Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Gottlieb Pandeni has been formally appointed as the new Commander Naval Operations for the Namibian Navy at a ceremony on Friday. He replaces Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Erastus Lazarus, who has been appointed Deputy Navy Commander after serving in the role since November 2021.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Gottlieb Pandeni has been formally appointed as the new Commander Naval Operations for the Namibian Navy at a ceremony on Friday. He replaces Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Erastus Lazarus, who has been appointed Deputy Navy Commander after serving in the role since November 2021.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
In a bail appeal to the High Court, former NAMCOR managing director Immanuel Mulunga's lawyer argues that using a vehicle purchased by fugitive Victor Malima does not constitute a criminal offence and contends the State provided no evidence linking Mulunga to unlawful activity or knowledge of the vehicle's funding source. The bail appeal has been postponed to 13 February for a condonation application hearing.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
Kanana Hishoono, a longtime SWAPO revolutionary and political organizer who brought late President Hage Geingob into the party in 1962, died in Ondangwa aged 89. He served as Secretary of the SWAPO Party Elders' Council and political adviser to former President Sam Nujoma, earning recognition as a unifier and principled leader.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
Kanana Hishoono, former secretary of the Swapo Party Elders' Council and a political advisor to founding presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba, died on Wednesday evening. Described by liberation war colleagues and family as a dedicated fighter for independence who championed unity and fairness, Hishoono is survived by his wife and eight children.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
A youth advocate argues that low voter turnout in recent local and regional council elections reflects accumulated frustration with broken promises and poor service delivery rather than apathy, citing youth unemployment of 44.4% nationally and direct complaints from young people across the country who say leaders ignore their concerns between elections.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that the estimated 40,000 SMEs operating in Namibia deserve a voice in budget-setting processes, and that a preferential 20% corporate tax rate for qualifying SMEs should be codified in the 2026/27 budget to ease compliance burdens while supporting job creation and regional growth.
16 January 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Owen Sikanda, Head of Benefits Administration at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), has completed 15 years of service since joining in August 2010, progressing through roles including Client Service Consultant and Senior Administrator: Data Management. He holds multiple qualifications in management and business administration and emphasises teamwork, discipline and mentorship in his approach to service delivery.
16 January 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The US House of Representatives passed legislation extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) through 2028, preserving duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries including Namibia. The previous framework expired on 30 September 2025; if enacted, the extension would benefit Namibian exports of agricultural products, beef, and manufactured goods that face stricter competition without preferential access.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
According to Numbeo cost-of-living data for 2026, Windhoek ranks seventh among Africa's most expensive cities and fourth in southern Africa, with a cost-of-living index of 37.4, placing it above cities like Nairobi and Cairo but below South African metropolitan areas and Addis Ababa.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business will host its fifth conference in Windhoek on 5 February, focusing on mining, energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development, with participation from investors, executives, and policymakers from Africa and Canada to strengthen investment collaboration.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Telecom Namibia is committing hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars to overhaul ageing infrastructure, expand fibre and mobile coverage, and modernize its telecommunications backbone through projects focused on 4G/4.5G rollout, fibre-to-the-x expansion, and cybersecurity improvements. The upgrades aim to improve customer experience, strengthen network resilience, and position the country for a more competitive digital future.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has told the Roads Contractor Company (RCC) it must become self-sustaining and can no longer rely on government financial support, despite holding more tenders than any private company in the country. RCC's CEO responded that the company has implemented a sustainability strategy and addressed capacity and system challenges.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The US House of Representatives approved an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to 2028, which provides duty-free market access for eligible African products including Namibian beef and grapes. The Bill now awaits Senate approval before becoming law.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Midas Minerals has reported a high-grade copper and silver discovery at the Spaatzu Prospect in Namibia, with initial drilling returning 16 metres grading 2.55% copper and 72.6 g/t silver. The company is operating three drill rigs across the Otavi Copper Project with a fourth expected in January and says it remains well-funded to accelerate exploration.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A Namib Desert Diamonds employee has been arrested in connection with a diamond heist at the company's offices on 18 January 2025, bringing the total number of arrested employees to four. Diamonds valued at N$314.9 million were stolen in the robbery, which left two employees dead; N$40.6 million worth has so far been recovered.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The president of the Association of International Energy Negotiators has encouraged Namibians and African energy professionals to attend a five-day international oil and gas contracts and negotiations course in Cairo from 9 to 13 February 2026, emphasizing that local expertise is essential as Namibia and other African countries position themselves as emerging energy producers moving from discovery to execution.