Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Politics

Namcor accused denies theft, claims wildlife farm investment

The News

Panduleni Hamukwaya, one of the accused in the Namcor fraud and corruption case, told court that N$1.45 million payments to his close corporation in 2022 were investment funds from Victor Malima for a wildlife farming project, not stolen money. Hamukwaya, arrested in July last year, is charged with theft, corruption, and money laundering in connection with an alleged Enercon Namibia asset purchase fraud at Namcor.

28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Namcor accused denies theft, claims wildlife farm investment

    Panduleni Hamukwaya, one of the accused in the Namcor fraud and corruption case, told court that N$1.45 million payments to his close corporation in 2022 were investment funds from Victor Malima for a wildlife farming project, not stolen money. Hamukwaya, arrested in July last year, is charged with theft, corruption, and money laundering in connection with an alleged Enercon Namibia asset purchase fraud at Namcor.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Political parties urged to mandate qualifications for councillors

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa and political analysts are calling for mandatory education and qualifications for councillors to improve governance and development, citing concerns that unqualified councillors struggle to understand council documents and may be manipulated by officials. Sankwasa said political parties are reluctant to set minimum requirements because they fear losing candidates to other parties.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Minister Sankwasa criticised for xenophobic remarks against journalist

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa faced backlash after making xenophobic comments about journalist Tracy Tafirenyika, who is Zimbabwean-born, following her article reporting that he owed NamWater N$174,000 in bills. Media bodies, civil society, and opposition politicians condemned Sankwasa's remarks as discriminatory attacks on a journalist doing her job, with calls for him to retract and apologise.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Amnesty for illegal immigrants extended to February 2026

    Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs has extended an amnesty period for foreign nationals who have overstayed visas or are in the country illegally until 27 February 2026, allowing them to voluntarily depart without prosecution. Those benefiting from the amnesty must cover their own travel costs and secure necessary documents through their home country's diplomatic mission.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Fishrot case postponed to February 2026 for legal aid representation

    The Fishrot case has been postponed to 4 February 2026 to arrange legal aid representation for Ricardo Gustavo's companies. Two accused, Bernard Esau and Pius Mwatelulo, were absent due to hospitalisation, and the matter was also postponed for the Court to explain Section 115 rights to unrepresented accused individuals.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  6. Police officer and inmate charged in N$2,000 bribery case

    The Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Sergeant Victory Hafeni Vatileni of Ondangwa Police Station on corruption charges after he allegedly received N$2,000 from an inmate's brother and handed it to the inmate without recording it. The inmate, Fillemon Kadhikwa, was charged with offering the bribe to avoid fraud charges, and Vatileni was additionally charged with providing false information to ACC investigators.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Parliament resumes with opening ceremony and pending bills

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open Parliament's Third Session on 3 February 2026, themed "Enhancing the role of Parliament for inclusive development and participatory democracy." Multiple bills are expected to be tabled during the 2026 legislative year, including measures on public enterprises, petroleum exploration, land reform, mental health, and regional councils.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  8. New NYC interim chair pledges ownership, revived programmes

    Patience Masua, newly appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, said young people must take ownership of the institution and vowed to restore confidence through functional, meaningful programmes that respond to youth aspirations. She plans to hold a General Assembly soon and revive strategic partnerships while ensuring compliance with the NYC Act.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  9. Mathias Kanana Hishoono, liberation pioneer, laid to rest

    Mathias Kanana Hishoono, one of the last surviving founders of Swapo and a key organiser in Namibia's liberation struggle, was buried on Saturday following his death on 14 January at age 89. His passing marks the closing of a formative chapter in Namibian political history, as a generation whose authority was rooted in lived experience of colonial repression and resistance fades away.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  10. Parliamentary committee consults on housing and land delivery

    A parliamentary standing committee is holding consultative meetings in Rundu this week with five major local authorities to assess land delivery and housing provision. The consultations aim to give Parliament an evidence-based understanding of how housing is planned and delivered at local level, identify constraints, and propose solutions to Namibia's estimated 300,000 to 700,000-unit housing backlog.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  11. Joel Angula bail hearing continues on Friday

    Final submissions in the bail application of Joel Angula, accused of murder, robbery, and theft of diamonds at Namdia, will be heard on Friday after the State's case closed on the previous hearing. Angula denies all charges and claims he was tied up during the robbery incident, while a police witness testified that Angula was absent for three hours after the crime.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  12. Minister criticises water disconnections of pensioners over arrears

