President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has categorically denied allegations that her family has interests in the oil and gas sector, and has demanded a retraction and public apology from The Namibian newspaper or credible evidence to support the claims. She stated that like any Namibian citizens, her children have the right to participate in the economy within the confines of the law.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has categorically denied allegations that her family has interests in the oil and gas sector, and has demanded a retraction and public apology from The Namibian newspaper or credible evidence to support the claims. She stated that like any Namibian citizens, her children have the right to participate in the economy within the confines of the law.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Presidency defended its removal of journalist Jemima Beukes from State House, citing protocol violations after she posed a question to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah about concerns regarding her family and the oil industry. Namibia Media Professionals Union condemned the incident as state-sponsored intimidation, citing attempts to intimidate the journalist and noting the Presidency has not regularly hosted briefings for nearly a year.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Windhoek High Court rejected an attempt to declare section 10 of the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act unconstitutional, dismissing arguments that the provision infringed on the right to be presumed innocent. Deputy judge president Hannelie Prinsloo found the law justified and noted the applicant's own admissions of intent to deal in cannabis had established his guilt.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A High Court judge has set aside the former minister of urban and rural development's appointment of Felix Mashika as chief of the Gciriku Traditional Authority in Kavango East, ruling that the minister failed to properly determine the community's customary law of succession. The court ordered the current minister to reconsider the designation within 90 days, ensuring a proper determination of the applicable customary law is made.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A week-long induction programme for members of Namibia's seventh National Council commenced in Windhoek on Monday, aimed at familiarising members with the institution's constitutional mandate and their legislative duties. Leadership emphasised the importance of principled governance, accountability, and holding the executive branch accountable.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah told Cabinet that Namibia faces increasing global uncertainty marked by shifting alliances, conflicts and selective enforcement of international norms, urging the administration to remain principled and united in upholding sovereignty, equality among nations and peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and respect for international law.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Journalist Jemima Beukes was escorted out of State House on Monday after asking President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah a question about concerns that her family is moving into controlling the oil industry, despite the president declining to take questions. Beukes says she was manhandled, had a colleague's phone confiscated that was recording the incident, and was threatened with arrest.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Office of the President stated its commitment to press freedom and journalists' role in democracy while emphasizing that formal engagement with the President is guided by designated platforms and protocols. The Presidency noted that press freedom comes with responsibilities and that conduct deemed disruptive or unsafe will be addressed through security protocols.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 2026 Cabinet meeting, warning that time is running out to realise Vision 2030 by the target year and calling for urgency, discipline, and results-driven leadership in implementing the Sixth National Development Plan across all four pillars.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Heidi Boois, a former Bank Windhoek employee, has been arrested as the 12th accused in investigations into approximately N$400 million in corruption and fraud at the Namibia Petroleum Corporation. She faces charges of forgery, uttering, fraud, and violations of the Financial Intelligence Act, Anti-Corruption Act, and Prevention of Organised Crime Act, allegedly involving forged signatures and unauthorized bank account transfers of N$3.3 million.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Journalist Jemima Beukes was escorted out of State House after persistently questioning President Nandi-Ndaitwah about family involvement in the oil industry, despite the President indicating the time was inappropriate and directing her to submit questions through official channels. The Presidency cited security protocols and professional conduct standards, while the Namibia Media Professionals' Union and opposition parties condemned the removal as intimidation and an erosion of press freedom.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament today under the theme "Enhancing the role of Parliament for inclusive development and participatory democracy." Key bills expected during 2026 sessions include amendments to petroleum exploration, land reform, mental health, regional councils, and income tax legislation.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The National Council held its first seminar to equip members with knowledge and skills for legislative, oversight and representative duties. Of 42 council members, 12 are returning and 30 are new, with NC Chairperson Lukas Muha emphasizing that capacity-building is a continuous process to ensure the institution remains responsive and relevant.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Namcor and Puma Energy have denied allegations that they supplied substandard fuel to Botswana and the Namibian market, with Namcor saying its fuel meets prescribed specifications and releasing South African laboratory test results showing compliance with regulations.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority has maintained its ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification for its aeronautical information management unit, confirming its systems for handling aviation data meet international standards and enhance reliability and flight safety.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Petrol prices will decrease by 100 cents per litre in February, while diesel prices will fall by 50 cents per litre, effective Wednesday. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy attributed the reductions to lower international oil prices and exchange rate movements.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses and expects to create 147 jobs. The fund, launched in September 2025 with N$500 million allocated, offers collateral-free loans at 2% to 4% interest to young Namibians aged 18 to 45 to boost entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Heidi Boois, a Bank Windhoek sales manager, was arrested as the 12th suspect in the Namcor fraud and corruption investigation. She faces six charges including money laundering, forged documents, and fraud, allegedly involving the opening of fraudulent business accounts connected to Namcor executives; her lawyer indicated plans to challenge the legality of the arrest warrant.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
