Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has instructed the Roads Authority to urgently deploy a contractor to repair a 31-kilometre road between Lubuta, Sachona and Lizauli that has been rendered impassable in four sections by heavy rains in the Zambezi region, affecting pupils and those seeking medical care.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has instructed the Roads Authority to urgently deploy a contractor to repair a 31-kilometre road between Lubuta, Sachona and Lizauli that has been rendered impassable in four sections by heavy rains in the Zambezi region, affecting pupils and those seeking medical care.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has pledged that no local authority land will be auctioned off, stating that such practices have deprived Namibians of housing and pushed land beyond the reach of ordinary people.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The MK Party, which won 37 of 80 seats in the 2024 KwaZulu-Natal elections, says it is preparing another motion of no confidence against Premier Thami Ntuli, claiming it can improve service delivery on unemployment, poverty, crime, and water challenges if it takes control of the province.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conferred a state funeral on liberation struggle veteran and Swapo stalwart Matias Kanana Hishoono, who died at age 89. Hishoono will be laid to rest at the Eenhana Heroes Shrine on 24 January, with memorial services held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Political analysts say the government is overloaded with overlapping committees and advisers that duplicate work and delay service delivery. Critics argue the new Swapo think tank, comprising 37 appointed members, lacks independence and will produce little meaningful output, while a defending analyst says such bodies can help the party and government reassess decisions and plans.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall parliament early to address youth unemployment and other national issues, but lawmakers are divided on the proposal, with some opposing it as a breach of agreed standing rules while others support early resumption to hold government accountable.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The minister of urban and rural development has called on newly elected regional and local authority councillors to focus on their governance duties rather than party affiliations and titles, emphasizing that accountability is essential to meeting government targets such as building 10,000 houses annually.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has rebuked local authority and regional councillors who default on payments to municipalities and town councils, saying this sets a poor example for residents. He also ordered urgent repairs to road infrastructure described as severely deteriorated and called for improved waste management across towns and local authorities.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
I-Ben Nashandi, executive director of the National Planning Commission, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home after being shot on 2 January during a land dispute meeting in Oshikoto. His assistant, Sam Pendapala Nepando, was killed in the same incident; the accused remains in custody pending trial on 18 June.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
A 15-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality and Social Services commenced visits to capital projects initiated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Otjozondjupa region. The committee is conducting oversight and evaluation of the projects, following reports from the regional governor that many health infrastructure projects in the region remain dormant, incomplete, or non-functional despite multi-year budgeting.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
The Development Bank of Namibia approved N$912.7 million in funding and supported the creation of 1,429 jobs during the 2024/25 financial year, with support for 49 SME projects including allocations to women-owned and youth-owned enterprises across multiple regions. The bank achieved accreditation with the Green Climate Fund and secured additional funding through KfW and the African Development Bank, reporting a 42% increase in operating profit to N$88.3 million.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The strike at Namib Mills entered its second week on Monday with workers locked out across the country. The company's "final offer" includes a 5% salary increase and N$200 monthly transport allowance, but negotiations remain deadlocked over disputes regarding December bonuses and backpay, with the union accusing the company of using bonuses to punish strikers.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Nangula Uaandja, former chief executive of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, will join Emeraldsand Platforms on 1 February and become executive director on 1 July, replacing Albe Botha who held the role for 13 years.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
