Several Namibian traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, are governing their rural communities while residing in Windhoek, contrary to the Traditional Authorities Act No. 25 of 2000, which requires them to live within their communal areas. They justify this practice by citing the effectiveness of deputies and local committees, though legal scholars note such violations may warrant removal from office.
Several Namibian traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, are governing their rural communities while residing in Windhoek, contrary to the Traditional Authorities Act No. 25 of 2000, which requires them to live within their communal areas. They justify this practice by citing the effectiveness of deputies and local committees, though legal scholars note such violations may warrant removal from office.
Fifteen employers, including state-owned enterprises and private companies, will face review panel hearings in January for alleged non-compliance with the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act. The Employment Equity Commission says the hearings will assess whether genuine efforts are being made to promote fair employment practices, and the commission has also commenced formulating criminal charges against some employers for contraventions.
Namibia's Constitution and legislation establish multiple safeguards for judicial independence, including direct budget allocation to the judiciary, qualification requirements for judges, appointment through the Judicial Service Commission, removal protections, and ethical guidelines that prevent conflicts of interest and political interference.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development Sankwasa James Sankwasa has criticised local and regional authorities for favouring foreign-owned companies over Namibian businesses in procurement, saying such practices breach the Public Procurement Act and hinder national development. He stressed that Namibian-registered SMEs should receive preferential treatment and called for stricter vetting of joint ventures to prevent foreign firms from sidelining local partners after contract award.
The UN Resident Coordinator has stated that the UN's role in the 1989 voluntary repatriation of Namibian exiles ended three decades ago and that all available funds were fully utilised and accounted for. The statement comes after refugees camping outside SWAPO headquarters demanded clarification on claims that N$21.7 million allocated by the UN for repatriated exiles was given to SWAPO but never distributed to beneficiaries, claims that SWAPO says it cannot substantiate with evidence.
Former Justice Minister Sackeus Shanghala has criticized the state's decision to pay prosecutors N$1.5 million in the Fishrot corruption case while denying similar funding to defence counsel, arguing it violates fair trial principles and creates unequal arms between prosecution and defence. The High Court has postponed the matter to 21 January 2026 for a ruling on the remuneration dispute and whether the trial should be postponed.
Defence Minister Frans Kapofi visited the Onambutu homestead to offer condolences to the family of Mathias Kanana Hishoono, a former SWAPO Party Elders Council secretary and political adviser to Founding President Sam Nujoma who died on 14 January at age 94, reflecting on his role in Namibia's independence struggle and service to the nation.
Veteran SWAPO politician Mathias Kanana Hishoono, a liberation struggle pioneer who served as a SWAPO mobiliser, political prisoner, and post-independence adviser, passed away on 14 January at age 94. Ohangwena Regional Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa extended condolences and praised his sacrifice and service to the nation.
Former parliamentarian Patience Masua has been appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council by Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp, following Kennedy Kariseb's resignation in December. The appointment aims to ensure continuity and stability at the council during the interim period.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has dismissed reports of tension between party president Panduleni Itula and opposition leader Immanuel Nashinge in Parliament, calling them false claims designed to sow division. Political analysts note the dual structure creates potential for confusion over messaging and strategy unless roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has honoured the late Kanana Hishoono, an 89-year-old liberation struggle veteran and former Secretary of the Swapo Party Elders' Council, describing him as one of Namibia's most cherished icons and a source of wisdom. Hishoono will receive a State funeral on Saturday in Eenhana, with a State memorial service held in his honour.
A meeting between government representatives and the Former Refugees Repatriation Association of Namibia (FRRAN) failed to resolve disputes over alleged UN-provided repatriation funds from 1989. The UNHCR representative stated that post-repatriation funds were not earmarked and that all assistance was fully accounted for, but FRRAN members rejected these explanations and plan to escalate their demands to the President.
A trial began in Windhoek High Court for Chinese businessman Huang and others accused of defrauding the finance ministry of over N$3 billion through customs and tax evasion schemes. All accused pleaded not guilty to over 1,500 charges including fraud, theft, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The Development Bank of Namibia has cleaned up its balance sheet by writing off about N$579 million in non-performing loans during the 2024/25 financial year as it navigates a complex economic environment with a shrinking loan book. The bank's net interest income contracted by 25% year-on-year, though it is shifting towards climate financing and prioritising support for SMEs.