Meatco operates fully Halaal-certified abattoirs and undergoes rigorous annual audits by the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust and South African National Halaal Authority to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and international best practices in processing and handling.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
A senior accounting advisor has criticised the government's discontinuation of the Payroll Deduction Management System (PDMS) as of November 2025, calling the proposed "PDMS Helpdesk" replacement a step backwards that relies on manual processes rather than digital automation for managing civil servants' financial deductions. The Finance Ministry has stated the shutdown aims to address over-indebtedness among government employees and suggests the Enhanced Debit Order (EnDo) platform as an alternative, though financial institutions have already begun restricting salary-backed loans in response.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Development Bank of Namibia has approved approximately N$15 million through the National Youth Development Fund to support 46 youth-owned enterprises aged 18 to 45, with collateral-free financing ranging from N$60,000 to over N$1 million at interest rates of 2–4% per annum. The Fund, launched in September 2024, continues to accept applications on a rolling basis through regional governors and participating development finance institutions.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's mining sector delivered mixed results in 2025, with uranium and gold providing strong export earnings and fiscal revenue, while diamonds faced continued global demand weakness. The Chamber of Mines projects uranium will remain the sector's largest growth driver in 2026.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
TotalEnergies and Galp Energia met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to update her on their December agreement involving offshore petroleum licences, with TotalEnergies taking operatorship of the Mopane discoveries and Galp entering the Venus project. Both companies outlined expected contributions to employment and local industry participation, with Venus development projected to generate N$127–229 billion over 25 years.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah categorically denies that she or her family members have any stake or interest in the Namibian oil and gas sector, and calls on journalists to retract allegations published in The Namibian or provide credible evidence to support them.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
TotalEnergies and Galp have announced a partnership reshaping operatorship of key offshore licences in Namibia's Orange Basin, with TotalEnergies taking over PEL 83 (Mopane) and Galp acquiring interests in PEL 56 and PEL 91 (Venus). The companies briefed President Nandi-Ndaitwah on their long-term commitment to developing these discoveries responsibly while creating jobs and economic benefits for Namibians.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian Association for Offshore Oil & Gas Service Providers (NAOGSP) released a 2025 report proposing Namibia as Africa's next center for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading services, with potential Orange Basin discoveries generating N$20–50 billion for Namibian companies over the next decade and creating over 10,000 jobs.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Agricultural Union forecasts modest growth in Namibia's agricultural sector for 2026, fueled by normal to above-normal rainfall and recovery efforts in livestock herds. The cattle sector is expected to see marketing volumes grow by 20% to 30%, while poultry and horticulture sectors show strong expansion, though challenges including foot-and-mouth disease and feed cost volatility persist.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia experienced widespread rainfall over the weekend with the Meteorological Service confirming showers and isolated thunderstorms across several regions, with rainfall totals ranging from light drizzles to over 30mm in some areas. The Namibian Meteorological Service warned of very hot conditions in the south and predicted scattered thundershowers likely in Kunene, Khomas, and Hardap regions in the coming period.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
Agribank's Arrears Relief Programme, launched in September 2025, began implementation and offers farmers with overdue loans a 100% write-off of penalty interest plus the option to repay remaining arrears over up to 60 months, subject to paying at least 20–25% of arrear balances upfront. The bank has also entered into a strategic alliance with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency to support small-scale farmers, expand market access, and promote value-added agricultural projects.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Agribank's technical advisor Hanks Saisai outlines crucial errors for new farmers to avoid, including prioritising infrastructure over home construction, starting at small scale, targeting specific markets, hiring qualified personnel, and viewing farming as a long-term investment requiring patience and disciplined financial management rather than a quick-profit scheme.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia has procured equipment, vaccines and materials to combat foot-and-mouth disease, and established mobile emergency stores to respond to suspected outbreaks. The move comes as South Africa and Botswana battle mounting FMD cases, prompting strict border controls and import bans to protect Namibia's status as one of Africa's few FMD-free countries.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
