Namibia Minute.
Friday, 23 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 23 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 23 January 2026
Politics

Supreme Court rules NaCC unlawfully delegated pharmacy investigation

The News

The Supreme Court has found that the Namibian Competition Commission acted unlawfully by delegating its authority to investigate alleged price-fixing in the pharmaceutical sector to its secretary rather than exercising that power itself. The court has referred the matter back to the commission to determine whether to continue the investigation against the Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia and pharmacies accused of imposing a uniform 50% mark-up on prescription medicines.

23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Supreme Court rules NaCC unlawfully delegated pharmacy investigation

    The Supreme Court has found that the Namibian Competition Commission acted unlawfully by delegating its authority to investigate alleged price-fixing in the pharmaceutical sector to its secretary rather than exercising that power itself. The court has referred the matter back to the commission to determine whether to continue the investigation against the Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia and pharmacies accused of imposing a uniform 50% mark-up on prescription medicines.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. NYC interim chief's N$100,000 salary draws youth leader criticism

    Acting National Youth Council executive chairperson Patience Masua says she does not set her own salary, responding to backlash over her reported N$100,000 monthly remuneration for three months. Youth leaders, including the National Council of Students president and Popular Democratic Movement Youth League spokesperson, have criticized the amount as disproportionate given the council's limited financial support to affiliate organizations.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Judge finds Shanghala and co-accused delaying Fishrot trial

    Acting judge Marilize du Plessis ruled that former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and two co-accused have been using a strategy to delay their Fishrot fraud, corruption and racketeering trial, which has been pending since October 2021 without witness testimony yet beginning. Du Plessis rejected their postponement applications and ordered the trial to continue, though she granted a brief postponement to allow defence representation time to prepare.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. IPC president Itula denies party division reports

    Panduleni Itula, president of the Independent Patriots for Change, has dismissed media reports of internal division and a power struggle with parliamentary leader Imms Nashinge as false and malicious. Itula clarified that the party's leadership structure is constitutionally defined, with Nashinge's authority limited to parliamentary matters while strategic decisions remain with party headquarters.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Asoli demands transparency on DBN's N$579 million loan write-off

    The Association for Localised Interest has called for the Development Bank of Namibia to explain and publicly name those responsible for the N$579 million in loans written off this week, questioning why well-connected defaulters are freed from repayment obligations while poor Namibians are denied access to credit.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. ACC arrests two public servants for alleged corruption in Ohangwena

    The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested two Ohangwena public servants: a former education official accused of awarding a tender to his nephew's company and misusing public funds to build rental properties, and a ministry liaison officer accused of fraudulently obtaining equipment to run a private milling operation. Both appeared in court on 20 January and were granted bail.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Eenhana official arrested for awarding tender to nephew's company

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested Chris Ndauedua Nghilundilua, a former Senior Administrative Officer at Ohangwena Regional Council, for awarding a 2018 tender for maize blend distribution to a company owned by his nephew while he held signatory power and used funds received to purchase bricks for personal rental property construction.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Award-winning musician Gazza appointed to Swapo Think Tank

    Artist Lazarus Shiimi, known as Gazza, became the first musician appointed to the Swapo Party Think Tank's Cluster 4, which focuses on youth empowerment, sport, and national service. He aims to champion policies supporting creative and sports economies and help design pathways linking talent development, skills training, and economic participation for young Namibians.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Omaheke region councillors take office after regional elections

    New Era profiles the newly and re-elected regional councillors from Omaheke, a region of over 102,000 inhabitants comprising seven constituencies and one town, with primary economic activities in livestock production, transport and logistics, and natural resources.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Parliamentary videographer records 28 years of Namibian democracy

    William Ian van Wyk, a systems controller and videographer for the National Assembly for 28 years, ensures all parliamentary proceedings are captured visually for the public record. His work maintains neutrality across all political affiliations and creates a historical archive of Namibia's legislative progress for future generations.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Karibib CEO outlines service delivery and governance reforms