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The Minister of Environment and Tourism warns that illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia violates environmental law and causes land degradation, riverbank erosion, and wildlife habitat destruction. The government plans regional stakeholder consultations on draft sand and gravel mining regulations under an Environmental Management Amendment Bill.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Interim managing director Maureen Hinda-Mbuende says Namcor is recovering from reputational damage caused by alleged embezzlement of millions, including a N$53 million transaction with military contractor Enercon. She reports progress on governance reforms, employee morale, and financial stabilization through government bailouts and strategic restructuring.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Agriculture has reduced the Total Allowable Catch for horse mackerel to 197,000 metric tonnes in 2026, a 5% decrease from 2025, citing science-based management and the stock's long-term health. The Ministry also confirmed that overfishing companies were penalised and that quota allocations have been aligned with companies' actual investments in freezer or wet fish facilities.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
A 2019 Commission of Inquiry recommended a legal framework to address ancestral land dispossession through restitution, compensation, and cultural recognition, but the resulting Ancestral Land Rights and Restitution Bill has not been tabled in parliament five years later. The author argues that constitutional and practical objections are not insurmountable, and that implementing restitution is essential to complete Namibia's land reform and address historical injustice.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Maize farmers around Lake Liambezi face mounting crop losses from African migratory locusts and fall armyworms, with three separate locust infestations recorded this farming season. While the government has deployed control teams with ground sprayers and is considering aerial or drone spraying, farmers say the scale of infestation is overwhelming and vehicle-based spraying cannot keep pace.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Established in 2004, Hope Village operates a family-based home caring for children identified through investigations into abandonment, neglect and abuse, who are placed by court order until age 18. The organisation, which relies on donations from local and international supporters and corporate partners, houses children across five age and gender-divided houses, providing meals, schooling, healthcare and family visit opportunities.
16 January 2026 · Namibian Sun →
A strong wind near Omuthiya town in Oshikoto Region on Tuesday uprooted trees and blew the roof off a residential property belonging to NamRights executive director Phil yaNangoloh. No injuries were reported, though people were inside at the time, and friends and community members have begun contributing towards repairs.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
As the 2026 school year began with thousands of children returning to class, Ondangwa Deputy Mayor Nikodemus Amadhila told learners that education is the foundation for personal success and national development, urging them to respect teachers, work hard, and remain focused on their goals despite challenges.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibian Correctional Services denies nepotism claims in the hiring of Leefa Shikongo's daughter, stating she met all requirements for a hairdresser position after scoring 84% on written and practical assessments, and holds a Health Caregiver certificate.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
As of January 12, 2026, Grootfontein has recorded 99 suspected cholera cases, of which 32 are confirmed, with no fatalities reported so far. The Ministry of Health and Social Services is deploying a multi-sectoral response team to address the outbreak through improved water supply, sanitation, and hygiene measures.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has warned the public to use only registered microlenders when seeking short-term loans, cautioning that unregistered lenders put consumers at risk of unlawful practices, unfair charges, and loss of legal protections. Registered microlenders are required to disclose interest rates and fees clearly, charge within legal limits, avoid abusive practices, and provide proper loan documents to borrowers.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia should introduce a double-shift school system (07:00–13:00 and 13:30–19:00) with class sizes capped at 35 learners to address overcrowding, maximise existing infrastructure, create employment for graduate teachers, and fulfil constitutional education rights. The author contends this reform is rational, economically sound, and internationally practised, and would particularly benefit disadvantaged students while reducing off-school risks for youth.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Two teenagers died in Windhoek on Wednesday: an 18-year-old Grade 12 student at St George's Diocesan School, and a 15-year-old boy found dead at his home whose mother had reportedly told him there was no money for school stationery, which authorities suspect may have contributed to his death.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The National African Students Association has criticised the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund's decision to limit subsidised degree funding to Grade 12 graduates, arguing that qualified Grade 11 learners should also be eligible. NASA's acting president called on government to revise the policy to ensure equitable access to degree programmes for suitably qualified Grade 11 candidates.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe has pledged to work with NamWater to resolve the water crisis in Otjimbingwe and surrounding areas, where residents currently pay N$152 per tanker delivery. Community leaders say the shortage has lasted for years, schools have been suspended due to lack of water, and residents are preparing to submit a petition as diplomatic efforts have not yielded lasting solutions.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Oshikunde Combined School in Ohangwena secured seventh position in the 2025 NSSCO examinations despite overcrowded classrooms, inadequate furniture, and limited learning resources. The acting principal attributed the school's success to effective planning, discipline, early syllabus completion, teacher commitment, and parental involvement, while acknowledging ongoing infrastructure challenges.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
