ministry has warned that staff members who solicit or accept bribes, gifts, or money in exchange for learner placement will face serious disciplinary action, and may face criminal charges. The ministry also reaffirmed that learner admission must be transparent and based on approved procedures, with no screening tests, compulsory tuition fees, or admission fees allowed at government schools.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Police arrest 222 suspects, seize over one million kilos cannabis

    The Namibia Police arrested 222 suspects and seized more than 1.1 million kilograms of cannabis along with other drugs including mandrax tablets, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and crack cocaine during nationwide drug operations last month.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Domestic workers' minimum wage rises to N$15 per hour

    Namibia's statutory minimum wage for domestic workers increased to N$15 per hour on 1 January, up from N$12, with a further rise to N$18 per hour planned for 1 January 2027. The government also revised minimum wages for agricultural and security workers, but some informal traders expressed concern about affording domestic help at higher rates.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Blind teacher and musician overcomes challenges in Namibian classroom

    Moses Tobias, a visually impaired teacher at Nakambunda Primary School in Ohangwena, teaches Grade 8 and 9 English to sighted learners with support from a co-teacher, while also pursuing music professionally as a recording artist known as Sondre. Having lost his sight by age 10, Tobias completed a university degree and now exemplifies inclusive education, encouraging other young people with disabilities to pursue their goals.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Back-to-school chaos requires shared planning and responsibility

    A New Era editorial argues that Namibia's annual back-to-school crisis is preventable through better planning by schools, parents, and government—schools should issue stationery lists and begin procurement by August, parents should save year-round and avoid using December salaries for school expenses, and authorities must ensure predictable funding cycles rather than treating education readiness as an emergency.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Thimbukushu women preserve ngoma drumming tradition

    Traditional drum playing—the ngoma—remains vital to Thimbukushu culture along the Kavango River, with women like Angelika Nduva keeping the self-taught skill alive through practice and community participation. While educators note declining interest among younger generations, cultural practitioners and researchers emphasize that documentation and continued performance are essential to preserving the tradition's rhythms and meanings.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. South African musician Makhadzi writes song during recovery from accident

    Following her discharge from hospital after a car accident on 31 December 2025, South African dance music artist Makhadzi has recorded an inspirational song reflecting on her healing journey while recuperating at home. The unreleased track, which she shared on TikTok and Instagram, has already gained traction with fans responding positively, and she plans to release the full version next Friday.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Miss World Namibia 2026 applications open until January 16

    Applications for Miss World Namibia 2026 are open for 10 days, with contestants required to be between 18 and 26 years old. The crowning ceremony will take place in Windhoek on 31 January, with emphasis on leadership, service, and social responsibility through the Beauty With a Purpose project.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Content creator uses fashion to overcome shyness and inspire others

    Monika Amunyela Laimi David, an emerging content creator, has used fashion and bold outfits as a mode of self-expression to overcome shyness and build confidence, recently gaining public recognition at the 2025 MTC content creators' awards. She continues to create authentically, aiming to empower others through her intentional style and meaningful storytelling.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Rapper Jericho Overcomes Drug Addiction, Returns to Music

    Multi-award-winning Namibian rapper Jericho has recovered from years of cocaine addiction and is now sober for over four years. He has rebuilt his life, regained his music studio, and is using his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Namibian creative launches affordable AI videography training

    Monika Amunyela Andreas Elifas, a senior creative at Jumper Namibia, has started an AI videography course to equip young Namibians with globally relevant filmmaking skills at low cost, arguing that AI tools and a computer are now sufficient to create cinematic content. The pilot training costs N$1,500 and blends technology with core filmmaking principles, with Elifas envisioning AI as the foundation for a cross-industry creative economy hub in Namibia.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup begins in Namibia, Zimbabwe

    The ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup will take place from 15 January in Windhoek, Namibia, and Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with teams grouped into four regional groups. India are favourites after recent dominant victories, with defending champions Australia returning with a largely new squad and Pakistan also in strong form.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia confirms squads for 2026 T20 cricket World Cups

    Namibia has announced men's and women's squads for major international T20 cricket tournaments: the men's team will compete in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka (their fourth consecutive appearance), while the women's team will vie for a historic first World Cup qualification at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal in January.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia prepares to host ICC U19 Cricket World Cup matches January–February 2026

    Namibia will host matches of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup running from 15 January to 6 February 2026 across Zimbabwe and Namibia, featuring 16 international teams. Windhoek will stage 16 matches at two venues and host a city parade on 14 January to celebrate the tournament.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Darren Fletcher to manage Manchester United against Brighton

    Interim boss Darren Fletcher confirmed he will lead Manchester United in their FA Cup match against Brighton on Sunday, following a 2-2 draw with Burnley in his first match after Ruben Amorim's sacking. Fletcher expressed satisfaction with his team's attacking display despite the draw, noting they created 30 shots but failed to convert enough chances.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Namibian football legend Meester Willem Hans overlooked for recognition