    Karibib Town Council's newly appointed CEO Tangeni Enkono has outlined priorities including housing, sanitation, roads and industrial development to support mining activities, alongside governance reforms, financial sustainability measures such as prepaid water metres and debt collection, and community engagement to improve residents' quality of life.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Women's financial empowerment requires practical plans, not slogans

    A wealth manager argues that genuine financial empowerment for women demands concrete strategies—including emergency funds, automated savings, insurance protection, and open conversations about money in relationships—rather than hollow rhetoric. She emphasises that women's wealth-building must account for real life patterns like career breaks for caregiving, pay gaps, and longer life expectancy.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. DBN executives hold N$14.1 million in staff home loans

    The Development Bank of Namibia's latest annual report shows that key management personnel hold over N$14.1 million in subsidized staff home loans, down from N$15.2 million the previous year. The bank operates a home ownership scheme offering below-market-rate mortgage bonds to employees, with the total interest discount valued at N$21 million as of March 2025.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister urges Japanese firms to boost local manufacturing in Namibia

    Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi met with Japanese business leaders in Tokyo to encourage companies operating in Namibia to expand local processing and manufacturing activities, create jobs, and transfer skills to Namibians, rather than limiting operations to resource extraction. Namibia hosts around 54 Japanese companies and seeks strategic cooperation with Japan in mining, energy, fisheries, logistics, and digitalisation.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  4. President urges BIPA centre to prioritise efficiency and ethical service

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made an impromptu visit to the BIPA One Stop Centre, which was established to streamline investor services under one roof, and called on the centre to operate on principles of efficiency, professionalism and ethical service delivery to improve Namibia's investment climate.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Former Nedbank employee denies knowledge of fraud in N$3.1bn case

    A former Nedbank Namibia employee testified that she was unaware of any misrepresentation or criminal activity by seven Chinese nationals and one Namibian accused of customs fraud and tax evasion involving N$3.1 billion in allegedly inflated remittances to Chinese suppliers. The defence argued that she verified signatures and documentation but had no evidence of fraud or theft.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Young Namibians increasingly buying funeral cover to support families

    Standard Insurance Brokers reports that young Namibians, often financial breadwinners for multiple generations, are increasingly taking out funeral policies to manage rising costs and protect their families. The company has introduced a Flexible Funeral Policy that covers unlimited family members at coverage levels from N$5,000 to N$150,000, with protection maintained even if premiums are missed.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. NEF warns labour policies risk worsening Namibia's job crisis

    With unemployment at 36.9% and the effective jobless rate exceeding 54% when discouraged workers are included, the Namibian Employers' Federation has cautioned that current labour and economic policies—including the National Minimum Wage and regulatory complexity—could further undermine job creation unless grounded in affordability and practical business realities.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. President urges faster, investor-friendly government services

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited the Business and Intellectual Property One Stop Centre to assess operations, with the President calling on officials to treat investors as key development partners and provide fast, transparent services to support economic growth and job creation.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Sintana Energy signs deal for stake in controversial Namibian oil block

    Businessman Knowledge Katti's Sintana Energy has paid a N$16.3 million deposit to secure negotiation rights over a stake in PEL 37, an oil exploration licence controlled by Paragon Oil & Gas. The licence has been controversial, linked to the firing of former mines minister Natangwe Ithete, and Sintana has until April 2026 to complete due diligence and negotiate terms to become a shareholder in Paragon.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Andrada Mining converts N$50m debt into equity stake

    Andrada Mining Limited converted N$50.1 million of debt into 59.4 million ordinary shares, strengthening its balance sheet without depleting cash reserves. The conversion comprises a N$40.9 million loan from The Orange Trust and N$9.2 million in unpaid fees, and is expected to enhance operational flexibility and support future financing options.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia and Egypt pursue green hydrogen and multi-sector collaboration