The Namibia Revenue Agency collected N$61.06 billion by end December towards its 2025/26 financial year target of N$88.999 billion, with domestic taxes accounting for N$41.63 billion and customs and excise contributing N$19.43 billion. The agency reports that tax revenue has increased steadily over the past four financial years, rising from N$52.96 billion in 2021/22 to N$88.56 billion in 2024/25.
An Afrobarometer survey of 38 African countries found that only 19% of Namibians aged 18–35 would prefer to start their own business, the lowest level on the continent compared to a 52% average across Africa. Analysts attribute the low entrepreneurship interest to barriers including limited access to funding, high business costs, limited formal employment, and a mismatch between education outcomes and labour market demands.
Echo Namibia has received full approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia to provide internet services using OneWeb's low earth orbit satellite technology. The service will offer download speeds up to 100Mb and upload speeds up to 20Mb, with data packages ranging from 250Gb to 2,000Gb.
Old Mutual has acquired a majority stake in 10X Investments for R2.2 billion to strengthen its position in low-cost, technology-driven savings. The acquisition sees Old Mutual buying from its own private equity arm and DiGAME Investments, with 10X Investments having grown to manage over R68 billion in assets for more than 60 000 clients since its 2014 founding.
Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi is in Singapore for a two-day official visit to deepen diplomatic relations and explore economic cooperation, including discussions on bilateral trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, agro-processing, energy cooperation, and port infrastructure. She is accompanied by a technical delegation from various Namibian ministries and agencies.
Charles Rhoman, a NAMDIA protection officer arrested in connection with a diamond heist, has been remanded in custody and his case transferred to Bethanie Magistrate's Court, with proceedings postponed to 26 January. Rhoman faces charges of obstructing justice and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for allegedly receiving proceeds linked to diamonds from the heist.
Windhoek will host the 5th Canada–Africa Business Conference on 5 February 2026, bringing together business leaders, investors and policymakers to strengthen trade and investment ties, with discussions focused on mining, energy, infrastructure and economic development.
Martha Pax, a Windhoek street trader, sells plastic bowls and basins across the city to support her five children, buying stock from Chinatown and making a small margin per item. She faces recurring challenges including confiscation of goods and restrictions on where she can trade, limiting her business growth.
Lydia Nakale, a qualified graduate, runs a second-hand clothing business in Windhoek to support her family after struggling to find formal employment. She faces major challenges from police harassment of informal traders and high import duties from NamRA, which she says can nearly equal the cost of her goods, though she calls for greater government support for small businesses.
Former Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board CEO Nangula Uaandja has been appointed executive director of Emeralds and Platforms, a diversified investment group with interests in media, financial services, logistics, and service support, effective 1 July 2026. She succeeds Albe Botha.
The Development Bank of Namibia reported a 42% increase in operating profit to N$88.3 million for 2024/25 and secured significant international funding, but opposition lawmakers questioned whether strong financial results are translating into inclusive development, particularly in historically marginalised regions.
A suspended Namdia security officer appeared in court over a robbery in which diamonds worth N$314.9 million were stolen over a year ago, leaving two employees dead. The case was transferred to Bethanie Magistrates Court for a January 2026 hearing, and the accused remains in custody on charges of obstructing justice and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Venus oil and gas project reveals that most direct jobs will go to highly specialised foreign workers, with only 500 of 2,500 construction-phase jobs being direct positions that require skills not currently available in Namibia. While indirect employment in civil construction, transportation, logistics and workforce services may benefit local communities in Erongo and ||Kharas regions, the direct impact on national employment is limited.
House building has begun in Outapi after 173 residents received Land Hold Title certificates under the Flexible Land Tenure System. The initiative provides secure land rights and affordable housing opportunities, with 62 houses under construction at two greenfield sites and five more at a brownfield area.