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has criticised local authorities for disconnecting water to pensioners and low-income residents over small debts while allowing businesses owing large amounts to continue receiving services. He stressed that water disconnections should not target poor and vulnerable residents and called on councils to apply fairness and humanity when enforcing credit control measures.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  13. Information minister warns of cutbacks to staff workshops

    Information Minister Emma Theofelus has threatened to end workshops for her ministry staff unless they show visible improvement and apply knowledge to service delivery, saying the funds would be better spent on infrastructure like network towers. She expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's 44% score in a 2025 Customer Service Charter Audit and called on staff to improve performance and efficiency.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  14. Nudo parliamentarian urges party unity amid internal divisions

    Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu has called on party members to end infighting and groupings, saying the divisions have cost the party parliamentary seats and the Okakarara constituency in November's regional elections. He urged adherence to party structure and succession plans to prevent further losses and encourage members to work towards party goals.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  15. PDM leader proposes investment fund for war veterans

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani has suggested the government create an investment fund rather than spending roughly N$2 billion annually from the national budget to pay war veterans, struggle kids, and SWATF members. Venaani also called for intra-national dialogue to resolve pre-independence compensation matters involving various veteran groups who have been seeking government recognition and benefits.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Union rejects Gendev Fishing's 489 planned job cuts

    The Namibian Seamen and Allied Workers' Union has rejected Gendev Fishing's planned retrenchment of 489 employees, arguing the company breached labour law and failed to properly consult workers before issuing retrenchment notices. The company cited sustained financial losses, reduced revenue, and operational challenges as reasons for the contemplated retrenchments.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Trustco minority shareholder calls February vote to remove board

    Riskowitz Value Fund, a 23% shareholder in Trustco Group Holdings, has called a general meeting for 16 February to elect five new directors and remove founder Quinton van Rooyen and the current board after they refused to convene the meeting. The board claims the requisition is invalid and accuses the proposed directors of value destruction, but Section 189 of the Namibian Companies Act allows members holding at least 5% of voting shares to require such a meeting.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. African Export-Import Bank ends partnership with Fitch Ratings

    Afreximbank has terminated its credit-rating relationship with Fitch Ratings, stating that the agency's process does not accurately reflect the bank's establishment agreement, mission, and development-focused mandate. The move reflects broader criticism that international rating agencies show bias against African nations, with studies suggesting such biased assessments cost the continent up to N$1.2 trillion annually.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. 3% growth insufficient to address Namibia's unemployment crisis

    The Economic Association of Namibia says a predicted 3% economic growth rate will not generate enough jobs to meaningfully reduce unemployment, because growth is concentrated in capital-intensive sectors that require few additional workers. The association recommends steering growth toward labour-intensive sectors such as construction, tourism, agriculture, and retail.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Entrepreneur builds trusted school transport for Namibian children

    Pinehas Kavejaruka Kozonguizi launched Wheels Transit, a children's transport service in Windhoek, 12 years ago after identifying parents' need for safe, reliable school transport. The business has grown through word-of-mouth and a focus on reliability, safety compliance, and personalised care, with the founder now aspiring to expand services and introduce technology-driven safety measures.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Craft seller in Windhoek CBD promotes local handmade products

    Penehafo Sem manages a craft stall in Windhoek's Central Business District selling handmade items including Namibian-shaped key holders and ostrich egg necklaces. She emphasizes the importance of local support for craft businesses, which provide livelihoods while preserving Namibian cultural heritage, though sales can be inconsistent.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  7. RFA warns of deepening road funding gap, proposes RUC increases

    Namibia's Road Fund Administration reports a projected funding deficit of N$3.6 billion in FY2025 alone, with road maintenance revenues covering only 46% of national needs, and is advocating for phased Road User Charge adjustments and tolling options on strategic corridors to close the gap and sustain the road network.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  8. Gendev notifies ministry of 489 worker retrenchment

    Horse mackerel processing company Gendev Fishing Group has notified the labour ministry of a contemplated retrenchment of 489 employees, citing sustained financial losses and reduced revenue. If implemented, the layoffs would bring total job losses in the wet-landed pelagic fishing sector to 1,100 since December, though the company says no final decision has been made pending mandatory consultation.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Australian firm seeks extension of offshore oil exploration licence

    Pancontinental Energy NL has applied for a 12-month extension of its PEL 87 offshore exploration licence after the current period expired on 22 January, and is awaiting formal notification from Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Venus oil project unlikely to generate government revenue until 2035

    Namibia's Venus oil and gas project is expected to produce first oil around 2030, but the government won't receive significant revenue until five years later due to the company's need to recover initial investment costs of US$15 billion. The environmental and social impact assessment estimates total government revenue of N$127–229 billion over a 25-year project timeframe, with petroleum income tax at 35% only kicking in after upfront costs are recouped.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Gold hits record highs amid US policy uncertainty