    Egypt's ambassador visited Namibia's prime minister to discuss potential collaboration in green hydrogen, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and trade. The engagement builds on longstanding ties between the two nations dating to Egypt's support for Namibia's independence struggle.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Confusion clouds Hardap green scheme expansion plans

    Agricultural officials in the Ministry of Agriculture are at odds over whether a tender to expand the Hardap green scheme with 50 hectares of irrigable land has been awarded. The acting manager and ministry spokesperson say they have no confirmation of an award, while the deputy director claims the ministry has no expansion plan, though a former manager had previously announced the tender and described plans for de-bushing, irrigation setup, and lucerne planting.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. EIF completes water treatment rollout for rural boreholes

    The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia has completed a four-year programme installing water softening and treatment technologies at 17 borehole sites across six regions, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform through a N$40 million budget allocation to address rural water access challenges.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. EIF installs water treatment systems at 17 boreholes nationwide

    The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, has installed water softening and treatment systems at 17 borehole sites across the country to address high groundwater salinity and improve access to safe drinking water for rural communities. The ministry budgeted N$40 million for the planning and design of site-specific solutions including reverse osmosis systems and solar-powered installations, benefiting over 1,000 households and creating 127 temporary jobs during construction.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Minister orders Rundu to hire VTC trainees instead of contractors

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has directed Rundu Town Council to stop outsourcing basic maintenance work to private contractors and instead employ vocational training centre graduates and trainees for tasks like unblocking drainage systems. The minister criticised the council's infrastructure management over several years and rejected its explanations, saying basic maintenance issues must be addressed promptly to prevent further service delivery deterioration.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Environment ministry culls three baboons harassing Windhoek residents

    The Environment ministry shot three baboons in Windhoek's Goreangab area that residents said had been raiding homes, stealing food, and attacking children and animals for years. Officials say the culling is part of a strategy to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and residents welcomed the intervention.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Cholera outbreak in Grootfontein spreading but manageable, officials say

    A cholera outbreak that began in November in the Kap n Bou informal settlement has spread to several areas in Otjozondjupa region, with 39 confirmed hospitalisations and 108 suspected cases as of January, but no deaths recorded. A senior medical officer says the situation is under control following the establishment of a dedicated treatment centre, and a multi-sectoral task force is now working on containment and elimination through improved water infrastructure, hygiene awareness, and isolation protocols.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Ohangwena schools improve Grade 11 and 12 exam results

    Ohangwena region recorded overall improvement in its 2025 Grade 11 and 12 exam results, with several schools placing in the national top 10, including Oshela Secondary School ranking sixth nationally for Grade 12. The region's pass rate improved by 3% to 36.7%, and over 1,000 pupils qualified for the NSSCAS level.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Water outage closes schools in Windhoek's Katutura

    Pupils at several schools in Katutura were sent home on Thursday due to a prolonged water supply interruption caused by repair works on a major pipeline. The City of Windhoek said the 600 mm bulk water supply pipeline was repaired on 21 January and water restoration is happening in phases as reservoir levels stabilise.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Community liaison officer arrested for misusing poverty funds

    A Community Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Child Welfare in Eenhana was arrested for siphoning funds meant for vulnerable community members. She secured a Hammer Mill Machine valued at N$31,500 through the Income Generating Activities programme in 2007/2008 using her cousin's name, then operated a milling business with it for her own benefit instead of the intended purpose.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Subsidised tertiary education policy draws cautious and critical responses

    The education ministry expanded access to subsidised tertiary education including Grade 11 students, with the NSFAF non-tuition threshold raised to N$300,000 household income. While some student organisations welcomed the move, critics questioned the criteria for qualifying students, sustainability concerns, and whether the policy constitutes genuine free education or was politically motivated.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. Abandoned health and infrastructure projects plague Otjozondjupa region