A New Era editorial argues that NSFAF's funding requirement of 26 points exceeds Unam's minimum admission threshold of 25 points, creating confusion and effectively gatekeeping access to higher education by financial means. The editorial calls for urgent alignment between universities, funding bodies, and policymakers, and clearer communication about what subsidised education actually covers.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Naledi Aphiwe, a 19-year-old Afro-pop artist, says she intends to release more music this year and her debut album while focusing on expanding her career internationally. She was recently nominated for best African duo or group in R&B at the All Africa Music Awards alongside Mawelele, competing against artists including Grammy nominee Rema.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Brothers Lineekela and Sixulifeni Hituuamata, a northern-based music duo, have released an EP titled "Sons of the North" blending Namibian pop with local sound, and are growing their clothing brand KoNooli Fashions. The projects focus on self-identity, faith, and positivity, with songs addressing themes of time management, healthy living, and happiness.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The 19-year-old Afro-pop artist says she plans to release more music and her debut album this year, with ambitions to tour internationally and expand her reach. Aphiwe was recently nominated for best African duo or group in R&B at the All Africa Music Awards, which she says validates her work and opens doors for greater recognition beyond Namibia.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Brothers Lineekela and Sixulifeni Hituuamata, based in the north, are promoting themselves through their new EP 'Sons of the North' and their fashion brand KoNooli Fashions, blending Namibian pop with northern local sound and focusing on themes of self-identity, faith, and positivity.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Directed by Lucia Kim Hamunghete, the romantic comedy film Crossover Hearts tells a modern love story that celebrates love across cultural lines and addresses cultural clashes and dating dilemmas among young Namibians. The film is scheduled for release on 31 January on Zambezi Magic.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Simon Ndalulilwa, known as Simon Da Great, combines careers as a DJ and winger for Unam Rugby Club while studying public management. A hand injury during rugby led him to discover music through his brother's mentorship, and he now prioritizes school, DJing, and rugby in that order.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
A New Era obituary honours Benestus Katuiisa Rukero, a heavyweight boxer from Okaepe village who dominated Namibia's informal boxing scene in the 1960s before forced relocation by the apartheid regime ended his career and led him to become a communal farmer. Despite his abbreviated career, he revolutionized local boxing among the marginalized Bantu community and was remembered as a rare talent.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
AC Promotions chairman Imms Paulus is appealing for private and government support to raise funds for Flame 'Special One' Nangolo's WBO Africa Super Featherweight title defence scheduled for 25 April. The promotion says it lacks sponsorship to cover WBO sanctioning fees and operational costs, and is calling on corporate companies and the government's sports budget to support the event.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The West Indies beat Tanzania by five wickets in the opening match of the under-19 Cricket World Cup in Windhoek, bowling out Tanzania for 122 before reaching the target with 29 overs remaining. Left-arm spinner Vitel Lawes took 3/23 for the Windies, while Tanez Francis scored 52 and Jewel Andrew 44 in the successful chase.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's School of Excellence Hockey Club claimed their inaugural Namibian 2025 Outdoor Hockey Men's Premier League title by defeating defending champions Windhoek Old Boys Sport Club 3-1, securing a place in the 2026 Africa Cup for Club Champions tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe from 24 to 31 January.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia will co-host the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup with Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February 2026, with 16 teams competing in 41 matches. Education Minister Sanet L. Steenkamp said the tournament marks a defining moment for the country's sporting credentials, expected to boost tourism and economic opportunities while demonstrating Namibia's capacity to stage world-class events.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
The Kunene Regional Football Association's Northwest Division League will kick off this weekend after a six-month hiatus, with teams competing for promotional spots and former champions Outjo Football Academy returning to the competition.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Young African FC will play all remaining Premier League fixtures in Windhoek after Legare Stadium in Gobabis proved unready to host matches, forcing the team to honour all 12 first-round games away from home. The club's chairperson expressed regret over the situation while encouraging supporters to continue backing the team.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia Horse Racing Association newcomer Burger Racing aims for continued dominance in 2026 after a successful debut season in which it claimed 17 first-place finishes in nine months and recently won seven first-place finishes at the Tsjaka New Year Derby. Club owner Sakkie Burger, who expanded his stable to 12 thoroughbreds, emphasises that success depends on training, discipline, nutrition, and jockey management.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Football Association is recruiting a new Secretary General, a key administrative post. Football analysts say the ideal candidate must combine sports expertise with strong corporate governance skills, integrity, and the ability to attract sponsorship and rebuild public confidence in the association.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Marine Eco Foundation Namibia documented 3,720 dolphin sightings in Walvis Bay during 2025, including 1,130 bottlenose dolphins, 2,157 Heaviside's dolphins, and 433 dusky dolphins. The foundation credited the milestone to researchers, volunteers, and public reporting, highlighting Namibia's marine ecosystem richness and the success of coastal monitoring efforts.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