    Gold prices jumped to fresh records on Monday as investors worried about geopolitical tensions, US tariff threats, and potential government shutdowns, with the metal climbing above US$5,100 an ounce before retreating slightly amid growing global uncertainty sparked by US President Donald Trump's policies.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Karasburg residents have until month-end to sign land lease agreements

    About 93 beneficiaries of erven in Karasburg's 2023 zoning scheme must sign their lease agreements, collect permission to occupy certificates, and settle monthly instalments of N$200 by 31 January or risk reallocation of their plots. The municipal council says the programme provides security of tenure and legal recognition to residents.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Heavy rains hit north and east Namibia amid weather warnings

    Rainfall across Kavango, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi regions has brought 35–70 mm of rain this week, with Mashare recording the heaviest showers; authorities warn of continued thunderstorms and lightning risks in the north-east.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Teaching hospital in Zambia helps retain African doctors

    A new surgical teaching hospital in Ndola, Zambia, established in 2011, aims to train doctors locally so they remain in their home countries rather than migrate to wealthier nations. The initiative addresses Africa's healthcare brain drain, which leaves poorer nations with fewer medical resources and worse health outcomes.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. UK study links menopause to Alzheimer's-like brain changes

    A large UK study of nearly 125,000 women found that menopause is associated with loss of grey matter in brain regions involved in memory and emotion, changes similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers speculate this may partly explain why women are at greater risk of dementia than men, though hormone replacement therapy did not appear to prevent the grey matter loss.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Twenty-eight Kavango West pupils treated after food poisoning incident

    Twenty-eight pupils from Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School were treated at Rundu State Hospital after suspected food poisoning from a hostel meal of bread and polony on Sunday evening. The school principal attributed the illness to spoiled food caused by unstable electricity supply and delivery delays from the food supplier, and called for a backup generator and better supply chain practices.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Baboons return to Goreangab despite ministry efforts

    Baboons have returned to the Goreangab residential area and destroyed gardens despite the Ministry of Environment and Tourism shooting three of the animals the previous week and attempting to scare them off on Saturday. Residents complain that the ministry's sporadic efforts are insufficient and call for a long-term solution to the ongoing problem.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Police reservists strengthen community safety through structured partnership

    Police reservists are a form of civic responsibility that can improve trust and community policing in Namibia by creating routine local contact between residents and law enforcement. However, their effectiveness depends on proper training, clear authority, consistent supervision, and strict accountability rather than goodwill alone.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Settlement status blocks bank-financed housing in Aussenkehr

    Aussenkehr's status as a settlement prevents residents from obtaining title deeds, making it impossible to secure bank loans for housing and leaving more than 25,000 people living in reed structures without sanitation. The ||Kharas Regional Council is calling for government funding to repair infrastructure and has allocated land to companies to build employee housing, though leasehold agreements continue to hinder financing efforts.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Education ministry struggles to place over 1,000 pupils in schools

    The Namibian education ministry is struggling to place over 1,000 pupils in schools nationally due to rapid population growth and a shortage of classrooms, with children sitting at home weeks into the academic year, particularly in densely populated regions like Khomas. The ministry says it is repurposing existing facilities and will ensure all pupils receive access to education, though officials acknowledge the classroom backlog is a recurring challenge that has not kept pace with population growth.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Police officer shoots girlfriend, dies by suicide in Windhoek

    A police officer at the serious crimes unit shot and injured his girlfriend after an argument at her home on Saturday, then fatally shot himself. The victim survived and is receiving treatment; a friend said the officer had threatened to kill her on at least three prior occasions.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Omaruru Municipality recalls batch of NAN infant formula nationwide

    The Omaruru Municipality has issued an urgent public notice warning of a safety recall of NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula (0-12 months) with a specific batch number following a Ministry of Health and Social Services directive. The affected product was distributed nationwide from September and residents, retailers, and distributors are urged to immediately withdraw or cease use of the recalled batch.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Verify microlenders are registered with Namfisa before borrowing

    Consumers should only borrow from microlenders registered with Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) to ensure legal protection and compliance with fair lending practices. Unregistered lenders expose borrowers to excessive fees, abusive debt collection, and loss of legal recourse.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. PM calls for indigenous knowledge in disaster and environmental resilience

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged Namibia to leverage indigenous knowledge systems and traditional institutions to strengthen community resilience against disasters and improve environmental management. He highlighted floodwater harvesting, desalination, and water management as tools to address climate challenges, while noting that Algeria has offered expertise in desert agriculture for a pilot project in the Erongo region.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Joschko family tragedy survivor awaits civil suit verdict

