The SWAPO Party Youth League has paid tribute to veteran liberation activist and founding SWAPO member Kanana Hishoono, who died at Ondangwa Private Hospital in the Oshana Region. Hishoono was described as a fearless freedom fighter and foundational pillar of SWAPO who served as the party's first branch secretary in Tsumeb and later as secretary of the SWAPO Party Elders' Council, and played a historic role in recruiting the late President Hage Geingob as a party member in 1962.
The SWAPO Party Youth League has paid tribute to veteran liberation activist and founding SWAPO member Kanana Hishoono, who died at Ondangwa Private Hospital in the Oshana Region. Hishoono was described as a fearless freedom fighter and foundational pillar of SWAPO who served as the party's first branch secretary in Tsumeb and later as secretary of the SWAPO Party Elders' Council, and played a historic role in recruiting the late President Hage Geingob as a party member in 1962.
The Namibia Command and Staff College has commenced its 6th Senior Command and Staff Course with 36 student military officers from Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania, reflecting regional defence cooperation. The year-long course emphasises leadership, professionalism and analytical skills in the evolving security environment.
Jennifer Hamukwaya, arrested in a fraud and money laundering case linked to state-owned Namcor, is appealing her bail denial in the High Court, with her lawyer arguing that the magistrate relied on hearsay and speculation despite no funds being deposited into her personal bank account from the alleged N$1.4 million in question.
A bail appeal hearing for six individuals accused of defrauding Namcor of over N$400 million was postponed in the Windhoek High Court after judges found that legal representatives and the State had not filed required documents procedurally or on time. The matter was rescheduled to 12 and 13 February 2026 to allow parties five days to file proper legal documents.
The Volkswagen Tiguan, priced between N$650,000 and N$900,000, combines comfort with safety features including autonomous braking, airbags, and lane-change assist, while achieving fuel efficiency of 6.6–7.6 L/100 km depending on the model.
Namibia recorded a net outflow of N$151 million in international remittances during Q3 2025, as payments abroad rose to N$800 million—driven by higher personal remittances and wages to non-resident employees in fishing and mining sectors—while inflows reached N$650 million. The capital account weakened as investment-related funding declined, forcing the country to increase net borrowing to N$5.3 billion to cover its external financing gap.
Namib Mills has denied recruiting additional workers to replace striking employees, but the union Naretu claims the company has breached agreed strike and lockout rules by bringing in contract workers from labour contractors. Workers remain at an impasse with the company, camped outside its head office following a lockout issued after strike notice.
Charles Rhoman, a protection officer at state-owned diamond enterprise Namdia, was arrested and appeared in court in relation to a diamond heist in January 2025. He faces charges including obstructing justice and possessing proceeds of unlawful activity, and is allegedly linked to relatives arrested in May after selling diamonds connected to the heist in South Africa.
The state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has announced the arrest of another staff member linked to the January 18 armed heist that resulted in the theft of diamonds worth over N$300 million and two deaths. The implicated employee has been suspended without pay pending internal disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
The LDV Terron 9, a feature-rich double-cab bakkie, will arrive in Namibian showrooms within two to three weeks, positioning itself as LDV's flagship model above the T60. The 5.5-metre vehicle is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 163 kW and 520 Nm of torque, offering modern cabin technology and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
Namibia's hake fishery has secured its second Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fishing practices. The certification, achieved after an independent assessment on 14 January 2026, strengthens market access and the fishery's competitive advantage, as the industry contributes approximately 7% to GDP and provides around 16,000 direct jobs.
The Bank of Namibia released its December Banking Fees and Charges Comparison Report, revealing significant differences in how banks charge for basic services such as card payments, debit orders, ATM withdrawals, and transfers. FNB Namibia offers free card payments for all customers, while Bank BIC provides free debit orders and transfers, and most banks exempt pensioners from monthly account fees.
Namibia's fisheries ministry has defended the 2026 horse mackerel Total Allowable Catch of 197,000 metric tonnes—a 5% reduction from 2025—as a science-based and consultative decision aimed at ensuring long-term stock sustainability. The ministry dismissed claims of secretive cuts, stating the process followed statutory requirements and industry consultation, with quota allocations aligned to investors' operational choices.
Masheti Hamutenya dropped out of school and learned panel beating by working near a workshop in Windhoek, eventually starting his own successful business in Okahandja in 2007. He now employs young people at risk of street involvement and mentors them, emphasizing hard work and avoiding alcohol.
Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo told the IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi that Namibia is committed to becoming a green hydrogen leader through reforms including procurement transparency, private-sector frameworks, risk-sharing, infrastructure development, and skills training. He cited the dedicated green hydrogen office and projects like Tsogo as evidence of progress.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called for fair and accessible climate finance for developing countries while positioning Namibia as a strategic gateway for green energy and water investment. She highlighted Namibia's green hydrogen programme and climate-smart agriculture as flagship initiatives transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities, and appealed to international investors to support Africa's sustainable energy projects on a larger scale.
Small-scale farmers at Shadikongoro green scheme in Kavango East are selling vegetables including watermelons, pumpkins, onions and butternuts strongly to local and cross-border demand. However, farmers say earnings could be higher if the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency purchased their produce as intended, and cite storage facility shortages as a constraint.
African migratory locusts and fall armyworms have infested multiple areas in the Zambezi region since September, destroying maize and other crops despite good rains and threatening household food security. The Ministry of Agriculture is conducting control measures with deployed teams, but affected farmers report repeated infestations and call for lasting solutions and compensation.
The Uukwambi Traditional Authority has started rehabilitating sand-mined borrow pits in its jurisdiction, including at Onatshiku village in Oshana region, after residents questioned the delay. The authority must submit detailed rehabilitation plans to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for approval, and is responsible for funding the work, which operators can carry out using their equipment.
The Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts showers on Thursday across Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango East and West, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions, following recent steady rainfall elsewhere. Southern regions experiencing a heatwave are also expected to see relief, with temperatures dropping to around 34°C.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Ruth Masake called on young people in the Zambezi region to become partners, producers, and leaders in Namibia's economic transformation through agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources, which have been prioritised under the Sixth National Development Plan for job creation and export growth. She highlighted available support including the National Youth Development Fund and financing options from the Development Bank of Namibia and Agribank, and described the region's strategic advantages in water resources, fertile land, and cross-border markets.
Dr Lemmer High School has secured a place among the top ten schools in the latest Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary rankings, a milestone reflecting its commitment to enhancing quality public education. The achievement has been attributed to focused leadership, learner perseverance, a fully qualified teaching staff, a culture of discipline, and targeted interventions including AS-level holiday schools and weekend classes.
The 2025 NSSCO examination results demonstrate gains in key performance indicators, with the proportion of full-time candidates achieving a grade C or better in at least three subjects rising from 29.5% to 36.0%, and candidates meeting revised benchmarks increasing from 34.6% to 40.3%. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp attributed the improvements to targeted interventions in teaching and learning, noting stronger academic foundations and increased preparedness for higher-level studies.
A Gauteng mother's 11-month-old daughter was hospitalized with severe diarrhoea and bloody stools in early December, suspected to be caused by contaminated Nestlé NAN infant formula; the department of health subsequently issued a nationwide recall of the affected batch over the possible presence of cereulide toxin. The mother describes months of trauma, guilt, and ongoing anxiety as her daughter continues to suffer digestive issues despite stabilization.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has intensified a national polio vaccination campaign after poliovirus type 2 was detected in sewage samples in Kavango East in November 2025, though no clinical cases have been reported. The ministry plans nationwide vaccination rounds in January and February targeting children under 10, with house-to-house campaigns supported by the UN and World Health Organisation.
Nampost has blamed long January queues on beneficiaries accessing payments outside their scheduled dates and will introduce stricter controls limiting in-branch payments to assigned categories on specific days, with additional mobile teams deployed to ease congestion.
The Namibian Police Force has called on parents, guardians, teachers and the public to exercise heightened vigilance as schools reopen, citing safety risks around school premises and an increase in fraud scams linked to school placements and accommodation. The police advised parents to ensure children are dropped off at designated areas, escorted until familiar with routines, and warned against sharing personal information or paying for school placement assistance.
Seven head of cattle were hacked and mutilated by unknown attackers in a kraal near Oshakati between Sunday and Monday, targeting the animals' legs. This is the second such incident at the same location in less than two months; eleven cattle were similarly attacked in December, with no arrests made in either case.
A herd of 15 cattle valued at N$155,000, stolen from Oshana Region on 6 January, was recovered by police in Ohangwena Region this week. The two suspects responsible fled when officers approached them.
Namibian Police in Okongo arrested a 38-year-old suspect after seven head of cattle valued at N$44,800 were stolen from grazing fields in Ondema village between late December and mid-January. The animals were recovered from the suspect's possession and returned to their owner.