South African Breweries has opposed transport minister Barbara Creecy's proposed total ban on drinking while driving, arguing it will push alcohol consumption into the illegal market rather than reduce it. SAB warned that excessive excise increases on alcohol threaten the legal industry's viability and risk job losses, citing research showing illicit alcohol now comprises about 18% of total consumption in South Africa.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Payment Association of Namibia says retailers are prohibited from setting minimum purchase amounts for card payments or charging extra fees for card transactions, which violates Visa rules and discourages digital payments. The association encourages the public to report non-compliance and warns that acquiring banks will enforce full compliance with card operating rules.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Jan Zandbergen Group, a major European meat importer and Meatco's largest trade partner in the Netherlands, visited Namibia to inspect grass and grain-fed cattle. The partnership underscores growing demand for Namibian beef in European markets, with about 46% of the country's beef exported to the EU and Meatco generating over N$563.8 million in international sales in the 2024 fiscal year.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Finance has removed the closing date for the National Youth Development Fund, which now accepts applications on an ongoing basis due to high interest. Successful applicants will be announced monthly, and the fund provides loans at 2–4% interest to youth-owned businesses, startups, and innovative projects in priority sectors including agriculture and green energy.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
ReeXploration Inc has secured full funding of N$32 million through private placements for its 2026 uranium exploration drill programme at the Eureka Project in central Namibia, with detailed planning under way to test high-priority uranium anomalies identified in 2025. The company has rebranded and repositioned Eureka as a dual-commodity critical minerals asset combining rare earth elements with newly defined uranium exploration targets.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Following a Moscow visit by Namibia's International Relations Minister, the two countries are shifting their historic political relationship toward structured economic partnership. Discussions centred on mining, energy, agriculture, and logistics, with particular focus on uranium cooperation through Russia's Rosatom, which plans exploration by 2026 and commercial mining by 2029, while bilateral trade nearly doubled in 2024 to US$11.7 million.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Armas Amukoto has blamed traditional authorities for systemic failures in land allocation, including corruption, favouritism, and exclusion of vulnerable communities, citing double allocations and biased decision-making. The criticism comes after government minister James Sankwasa attributed recent deaths among headmen to failures in the Communal Land Board system.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has set aside nearly 70 000 tonnes of the 197 000 tonne horse mackerel total-allowable catch for governmental objectives including food security, health, housing, youth development and employment programmes. The 2026 TAC was reduced by 5% from 2025 levels as a precautionary measure based on recent stock decline, though biomass remains within sustainable limits.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Omaheke crop farmers say delayed dispatch of government tractors due to diesel shortage has disrupted planting schedules and jeopardised harvests. The regional chief said a purchase order has been issued to rectify the situation and craft a sustainable tractor programme, though some farmers have turned to private contractors instead.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Housing, feed composition, and production systems are critical to success in chicken farming. Farmers must maintain proper stocking densities, provide appropriate nutrition for different chicken types, and choose a production system (free-range, semi-intensive, or intensive) suited to their resources and goals.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Horticulture farmer Morgan Saisai criticises monoculture farming for degrading soil and reducing yields, and advocates conservation agriculture—a return to traditional practices involving crop diversity and minimal soil disturbance—which he says produces yields of 15 to 20 tonnes per hectare compared to two to three tonnes from conventional monoculture.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
The Otjozondjupa regional health directorate is inviting local vehicle owners to rent 4×4 double cabs with canopy to support a National Polio Response Campaign targeting children under 10 in January and February. Applications must be submitted by 21 January, with daily rental rates ranging from N$1 300 to N$2 000 depending on location.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Seven children aged between 3 and 10 years from Nzinze village in Kavango West ate berries from a Jatropha Curcas tree on Saturday and were taken to Nankudu State Hospital. All children are in stable condition.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The EduMove Race, a community walk, run and cycle event, will hold its first edition on 31 January in Windhoek, with a second night race on 27 February and third on 21 March. Founder Hetty Nangolo-Nelumbu says the event aims to raise funds and awareness for educational resources for vulnerable children in rural areas and informal settlements, with proceeds to support pupils in the Zambezi region.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Gabriel Gasa (25) was sentenced in the High Court to 45 years imprisonment for murdering and raping 18-year-old Maria Stoffie at a farm in Gobabis district in August 2022. Acting judge Marilize du Plessis noted Gasa's lack of remorse and cited the need to send a clear message against gender-based violence in response to the community's continued outcry.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Police ballistics evidence presented in Windhoek court shows that a 9mm pistol registered to Max Endjala, one of the alleged robbers who later shot himself, was used to kill Namdia security officer Francis Eiseb during an armed robbery at the company's Windhoek premises in January 2024. Former police officer Joel Angula and Sam Shololo are charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and other counts related to the heist in which diamonds valued at about N$335.6 million were stolen.