    Antonia Joschko, the sole survivor of a fatal December 2014 car accident near Henties Bay that killed her parents and sister, is seeking over N$6 million in civil damages against the driver convicted of culpable homicide. The outcome of the suit is expected by the end of February 2026.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  13. Namibia launches nationwide polio vaccination campaign

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a two-round national polio vaccination campaign targeting children under ten, following the detection of poliovirus type 2 in environmental surveillance in January 2026. Although Namibia has had no confirmed polio cases since 2006, the campaign aims to close an immunity gap and prevent potential outbreaks through door-to-door and facility-based vaccination efforts.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  14. NSFAF expects record 2026 applications under new subsidized education model

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund received 41,322 applications for 2025 and awarded N$3.1 billion to 30,138 students. The Fund is prepared for higher demand in 2026 following the introduction of the 100% Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model, which removes parental income thresholds for tuition fees.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  15. Teacher-founder opens afternoon academy in Katutura Central

    Hazel Kamaazembua Putuaota, an unemployed graduate teacher, founded Ounongo Academy in February 2024, an afternoon education programme offering homework support and exam preparation for learners in Grades 0–7. The business, which began with a loan from her mother's kapana earnings, now supports six people and employs one additional worker, though it faces challenges including high rental costs, unpaid fees, and limited teaching materials.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  16. Namibia lacks clear policy for LGBTQ+ individuals in custody

    Namibia's correctional service and police rely on sex-based housing classifications for detainees, with no specific law or publicly available policy addressing how transgender individuals should be accommodated. Human rights activists warn that LGBTQ+ detainees face discrimination and heightened risks of abuse, and call for comprehensive intake assessments, gender-affirming care, staff training, and confidentiality protections.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  17. Two Walvis Bay men charged with murdering bank employee in 2023

    Quanito van Vuuren and Moses Sem are accused of murdering, raping, and robbing bank employee Vernon Gavin on 30 December 2023. Their trial date is expected to be set on 29 January 2026 after a pre-trial appearance before the Windhoek High Court.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  18. Police sergeant accused of truck driver murder released on bail

    A 44-year-old police sergeant, Dimbulukeveni Namhila, accused of killing a truck driver at Onhuno in May, was released on N$2,000 bail in December after his sixth court appearance, with the case postponed to April 2026 for further investigations. Namhila has returned to work at a different posting and will face an internal hearing to determine whether he will be dismissed or retained; the deceased's family has expressed deep disappointment with the bail decision, calling for intervention from the Inspector General and Prosecutor General.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  19. Rundu soil erosion declared emergency, minister orders action

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa conducted an inspection in Rundu and declared severe soil erosion in Tutungeni and surrounding areas an emergency, ordering the town council to seek three quotations from specialized companies for stormwater drainage and erosion control through expedited government procurement. The minister emphasized the need for collaboration between his ministry and the Ministry of Finance, and criticized poor drainage maintenance and lack of planning while urging stronger revenue collection from government entities to fund repairs.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  20. Vice President affirms government support for disability rights

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi visited the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia's Rehabilitation Centre in Oniipa and reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and building an inclusive society. The centre, established in 1990, provides rehabilitation services across the country with focus on northern communal areas, specializing in support for visually and hearing-impaired learners.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Motorcycle clubs gather for annual ubuntu ride in Karibib

    About 100 bikers from various motorcycle clubs rode into Karibib for the annual national Ubuntu Breakfast Run on the last Sunday of January, celebrating the spirit of ubuntu and road safety. Riders emphasized the importance of protective gear and appealed to other motorists to share the road safely, as bikers face greater vulnerability to serious injury or death in accidents.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Folk tale about kindness and standing up to bullies

    A fictional short story featuring a stuttering boy named Matui who is mocked by village bullies. After a kind snake intervenes to punish the bullies into silence, they are eventually restored and learn not to tease those who stammer.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  3. Ongwediva photographer Castro Guilherme builds respected Perez Filmz brand

    Castro Guilherme, a 28-year-old photographer known as the founder of Perez Filmz, has built a respected photography business in Ongwediva over five years after moving there in 2021 to pursue professional growth. Starting photography in 2020 following financial challenges, he has grown from taking occasional clients to regularly serving six to eight clients per week, prioritising quality and client satisfaction.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Author Victoria Shamhe shares story of suffering and spiritual growth