    Otjozondjupa governor John ||Khamuseb told a Parliamentary committee that dormant projects—including an incomplete Okondjatu health centre abandoned 12 years ago and non-functional sewerage systems in Tsumkwe—have deprived residents of essential services. The governor urged the government to impose hefty penalties on contractors who fail to complete state-funded projects on time and budget, and to pursue them through legal channels.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Namibia trains first locally-qualified orthopedic specialist

    Dr Hafeni Undari has become Namibia's first orthopedic surgeon fully trained within the country, completing his specialist qualification through COSECSA in 2024 after training at Namibian hospitals. His achievement demonstrates that the country's health system can now produce internationally-standard specialists locally, reducing reliance on foreign-trained doctors and improving patient access to specialist care.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Omusati prison breaks: 31 inmates escaped in three months

    At least 31 inmates have escaped from holding cells in Omusati region in recent months, including 24 trial-awaiting suspects from Oshifo police holding cell in December (mostly foreign nationals, now believed in Angola) and seven from Outapi police station in October. The Regional Police Commander acknowledged failures in implementing existing security procedures and announced new accountability measures to prevent future escapes.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Two men charged with murder, rape in Christof Frederik case

    Two Windhoek residents have been charged with five counts including murder, two counts of rape, violating a dead body, and obstructing justice in connection with the May 2024 death of Christof Frederik, whose mutilated body was found in Otjomuise. The State alleges the accused attacked the intoxicated Frederik, stabbed him 61 times, sexually assaulted him, and destroyed evidence.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Government to address plight of Angolan street children in Namibia

    Namibia's government is set to meet soon to find a lasting solution for Angolan minors roaming and selling handmade crafts on Namibian streets, with Angola's ambassador saying the objective is to identify, rescue, and transport the children back to Angola in a joint operation. The minors, known locally as "Kadhila Amoomo's kids" after a lawyer's advocacy for their welfare, are commonly seen at shopping malls across Windhoek selling wooden products.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  13. Government to cover student registration fees under subsidy scheme

    Namibia's tertiary institutions have adjusted systems to implement a subsidised funding model where eligible students register without paying fees, with government committed to covering resulting financial shortfalls. Universities have begun refunding students who paid registration fees before the policy announcement, though refunds are subject to verification and the subsidy does not apply to students with outstanding obligations or those who have failed previous years.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  14. Deputy minister to address learner councils on International Education Day

    Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti will address learner representative councils from Khomas region schools at an International Day of Education event themed 'The power of youth in co-creating education', featuring structured dialogue between learners and national policymakers to share experiences and discuss improving schools.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. New column explores women's choices, pressures, and healing

    Frieda Mukufa introduces Mavutu Conversations, a lifestyle column for millennial women navigating identity and choice—addressing topics like childlessness, emotional labour, and the pressure to be everything to everyone. The column aims to create space for honest conversations about women's lived experiences that were previously whispered or dismissed.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  2. Miss Rose releases music video "Hold My Hand"

    Rosalia Shikulo, known as Miss Rose, released her latest project with a music video that reverses the common festive-season narrative of men disappearing during holidays, instead showing a man left confused and unhappy at home. The independent artist, who began her professional music journey in 2017/18, emphasized the importance of creative freedom, collaboration, and self-belief in the music industry.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Bayern Munich chases record treble with Kane prolific

    Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has revealed he receives a schnitzel — his favourite German dish — from a local restaurant for every goal he scores, fuelling his brilliant season as Bayern pursue a historic third treble with just one loss in 29 games and a 71-goal Bundesliga tally so far. Kane's 21 league goals put him on track to challenge Robert Lewandowski's single-season Bundesliga record of 41 goals set in 2020-21.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vinicius sparks Real Madrid's bid to top La Liga

    Vinicius Junior's resurgent form, highlighted by a dominant display in Real Madrid's 6-1 Champions League win over Monaco, has lifted the team ahead of a crucial La Liga clash with Villarreal where victory could move them top of the table. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa has backed the Brazilian winger publicly, and Vinicius has credited the fans' support for his return to form after a lengthy scoring drought.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Arsenal-Man United Premier League clash weekend preview