Agriculture specialist Bertus Kruger has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to promptly renew work visas for foreign experts in agricultural projects, warning that delays could disrupt vital food security initiatives relying on advisers from Angola, Zimbabwe, and the EU. The home affairs ministry recently extended an amnesty for overstaying foreign nationals to 20 January, and a health ministry spokesperson stressed that all ministries must ensure foreign staff have legal immigration status.
The governors of Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Kunene regions are on a working visit to Angola to exchange knowledge on maize and wheat seed production and subsistence farming support. They met with Angola's Cunene Province acting governor and visited farms to observe production and food security practices.
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has condemned rising cases of land grabbing, illegal fencing, and uncoordinated land allocation in communal areas, including a January 2 shooting in Oshikoto Region that killed a village headman. The ministry urged adherence to communal land laws and said it is introducing punitive measures in a Land Bill before Parliament to address these violations.
Otjozondjupa received substantial rainfall between October and December 2025, with Huttenhof recording 411.5mm and several other locations exceeding 200mm, according to the Ministry of Works and Transport's Climate Watch Report. The Ministry predicts normal rainfall for the region between February and April 2026.
Northern parts of Namibia experienced above-normal rainfall between October and December 2025, with several areas recording more than 400 millimetres, according to the Ministry of Works and Transport's Climate Watch Report. Further rainfall of 150–250 mm is expected in the north through April 2026.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa said local authorities will no longer auction state land at inflated prices and announced a nationwide land audit to determine ownership and illegal acquisitions by councillors. He also called for stricter enforcement of procurement rules to prevent foreign companies from dominating tenders at the expense of local businesses.
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) has been recognised as the official union for Namibia Breweries Limited employees, replacing the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) after gaining majority worker support in November. Both the union and brewery management have expressed commitment to sound labour relations.
Northern Regional Electricity Distributor workers will strike on Friday after a year of failed wage negotiations, with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia seeking pay increases and improved working conditions. The union says workers have not received pay raises in six years and that strike procedures were lawfully initiated, despite management's legal challenges.
The article offers practical, low-cost lunchbox solutions for back-to-school season, including boiled eggs, pasta salads, peanut butter sandwiches, and homemade popcorn as affordable alternatives to expensive convenience foods.
Kaylee Hulme (12) went missing on 7 January after being swept away by a strong current while swimming in a river near Oranjemund; police confirmed the search continues with assistance from South African volunteers.
The Affirmative Repositioning movement has expressed concerns over the 2025 grade 11 and 12 exam results, citing fewer than half of pupils passing, inequalities in the education system, rising part-time enrolments, and high failure rates. The movement is calling on the ministry of education to strengthen teacher training, reform the pupils' promotion system, review the curriculum, and address overcrowding and school admission policies.
A dedicated cholera treatment centre at Grootfontein State Hospital is successfully managing the outbreak in the Otjozondjupa region, with only two patients in quarantine as of Monday and all others discharged. The government has established a multi-sectoral task force and improved water infrastructure in the Kap n Bou informal settlement, where the outbreak originated in November, with no fatalities recorded to date.
Minister Sanet Steenkamp and fellow parliamentarians participated in guided fitness assessments and screening at a Fit City Namibia event, aiming to promote healthy lifestyles among Namibians. The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, included fitness testing and goal-setting sessions.
Robert Andreas, a guidance and counselling teacher at Suiderlig Secondary School in Keetmanshoop, has been named educator of the year for inclusion by the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP) for his work promoting boy child inclusion and inclusive education. His award-winning efforts include publishing a book on redefining manhood and mentorship, and IFIP plans to partner with him on youth-focused projects in Namibia.
The Namibia University of Science and Technology announced it will refund eligible students who have already paid registration fees, following an education ministry directive implementing government-subsidised tertiary education at public universities. Under the policy, no public university is allowed to charge registration or tuition fees for qualifying students, though those with outstanding financial obligations or academic failures must settle applicable fees before registering.
Religious leaders and marriage counsellors have attributed Namibia's high divorce rate to couples' focus on material wealth, pressure from churches and society, lack of preparedness, and unrealistic expectations. They call for mandatory pre-marriage counselling and education in schools to help couples understand marriage and address challenges before resorting to divorce.