    The article celebrates the career of Meester Willem Hans, a skilled winger and coach who played and mentored during Namibia's segregated era, overcoming tribal and racial prejudices while mentoring numerous talented players and coaching notable teams, yet remains underrecognized despite his substantial contributions to Namibian football.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Eliminator Table Tennis expands with sister clubs nationwide

    The Eliminator Table Tennis Club plans to expand the sport across Namibia by establishing sister clubs in all 14 regions and encouraging new club affiliations. The club will host a six-hour training session on 17 January 2026 in Windhoek to develop player fundamentals and train coaches, umpires and administrators.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Ozombouvapa FC manager eyes bright future after tournament return

    The interim manager of Ozombouvapa FC, a village team in Omaheke, praised his squad's performance at the Epukiro Festive season tournament despite not advancing, highlighting the youth and commitment of players and calling for greater community support and proper management structures.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Sardine collapse starves 60 000 African penguins

    Over 60 000 African penguins starved to death in major South African breeding colonies between 2004 and 2012 as sardine stocks collapsed due to climate change and overfishing. The African penguin species has declined nearly 80% in 30 years and is now critically endangered, with conservationists implementing nest-building and fishing restrictions to aid recovery.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Hot weather and isolated thundershowers forecast across Namibia

    The Namibia Meteorological Service forecasts hot to very hot conditions across most of the country, with isolated thundershowers expected over northern, central and eastern interior areas, while the south remains mostly sunny and dry. Coastal areas will experience milder conditions with maximum temperatures of 24–27°C, while interior regions such as Keetmanshoop and Mariental are forecast to reach 36–37°C.

    9 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Emirates deploys A350 aircraft to Cape Town service

    Emirates will serve its third daily Dubai-Cape Town service with the new A350 aircraft, marking the first deployment of this aircraft type to southern Africa. The deployment makes South Africa the only African nation on Emirates' network served by all three of its major aircraft types.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Giant African Bullfrog harvest unregulated despite legal protection

    An opinion piece argues that the Giant African Bullfrog, legally protected under Namibia's Nature Conservation Ordinance and found primarily in central and northern regions, is being harvested illegally for consumption and sale in informal markets without required permits—particularly on communal land where the State is the lawful proprietor. Unregulated harvesting risks population declines and ecological imbalance through disruption of food webs and predator-prey relationships.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. Chinese AI startups list in Hong Kong amid market test

    Zhipu AI and MiniMax, two of China's leading generative AI providers, debuted on the Hong Kong stock exchange this week, raising capital for AI model development as analysts cautioned that profitability remains distant and competition with US companies intensifies.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  2. Indian climate firm denies misuse of foreign funds allegations

    An Indian climate advocacy firm led by activist Harjeet Singh has denied allegations by India's Enforcement Directorate that it misused over $666,000 in foreign funds between 2021 and 2025 to promote the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and influence policy. The ED alleges the funds, presented as consultancy fees, were used for activism that could compromise India's energy security, though the firm says the allegations are "baseless, biased and misleading."

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Africa must deepen continental integration to unlock economic potential

    An opinion piece argues that while the AfCFTA establishes a framework for free movement of goods, services, people and capital across Africa, practical barriers—including visa restrictions between signatories, poor infrastructure, and bureaucratic obstacles—continue to hamper intra-continental trade and investment. The author contends that African nations must abandon siloed approaches and prioritize meaningful integration to compete globally.

    9 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian youth educated but jobless due to systemic skills mismatch

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate stems not from lack of education but from a structural mismatch between classroom learning and labour-market demands. The author proposes adopting international models including apprenticeships, labour-market intelligence units, and digital work hubs to bridge the gap between qualification and employment.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Judicial witness protection in Namibia and Africa remains inadequate

    According to New Era, a legal practitioner argues that witness protection frameworks across the region fail to safeguard participants in courts and tribunals adequately. The opinion cites the killing of a witness in South Africa's Madlanga Commission and a prosecutor attacked in Ondangwa, Namibia, as evidence that drastic measures—including risk assessments, protected testimony methods, and surveillance—are needed to protect all court participants.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Namibia must balance oil production, green hydrogen investment strategically

    An analyst argues that Namibia's pursuit of both oil development and green hydrogen investment is a strategic necessity for a small economy, not a contradiction—and that revenues should fund infrastructure and local integration while maintaining policy certainty to attract investors and avoid stranded assets.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Opinion: Kunene youth praise Nanuseb's Health Task Force appointment

    A Kunene resident and youth activist applauds President Nandi-Ndaitwah for appointing Norman Maurice Nanuseb, a nurse from Khorixas with qualifications in public management and health, to the Health Task Force, viewing it as evidence of regional representation and the President's trust in youth.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Teachers must create safe, inclusive environments for new learners

    An education opinion piece argues that teachers play a vital role in preventing bullying among new learners, who are particularly vulnerable due to unfamiliarity with school environments and lack of established friendships. The author recommends clear behavioral expectations, inclusive classroom practices, empathy teaching, open communication, and whole-school anti-bullying approaches to foster safe learning environments where all learners can thrive.

    9 January 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Minute