Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 1 February 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 1 February 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 1 February 2026
Politics

Africa must develop leaders internally, not abroad—Geingos

The News

Former first lady Monica Geingos, speaking at the Leadership Lab Yetu launch in Rwanda, urged African leadership programmes to stop sending talent outside the continent, warning that reliance on external donors and venues threatens sustainability and development. She called for stronger institutional systems to absorb and deploy emerging leaders, particularly from marginalised groups, and emphasised that Africa has leaders but lacks effective structures to nurture and deploy them.

1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Africa must develop leaders internally, not abroad—Geingos

    Former first lady Monica Geingos, speaking at the Leadership Lab Yetu launch in Rwanda, urged African leadership programmes to stop sending talent outside the continent, warning that reliance on external donors and venues threatens sustainability and development. She called for stronger institutional systems to absorb and deploy emerging leaders, particularly from marginalised groups, and emphasised that Africa has leaders but lacks effective structures to nurture and deploy them.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. ACC investigates minister's N$4.9m tender and tax certificate authenticity

    The Anti-Corruption Commission is probing urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa over a N$4.9 million government tender won by his company, with particular focus on the authenticity of a tax compliance certificate he used to bid for the contract. Sankwasa claims a deceased Zimbabwean business associate obtained the certificate from Namra, but denies wrongdoing and characterizes the investigation as a witch hunt.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. ACC probes emergency tender linked to minister Sankwasa

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has asked urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa to explain details of a tax compliance certificate used to win a N$4.9 million emergency tender, amid suspicions the document is fake. Corporate governance experts warn the case highlights vulnerabilities in Namibia's emergency procurement procedures and the risk of politically connected figures gaining unfair access to state contracts.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Justice system inefficiency blamed for Namibia's unresolved corruption cases

    Former Anti-Corruption Commission investigator Werner Ngashikuao says Namibia's inefficient justice system, rather than the ACC itself, is responsible for unresolved corruption cases. He cites severe manpower shortages in the Prosecutor General's office, case processing delays exceeding 10 or 20 years, witness unavailability, and poor court administration as systemic obstacles to prosecution.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Roads Authority decentralises permit applications to regional NaTIS offices

    The Roads Authority will allow road carrier permit applications to be submitted at NaTIS regional offices nationwide from 1 February 2026, eliminating the need for applicants to travel to Windhoek or pay courier charges. NaTIS offices will serve as submission and collection points, while a long-term online option is being developed.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 46 young entrepreneurs

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 46 youth-owned businesses through the Development Bank of Namibia, with about 40 additional applications under assessment. The fund, a N$500 million initiative supporting Namibians aged 18–35, offers loans from N$60,000 to N$1 million at interest rates from 2%, with no collateral required.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bank BIC Namibia names Erastus Hoveka chief executive

    Bank BIC Namibia has appointed Erastus Hoveka as chief executive effective February 2, bringing three decades of financial services experience in retail, corporate, investment banking and development finance. The bank also appointed two new non-executive directors and says Hoveka will lead efforts in digital banking, customer service and economic empowerment.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia must build local industries to reduce import dependency

    Namibia's heavy reliance on imports, particularly from South Africa, leaves the economy vulnerable to external shocks and limits job creation and resilience. Building domestically owned industries through coordinated effort by government, business, and civil society—with particular emphasis on technical and vocational skills—is essential to ensure the country produces a meaningful share of what it consumes.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibia cuts fuel prices by up to one dollar per litre

    Fuel prices in Namibia will decrease on 4 February, with petrol falling by N$1 per litre and diesel by 50 cents per litre, following over-recoveries recorded during January. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said pump prices across the country will be adjusted accordingly.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Walvis Bay entrepreneur's pie factory reaches 400,000 monthly sales

    Werner Bachmann founded the Namibian Pie Company in 2018, which now supplies frozen pies, pastries, pizzas and samosas to supermarkets and service stations across Namibia, delivering about 400,000 units monthly. Bachmann, a marathon enthusiast, credits his success to low debt, strategic location, quality products at affordable prices, and strong customer service learned from his family's retail background.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia exports N$115 billion Jan–Nov, uranium and gold lead

    Namibia's export basket reached N$115 billion from January to November 2025, with uranium (N$26.3 billion), gold (N$18.1 billion), and fish (N$13.5 billion) as top commodities. About 29% of exports were re-exports, with Namibia leveraging its position as a regional gateway through the Port of Walvis Bay for copper, diamonds, and other goods from neighbouring countries.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namcor faces substandard fuel allegations from Botswana supplier

    Botswana Oil flagged that fuel trucks loaded from Namcor's Walvis Bay terminal in early January failed quality tests for octane rating, raising concerns that substandard fuel may have entered Namibia's retail network and could damage engines. Namcor disputes the allegations, saying the product met specifications at discharge and underwent standard testing procedures.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Karibib Lithium Project sale delayed as ILC seeks legal clarity

    ILC Critical Minerals has extended its option to purchase the Karibib Lithium Project from liquidated Australian company Lepidico to 27 February, citing unresolved legal disputes and required regulatory approvals in Canada and Namibia. The project contains significant lithium, rubidium, and cesium deposits.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Petrol price to drop N$1, diesel 50 cents in February