    Arsenal hunt a fifth consecutive home win against Manchester United this weekend as they aim to maintain their title lead over faltering rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa, who have failed to capitalize on the Gunners' recent 0-0 draws. Manchester City have not won in the Premier League since 2025 and suffered an embarrassing 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, while Tottenham manager Thomas Frank faces potential exit if they fail to beat relegation-zone Burnley.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia denies discussions with SA on hosting 2028 Afcon

    South Africa's sport minister announced plans for Namibia and Botswana to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, but Namibia's sport minister says the country has not been approached with the proposal. Football experts warn that Namibia's stadium infrastructure is insufficient and cannot be upgraded in the required timeframe, citing delays with the Independence Stadium upgrade and lessons from the failed 2027 bid.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia aims to beat Kenya in Afcon futsal qualifier

    New national futsal coach Marco Antunes says Namibia will "fight and win at home" against Kenya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 23 January at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, emphasizing that the team's focus is on delivering results for the nation rather than individuals.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. V Power Angels target victory against Nust Babes in league opener

    V Power Angels FC head coach Risto Shikomba said his team is ready for the 2025 FNB Super Women League season and aims to defeat Nust Babes FC in tomorrow's opener, having drawn both matches against them last season. The team has prepared since October and registered 25 players, with ambitions to finish in the top three and qualify for the Cosafa Women's Club Championship.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibia's T20 World Cup hopes fade after Bangladesh loss

    Namibia suffered an 80-run defeat to Bangladesh in the ICC T20 Women's World Cup, their second consecutive loss, leaving them bottom of Group A with only two matches remaining to qualify for the Super Six stage. Namibia restricted Bangladesh to 144/7 but collapsed with the bat, scoring just 64 runs against Bangladesh's spin bowling attack.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Aston Villa secures Europa League last 16 spot

    Aston Villa advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League after a 1-0 victory at Fenerbahce, with Jadon Sancho scoring the winning header. Nottingham Forest suffered a costly 1-0 defeat to Braga and now faces the knockout play-offs.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Springboks meet All Blacks in USA for first time

    World champion South Africa will face New Zealand in a four-match series in 2026, with the deciding Test taking place in Baltimore on September 12—the first time these rivals have played in the United States. The first three matches will be held in South Africa, with the second Johannesburg Test featuring a double-header of men's and women's rugby.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Sri Lanka defeats England by 19 runs in opening ODI

    Sri Lanka's spinners delivered a match-winning performance to secure a 19-run victory over England in the opening one-day international at Colombo. England chased 272 but fell short at 252, with Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka praising his spinners' ability to take control once the ball began turning after the 30th over.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Napoli face Juventus after disappointing Champions League draw

    Napoli drew 1-1 with Copenhagen despite playing with a numerical advantage after an early red card, dropping into Champions League elimination places with one group match remaining. The Serie A leaders face rivals Juventus on Sunday while trailing Inter Milan by six points in the domestic title race.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Djokovic, Sinner advance at Australian Open; Wawrinka makes history

    Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner advanced to the third round of the Australian Open, with Sinner defending his two-time title and Djokovic pursuing a record 25th Grand Slam. Stan Wawrinka, at 40, became the oldest player in 45 years to reach the men's third round at a Grand Slam before retiring.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Netherlands, Bangladesh lead ICC Women's T20 World Cup qualifier

    The Netherlands narrowly defeated Nepal by two runs while Bangladesh thrashed Namibia by 80 runs at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier. Bangladesh moved top of the Group A table with an undefeated record.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Namibia Eagles depart for T20 World Cup in India

    The FNB Namibia Eagles cricket team is heading to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting with warm-up matches in the UAE before their opening fixture against the Netherlands on 10 February in Delhi. The team has been drawn in Group A with cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, plus associate nations the Netherlands and the US.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  15. Otjiwarongo to hold Under-20 football trials tomorrow