    Victoria Shamhe, a 47-year-old author, entrepreneur and HR professional, has published a new book titled 'Endure suffering as a good soldier' in which she shares her experiences of loss, betrayal, illness and spiritual struggles. Drawing from scripture, Shamhe frames suffering not as punishment but as spiritual preparation and character-building, offering encouragement to readers facing hardship and life's challenges.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Namibia hosts successful ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup matches

    Namibia successfully hosted 16 matches of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at two Windhoek venues, receiving positive feedback from ICC staff and international teams on its facilities and organization. The experience served as valuable preparation for Namibia's co-hosting role in the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Spanish tennis star Alcaraz advances to Australian Open semi-finals

    Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur to reach his first Australian Open semi-final and move closer to becoming the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam titles. The 22-year-old world number one remains unbeaten in the tournament and will face Alexander Zverev in the next round.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Sri Lanka defeats Afghanistan in U/19 cricket World Cup

    Sri Lanka beat previously unbeaten Afghanistan by four wickets in a Super Six match at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Monday. The ICC U/19 Men's Cricket World Cup continues in Zimbabwe with remaining Super Six and knockout stages concluding on 6 February 2026.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. Members defeat committee in Windhoek Golf Club competition

    The Windhoek Golf Club held a Committee versus Members golf competition over the weekend, with Members decisively winning. Chris van Lill won the event with 44 points, followed by Gustav Jung on 43 points, while various players claimed nearest-to-the-pin prizes across the holes.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  5. Netball Namibia playoffs set for February with 11 clubs

    Netball Namibia has confirmed that playoffs will take place in February, with 11 clubs from across the country competing for promotion, though only four teams will earn spots in the league. The organisation is also recruiting a new secretary general ahead of the new season.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  6. Three Namibian footballers sign with Zimbabwean club Simba Bhora

    Zimbabwean Premier League side Simba Bhora FC has signed three Namibian players—Leevi Alfeus, McCarthy Naweseb, and Kennedy Eib—on two-year contracts ahead of the new season. The trio join the club as it aims to reclaim the domestic title after finishing third last season.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Animal rights activist supports baboon killings in Windhoek

    Margaret Jacobsohn, an animal rights activist, has backed the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's decision to shoot three baboons in Windhoek's Goreangab area, citing the broader challenge of human-wildlife conflict driven by habitat loss and poor waste management. She called for long-term solutions centred on waste management and public education about conservation's value, though acknowledged that lethal control is a difficult necessity in habituated baboon cases.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. South Africa's Icasa mandates data rollover by MTN and Vodacom

    South Africa's communications regulator Icasa has ordered mobile operators to automatically roll over unused prepaid data, voice, and SMS bundles to the next month at no extra cost, while allowing subscribers to transfer unused data to others on the same network. The EFF has claimed the regulatory change as a consumer victory achieved through political pressure.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. SADC assesses flood crisis in South Africa and Mozambique

    A SADC team accompanied by South African officials conducted a mission this week to assess the impacts of recent floods in South Africa and Mozambique that have displaced families and damaged homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. According to preliminary government reports as of 24 January 2026, at least 41 flood-related fatalities have been reported nationally, with over 3,800 households affected in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

  3. EU-India trade deal signals Europe openness amid geopolitical tensions

    Germany has welcomed a trade deal between the European Union and India, saying it creates growth opportunities and deepens strategic partnership with the world's largest democracy. European officials say the agreement represents rules-based trade and is particularly important as ties with the United States and China become strained.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

  4. German business confidence flat in January despite recovery hopes

    German business sentiment held steady at a low level in January according to the Ifo institute's confidence barometer, with firms remaining pessimistic about sustained economic recovery in Europe's largest economy despite government spending plans.

    28 January 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Educator argues for mandatory DNA testing at birth

    An educator argues that Namibia should introduce compulsory DNA testing at birth to protect men from paternity fraud, which causes emotional, psychological and financial harm, while ensuring children know their biological identity and promoting transparency in relationships.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces choice between multilateralism and unilateral alignments

    An opinion piece argues that Namibia must openly debate and declare its foreign policy position amid global tensions, cautioning that the country's current alignment with Russia and China—despite rhetoric of non-alignment—could jeopardize trade benefits and put it at odds with multilateral principles that facilitated its independence. The author contrasts Namibia's closed policy discussions with South Africa's public commitment to strengthening the UN-based multilateral order.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Regional inequality and oil wealth spark south Namibia tensions

    An opinion piece examines Bernadus Swartbooi's calls for southern Namibian independence in light of historical land dispossession and upcoming oil revenues, arguing that Nigeria's civil war over oil-driven regional wealth division offers cautionary lessons for resolving Namibia's north-south divide through fair resource sharing rather than armed conflict.

    28 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute