The Namibian Presidency has denied reports that certain ambassadorial appointments and redeployments were conducted secretly, stating that heads of mission are commissioned once and may be redeployed in line with established diplomatic practice. The Presidency explained that diplomatic processes including the presentation of Letters of Credence differ between host countries, and that a collective announcement was issued once the process had sufficiently progressed.
The Namibian Presidency has denied reports that certain ambassadorial appointments and redeployments were conducted secretly, stating that heads of mission are commissioned once and may be redeployed in line with established diplomatic practice. The Presidency explained that diplomatic processes including the presentation of Letters of Credence differ between host countries, and that a collective announcement was issued once the process had sufficiently progressed.
The opposition party IPC has accused President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of appointing and redeploying ambassadors without public announcement, undermining trust in Namibia's diplomatic system. The Presidency denied operating in secrecy, explaining that diplomatic processes differ by country and that a collective announcement was issued once procedures sufficiently progressed, while publishing a comprehensive list of all appointed or redeployed ambassadors since March 2025.
Namibia's Environment and Interior ministries have disputed recent travel advisories from Canada and Germany warning of high crime and fraud risks in the country, asserting instead that Namibia remains politically stable with good governance and functional institutions protecting residents and visitors.
The Omusati Regional Council has designated regional councillors to oversee and coordinate line ministry programmes for the 2025-2030 period, aiming to strengthen service delivery, accountability and effective implementation of government initiatives. The council has identified key development priorities including infrastructure, water and sanitation, education, health, youth empowerment, food security and economic diversification.
Re-elected Katima Mulilo Urban constituency councillor Keneddy Simasiku has pledged to focus on basic service delivery including water, electricity and sewer infrastructure, youth empowerment through national initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration. He highlighted ongoing electrification projects in several areas and water/sewer provision in Dairy, Nova and Makaravan West, while emphasizing the need for resident cooperation in development processes.
Melba Tjozongoro, who served as Gobabis mayor on the PDM ticket for three terms, has retired from politics following last year's regional elections. In an interview, she reflected on achievements including completion of the Freedom Square project, allocation of 1,100 erfs to community members, Build Together housing, water pipe upgrades, and road bitumination, while acknowledging challenges such as ageing refuse removal fleets and infrastructure maintenance.
The Chairperson of Omusati Regional Council management committee called on councillors, local authorities and stakeholders to move from planning to measurable implementation to deliver development outcomes, anchoring efforts in Vision 2030, the Sixth National Development Plan and the Swapo election manifesto. He emphasised the need for collective leadership, innovation, timely project implementation and accountability from both the government and business community.
Ohlthaver & List Group posted revenue of N$5.05 billion in 2025 with a 94% increase in operating profit to N$363.7 million, as the group pursued its Vision 2029 strategic objectives. The group spent N$532.8 million on capital expenditure across infrastructure modernisation, manufacturing upgrades, and strategic acquisitions including full ownership of technology firm Mach 10 and premium hospitality properties Le Mirage and Divava.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has begun offering a home loan scheme that allows qualifying members to use up to 33.33% of their pension savings as collateral for housing loans, with repayments and interest returning to members' accounts. The scheme carries a variable interest rate of 9% (the Bank of Namibia's repo rate of 6.5% plus 2.5%) and is available to active government employees and members on disability.
Namibia's headline inflation fell to 3.2% in December 2025 and averaged 3.5% for the year, remaining within the central bank's target range. According to financial services firm Simonis Storm, inflation is expected to tick slightly higher in 2026, averaging 3.6%–3.8%, driven mainly by structural and service-related factors rather than broad-based demand, with housing and utilities remaining the primary pressure points.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has commenced its Pension Backed Home Loan Scheme with N$900 million committed to help members buy, build, or renovate homes. The scheme, administered by First Capital Treasury Solutions and Kuleni Financial Services, has drawn mixed reactions from civil servants over interest rates and concerns about communal land rights registration, with initial access limited to active government employees and those on disability.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi led a delegation to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week to promote Namibia as an attractive destination for sustainable investment, with focus on attracting partnerships and investors in water, energy, and agriculture sectors. The summit brings together global leaders and business stakeholders to turn climate and development commitments into practical action, with Namibia also seeking to deepen cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in sustainable agriculture and access to Middle Eastern markets.
Uranium mining company Deep Yellow discovered only thin layers of uranium in low concentrations during its recent drilling programme at the Tumas project in Erongo. The company will shift focus to under-explored nearby areas in 2026 after exploring 7km of paleo channels.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy met with the Emerging Mining Association of Namibia to discuss natural resources beneficiation and strengthen local participation in the mining value chain. The association raised concerns about equipment restrictions for small-scale miners and called for better access to processing facilities and geological services.
