Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Politics

Parliamentary committee consults municipalities on housing provision challenges

The News

A parliamentary standing committee on urban and rural development is holding consultative meetings at Rundu with five major local authorities to assess land delivery and housing provision. The consultations aim to gather evidence on how housing is planned and delivered, identify constraints, and propose practical measures to address Namibia's estimated housing backlog of 300,000 to 700,000 units.

27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Parliamentary committee consults municipalities on housing provision challenges

    A parliamentary standing committee on urban and rural development is holding consultative meetings at Rundu with five major local authorities to assess land delivery and housing provision. The consultations aim to gather evidence on how housing is planned and delivered, identify constraints, and propose practical measures to address Namibia's estimated housing backlog of 300,000 to 700,000 units.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Crime Intelligence implicated in 2017 ANC politician's murder

    An undercover Crime Intelligence officer testified at the Madlanga Commission that senior officials in the agency were involved in the 2017 murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, and alleged that suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu attempted to persuade him to lie about the case.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister pledges to pay N$174,000 water debt, calls for government compliance

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has vowed to settle his outstanding water bill of N$174,000 and urged government ministries, departments, and businesses to pay debts owed to local authorities. Sankwasa warned that many local authorities face financial distress and inability to maintain basic services due to unpaid accounts from government institutions.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Fugitive Fishrot lawyer sues over N$1.3 million pension seizure

    Marén de Klerk, a fugitive lawyer wanted in connection with the Fishrot fraud case, is challenging the Namibian Police's seizure of his N$1.3 million retirement annuity with Sanlam Namibia, arguing the seizure violates the Pension Funds Act and that pension benefits cannot be seized under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. President honours deceased liberation struggle veteran Matias Hishoono

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the funeral of former presidential adviser Matias Hishoono, who died at 94, describing him as an icon and dedicated servant who contributed extensively to Namibia's liberation struggle and nation-building. Hishoono had served as adviser to founding presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba, and as headman of Onambutu Village until his death.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Government spending outpaces revenue, economists warn of debt risks

    Namibia's government is spending faster than it generates revenue, with analysis showing the apparent healthy cash position was largely due to sinking fund reserves rather than actual revenue collection. Experts warn that without improved tax collection and controlled spending, the country risks increasing reliance on borrowing, potential social spending cuts, and possible delayed creditor payments.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. National Assembly resumes Tuesday with President opening third session

    The National Assembly will resume on 3 February when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opens the third session of the eighth parliament. The session will consider bills including amendments to petroleum exploration and production laws, land reform, and mental health legislation.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Cybercrime Bill stakeholder consultations to start February 2026

    The Minister of Information and Communication Technology announced that stakeholder consultations on the draft Cybercrime Bill will begin on 2 February 2026, with the Bill designed to address technology-facilitated crimes including gender-based violence, deepfakes, and online harassment. The Data Protection Bill has completed consultation stages and is ready for Cabinet review before Parliament.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Cybercrime and Data Protection Bills nearing Cabinet review

    Namibia's ICT Minister Emma Theofelus says stakeholder consultations on the Cybercrime Bill will begin on 2 February 2026, addressing tech-facilitated crimes including gender-based violence, doxxing, and coordinated digital attacks. The Data Protection Bill is ready for resubmission to Cabinet Committee on Legislation for validation before Parliament processes it.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Convicted murder defendant seeks Supreme Court appeal leave

    Stockley Kauejao, sentenced in July 2025 to 25 years for the 2012 murder of stock theft investigator Hiambepo Kazeurua, is seeking leave to appeal his conviction in the Supreme Court. His lawyer argued the High Court erred in relying on co-accused confessions and witness testimony that lacked direct proof linking Kauejao to the killing.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Daures councillor prioritises water, youth jobs

    Swapo's Inecia Brandt, newly elected councillor for Daures in Erongo, says her main priorities are installing potable water in her constituency and tackling youth unemployment by engaging mining companies to hire local young people.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. JSE simplifies listing requirements to attract companies

    The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has received regulatory approval to implement simplified listing requirements using plain language and reducing complexity. Changes include lower voting thresholds, reduced reporting burdens for property and mining entities, and higher ordinary course of business thresholds, effective 16 February.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Nespresso opens first boutique store at Windhoek's Grove Mall