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare reported 3,319 cases of child neglect since 2023, with Oshikoto region recording the highest number at 661 cases. The ministry attributes the rise primarily to unemployment, substance abuse, and family instability, and warns that many more cases likely go unreported due to social stigma and fear.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Three suspects aged 16, 17, and 31 appeared in Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court facing charges including conspiracy, motor vehicle theft, housebreaking, and reckless driving following a series of crimes in the early hours of Saturday. The group allegedly broke into a home, stole a microwave, fled in a stolen Toyota bakkie, and engaged in reckless driving that ended with a vehicle overturning four kilometres outside town.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Pupils of !Oe #Gab Primary School in Tubusis village have remained absent from school since parents withdrew them last year following a sanitation crisis that hospitalised 16 children. The school, which has operated nearly a year without running water, functional toilets, or a dining hall, is expected to resume teaching on 9 February after construction of new facilities is completed by end of January.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
According to an Old Mutual Namibia wellness consultant, genuine employee well-being comes from structural fixes—manageable workloads, supportive managers, flexibility and clear priorities—rather than workshops or apps. True well-being depends on leaders removing everyday friction, building psychological safety, and modelling healthy boundaries.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Police announced that its criminal records system is experiencing technical challenges across the country, preventing police stations from issuing certificates of conduct. The police have appealed for patience while the issue is resolved but did not indicate when normal services will resume.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union has called for a sectoral minimum wage in the fishing industry, arguing that workers earn low wages despite the sector being highly profitable, and proposing separate minimum wage levels for seagoing and land-based factory workers based on their different working conditions.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Hardap education region improved dramatically from 12th to 2nd place nationally in Grade 12 results following implementation of a five-year turnaround strategic plan in 2025. The improvement was driven by teacher professional development, stronger school inspections, improved learner support, enhanced school infrastructure, and staff wellness programmes.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Robertho Marlo McNab, 38, received a life sentence for the murder of his estranged wife Dapeua Helen Onesmus, whom he stabbed 27 times in her Windhoek garage on 16 February 2024, two days after being served with divorce papers. Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis described the attack as "unbridled and horrific violence" and cited the presence of the couple's 14-year-old son in the house as an aggravating factor.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Grade 12 learners across Namibia have returned to their schools to begin their Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level studies. Full-time NSSCO registrations declined to 38,692 in 2025 from 40,757 in 2024, while part-time enrolment grew by 3,819 candidates, and 36% of Grade 11 candidates qualified for AS progression, up 6.5% from 2024.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Police reported multiple criminal incidents over the weekend, including armed robbery in Gobabis, housebreaking and theft in six locations, drug-related arrests in three towns, and a fraud case in which a pensioner lost over N$170,000. Two lightning-related incidents in Nkurenkuru also resulted in one death and one injury.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Epukiro Secondary School in Omaheke achieved fourth position nationally in grade 12 results, with all 63 learners who sat the examination qualifying for tertiary education. Regional leaders and traditional authorities credited the school's success to teamwork, dedication of staff and community support.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Ovambanderu from across Namibia commemorated chief Munjuku II Nguvauva, who led the community for over five decades until his death in 2008. Speakers credited him with drafting the Ovambanderu constitution, supporting Namibia's independence struggle, establishing schools, and promoting community self-reliance.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