/Khomanin community members held a mass meeting to protest land allocation practices, alleging communal land is being sold to non-community members and citing lack of transparency and accountability from traditional leadership. The community submitted a list of 50 households for placement on Farm Korassieplaatz and has written to the Land Reform Minister requesting clarity on allocation criteria.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Weather experts forecast intermittent rainfall in parts of northern, central and southeastern Namibia this week, with scattered showers rather than widespread precipitation. While farmers welcome the rain for crop and livestock prospects, authorities warn that areas already saturated with rainfall risk flash floods, particularly in low-lying regions.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded 8,760 malaria cases and 11 deaths in January across northern and north-eastern Namibia, representing a 68% increase compared to January of the previous year. Twenty health districts have surpassed epidemic thresholds, with outbreaks affecting nine regions; the ministry is conducting indoor spraying and distributing insecticide-treated nets in affected areas.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Correctional Service held a four-day workshop to review its organisational structure, which has been in place since April 2020. The review aims to clarify roles, reduce duplication and bureaucracy, and improve coordination between key functions including security, rehabilitation, and human resources.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The University of Namibia has introduced a bachelor's degree in sport coaching, the first of its kind in the country, in response to growing demand for formally qualified coaches and skills gaps in Namibia's sport ecosystem. The programme, with an initial intake of 25 students, will equip graduates for employment in schools, clubs, sport federations, and community contexts, and includes work-integrated learning opportunities.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
NamWater will shut off water to Okahao and parts of Tsandi and Oshuukwa village for 24 to 48 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday to fill and test a ground reservoir after liner replacement.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Fillipus Simon (38) and his two-year-old daughter Grace died in a shack fire in Lüderitz's Amilema settlement after a neighbour allegedly left a cooking fire unattended despite warnings; the suspect, Lucia Joel, is in custody awaiting trial.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Three police officers were arrested after allegedly taking a sheep carcass and two bags of intestines from a farm near Aranos following a vehicle accident in which they hit a kudu. The stolen goods, worth N$2,000, were recovered, and the suspects face charges including abuse of office and receiving stolen stock.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has registered Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV, which health experts welcome as an important addition to prevention efforts. Experts warn the injection does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, and stress that condoms and other preventive measures must continue.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A doctor at Tulinawa Health and Psychosocial Services advises new university students to prioritise academics, maintain self-discipline, choose supportive friends, avoid substance abuse and peer pressure, manage personal safety, and seek help from lecturers or student services when needed.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
University Affairs, a student-led initiative co-led by Laina Kalumbu and Ndawedwa Muandingi, helps Namibian high school pupils navigate the transition to university through peer mentorship, relatable storytelling, and digital support communities. Since its launch in July 2024, the initiative has reached over 1,024 students nationwide through Instagram partnerships and WhatsApp groups with more than 1,100 pupils.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Court proceedings in Opuwo have been delayed due to a shortage of magistrates and interpreters, with one magistrate managing two court rolls and inadequate coverage for Otjiherero and Damara/Nama speakers. A local lawyer warns the delays violate the right to fair trial, while the judiciary says it faces structural challenges in interpreting all indigenous languages across courts.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Rising floodwaters in the Zambezi region have cut off road access to Muzii Combined School, with pupils now using canoes to cross a swollen stream before walking to class. The regional education director says teaching is uninterrupted but authorities are prepared to take safety measures if flooding worsens.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Police recorded five rape cases in different parts of the country over the weekend, including incidents in Katutura, Otjiwarongo, Oshihiindongo, Ongwediva, and Omatjete. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl with disabilities, while investigations continue in the other cases.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia reported 8,760 confirmed malaria cases in the first four weeks of 2026, a 68% increase compared to 5,229 cases for the same period in 2025, with 11 deaths and 20 health districts experiencing outbreaks. The Health Minister attributed the seasonal spike to high rainfall and urged preventive measures, particularly in northern and north-eastern regions.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
Juuso Panduleni Shikongo, a 72-year-old educationalist and former People's Liberation Army of Namibia commander who owned a private school in Ongwediva, died on 27 January and will be buried Saturday in Okambala. He was the commander of PLAN's Onalumono base, which was attacked during Operation Kropduif in 1977, and later became a school principal and established the Nekulilo Omagano Memorial School with his wife.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
The National Youth Service has announced its 2026 intake for Technical, Vocational Education and Training programmes, with selected trainees required to report to the Rietfontein Technical Centre in Otjozondjupa Region between 2 and 13 February 2026 for registration and training commencement.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
Three suspects linked to the acid attack and shooting of Ondangwa Prosecutor Justine Shiweda appeared in Windhoek Magistrate Court, facing charges including attempted murder and bribery. Investigators allege an incarcerated police officer paid co-accused to injure the prosecutor after she denied him bail.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