    Coffee brand Nespresso has opened its first Namibian nano boutique at Grove Mall in Windhoek, offering coffee capsules, machines, and interactive customer experiences. The store was developed in partnership with local stockist Manrico Select and reflects Nespresso's commitment to sustainability.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Review insurance policies annually to match current needs

    The Namibian publishes a guide encouraging Namibians to conduct a thorough review of their insurance policies at the start of each year, including vehicle, home building, and contents cover, to ensure adequate protection aligned with life changes and potentially save on premiums.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia's vehicle market enters 2026 at structural inflection

    Namibia's vehicle market posted 14,498 sales in 2025, its strongest year since 2015, driven by fleet investment and moderating credit conditions, but faces structural disruption from rising Chinese manufacturers reshaping regional supply chains and competitive dynamics. Cooling sales momentum at year-end should not signal reversal, as underlying fundamentals remain constructive with anticipated further monetary easing and corporate fleet demand expected to anchor volumes through 2026.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Namibia's economy to grow 3.9% in 2026, but gains may be narrow

    The Economic Association of Namibia warns that while the economy is expected to grow faster in 2026 (3.9%, up from 3% in 2025), the improvement may not translate into meaningful job creation or poverty reduction, since growth remains concentrated in capital-intensive sectors and vulnerable to diamond prices and weather conditions.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Funeral cover sector faces fraud scrutiny, tighter regulation needed

    Recent fraud scandals—including cases where dozens of policies were taken out on a single person and allegations of murder for insurance benefits—have prompted law enforcement to halt suspicious payouts and sparked debate over funeral cover criteria and explicit consent requirements. While the product remains vital financial protection for many Namibian families, insurers and regulators are calling for stricter verification processes and clearer rules to prevent abuse without limiting access.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia positioned to boost uranium exports amid global demand surge

    Namibia is one of the world's top three uranium producers and stands to benefit from rising global demand for nuclear power as countries pursue clean-energy goals. The country's three active uranium projects—Rössing, Husab, and the recently restarted Langer Heinrich—plus exploration activities could significantly increase output and government revenues over the next decade, though the water-intensive industry faces challenges from drought and market volatility.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government, Sored launch peri-urban electrification project

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has signed a Service Level Agreement with Sored to electrify 969 peri-urban households across Hardap and //Kharas regions, with an initial N$12 million allocation that the ministry intends to increase to at least N$20 million. The project will benefit communities in towns including Rehoboth, Mariental, Aranos, Hoachanas, Gibeon, Aroab, Bethanie, Berseba, Aus, Grünau and Warmbad.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia strengthens defences as foot-and-mouth disease threatens exports

    Namibia's N$8-billion annual red meat industry faces serious risk from foot-and-mouth disease spreading from South Africa, prompting authorities to implement biosecurity measures including vehicle disinfection at borders and a ban on South African meat, dairy, and live animals. Industry leaders warn that an outbreak would devastate exports to key markets including the EU, China, and the United States, causing farmer bankruptcies and widespread job losses.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. OPM owes livestock producers N$28.1 million through Meatco

    Meatco says the Office of the Prime Minister still owes N$28.1 million to producers who supplied livestock under last year's broad-based support programme. The delayed payments are affecting producers who depend on timely settlements, and the outstanding funds relate to livestock procured by the government for drought relief efforts.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Mulching practice conserves water in Namibian farming

    Mulching—covering soil between crops with a layer of material—is an efficient water conservation technique for arid regions like Namibia. It reduces evaporation, cuts watering frequency, prevents weeds, regulates soil temperature, and can provide nutrients when organic materials are used.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Meatco creates 62 jobs at Katima abattoir, strengthens farmers

    Meatco's Northern Communal Area subsidiary has created 62 permanent jobs at the Katima Mulilo abattoir and invested over N$2.7 million in the Zambezi region between 2022 and 2025, supporting communal farmers through improved marketing infrastructure, training, and during the 2024/25 drought, delivering 272,000 relief meat packs to affected households.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Ministry intensifies locust control in Zambezi amid crop threats

    The Ministry of Agriculture has ramped up operations in Zambezi region after three separate African migratory locust outbreaks since April 2025, with current infestations concentrated in Muyako, Masokotwani and Chinchimani threatening maize and millet crops. Control teams have scouted 3,119 hectares and treated 947 hectares, but face challenges including equipment breakdowns and weather constraints; officials are engaging international partners including the FAO for drone surveillance and aerial spraying support.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Grass locusts detected in Oshikoto as drought threatens crops