National Geographic held its first Photo Camp in Namibia in partnership with local organizations, introducing young people to photography, storytelling, and editing through week-long interactive programmes led by National Geographic explorers and local educators at the Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries Institute.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Country legend Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday by releasing a new version of 'Light of a Clear Blue Morning' featuring artists including Reba McEntire, Queen Latifah, Lainey Wilson, and Miley Cyrus. Net proceeds from the recording will benefit pediatric cancer research at a children's hospital in Nashville.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian artist Louise, formerly known as rapper Snazzy, is releasing the sensual Afro-fusion track 'Hips and Lips' featuring Angolan artist QueyD on 23 January. The song blends Afrobeats, amapiano, Spanish guitar, Kompa and Kizomba, exploring themes of authentic connection and attraction while marking Louise's transition from hip-hop to a more expressive, genre-blending musical identity.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the return of the Namibia Annual Music Awards for the third quarter of this year, ending a five-year hiatus since the Covid-19 pandemic halted the live entertainment sector. The ceremony is expected to support the creative economy and incorporate the digital landscape that has emerged in the music industry since 2020.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Valentino Garavani, the legendary fashion designer known for luxury collections and his signature red colour, has died at 93. A titan of 20th-century fashion whose creations were worn by celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan and Julia Roberts, Valentino co-founded his fashion house in 1960 and ranked among the world's greatest designers alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian midfielder Aprocius Petrus (26) has become a regular and influential player for Sudanese club Al Hilal Sports Club in the Rwanda Premier League, making him the first Namibian footballer to feature in Rwanda's top flight. Al Hilal leads the standings with 35 points and will face fellow Namibian Peter Shalulile's Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League on 23 January.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Barcelona are among Europe's major clubs facing crucial Champions League matches this week to secure direct qualification to the knockout phase or avoid additional playoff rounds. The top eight teams qualify directly for the last 16, while teams ranked ninth to 24th must play two-legged playoffs.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Novak Djokovic defeated Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Australian Open, recording his 100th victory at the tournament as he seeks a record 25th Grand Slam title. Fellow contenders Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff advanced to the second round with less commanding performances.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Senegal defeated Morocco in a controversial Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, marked by a disputed penalty award, Senegal players walking off the pitch, and clashes between fans and security that have drawn criticism and threatened future sanctions against Senegal and potential FIFA investigation into Morocco's hosting and VAR inconsistencies.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa defeated Tanzania by 329 runs with centuries from Muhammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles, while Pakistan beat Scotland by six wickets with Ali Raza taking four wickets. Sri Lanka also secured their second consecutive victory, defeating Ireland by 106 runs at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026 being held in the region.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Minifootball Association of Namibia will host a 7-a-side Global Cup tournament in Windhoek from 13–15 March 2026 to celebrate the nation's 36th Independence Day, honouring countries that supported Namibia's liberation struggle while strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties through sport. The tournament will feature invited international teams from Angola, Ghana, and South Africa alongside local teams, with the association aiming to use football as a platform for youth empowerment and to demonstrate sport's role in uniting Africa.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Former Namibian footballer Harold Kavari has urged the current generation of young players to take both their football careers and education seriously, emphasizing that discipline, commitment, and formal qualifications are essential for long-term success beyond the pitch. Kavari, now a qualified lawyer and HR practitioner, stressed that former players have a responsibility to mentor emerging talent and that football should be treated as a profession requiring dedication to training, teamwork, and respect for coaches.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibian footballer Willy Stephanus, who scored six goals and eight assists in 16 matches for Saudi second-division side Hetten FC, is looking to move after the club's foreign player quota forced his departure. His agent is working to secure a new club as his visa nears expiry.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
New Namibia futsal coach Marcos Antunes has announced a 14-player squad for the 2026 AFCON qualifiers against Kenya on 23 and 28 January, saying the players are in the best condition to defend Namibia. Antunes, who guided Angola to silver at the 2024 CAF Futsal AFCON, aims to lead Namibia to the finals in April.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Namibia failed to meet the deadline to sign the United Nations High Seas Treaty, which entered force last Saturday, citing the need to align the agreement with national laws and assess implementation capacity. Officials say the country intends to accede to the treaty, which addresses marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and could help conserve Namibia's significant marine areas including the Walvis Ridge.