Environment Minister Indileni Daniel has raised alarm over rising illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia, warning that unregulated activities without Environmental Clearance Certificates cause land degradation, riverbank erosion, wetland destruction, and pose risks to wildlife, livestock, and human water and food security. The ministry will conduct regional stakeholder engagements on sand and gravel mining regulations to enforce the Environmental Management Act.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →
As agricultural expansion grows around Lake Liambezi in the Zambezi region, conservationist Morgan Sai Sai has proposed shifting from large-scale farming and livestock to ecotourism, arguing the area's wildlife—including elephants, buffaloes and leopards—represents untapped economic and ecological potential. The seasonal lake forms a transboundary ecosystem and critical wildlife corridor, and Sai Sai envisions a landscape of game drives, walking trails and cultural museums as a more sustainable alternative to current land use.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
South Africa's Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo told Parliament that criminal cartels thrive through proximity to politicians, law enforcement, and business leaders, alleging that nearly all SAPS officers in Gauteng work for a cartel and that police have offered protection to syndicate members for a fee.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Cuba held a state funeral for 32 troops killed in Venezuela during a US military intervention that ousted President Nicolás Maduro, marking the country's largest military loss to US forces since the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. The deaths have forced Cuba to acknowledge its deep intelligence presence in Venezuela and confront the prospect of losing a key ally, as Venezuela's new interim leadership appears to be establishing ties with the Trump administration.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
An impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of abuse of power and falsifying documents over his failed 2024 martial law bid, with prosecutors seeking a 10-year sentence. A court is deliberating whether he also obstructed justice by evading arrest, with further trials pending on more serious charges including insurrection.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Uganda is counting votes in presidential and parliamentary elections while an internet shutdown is in effect and opposition leader Bobi Wine alleges massive ballot-stuffing and intimidation by security forces. Long delays caused by malfunctioning biometric machines, missing ballot materials, and other logistical problems have affected polling stations, with the presidential result due Saturday.
16 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare signed a book of condolences at the Venezuelan Embassy following the deaths of hundreds of Venezuelans during the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores on 3 January 2026, calling the abduction a violation of international law and demanding their immediate return. Ngurare expressed solidarity with Venezuela and said Namibia reaffirms its friendship with the country, noting that Maduro and his wife are currently in US custody in New York awaiting trial.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
Uganda's presidential election was hit by widespread delays as biometric voting machines malfunctioned and ballot boxes remained undelivered, compounded by an internet blackout imposed by the government. President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh term, acknowledged problems casting his own vote, while opposition figures alleged the disruptions were deliberate attempts to undermine the poll.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's creative and arts sector—music, film, design, and digital content creation—represents an underestimated frontier for economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. The author calls for expanded training, recognition, funding mechanisms, accessible digital monetisation systems, and collective action from government, private sector, and educational institutions to position the arts as a serious economic sector.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
New Era's Uncommon Sense column argues that Namibia should enter the new year with renewed commitment to authenticity, integrity, and purpose—asking both citizens and national leadership to prioritize honest, transparent governance and dignified living conditions over speeches alone.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's high suicide rate—linked to financial stress, unemployment, poverty, broken relationships, and other pressures—is a national emergency requiring leadership action. The writer calls for spiritual and financial education, accessible mental health services, public awareness campaigns, and a culture shift away from stigma toward compassion and support.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that small and medium enterprises, which account for an estimated 40,000 businesses and nearly one-third of jobs in Namibia, should have greater input into tax policy and benefit from a preferential 20% corporate tax rate and reduced compliance burdens to enable growth and job creation.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that rising cattle rustling in Zambezi region reflects weak law enforcement, involvement of former herders familiar with the terrain, and corruption involving abattoirs and police, compounded by poor treatment of hired herders and cross-border complications with Zambia.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece examining varying definitions of development — from GDP growth and infrastructure to broader social, political, and spiritual transformation. The author argues that integral development requires structural change across economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions, and calls on citizens to be active agents of change.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibian companies must shift from viewing ICT as a cost centre to embracing it as essential for survival and growth, with priorities including data governance compliance, cyber resilience, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and leveraging local expertise rather than imported solutions.
16 January 2026 · New Era →
An RT opinion piece argues that last week's Paris meeting of Western supporters of Ukraine produced only a non-binding declaration with no new security guarantees or American commitments, leaving Ukraine's defence strategy unchanged. The author contends that Western European ambitions have generated "information noise" rather than real leverage, while Washington maintains a pragmatic focus on financial and commercial interests.
16 January 2026 · New Era →