At the International Renewable Energy Agency's 16th Assembly in Abu Dhabi, Namibian officials highlighted the country's clear strategy and strong political support for renewable energy and green hydrogen. Deputy Speaker Katamelo attributed Namibia's success to well-planned reforms, competitive bidding, balanced risk-sharing, and strong institutions, while Minister Amutse noted the country's target of 70% renewable energy by 2030, backed by reforms including the Modified Single Buyer model.
Namibia will host the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Drilling Africa Conference & Exhibition on 24–25 February 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, expecting over 250 oil and gas professionals from more than 20 countries. The two-day event will cover topics including Africa's drilling market outlook, partnering opportunities in Namibia, artificial intelligence in drilling, carbon capture and storage, and plug and abandonment strategies.
The Namibia Agronomic Board's investment portfolio grew to N$420.5 million, generating N$36.2 million in interest and investment income for the year ended 31 March 2025. The board achieved a profit of N$152.3 million through effective levy collections and solid investment returns, and allocated N$19 million to crop disaster and development funds.
Diethelm and Katja Metzger's Kamab Simbra Stud, the second-largest Simbra herd in southern Africa, breeds cattle by combining Simmentaler and Brahman genetics to produce animals adapted to extensive conditions and optimised for commercial beef production. The stud of 447 cows produces about 370 weaners annually, emphasising fertility and adaptability as key traits for farmers across the region.
Namibia's rainy season presents opportunities for farmers to enhance agricultural productivity through rangeland re-seeding, rainwater harvesting, and fruit tree planting, which can improve food security, livestock quality, and rural incomes. According to Agribank's technical advisor, effective moisture use and practices like introducing perennial grasses and collecting water in earth dams can significantly reduce crop failure and support household food security.
The /Naras Water Pipeline Project officially began construction in Okombahe settlement, Erongo region, extending the pipeline by 500 metres to connect to a NamWater source. The phased project is expected to improve water access, create local employment, and eventually include a bulk storage reservoir to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Kavango West Communal Land Board investigated 43 cases of illegal fencing throughout 2025, mostly linked to land allocations backed by traditional authorities; 40 cases were referred to traditional authorities for resolution while three went to the minister for removal. The Board identified illegal land sales as the biggest challenge and noted that offenders often refuse to voluntarily remove structures and that appeals delay action.
The ||Kharas governor's office held an awareness session at Keetmanshoop to educate youth on the National Youth Development Fund, a government initiative supporting youth entrepreneurship. Participants received training on business planning, financial literacy, eligibility criteria and application procedures, with officials urging young people to become job-creators rather than job-seekers.
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp says 2025 exam results will be released as planned, with access provided via website, SMS, and printed broadsheets to reach remote areas. She emphasised that examinations maintain credible standards through strict quality assurance and that the ministry is strengthening foundational and senior-level education ahead of the 2026 academic year, with particular focus on early childhood development and intervention for Grades 10 and 11.
Panduleni Nghitanwa from Oshigambo High School in Oshikoto achieved top candidate status in the NSSCAS full-time category, while Marian Kweya from Rukonga Vision School topped the NSSCO level. Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp noted that high achievers are concentrated in Oshikoto and Omusati regions, with excellence demonstrated across both rural and urban schools.
The Ministry of Education has clarified that government has already provided funds to cover basic stationery items for all learners, and parents must not be forced to purchase these core materials such as exercise books, pens, pencils, and erasers. Schools may discuss supplementary items beyond the government-supplied minimum in consultation with parents, but any requests for core stationery are contrary to ministry guidelines.
The Ministry of Education has warned the public about fraudulent links circulating on social media falsely claiming to provide 2025 NSSCO and NSSCAS results. Official results will only be released through the ministry's verified website (www.meiysac.gov.na), SMS (to 99099), or WhatsApp (085 785 6231), using candidate numbers and dates of birth.
As schools open for the 2026 academic year, some parents remain unable to secure placements for their children, though Windhoek school principals report this year's admission process has been smoother than last year's with regional office support. Parents still seeking placements are advised to contact the Teachers' Resource Centre in Katutura.
Bishop Lukas Katenda of the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church in Namibia has challenged the Onamukalo village leadership's rejection of his application to build a chapel, accusing village committee members of being shebeen owners whose alcohol sales contradict opposition to the church, and asserting that the congregation will continue worship services on private land regardless.
Namibian police arrested a 27-year-old male suspect in Swakopmund after he allegedly stabbed his 26-year-old former girlfriend with a broken bottle, causing a head wound. The victim was treated at Swakopmund District Hospital and discharged in stable condition.
A 13-year-old boy accused of stabbing a 26-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter to death in Gobabis on Friday was denied bail in his first court appearance. The case was postponed to 15 April 2026 for further investigations.
A 12-year-old girl from Rosh Pinah, Kaylee Hulme, disappeared in the water at Oranjemund beach on 7 January during a family fishing trip and remains missing despite search efforts involving South African Police Service divers.