Helao Nafidi is set to establish its first private hospital, Helao Nafidi Private Hospital, with construction anticipated to begin in June 2026. The facility will be modeled on Ongwediva Medi-Park and is intended to relieve pressure on Engela district hospital while creating local employment and stimulating economic growth.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
A female officer at Windhoek Correctional Facility has been suspended and is under investigation after being seen on CCTV entering a bathroom with a male inmate in violation of facility rules. The Namibia Correctional Service commissioner said the outcome of the investigation will determine whether the officer is dismissed.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
A Namibian man was found dead on Road 349 near Kongola in the Zambezi region after being struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspected vehicle and registered a culpable homicide case.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's weekend saw multiple fatal road accidents, violent robberies, sexual assaults including a case against a 28-year-old man accused of assaulting a disabled 13-year-old girl, drug arrests, and deaths by lightning and drowning.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Community members, learners and government officials gathered at Dr Lemmer High School in Rehoboth to address drug abuse affecting the town, with speakers including the First Gentleman warning that substance abuse derails young people's futures and noting Rehoboth records the highest crime rate in the Hardap region. Officials and church leaders called for early intervention, stronger parental accountability, police visibility around schools, and investment in mentorship and skills programmes to combat the crisis.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The upgraded Ompundja Healthcare Clinic, which cost N$4 million, was inaugurated by Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao and is expected to improve access to medical services for residents who previously had to travel long distances. The facility will particularly benefit elderly residents, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and children.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Leonard Vehonga Kandjiriomuini, a farmer and tour guide in the Omaheke region, donated goods worth N$25,000 and N$11,000 for the head teacher's further studies to the Morukutu Early Child Development centre in Otjijarua. Kandjiriomuini said education requires support from all stakeholders and that investing in learners is key to reducing poverty and national development.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Government stakeholders held an inter-stakeholder engagement workshop in Windhoek focused on establishing environmental stewardship and embedding gender mainstreaming across resilience efforts. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called for science-based approaches and resilience education, while ministers highlighted the need for climate-smart infrastructure, differentiated support for women and vulnerable groups, and integrated policy responses to escalating climate risks.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
A fire destroyed the kitchen at Dr. Romanus Kampungu Senior Secondary School last night, affecting approximately 560 learners. The cause remains under investigation.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Communities from Okongo and Omundaungilo in Ohangwena held a peaceful demonstration in Eenhana calling on the regional governor to intervene against the removal of fences from their lands. At least 22 fences are scheduled for removal following lawful instructions from the Ohangwena Communal Land Board.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Kendrick Lamar won five Grammy Awards at the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony, bringing his career total to 27 Grammys and surpassing Jay Z's previous record of 25 wins. The achievement marks his continued dominance in hip-hop and places him among only a select group of artists earning five or more Grammys in consecutive years.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Josea Aber, a 25-year-old youth mentor and pageant director from Otamanzi, will represent Namibia at the Mr Universe 2026 pageant in Lucknow, India—the first male model to do so. Aber says his participation aims to open doors for future male models and introduce a formal Mr Namibia organisation.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian DJ Theboysolange has established herself in the local music scene despite facing gender-based skepticism and pressure to abandon hip-hop for more commercial sounds. She credits her musical foundation to a childhood immersed in music, and maintains that staying true to her artistic identity matters more than external validation.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
England enters the Six Nations as a genuine contender after winning their last 11 Tests, with coach Steve Borthwick aiming to end France and Ireland's grip on the championship, which they have shared for the last four titles. France, buoyed by Antoine Dupont's return from injury, will face Ireland in the tournament's first Thursday fixture, while Wales and other nations struggle with injuries and recent poor form.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Mabos Vries, recently appointed as acting secretary general of the Namibia Football Association, has pledged to address critical stadium shortages and fixture delays while stabilising the association. He cited the lack of available football stadiums as the number one problem facing the Namibia Premier Football League and noted that the 2025/26 season may not conclude as planned due to various scheduled breaks.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian left-back Riaan !Hanamub earned man of the match honors in AmaZulu FC's victory over Marumo Gallants in the South African Premiership, assisting the winning goal and recording 100% pass accuracy. The award marks !Hanamub's second individual accolade this season, while the article also reports on performances by other Namibian players across various leagues in Southern Africa and England.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has advanced to its knockout phase in Zimbabwe, with defending champions Australia and unbeaten England set to meet in the first semi-final on 3 February, while India and Afghanistan face each other in the second semi-final on 4 February. The final is scheduled for 6 February in Harare.
3 February 2026 · Informanté →
The 2025/2026 Kavango West Second Division League began over the weekend with 48 goals across 12 matches, featuring surprise results including newly promoted Time Boys FC collecting maximum points with victories over Nankudu XI and Monaco FC. LK United currently leads the standings on goal difference after two rounds of matches.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibian siblings Marzel and Pieter Boshoff claimed multiple podium finishes at the African Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Championships in South Africa, marking Namibia's emergence on the continental paddle sport stage. The performances demonstrate the country's growing strength in canoeing and kayaking, according to their coach and the Namibia Canoeing and Rowing Federation.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Life Fighters, promoted back to the Namibia Premier Football League for the 2025/26 season, currently sit in the relegation zone with 13 points. Head coach Bricke Kaaronda blamed the team's lack of experience for their struggles, saying experienced opponents like FC Ongos have exploited this weakness, but expressed confidence the squad can climb the table.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Football Association has appointed Mabos Vries as acting general secretary effective 1 February, replacing Cassius Moetie. Vries, a seasoned football administrator who has served as league director managing the Premier League and other domestic competitions, will hold the position until a substantive general secretary is appointed.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
The Nedbank Namibian National Road and Time Trial Championships will take place on the A1 Dr Hage Geingob Freeway on Friday and Sunday, with more than 120 cyclists expected to participate from across the country.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Five Namibian tennis players will compete in the Davis Cup World Group Three playoffs in Windhoek on 7–8 February. According to Ruben Yssel, one of the players, the team believes a strong effort will yield a favourable result.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
A senior lecturer at IUM has urged conservation and sustainable use of Namibian wetlands, which provide water, fish, and livelihoods for rural communities, as well as wildlife habitat and tourism opportunities. Namibia has five designated Ramsar wetland sites and welcomes a new Southern African Regional Ramsar Initiative to promote best practices and secure resources for regional wetland management.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Reports indicate that Democratic Alliance federal leader John Steenhuisen will announce he will not contest in the party's leadership race at its April national federal congress, withdrawing from competition against Western Cape premier Alan Winde, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, and communications minister Solly Malatsi.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to give US President Donald Trump FIFA's inaugural peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in December, dismissing calls for a boycott. Infantino told Sky News that Trump "objectively" deserved the award and rejected suggestions that the World Cup hosting in North America would be boycotted over Trump administration policies.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Gaza's Rafah border crossing has reopened to Palestinian residents after Israeli forces seized it in May 2024, with Egyptian media reporting only 50 people allowed to cross in each direction during the initial phase. The pilot reopening follows months of appeals from aid groups, with medical evacuees expected to be among the first groups allowed to leave the territory.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Iran's foreign ministry rejected claims it received an ultimatum from President Donald Trump to enter nuclear talks, saying Iran "never accepts ultimatums." The statement came after Trump indicated he had given Iran a deadline to negotiate and threatened military action.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Botswana's outgoing High Commissioner to Namibia, Phemelo Mbi Rankoro, paid a courtesy visit to International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as his tenure ends. The Minister expressed gratitude for the warm relations and deepening bilateral relations between the two states.
3 February 2026 · New Era →