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Heritage Council of Namibia submitted a nomination dossier for Brandberg Mountain to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, citing its geological formations, archaeological heritage, and natural beauty. Local residents and community leaders have urged the government to prioritise employment for residents who currently depend on small-scale gemstone mining in the area.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Donald Trump has pledged to impose tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on eight NATO countries, including the UK, Denmark, and others, in pursuit of his demand to purchase Greenland from Denmark. European leaders have rallied to defend Greenland's sovereignty, with Denmark's foreign minister stating that tariffs are "not the way forward" and the EU vowing to hold an emergency summit on Thursday to coordinate a response.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate why Iranian naval vessels continued participating in South Africa's Will for Peace maritime exercise after President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed their withdrawal. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and top military officers, including Navy chief Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese and SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, are implicated in the alleged failure to follow presidential instructions.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the BBC that the United States acts with impunity and believes its power matters more than international law, viewing multilateral solutions as irrelevant. Guterres warned that the UN's founding principles, including member state equality, are under threat, and called for reform of the Security Council to regain legitimacy and limit veto powers that he says are used to block global efforts.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The United Nations says all repatriation funds for former Namibian liberation war refugees were used and accounted for, dismissing claims of missing financial assistance from a group of over 400 returnees who have been protesting since October 2025. UN officials state the organization's role was limited to repatriation assistance, while rehabilitation and resettlement responsibility lies with the Namibian government.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
A taxi carrying pupils from multiple schools collided with a truck at Vanderbijlpark in South Africa's Vaal region on Monday, killing at least 13 pupils. Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi called for stricter regulation of the private transport sector following the crash, which occurred when the taxi attempted to overtake several cars.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Gold and silver prices reached all-time highs while stock markets declined as investors sought safety following US President Donald Trump's threat of up to 25% tariffs on European countries over his Greenland ambitions. European leaders, including Denmark, said they stand united against the threat, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that trade wars are in no one's interest.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Angolan nationals engaged in informal fuel trading at Oshikango say Namibian Police conduct frequent seizures and confiscations that are crippling their livelihoods, though police leadership has stated that Angolan nationals are legally permitted to trade in Namibia provided they register with NamRA and comply with local regulations.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi held high-level talks in Russia to strengthen bilateral relations and explore trade and investment opportunities, with plans for an 11th Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Windhoek in February 2026 featuring a business forum to connect Namibian and Russian companies. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed the engagement and confirmed both countries' commitment to expanding economic cooperation, including in education, healthcare, and tourism.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
The Central African Republic's constitutional court confirmed that incumbent president Faustin Archange Touadera won re-election with 78% of the vote, rejecting an appeal from runner-up Anicet-George Dologuele who alleged fraud. Touadera, who presented himself as a stability candidate in a nation recovering from prolonged civil conflict, becomes the third president to secure a third consecutive term under a new constitution adopted in 2023.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
Two trains collided near Adamuz in southern Spain late Sunday when an Iryo train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track; 39 people died and over 120 were injured. Officials say the cause remains unknown, though human error has been ruled out and the nearly-new train was within speed limits on recently renovated track.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
The World Economic Forum said Iran's foreign minister will not attend this week's Davos summit, citing the "tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks" and stating it would not be "right" for the Iranian government to be represented. The decision came after activists and rights groups called for his disinvitation amid a deadly government crackdown on protesters; Iran Human Rights says at least 3,428 protesters have been killed.
20 January 2026 · New Era →
According to an opinion piece, Namibia's commercial banks exclude creatives and athletes using rigid lending criteria designed for traditional manufacturing, and the author argues that both banking innovation and legislative amendments to the Banking Institutions Act are needed to broaden acceptable collateral definitions and encourage alternative risk-assessment models for high-potential creative and sports industries.
20 January 2026 · New Era →