The Cancer Association of Namibia has admitted its first pro bono patient at House Zietsman care facility in Windhoek, a paediatric oncology case who was previously in the public health system. The organisation said it will consider further admissions of state paediatric oncology patients subject to specialist consultation and bed availability, though free care for adult patients remains financially unviable for now.
The National Youth Council's repeated leadership resignations and turnover prevent it from serving its core mandate to represent young Namibians. The author argues that institutional stability, tolerance of diversity, and prioritizing mandate over ego are essential to break the cycle of instability and deliver on programmes for youth.
The education ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to tertiary education for students from the San, Ovatue and Ovatjimba communities through considerations within the subsidised funding framework and targeted interventions to ensure equity and inclusivity. Beyond financial support, the ministry is urging regional education directors, councillors and traditional authorities to ensure provision of academic, psychosocial and administrative support measures, with funding for 2026 already secured for qualifying students.
Alcohol consumption drove a wave of assaults, public fights and disorder across Erongo's townships and nightlife areas during the festive season, concentrated in Mondesa, DRC and Kuisebmond, according to regional police. Despite this, overall crime in the region declined 10% compared to the previous festive season, with robberies down 6%, assaults with intent to cause grievous bodily harm down 17%, and housebreaking and theft down 28%.
Eleven suspects were arrested after they assaulted a 58-year-old man during a land dispute in Kanono, Zambezi, reportedly sparked when another man confronted him about ploughing a disputed field. All face attempted murder charges; the victim suffered a broken jaw and multiple injuries and is recovering at a local hospital.
The National Association of Namibian Students Organisations (Nanso) in Kunene region has warned teachers and school sport officials against consuming alcohol during tournaments, saying it compromises pupil safety and undermines professional responsibility. The organization also called for medical support at all school sporting events and encouraged schools to participate in an upcoming debate competition.
Myles Kharuxab, 30, owner of Vereeniging Funerals and Tombstones in Katutura, says undertakers are integral service providers like police and teachers. Started in 2017 after learning the trade while supporting his family, he caters mainly to lower-income earners and pensioners, offering flexible payment terms despite challenges including stigma, competition, and access to loans.
A High Court judge sentenced Marlo McNab to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife Helen Onesimus, whom he stabbed 27 times at her home in Windhoek in February 2024. The judge described the killing as "an act of unbridled and horrific violence" and noted the epidemic of gender-based violence in Namibia, while acknowledging McNab's plea of guilty and expressed remorse.
Police in Erongo Region are asking the public to help identify a man killed when struck by a truck on the B2 road near Karibib on 19 January. The deceased's next of kin remain unknown, and investigators urge anyone with information about missing relatives to contact Detective Inspector Shashipapo Muduva.
Defence lawyer Veiko Alexander cross-examined a State witness in the bail hearing for Joel Angula, a former police officer accused of murder and diamond theft in a January 2025 NAMDIA heist, questioning whether the "common purpose" charges are justified and arguing that attempted murder counts should be treated as assault charges instead.
Namibia's Medicines Regulatory Council has urged the public to consult healthcare professionals before using supplements containing zinc picolinate and selenium, especially for children under 18, following safety concerns from South Africa's health regulator. The NMRC is not recalling the products but says consumers should seek professional advice, and has urged reporting of any adverse effects.
A 38-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court for murdering his estranged wife on 16 February 2024 in Rocky Crest, stabbing her 27 times with scissors and a knife after being served divorce papers. The judge noted the extreme violence and domestic setting as aggravating factors.
The Ministry of Education has released comprehensive eligibility criteria for subsidised tertiary education through the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), specifying minimum academic requirements, exclusion categories, and funding rules for undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational students at local and foreign institutions.
A 21-year-old man died after being struck by lightning while herding cattle in Kanyikama Village on 16 January. A 26-year-old woman was also struck by lightning the same day while weeding nearby and sustained severe burns; she is admitted in stable condition at Nankudu State Hospital.