Namibian Police are appealing for public assistance in locating Mpho Mokhatu, a 30-year-old wanted in connection with a vehicle theft case in Windhoek, and Lyamine Proffesser Mupano, a 42-year-old man missing since 5 January in Tsumeb. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police units listed in the statement.
Michelo Sikwale, a kindergarten teacher in Nkurenkuru, has been caring for 15 vulnerable children since 2014, providing them with meals, uniforms, transport and school support. She funds most of the effort personally and plans eventually to build an orphanage, while advocating for community partnerships to expand her work.
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is investigating the alleged trafficking of 24 Namibians in Myanmar and Thailand, with four already facilitated to return. The government is prioritizing humanitarian aid and repatriation while investigations continue to verify whether individuals are trafficking victims or involved in other criminal circumstances.
Male candidates emerged as top performers in the 2025 Grade 11 and Grade 12 national examinations, particularly in science and commercial subjects, according to education minister Sanet Steenkamp. Overall performance remained stable despite a slight decline in Grade 11 registration, with improvements noted in learners qualifying for promotion and key performance indicators across the board.
A rape and assault case in Windhoek Magistrate's Court was withdrawn after the complainant requested the charges be dropped, stating she had forgiven her boyfriend and wanted him free to provide for their family. The accused, who had been charged with rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm under the Domestic Violence Act, was released following the magistrate's decision to grant the withdrawal despite her reluctance given the serious nature of the charges.
Social grant beneficiaries accessed payments outside their scheduled dates in January, causing overcrowding and long queues at post offices. NamPost and the Ministry of Finance will now enforce stricter compliance with payment schedules and deploy additional mobile payment teams to manage congestion.
Namibia's police chief said the 2025/26 festive season saw reduced road accidents and robberies following widespread law enforcement deployment, but acknowledged 11 murder cases between November and 9 January, including killings of a woman and toddler allegedly by a 13-year-old, noting all suspects have been arrested and are before the courts.
A government-funded chicken project, revived through the Ongenga Constituency Development Fund, will provide community members with chickens and eggs to raise and sell, aiming to create rural employment, support small businesses, and improve food security. The initiative, managed by a youth committee and supported by training from the Ongwediva Rural Development Centre, is expected to be fully operational within three months.
The City of Windhoek has issued a scam alert warning residents not to pay rental deposits before signing a lease and confirming property legitimacy, as fraudulent listings targeting students and low- to middle-income renters have increased. Victims have lost between N$2,500 and N$10,000, and the City advises tenants to view properties in person, meet landlords face-to-face, and verify ownership before committing.
Local songstress Lize Ehlers has released "Call On Me," a collaboration with Shafa The G.O.A.T that debuted on 31 December and won Touch FM's 2026 entry song of the year award and IUM Radio's Battle of the Beats. The track is described as blending Afro-spiritual, alternative soul and cinematic African pop, and appears on Ehlers' album of the same name featuring several other collaborations.
The Namibian cycling season is underway with the second leg of the Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power series scheduled for this weekend, featuring over 200 participants competing in time trials and road races. The six-event series precedes national championships next month and serves as selection for Namibian cyclists competing in international events including the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Youth Games.
The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup begins today with sixteen nations competing over three weeks, featuring the West Indies against Tanzania in Windhoek and matches between India and USA and Zimbabwe and Scotland in Zimbabwe. The tournament has historically launched the careers of cricket stars like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, with defending champions Australia seeking a repeat after beating India by 79 runs in last year's final.
Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp officially launched the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 in Windhoek, welcoming eight participating nations including Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Afghanistan, West Indies, Tanzania, South Africa, and Japan. Steenkamp emphasised the historic significance of the tournament for Namibian sport and its broader benefits for youth development, tourism, and the country's international standing.
Namibia's 2026 motocross season is underway with South African expert Dean Hoffman coaching young riders in Swakopmund and Windhoek to prepare for the Motocross of African Nations championships in August. Facility upgrades are also being made at Gallina MX Park to meet international standards for the continental event, which expects 180–200 riders from across Africa.
The Namibia Football Association has announced the death of executive council member Michael Stephanus Situde, who passed away on 14 January 2026 in Mariental after a short illness. Situde, who was elected to the NFA Executive Council in November 2023, was a longstanding football administrator respected for his work in the Hardap Regional Football Association and advocacy for inclusive football development.