    The Otjiwarongo constituency will hold Under-20 football trials at Mokati Sports Stadium tomorrow, aiming to select 20 young men for a squad to represent the constituency at regional trials in Grootfontein on 27 February. Players must have been born on or after 1 January 2007, and trials will run from 08h00 to 19h00.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. Former rugby player Louw appointed Trustco United coach

    Geraldine Louw, who represented Trustco United for four years and previously played for Namibia's women's rugby team, has been appointed head coach of the club. Louw said she is happy to take on the role and hopes to help elevate women's rugby in Namibia.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  17. ICC U/19 World Cup group stage concludes in Namibia

    The ICC U/19 Men's Cricket World Cup group matches are finishing in Namibia, with Afghanistan securing top spot in Group D by defeating Tanzania by nine wickets on Wednesday at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek. The Super Six and knockout stages will run until 26 January 2026 in Namibia, with remaining matches from 27 January onwards in Zimbabwe.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  18. Namibian football community mourns deaths of prominent figures

    The Namibian football world has lost several influential figures, including Alcino 'Shorty' da Costa, a community activist and founder of Mannschaft FC; Charles Shyauya, NFA secretary general; Michael Stephanus Situde ('Culture'), an NFA Executive Council member; and three Rundu Chiefs members—Phillip Kauma, Gideon Luwaya, and Asser 'CJ' Muronga. The article pays tribute to their contributions to football, community development, and sporting culture in Namibia.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  19. Women's Super League season begins with fresh ambitions and new recruits

    Namibia's FNB Women's Super League kicks off this weekend with clubs targeting improved performance; defending runners-up Ongos Ladies and ambitious V-Power Angels have strengthened squads and begun early preparation, while FNB announced a N$9.3 million three-year sponsorship commitment to support the competition.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Entrepreneur plans crocodile park in Rundu for safety education

    Local businessman Peter Immanuel is transforming the Maria Mwengere facility into a crocodile park, with construction underway and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism set to donate the animals. The project aims to educate communities about crocodile behaviour to prevent river attacks and boost tourism in the Kavango region.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. Jack Smith says Trump engaged in criminal activity at Capitol hearing

    Former special counsel Jack Smith testified before Congress that he had "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" to convict Donald Trump in both criminal cases—one over alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election and another over classified document retention—and that Trump was responsible for the 6 January Capitol riot. Smith said he would prosecute a former president again under the same facts regardless of party affiliation, and expressed concern that Trump intends to have him indicted.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Trump revokes Canada's invitation to 'Board of Peace'

    US President Donald Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his newly established 'Board of Peace' international organization, following tensions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over economic coercion and global power dynamics. Canada had indicated willingness to join but declined to pay a proposed $1 billion membership fee for permanent members.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Guinea-Bissau junta schedules December election after November coup

    Military coup leaders in Guinea-Bissau have set 6 December for presidential and legislative elections, following pressure from the West African regional body Ecowas to move swiftly toward civilian rule after seizing power in November. The timeline remains contested, with observers questioning whether the junta will actually cede power or consolidate control.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Ugandan MP and Bobi Wine ally detained over election violence

    Muwanga Kivumbi, deputy leader of opposition leader Bobi Wine's National Unity Platform, has been detained by Ugandan police for alleged involvement in election-related violence following the party's electoral loss. The arrest follows tensions after last week's elections in which President Museveni was re-elected for a seventh term, with conflicting reports over death tolls and allegations of violence between authorities and opposition supporters.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. China funds N$750 million police housing project in Namibia

    The Chinese ambassador announced that China has made N$750 million available for police housing in Namibia, with about 1,287 police housing units to be constructed once bilateral processes are finalized. China is also planning to build 400 social housing units in Grootfontein and Gobabis.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. World Economic Forum opens with focus on dialogue and Africa

    The 56th World Economic Forum opened in Davos this week with nearly 3,000 attendees, including 60 heads of state and government, focused on cooperation, growth and innovation. Africa's presence is being amplified through the Africa Collective Hub, which will highlight trade, investment and technology priorities, while the WEF announced plans to revive its Africa Summit in 2027 after a seven-year hiatus.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Three letters on goals, youth unemployment, geopolitics

    The Namibian publishes three opinion letters: one on setting realistic personal goals; one arguing free university tuition alone cannot solve Namibia's 44.4% youth unemployment without job creation and support for entrepreneurship; and one critiquing US intervention rhetoric in Venezuela as "weaponised aid" that undermines Global South sovereignty.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's beef industry serves as diplomatic and economic asset

    An opinion piece argues that Namibian beef exports represent more than agricultural commerce—they embody the country's international credibility and reputation for quality and reliability. The author contends that effective diplomatic engagement is essential to maintaining market access, building trust with trading partners, and positioning Namibia competitively as global food systems increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.

    23 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Namibia's creative sector stagnant, argues filmmaker

    A Namibian filmmaker argues that Namibia's creative sector remains stagnant despite national policy recognition, citing the cancellation of a major influencer visit and the over-centralisation of the film industry in hindering cultural preservation and youth opportunities. He calls for policy alignment across aviation, immigration, tourism, and trade sectors to support creative development.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Namibia-Russia ties shift from ideology to economic strategy

    An editorial argues that Namibia's recent ministerial visit to Russia marks a pragmatic shift from historical solidarity to practical economic cooperation, with bilateral trade nearly doubling in 2024 and new opportunities in uranium, agriculture, and value-added manufacturing.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. HR must hire youth for potential, not experience alone

    An opinion piece argues that HR professionals should prioritize youth employment as a strategic business advantage rather than a social responsibility, and adopt practices like skills-based hiring, mentorship programs, and fair labour standards to address Namibia's 36.1% youth unemployment rate and unlock innovation.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Budget cuts weaken Namibia's disaster risk reduction capacity

    An opinion piece argues that sustained budget reductions, particularly at the local government level, are undermining Namibia's ability to shift from reactive emergency response to proactive disaster risk reduction. The author contends that local authorities lack adequate funding, equipment, and personnel for preparedness and response, and calls for disaster risk reduction to be mainstreamed into local governance reforms and supported by realistic budgets.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. Family role in shaping Namibian children's development examined

    A theological educator argues that families are fundamental to instilling values, character, and practical skills in Namibian children, warning that rapid socio-economic change, modern media, and the shift from traditional to formal education have undermined the family's traditional role and may lead to social problems including substance abuse and crime.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. Grade 11 exit policy lacks clarity, leaves learners stranded

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Grade 11 exit policy, while well-intentioned, has created uncertainty because multiple educational pathways are not adequately aligned—universities, funding, and vocational institutions lack coordination, leaving learners with certificates but no clear destinations. The author calls for urgent action including a 90-day government initiative, a national education alignment summit, transitional protections for affected learners, and clear public communication on available pathways.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Editorial: Journalists deserve respect after incident at Swapo headquarters

    The New Era editorial argues that journalists, likened to the hardworking mbangula woodpecker in Oshiwambo tradition, are summoned to expose injustice but then discarded or abused once their work is done. It condemns the recent verbal abuse of reporters by former liberation struggle veterans at Swapo Party headquarters, arguing that such treatment undermines democracy and the public's right to information.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Namibian beef diplomacy strengthens nation's global brand

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia's red meat exports, supported by diplomatic engagement and regulatory compliance, function as a strategic tool for advancing national interests and building international credibility. The author contends that coordinated efforts between government, industry, and foreign missions are essential to compete in an increasingly scrutinized global food market shaped by sustainability and ethical sourcing concerns.

    23 January 2026 · New Era →

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