NamWater announced a water supply interruption affecting Karibib and surrounding areas due to a faulty abstraction pump at Swakoppoort Dam. The technical team is installing a replacement pump, with work scheduled for completion on 20 January 2026, and customers are asked to use water sparingly until supply is restored.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at an Okahandja service station on 17 January after selling a leopard skin valued at N$80,000 to an undercover law enforcement agent in an intelligence-led operation. He was charged and scheduled to appear before the Okahandja Magistrates' Court on 19 January.
A 40-year-old man died after being stabbed by a 33-year-old suspect during a heated argument at a shebeen in Epako's Kanaan C location. The suspect was arrested by community members after fleeing the scene.
A Hanover resident in Ongwediva was arrested after advertising a gun for sale on social media. Police discovered the pistol was unlicensed and had been illegally brought into Namibia from South Africa without declaration.
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has clarified that while subsidised tertiary education will continue in 2026 with government funding secured, eligibility for funding will be determined by Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) requirements, not automatic institution acceptance. The government has increased the non-tuition household income threshold to N$300,000 to expand access for low and middle-income students.
A state witness in the bail application for Joel Angula, accused of the January 2025 NAMDIA robbery that netted over N$300 million in diamonds, revealed that Angula and Max Endjala held planning meetings at Wanderers Sports Field, where they discussed security vulnerabilities and execution details, including tying up guards and placing a getaway vehicle. Police found a written heist plan in Endjala's vehicle detailing activities that were later carried out at the crime scene, and DNA evidence linked Angula to a blanket left at the premises.
Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare called for stronger regional coordination and practical solutions to improve education service delivery following a high-level meeting with Regional Directors of Education from all 14 regions. Key proposals discussed included provision of transport for schools, Daily Subsistence Allowances for teachers, and use of TVET programmes for school infrastructure rehabilitation.
Teresa Mupalu of Hair by Mulombe led a grooming initiative at Home of Good Hope Orphanage, where her team braided 31 girls, washed 35 children, and cut the hair of 40 boys ahead of the new school term. Mupalu said the effort aimed to boost children's confidence and belonging through grooming, and she plans to continue the initiative to encourage others to give back using their natural talents.
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Namibia awarded 21 fully funded fellowships to exceptional young Namibian students studying at South African universities, up from 18 the previous year, with the programme providing financial support alongside leadership and entrepreneurship development. The 2026 selection attracted 394 applicants from all 14 regions of Namibia.
The parents of 15-year-old Vali Valentino Mwashekele, who died by suicide last week in Grysblock, have spoken to New Era to describe their son as happy and loved, with no warning signs before his death. They stressed that he left no note or message, saying they do not know what he was thinking and wish him to be remembered as a joyful child rather than through assumptions about his death.
Teachers and police in Oshana region are warning that primary school learners are increasingly absent on market days (Mondays and Fridays) to work at Oshakati open market, earning N$5–N$10 carrying goods for traders. Police say the practice is illegal child labour and will make arrests; officials have urged parents, traders and the community to keep children in school.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Okongo constituency to promote education and assessed a government-supported San community project in Eendobe aimed at improving livelihoods through agricultural land, housing, and kindergarten services. She stressed the importance of education and called on the San community to prioritise food production, education, and self-reliance.
As of 12 January 2026, the Grootfontein district outbreak declared in November 2025 has recorded 99 suspected cases with 32 confirmed cholera cases and zero fatalities. The Ministry of Health attributes the low death toll to early detection and appropriate management, and is deploying a multi-sectoral response team to intensify surveillance and address water, sanitation and hygiene challenges driving the outbreak.
The Namibian National Teachers Union's Kavango West branch has commended the region's consistent top-three national ranking in 2025 secondary examinations, crediting the education director, teaching staff, and reduced workplace conflicts for the achievement.
Installation of a communal water tap in Mutengo Mukuru village has transformed residents' lives after decades of relying on a nearby river for water, eliminating daily dangers and hardship, particularly for elderly people and those with disabilities who previously faced accidents during long journeys to fetch water.
At 18, Willias Nghitotelwa (Mapuzza) is among a wave of Namibian artists building momentum from outside established centres. Despite challenges accessing studios, radio play, and digital distribution platforms, he gained breakthrough with his song 'Mr Driver' through organic social media circulation and plans to release more music by end of February.