    The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed grass locusts in Nehale Lya Mpingana and says control measures are ready if they spread to cultivated fields. Farmers in the north are also battling delayed rainfall that is wilting mahangu and other crops, raising fears of poor harvests.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Kavango West school pupils recover from suspected food poisoning

    Twenty-eight pupils from Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School were treated at Rundu State Hospital after a suspected food poisoning incident linked to a hostel meal of bread and processed meat served Sunday evening. The school principal cited unstable electricity supply and concerns about the food supplier's lack of cooling equipment as contributing factors.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry launches polio vaccination campaign for children under 10

    Mobile teams from the Ministry of Health and Social Services began a national door-to-door polio vaccination campaign for children under 10 years old, with the first round running until Thursday.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Oshana police investigate tuckshop robbery and regional crime incidents

    Police in Oshana are investigating a robbery at Okatana, Onawa, where two unknown men allegedly threatened a nanny and stole N$5,000 cash plus additional money from a tuckshop. The weekend crime report also documents an alleged attempted murder in Ohangwena and a house fire in Ongwediva that destroyed the property and a vehicle.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Minister orders emergency action on Rundu sinkholes and erosion

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa inspected the Tutungeni area of Rundu and ordered urgent action to address severe soil erosion and sinkholes caused by uncontrolled stormwater, directing authorities to submit emergency procurement requests to the Ministry of Finance by Monday. The minister expressed concern that the situation had worsened since his previous visit and criticised the slow pace of interventions and poor management by local leaders.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Nust launches 11 new programmes in AI and data science

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology has introduced 11 new undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral qualifications designed to close critical skills gaps and respond to industry demand and emerging global trends. The programmes include Namibia's first bachelor of actuarial science honours, as well as qualifications in artificial intelligence, data science, information security, and other digital economy fields.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Corporate bursaries and fellowships expand education access

    NamPower awarded 15 bursaries for tertiary studies in critical fields, while the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation awarded 21 fully comprehensive fellowships to exceptional young Namibians for 2026, with the foundation also reaching 2,770 pupils through its high school entrepreneurship programme across all 14 regions.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibian children need culturally relevant stories to improve literacy

    Teacher and author Yonda Nyathi argues that seven of ten Namibian children cannot read simple texts by Grade 3, largely because books available to them lack local relevance and relatable characters. She advocates for more locally-written children's books with authentic language and imagery, coupled with support from government, schools, and families to foster reading engagement.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Government spends up to N$300,000 per rural household for electrification

    The minister of industries, mines and energy says rural electrification costs between N$80,000 and N$300,000 per household due to distance and terrain, compared to N$30,000–N$50,000 in peri-urban areas. The government has allocated N$12 million to electrify 969 peri-urban households in Hardap and ||Kharas regions.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Windhoek warns residents of municipal service payment scams

    The City of Windhoek has cautioned residents against scammers posing as council officials who threaten to disconnect utilities unless residents pay via e-wallets or in person. The warning follows a case in which a 75-year-old woman lost N$30,990.60 to a scammer claiming to represent the municipality.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

  10. NSFAF launches 2026 applications under new subsidised funding model

    The National Student Financial Assistance Fund has opened 2026 applications, marking the transition to a Subsidised Tertiary Education Funding Model that will fully cover registration and tuition fees for eligible students. The government also provides non-tuition support to students from households earning N$300,000 or less annually to assist with living expenses, with the funding model described as needs-based and developmental.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Forty learners from Katjinakatji school treated for food poisoning

    Forty hostel learners from Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School in Kavango West are receiving medical treatment for suspected food poisoning after eating bread with butter and polony for dinner. The affected learners, aged 13 to 22, experienced body weakness, nausea, watery diarrhoea, and vomiting, and are being transported to Rundu Hospital for further treatment.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

  12. Roads Authority warns drivers on flood-damaged roads

    Heavy rainfall has damaged road surfaces between Bwabwata National Park and Kongola, and along the route towards Katima Mulilo in Kavango East and Zambezi regions. The Roads Authority is advising drivers to exercise caution and slow down, and says a contractor is already repairing the potholes.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  13. NSFAF launches 2026 online application with stricter compliance

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has launched its 2026 online application system with a commitment to stringent compliance with eligibility criteria. The new subsidised tertiary education funding model lowers the parental income threshold to N$300,000 and awarded 30,138 students N$3.1 billion in 2025, with non-tuition support of N$17,000 also provided to address the cost of living for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  14. Weekend crime report documents rape, drugs, robbery across Namibia