Namibia's Ministry of Education will release NSSCO and NSSCAS examination results for the 2025 October/November national examinations on Tuesday at 10:00 in Windhoek. Candidates can access results from 12:15 via the ministry website, SMS (send candidate number to 99099), WhatsApp (085 785 6231), or through regional education offices.
Namibia's 2026 academic year has begun with Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp emphasizing quality education, innovation, and a guiding principle of "Foundation first, excellence always." The ministry has provided government funds to regions for core stationery and is continuing the Ending Learning Poverty Campaign to ensure all children can read and perform basic numeracy by age 10.
The founder of Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Rescue says policymakers must do more to integrate water safety education into schools and communities, citing parental inattention and poor swimming skills as major drowning risks. His team responded to a fatal double drowning in Swakopmund during the festive season.
A weekend crime report documents serious incidents nationwide, including drug-related arrests in multiple towns, violent crime deaths, child endangerment cases, sexual assault, theft, and fatal road accidents across urban and rural areas.
A Gibeon police officer testified that the accused, Isak Blockstaan, assaulted his then-girlfriend Hannelie Swartbooi (16) at a birthday party in May 2021, and that forensic evidence including a matching shoe print and medical findings support the State's prosecution. The accused claims he was attacked by unknown assailants and was unconscious during the alleged assault, and the officer observed him attempting suicide twice during the incident.
The Ministry of Education has clarified that the Cabinet has not approved a national pathway allowing Grade 9 learners to progress directly through TVET to obtain university-level and doctoral qualifications. Grade 9 learners must first complete foundational skills training at community skills development centres before being considered for TVET programmes.
The //Kharas Governor's Youth Desk held an awareness session in Keetmanshoop to educate local youth about the National Youth Development Fund, a government initiative supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants received guidance on application procedures, business planning fundamentals, and financial literacy, with regional leaders urging youth to transition from job-seeking to job creation.
Oviritje singer Karabo Ndjavera is preparing to release her seventh studio album, 'Boss Lady', which will feature 10 tracks blending Afro, disco, and traditional Oviritje music. Three tracks have been completed, including collaborations with Magic and Mila Boi from East Side Hub.
A writer praises the Namibian band Ou Slow for their genre-blending sound—described as a fusion of jazz, R&B, rock, alternative and soft rock—and their polished live performances without backing tracks. The group, led by guitarist Charl Vries, is positioned as a pioneering force in local music and is expected to gain prominence both locally and internationally.
Namibia's women's cricket team suffered a comprehensive 2-0 defeat to Indian state side Assam in a 50-over series in Guwahati, losing by 98 runs in the first match and eight wickets in the second. The tour serves as preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier starting in Nepal on 18 January, with the two sides set to play a two-match T20 series before Namibia departs.
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli scored three goals in a 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Sunday, three days after being criticised for throwing a ball at and attempting to push injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley during a match on Thursday. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli's mentality for bouncing back from the controversial incident.
Former Wimbledon runner-up Milos Raonic has announced his retirement from tennis at age 35, ending a career in which he won eight tour-level titles and reached one grand slam final in 2016. His last competitive outing was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he lost in the opening round.
Interim manager Darren Fletcher said Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup third-round loss to Brighton exposed the fragile nature of Manchester United's squad. Fletcher called on the experienced players to dig deep, battle and rebuild confidence as United pursue a Champions League qualification spot in the Premier League.
The 2026 Namibia National Open Chess Championships qualifiers concluded in Windhoek, with the top five players in both open and women's sections advancing to Phase 2 in late February to compete against pre-qualified elite players for spots on the national team that will represent Namibia at the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September 2026.
The Zambezi Regional Football Association confirmed the second division league will start on 31 January after delays last year due to infrastructure and budget issues, with matches to run through June across two venues. The association is appealing for corporate sponsorship and flagged critical shortages of qualified coaching staff in the region.
The //Kharas and Hardap regions are experiencing a relentless heatwave with temperatures expected to near 40°C, particularly in Noordoewer, Aroab, and Keetmanshoop, which are forecast to reach 39°C. Namibia Meteorological Services predicts the intense heat will continue until Wednesday, while northern regions will see scattered rainfall relief.
Eyewitnesses in Iran describe security forces and paramilitary units opening fire with live ammunition on unarmed protesters, with credible accounts suggesting dozens to hundreds killed across multiple cities. Iran has cut internet access and barred international media from reporting freely, making independent verification difficult, though human rights groups estimate at least 648 deaths including minors.
Iran has withdrawn from the joint naval exercise Will for Peace 2026 in False Bay, despite having sent three warships to the location. Reports suggest South Africa may have urged Iran's withdrawal to avoid antagonizing the US, particularly given concerns that South Africa could be excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act renewal due to its ties with Iran, China and Russia.
Sudan's military-led government has returned to Khartoum after nearly three years of operating from Port Sudan following the 2023 civil war outbreak between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The capital, which saw roughly five million residents flee and suffered mass destruction, now faces a lengthy recovery effort as the government pledges to restore electricity, water, healthcare and education services.