The National Theatre of Namibia is launching a Stage Actors Training Lab starting 7 February, offering weekly Saturday sessions for amateur and professional actors. Training covers voice, acting technique, movement, improvisation, and professional development, facilitated by experienced local theatre practitioners, with tickets at N$50 per session.
Muree Tjiueza, a promising young defender at Sport Klub Windhoek, developed his talent through early street football and dedicated practice, with parental support emphasizing both athletic development and academic responsibility. His mother says his dream is to become a professional defender and represent Namibia at senior level.
The third edition of the Summer Jive Tournament will be held on 29 and 30 August at Etoshapoort Stadium in Outjo, featuring football and netball matches, local food and merchandise stalls, and entertainment. The event aims to promote sport for youth development, foster community unity, and create economic opportunities for local vendors.
Namibia's Capricorn Eagles lost by four wickets to the United States in a T20 World Cup qualifier match in Nepal, scoring 144/6 but unable to prevent the US reaching their target. The loss leaves Namibia second last in Group A with three group matches remaining to reach the Super Six stage.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid thrashed Monaco 6-1 in the Champions League, with Vinicius Junior also scoring in the emphatic victory. The win came under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa and helped ease tensions around the club following earlier difficulties.
Arsenal defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in the Champions League to secure a top-eight finish, with Gabriel Jesus scoring twice in the first half to push the Gunners into the last 16. The victory gave Arsenal their seventh straight league phase win and left them six points clear at the top of the classification.
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt defeated Manchester City 3–1 in their Champions League group phase match, with goals from Kasper Hogh (two) and Jens Petter Hauge, marking one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history. The loss left City without a win in four league matches and exposed defensive frailties in what the article describes as an increasingly troubled season for Pep Guardiola's team.
Mohamed Salah has been named in Liverpool's 20-man squad for Wednesday's Champions League match against Marseille following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. The return comes after Salah's recent public criticism of the club and manager Arne Slot, though Slot said the team had moved on from the controversy.
Tens of thousands of Senegal fans lined the streets of Dakar as the Lions of Teranga held a victory parade to celebrate their Africa Cup of Nations triumph over Morocco. The players and coaches travelled by open-top bus through the capital to the presidential palace, where they were met by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other government officials.
Jannik Sinner won his opening match at the Australian Open when opponent Hugo Gaston retired, while Naomi Osaka drew attention with a jellyfish-inspired outfit of white parasol, wide-brimmed hat and veil before defeating Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.
The USA defeated Namibia by four wickets in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal, with Ella Claridge's 70 leading the successful chase after Yasmeen Khan's 74 had helped Namibia reach 144 for six.
Australian opener Will Malajczuk smashed the fastest century in ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup history from 51 balls, scoring 102 to guide Australia to an eight-wicket victory over Japan in Windhoek. Rain abandoned New Zealand's match against Bangladesh after 10 overs with the hosts at 51 for one.
Jacobina Uushona became Namibia's first graduate of the Dream Together Master programme, completing a Master's degree in Global Sports Management at Seoul National University. She has begun an internship at the Korea Anti-Doping Agency and plans to return to Namibia to advance sports administration and female participation in the country.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has returned to Merseyside after AFCON duty with Egypt and will be assessed ahead of the Champions League match against Marseille. Salah's return comes a month after departing amid a public dispute with head coach Arne Slot, during which he accused the club of throwing him "under the bus" and questioned his future at the club.
Gabriel Jesus has said Viktor Gyokeres' difficult start at Arsenal is "not easy" but that the team will support him, noting that no player has a guaranteed spot at the club. Jesus, returning from injury, will likely start for Arsenal's Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Madison Keys recovered from early nerves to defeat Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-6, 6-1 in her Australian Open title defence, while Oliynykova made her grand slam debut despite living in war-torn Ukraine and drawing motivation from her father fighting in the military.
The Nedbank Windhoek Pedal Power Race Series held its second leg on 17–18 January at Teufelsschlucht, drawing 285 riders across multiple categories, with Drikus Coetzee and Vera Looser winning the elite categories. The series continues on 25 January at Dobra Loops, with further events scheduled through May.