    The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that petrol prices will fall by N$1 per litre in February 2026, while both diesel variants will be reduced by 50 cents per litre, effective 4 February, following recorded over-recoveries in fuel prices.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Agriculture minister calls staff to cut bureaucratic delays

    Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani has urged ministry staff to eliminate bureaucratic delays, strengthen leadership capabilities, and streamline internal processes to improve service delivery. She outlined the ministry's strategic objectives for 2024–2027, including food security, sustainable natural resource management, and equitable land reform, and emphasized that agriculture is the Eighth Administration's top priority.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

  2. NAU announces 15% subsidy for lumpy skin disease vaccination

    The Namibia Agricultural Union has announced that the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia has approved a 15% subsidy for the lumpy skin disease vaccine, available to registered livestock producers on a first-come, first-served basis with effect from 1 February 2026. Claims are limited to 350 doses per producer per subsidy period, with payment made within one month of verification.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Pathology institute appoints COO Nowaseb as acting CEO

    The Namibia Institute of Pathology has appointed its chief operating officer Vincent Nowaseb as acting CEO following the expiry of former CEO Kapena Tjombonde's contract on 31 January. The board says Nowaseb brings institutional knowledge and continuity, and will guide the organisation during the interim period before a permanent CEO is appointed.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia opens public consultation on Universal Health Coverage bill

    Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has opened consultations on proposed Universal Health Coverage legislation intended to ensure all Namibians access essential health services without financial hardship. The bill will establish legal and institutional frameworks for equitable health financing and service delivery, building on a national policy approved in 2025 and incorporating mechanisms such as the National Health Equity Fund.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Balancing village obligations with long-term retirement planning

    Village contributions remain a cultural obligation for many Namibians, but these emotional, immediate demands often take priority over retirement planning. The article argues that both can coexist through disciplined budgeting, honest family communication, and treating village contributions as planned expenses rather than emergencies.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. PM urges schools to rehabilitate students instead of suspending

    Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on schools to abandon student suspensions for misbehaviour and instead adopt rehabilitation and guidance approaches. Speaking at Hochland Park High Secondary School, he emphasised the importance of supporting learners' mental health and personal growth rather than pushing them onto the streets.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

  1. Namibian film 'The Long Road' premieres on DStv Zambezi Magic

    Written and directed by Errol Geingob, the drama examines financial pressure, family breakdown, and the struggle for redemption, drawing on real-life stories of men facing responsibility and emotional trauma. The film premiered last week after a production journey spanning more than five years.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Nigerian fashion designer Drik launches brand in Windhoek

    Nigerian fashion designer Bobus Drik officially introduced his clothing label to the Namibian market, emphasizing identity and storytelling over commercial appeal. The designer plans to support local creative development through workshops and masterclasses aimed at building skills and job creation.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Hornets extend winning streak to six games over Spurs

    Brandon Miller scored 26 points and eight rebounds to lead the Charlotte Hornets past the San Antonio Spurs 111-106 on Saturday, extending their winning streak to six consecutive games—their longest since March 2016.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Liverpool beat Newcastle 4-1 with Ekitike and Wirtz goals

    Liverpool ended a five-game winless streak in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Newcastle, with Hugo Ekitike scoring twice and Florian Wirtz adding a goal to lift the English champions back to fifth place.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Bayern stumble again, opening door for Dortmund title race

    Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Hamburg on Saturday, dropping points for the second consecutive week in the Bundesliga. Borussia Dortmund can pull within six points of the defending champions with a win over Heidenheim on Sunday.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Pakistan defeats Australia by 90 runs in second T20I

    Skipper Salman Agha scored 76 as Pakistan made 198-5, their highest T20I total against Australia, before spinners routed Australia for 108 in 15.4 overs in Lahore. Pakistan's 90-run victory gives them an unbeatable 2-0 series lead, their first T20I series win over Australia since 2018.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Rybakina wins Australian Open, defeats Sabalenka in final

    Elena Rybakina defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the Australian Open final to claim her second Grand Slam title. The Kazakh fifth seed held her nerve in a tense match at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne to take revenge after losing the 2023 final to the same opponent.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Environment minister calls for efficiency despite budget cuts

    The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has urged staff to complete work efficiently within official hours and avoid overtime amid severe budget constraints. The ministry received a Development Budget of N$70 million for 2025-2026 but has only spent 45% of that allocation, though key infrastructure projects were completed at tourism sites and facilities.

    1 February 2026 · Informanté →

World & Region

  1. Indian school accepts plastic bags as student tuition fees

    Akshar Forum, a school in Assam, India, addresses local plastic waste by accepting cleaned plastic bags and bottles as tuition payment. Students convert collected plastic into eco-bricks and other recycled products, teaching environmental awareness while tackling the region's disposal crisis.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. WHO says Nipah virus spread risk to Namibia remains low

    Following two confirmed cases of the rare but highly deadly Nipah virus in India, WHO says the risk of spread to Namibia or southern Africa remains low, with nearly 200 close contacts tested and all negative results. The virus, which has a fatality rate of 40–75% and no approved vaccine, requires close contact for human-to-human transmission, and authorities are monitoring the situation while WHO recommends no travel or trade restrictions.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

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