    Police recorded multiple crimes over the past weekend including rape cases in Gochas and Ondangwa, drug arrests in Warmbad, Ongwediva and Grootfontein, robbery and housebreaking incidents, and tragic deaths including a police officer who shot his girlfriend before taking his own life in Khomasdal.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  15. Windhoek bar shooting suspect withdraws bail application pending investigation

    Gabes Shiimi, 30, abandoned his formal bail application in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Friday after the investigating officer testified that investigations were nearing completion. Shiimi faces murder and firearm discharge charges in relation to the June 2025 death of Nande Simon Mulokoshi at the Chicago Bar and Restaurant; the matter has been postponed to 31 March 2026.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. Nationwide polio vaccination campaign responds to Rundu outbreak

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a polio immunisation campaign using the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in response to a poliovirus type 2 outbreak in Rundu, Kavango East, with cases genetically linked to infections in Angola. The nationwide campaign, conducted in two rounds in January and February 2026, targets children from birth to 10 years, with over 39,300 children targeted in Kunene region alone.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  17. Nine-year-old girl killed in crocodile attack in Kavango West

    A nine-year-old girl, Anna Kasiku Kakuvi, died in a crocodile attack on Saturday morning at Mazwa village in Kavango West while washing her feet in the river with three other children tending cattle. Her body was later recovered and transported to Bunya mortuary.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  18. MTC and MVA Fund donate eight classrooms to Okahao school

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund donated eight classrooms valued at over N$2 million to Shaanika Nashilongo Secondary School in Okahao. The donation is part of the MTC Rural Schools Project, which has invested N$18 million and constructed 61 classrooms across Namibia's 14 regions.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  19. Medicines council advises caution with zinc, selenium supplements

    Namibia's Medicines Regulatory Council has advised consumers to consult healthcare professionals before using zinc picolinate and selenium-containing supplements, particularly for children under 18. The council urged the public to report any suspected adverse events to the Therapeutic Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  20. Otjivero school resumes normal lessons after wasp infestation cleared

    Otjivero Combined School in Omitara has resumed normal teaching after wasps were successfully removed from the premises. Nearly 100 learners and more than 10 teachers were stung during the infestation, which forced early dismissals; school management has committed to extra teaching hours to cover lost syllabus time.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. 2026 PstBet Windhoek Cultural Festival calls for exhibitor registrations

    Organisers of the annual PstBet Windhoek Cultural Festival are urging creatives and entrepreneurs to register as exhibitors before the 31 January deadline for the April–May 2026 event. Billed as a marketplace for culture and commerce, the festival plans new features including interactive workshops and culinary design showcases, and expects to surpass last year's record of 101 exhibitors.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. American streamer IShowSpeed arrives in Namibia on Tuesday

    Content creator Darren Watkins Jr, known as IShowSpeed, is set to arrive in Namibia on Tuesday as part of his Africa StreamTour, after delays due to aviation permit issues. The Communication Regulatory Authority has confirmed he will not use StarLink during his stay.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government invests N$10 million to revive Namibian music awards

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture will invest N$10 million to revive the Namibian Annual Music Awards after a six-year pause, aiming to celebrate local musical talent and support growth in the music industry.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda set to host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

    East African countries Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe expressing confidence in their readiness despite concerns from critics about infrastructure gaps compared to Morocco's recent successful hosting. The tournament will be the first shared among three nations and the first to include all 54 CAF member nations, with Eritrea competing for the first time in 19 years.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Coetzee and Janse van Vuuren win WPP3 cycling race

    Drikus Coetzee claimed top honours in the elite men's race at the Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal 3 event on Sunday, finishing in 02:38:13 after 120km, while Delsia Janse van Vuuren won the women's elite race in 02:35:21. Over 170 cyclists participated in the third round of the six-part road cycling series.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibian centre-back Haraseb joins Iraq's Al-Qassim on loan

    Namibian defender Sisqo Haraseb has secured a loan move to Iraqi Stars League side Al-Qassim FC from Botswana club Mochudi Centre Chiefs, following an impressive season with Mighty Gunners FC in the Namibia Premier League and a national team debut at the 2025 Cosafa Cup.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Blatter and Swiss lawyer urge World Cup fans away from US

    Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has echoed anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth's warning to fans to avoid the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing concerns over immigration enforcement and domestic incidents including the death of an unarmed US citizen shot by a federal immigration officer.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Pakistan delays World Cup decision amid Bangladesh row

    Pakistan's cricket chief said a final decision on the team's T20 World Cup participation will be delayed by up to a week, keeping open a possible boycott after the ICC replaced Bangladesh in the tournament. Pakistan backed Bangladesh's unsuccessful demand to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Irish rugby captain defends belief despite mixed recent form

    Irish rugby captain Caelan Doris said the team still has "a lot of belief" in themselves ahead of the Six Nations, despite finishing third last year and suffering losses to France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Ireland will begin their campaign against France on February 5, with several key players sidelined through injury.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Scotland coach Townsend confident ahead of Six Nations campaign

    Gregor Townsend said Scotland can compete with anyone in the Six Nations this year, citing positive performances in key matches against New Zealand, France and England despite losses, and noting momentum from Glasgow Warriors' strong recent form. He acknowledged the team needs to maintain performance across all five matches, having struggled in one game during last year's tournament.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. England must raise standards to win Six Nations: George

    Jamie George says England must set new standards and intensity if they are to win their first Six Nations title in six years, despite an 11-game winning run. George, speaking at the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh, warned that the team cannot rely on recent performances as they face France in what could be a title decider on March 14.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Mourinho faces former club Madrid in Champions League showdown

    Real Madrid aim to seal direct passage to the Champions League last 16 against Benfica on Wednesday, where they face former coach Jose Mourinho, who coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013. Madrid's new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Mourinho disciple and ex-Madrid defender, will take on his former mentor in what could be a chance for Mourinho to reassert dominance against a club that has not forgotten him.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Arsenal seek title redemption after Manchester United defeat

    Despite a 3-2 home loss to Manchester United that reopened questions about mental strength, Arsenal remain four points clear atop the Premier League with 15 games remaining and opportunities in the Champions League, domestic cups, and the title race against inconsistent rivals City and Aston Villa.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Europe's Champions League elite compete for knockout round places

    Fifteen teams have already qualified for the Champions League knockout rounds, with seventeen more competing for remaining places in the final round of the league phase. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are assured of top-eight finishes, while PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham are among the clubs battling to secure direct passage to the last 16 this week.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Sinner advances, Keys ousted as Melbourne heat surges

    Jannik Sinner defeated fellow Italian Luciano Darderi to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals, while defending champion Madison Keys lost to Jessica Pegula as Melbourne faced forecast temperatures of 45C. The tournament implemented health measures including 10-minute breaks during longer matches and plans to use indoor courts as extreme heat continues.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. England extend perfect record at U19 cricket World Cup

    England won their fourth consecutive match at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, beating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the Super Six stage. Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by four wickets and the USA beat Scotland by seven wickets in their respective matches.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. USA beats Papua New Guinea for final Super Six spot

    The USA claimed the final Super Six place at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 with a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea. Ireland advanced as group runner-up, while Namibia was eliminated without a win.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. Coetzee and Janse van Vuuren win Windhoek Power Pedal 3

    Drikus Coetzee of Hollard Insurance and Delsia Janse van Vuuren won the elite men's and women's categories respectively at the Nedbank Namibia Windhoek Power Pedal 3 cycling event held on Sunday, attracting over 170 participants in the third round of a six-part road cycling series.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. Life Fighters determined to avoid relegation after slow start

    Otjiwarongo-based Life Fighters FC, currently 14th in the Namibia Football Premier League with 13 points from 13 matches, has resumed early training to fight for survival. Director Kaupindirue Mulli Tjazerua said the squad has been boosted by returning key players and plans friendly matches before the league resumes, emphasising the team's importance to the Otjiwarongo community.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  17. Namibian boxer Jonas set for Russia debut

    Rising professional boxer Jonas Jonas will compete in Russia next weekend against Russian welterweight Evgeny Kool in his first international fight, bringing an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw into the six-round bout. Jonas' trainer and promoter Max Ipinge said the young boxer is ready for the challenge and views the bout as an opportunity for exposure and experience at the international level.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  18. Namibian junior tennis player trains in Mozambique

    Joanivia Bezuidenhout will spend a month in Mozambique from January to February 2026 training with Davis Cup coach Bruno Figueiredo and competing in two ITF World U/18 tournaments as part of her preparations for the 2026 season. She aims to improve her consistency and aggressive play, with a particular focus on developing a stronger kick-serve.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Environment Minister urges proactive climate and disaster resilience strategies

    Namibia's Minister of Environment and Tourism called for proactive approaches to climate funding and natural disaster management, noting that the country faces systemic climate risks including droughts, floods, and wildfires that threaten agriculture, food security, and livelihoods. The minister emphasized that Namibia, one of Africa's driest regions with temperatures rising 1.2 degrees Celsius above the global average, must shift from reactive responses to preventive investment in infrastructure, ecosystems, and institutions.