The School of Excellence Hockey Club will compete at the 2026 Africa Cup of Club Champions in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 24–31 January, after winning the 2025 Outdoor Hockey Men's Premier League title. This marks Namibia's first return to continental club competition since 2003.
The Windhoek Golf Club opened its 2026 competition season with the 'Welcome Back Bash' on 17 January, attracting 47 golfers. Ian Wood claimed top honours with 41 points, ahead of Borris Erasmus (40) and Andre Visser (39).
Kazembire Tjipura has taken on the role of fitness coach for African Stars Queens, drawing on her lifelong experience as a sportswoman and her passion for physical performance. She emphasizes training smart over hard, with a focus on injury prevention, mental conditioning, and developing young players in women's football.
Namibian international Isaskar Gurirab has completed a move to Scottland FC, the reigning Zimbabwean champions, and has begun pre-season preparations for the 2026 season. The striker, who scored eight goals and two assists at his previous club Simba Bhora, aims to improve his statistics and help the club defend its title.
The UN reported that international tourist arrivals worldwide hit 1.52 billion in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024, driven by strong growth in Asia and Africa despite inflation and geopolitical tensions. Africa saw an 8% rise to 81 million arrivals, while Europe remained the most popular destination region with 793 million visitors.
US president Donald Trump has reiterated his intent to acquire Greenland, warning "there is no going back" and threatening 10% tariffs on eight European countries and 200% tariffs on French wine if they oppose the takeover. European leaders including French president Macron and EU Commission president Von der Leyen have rejected the proposal as a violation of Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty, with Macron calling for "respect to bullies" and the "rule of law to brutality."
Kizza Besigye, a 69-year-old veteran Ugandan opposition politician detained since November 2024 on treason charges, was taken to a medical facility in Kampala with symptoms including acute stomach pain, high fever, and severe dehydration, his party says; prison authorities denied his condition was critical.
Malawi's energy regulator has increased petrol and diesel prices by more than 40%, the second hike in four months, citing an unsustainable fixed-pricing system. The move is expected to raise transport and commodity costs, potentially worsening the cost-of-living crisis as President Peter Mutharika's administration shifts to an automatic pricing mechanism linked to fuel shipping expenses.
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine told the BBC from hiding that he will not contest President Yoweri Museveni's election victory in court, citing a captured judiciary, and has instead urged supporters to take to the streets in peaceful protest. Wine maintains the results are "fake" and alleged ballot stuffing, while Museveni won 72% of the vote to Wine's 25%, and security forces have intensified a crackdown with arrests and alleged killings of opposition supporters.
Togo arrested and extradited Burkina Faso's former president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to his home country after authorities accused him of plotting to assassinate the current leader Ibrahim Traoré. Damiba, who came to power in a 2022 coup before being overthrown eight months later, also faces charges including embezzlement, corruption, and money laundering.
European stock markets declined while precious metals surged to record highs amid fears of a US-EU trade war triggered by Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. EU chief von der Leyen warned that the proposed tariffs on allied European nations would be a mistake, asserting that the 2024 US-EU trade deal should hold.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc plans "massive" investments in Greenland to counter US President Donald Trump's threats to take the autonomous Danish territory and secure Arctic interests. Von der Leyen warned against punitive tariffs on European allies and pledged a "unflinching, united and proportional" response, while suggesting the EU could direct defence spending toward Arctic security capabilities.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare held meetings with delegations from Iran, Egypt and Indonesia, focusing on trade and bilateral cooperation. Areas of discussion included youth empowerment and skills development with Iran; green hydrogen, renewable energy, and agriculture with Egypt; and agriculture, commerce, education and fisheries with Indonesia.
International relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi held high-level talks in Singapore to deepen bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation, with discussions focused on trade facilitation, industrial development, investment promotion, and port infrastructure and logistics development.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia has natural resources, stable governance and skilled workforce but lacks coordinated digital marketing and storytelling compared to regional peers. The author calls for citizen-led content creation, institutional action from tourism and investment boards, and a focus on African markets first to boost visibility and investment.