The second round of the 2026 Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series takes place this weekend, with an individual time trial on 17 January and road race on 18 January, expecting more than 200 cyclists to compete for points toward overall series standings. Namibia's cycling scene has grown significantly, attracting over 1000 participants to the Nedbank Desert Dash and hosting major continental championships.
Hilma Nalupe Prince Mckay from Lüderitz has emerged as a promising high jumper in Namibia, qualifying for the National Championships last year and earning four medals through years of dedicated training. Despite recent recovery from an ankle injury, Mckay aims to compete at the World Championships and Olympic Games while inspiring the next generation of high jumpers in the country.
The Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator says advance preparation and early funding for international competitions are key lessons from 2025 that will guide the country's sporting ambitions in 2026, including participation in the Youth Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and African Games.
Namibia's Under-17 women's football team has been drawn to face Kenya in the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers, with home and away legs scheduled for April. The winner will advance to face either Uganda or Zimbabwe in the second round.
An international agreement on conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) comes into effect on 17 January after reaching its 60th ratification. The treaty establishes marine protected areas, environmental impact standards, and support for developing nations, though enforcement challenges remain due to the vastness of the high seas and resistance from major powers including the United States, China and Russia.
President Trump claims Tehran has told the US it has "no plan" to execute protesters and will not carry out hangings, though the US has not ruled out military action in response to Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators that began in late December. The US and UK are reducing personnel at their military base in Qatar as a precautionary measure, and multiple countries have temporarily closed embassies or advised citizens to avoid Iran amid escalating tensions.
Iranian authorities have violently suppressed widespread protests that began in late December over currency devaluation and escalated into calls to end Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule. The US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed at least 2,400 protester deaths, including 12 children, over three weeks, with the deadliest violence occurring last Thursday and Friday as security forces shot demonstrators across all 31 provinces.
Somalia's federal government announced the cancellation of all port management and security cooperation agreements with the UAE, accusing it of undermining the country's sovereignty after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland as independent. The deterioration stems from Somalia's belief that the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting Somaliland's recognition and allegations that UAE helped Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi flee the country.
Ugandans are voting in a presidential election between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, seeking to extend his 40-year rule, and singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has promised to tackle corruption and impose reforms. The campaign has been marked by opposition harassment, internet blackouts, and heightened security in the capital, with analysts predicting Museveni will likely win given his success in six previous elections.
The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 340–54 to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years after it lapsed in September 2025, allowing over 6,400 qualifying exports from sub-Saharan African countries including Namibia to enter the U.S. market duty-free. The renewal will now proceed to the U.S. Senate for approval.
The UN's International Labour Organisation reports that global unemployment is expected to remain stable at around 4.9% through 2027, but warns that this masks a severe shortage of quality jobs, with hundreds of millions of workers in poverty and informal employment. Trade uncertainty and ongoing automation pose further risks to workers' wages and job prospects, particularly for young people and workers in developing regions.
The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting will take place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 19–23 January 2026, bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue." The meeting will feature record governmental participation with 400 top political leaders including close to 65 heads of state and government, nearly 850 CEOs, and technology pioneers, to address geopolitical fragmentation and rapid technological change.
Trade and International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is in Russia for a three-day official visit to deepen trade relations and attract investment. She will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other officials to discuss joint projects, industrial growth opportunities, and broader diplomatic cooperation.
Iran's neighbours in the Middle East are watching closely as the country faces deadly crackdowns on protesters and US threats of intervention. While Israel has backed protesters and expressed hope for regime change, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar fear escalation could destabilize the region and have reportedly lobbied against further US strikes on Iran.
An opinion piece examines how young people in Namibia face pressure to succeed while navigating systems where opportunity and access lag behind ambition. The author argues that resilience alone cannot substitute for real access and opportunity, and calls for a shift in focus from endurance to intentional growth.
An intelligence analyst argues that Southern African countries—including Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe—are threatening CITES withdrawal over perceived inequitable decision-making and restrictions on sustainable wildlife trade. The author contends that CITES must enact structural reforms to increase flexibility, incorporate local stakeholder perspectives, and give range states greater authority over their wildlife resources, rather than risk withdrawal that could weaken global conservation frameworks.
Public policy expert Ndumba Kamwanyah argues that Windhoek has lost its way, prioritising cosmetic events over infrastructure investment and creative development, while deepening inequalities between wealthy and poor neighbourhoods. He contends the city needs bold urban vision and inclusive governance rather than reactive management to recover its potential and prevent young people and talent from leaving.