    27 January 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. France's parliament backs bill banning social media for under-15s

    France's lower house voted 116-23 in favour of legislation that would ban under-15s from accessing platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, with President Macron calling it a "major step" toward protecting children's mental health. The bill now goes to the Senate for approval, and similar restrictions are being considered in other European countries including Denmark, Greece, Spain and Ireland.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US border official leaves Minneapolis after fatal shooting

    Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is departing Minneapolis after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an observer documenting immigration enforcement operations. Trump is replacing him with "border tsar" Tom Homan to lead on-ground efforts, signaling a possible shift in the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement in the city.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. China removes senior generals in unprecedented military leadership purge

    China's top military general Zhang Youxia and another senior officer Gen Liu Zhenli have been purged, leaving the Central Military Commission with only Xi Jinping and one other member—a historic consolidation blamed officially on corruption but possibly reflecting power consolidation. Analysts warn the purge creates a leadership void that could hamper military decision-making and escalate risks involving Taiwan.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Nigerian military officers charged over alleged coup plot

    Sixteen Nigerian military officers arrested last October on suspicion of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu will face trial before a military court, the armed forces have confirmed. The charges come amid West African instability and heightened regional vigilance over coup attempts, though Nigeria has maintained unbroken civilian rule since 1999.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibia to host continental cybersecurity conference in April 2026

    Namibia will host the International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (NICSC) from 22–24 April 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and cybersecurity professionals to strengthen cyber resilience and promote cross-sector collaboration across Africa.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Uganda military chief denies assault on opposition leader's wife

    Uganda's military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has denied claims that soldiers assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine, during a raid on their home following Wine's rejection of President Yoweri Museveni's recent election victory. Kyagulanyi, who was hospitalized, described being held at gunpoint and physically assaulted by military officers searching for Wine's whereabouts.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Botswana Vaccine Institute boosts FMD vaccine production for SADC region

    The Botswana Vaccine Institute has pledged to increase production to meet rising demand for foot and mouth disease vaccines across the Southern African Development Community, deploying technical support to affected countries including Eswatini to help evaluate outbreaks and develop targeted vaccines.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. US, Namibia launch joint counterproliferation finance training

    The United States and Namibia held a three-day National Counterproliferation Finance Legal Frameworks Training in Windhoek to strengthen Namibia's laws and systems against illegal financial activities linked to weapons proliferation. US Ambassador John Giordano said the training helps detect suspicious financial flows used to fund nuclear and missile programmes, and builds on workshops held in 2022 and 2024.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. US military deepens cooperation with Nigeria against extremists

    The US military is increasing materiel deliveries and intelligence sharing with Nigeria to counter Islamic State-linked militants, according to Africom's deputy commander, as part of broader American efforts to work with African militaries. The cooperation includes recent joint strikes and focus on intelligence support for Nigerian operations in the northwest and northeast, though analysts question whether air support alone can address armed groups rooted in poverty and state collapse.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. US Democrats condemn ICE shootings in Minneapolis

    Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton called for Americans to defend their values after two citizens were killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis. The Trump administration attributed the deaths to Democratic "chaos," but video evidence showed the most recent victim, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, never drew a weapon before being shot.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Israel agrees to reopen Rafah crossing for pedestrians only

    Israel said it would allow only pedestrian passage through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt following the recovery of the last hostage remains, as part of a limited reopening under a truce framework announced by US President Donald Trump. The crossing has remained closed since Israeli forces took control during the war and is vital for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    27 January 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Continuous Learning Offers More Career Growth Than Perfection

    Pursuing perfection in careers often leads to stress and stagnation, whereas continuous learning—through small, intentional steps like reading, seeking feedback, and exploring new skills—enables professionals to adapt, discover passions, and build more fulfilling careers. Rather than aiming to be flawless, prioritizing curiosity and growth mindset unlocks innovation and opens new opportunities.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute