Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Politics

Nandi-Ndaitwah orders all Swapo deployees to implement party manifesto

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned Swapo members at an induction workshop that all government deployees, without exception, must demonstrate total commitment to implementing the party's election manifesto and development plan. She said the results of last year's regional and local elections show Namibians have faith in Swapo and high expectations for the eighth administration.

4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Nandi-Ndaitwah orders all Swapo deployees to implement party manifesto

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned Swapo members at an induction workshop that all government deployees, without exception, must demonstrate total commitment to implementing the party's election manifesto and development plan. She said the results of last year's regional and local elections show Namibians have faith in Swapo and high expectations for the eighth administration.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Senior advocate warns investment promotion bill unconstitutional, vague

    Senior advocate Raymond Heathcote has submitted an opinion arguing that Namibia's investment promotion bill is unconstitutional, grants the minister excessive discretion, and replaces the rule of law with bureaucratic uncertainty. Heathcote advises a strategic pause on the bill, warning that its current form would discourage rather than encourage foreign investment.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President urges MPs to focus on laws, not political points

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told parliamentarians during the opening of the eighth parliament that some use debates merely to score political points, and called on them to prioritize lawmaking, accountability, and shared commitment to national interest over partisan divisions.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. President removes journalist from State House for unauthorized question

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah forcefully removed journalist Jemima Beukes from State House after she posed an unauthorized question about her family's alleged interest in the oil industry. The incident has drawn criticism from media watchdogs, opposition parties, and journalists' unions, who say it violates press freedom and constitutional values.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Parliamentary committee flags slow project execution in ||Kharas region

    A parliamentary standing committee has identified poor execution and delays in government-funded projects across the ||Kharas region, with committee chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi calling for officials to take project implementation more seriously and improve accountability to parliament.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Windhoek mayor says experience matters more than academic degrees

    Newly elected Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona defended his lack of a tertiary degree, saying leadership requires hard work and experience rather than academic qualifications. His remarks respond to calls by urban development minister James Sankwasa and several political parties for mandatory minimum educational qualifications among local councillors.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. President's family oil interests spark transparency calls, journalist escorted out

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah faces mounting calls to disclose her family's alleged business interests in Namibia's oil and gas sector, after a journalist was removed from State House for pressing her on the matter. Political analysts, parliamentarians, and civil society groups are demanding transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, citing concerns about accountability and conflict of interest given the president's direct control over the industry.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. MP calls for solutions over diagnosis in parliament debates

    MP Inna Hengari argues that parliament has fallen into a "politics of diagnosis," becoming adept at identifying problems like youth unemployment and education crises but failing to deliver concrete solutions. She calls for legislators to move beyond blame and debate toward disciplined, accountable action and cross-party collaboration to effect real change for Namibians.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. President calls for stronger legal framework and urgent law amendments

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the opening of the third National Assembly session, calling for a strong legal framework to give confidence to the nation and urging parliamentarians to pass amendments with urgency to ensure citizens benefit and address bread-and-butter issues.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. President urges Parliament to urgently consider public legislative amendments

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Parliament to prioritize public-proposed amendments to laws, particularly those ensuring meaningful national benefit from resources and local economic participation. She stressed Parliament's role in creating responsive legislation to address unemployment, inequality, poverty, and to protect Namibia's sovereignty amid global uncertainty.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  11. President criticises Parliament for passing only two bills in 2025

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed disappointment at Parliament's legislative output, noting that of nine key bills considered in 2025, only two were successfully passed—both budget-related. She called on parliamentarians to focus on their constitutional duty to make laws addressing citizens' needs rather than scoring political points, amid the country's economic and social challenges.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  12. Lawmaker urges Parliament to focus on solutions, not blame

    Auleria Wakudumo Lawmaker Inna Hengari has called on her colleagues to move beyond political affiliations and serve all Namibians, cautioning against the "politics of diagnosis and blame" that distract from solving challenges. Analysts echoed her concerns, urging MPs to prioritise passing laws that improve material conditions, strengthen governance, and address pressing issues including land disputes and unemployment.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  13. President dismisses family oil sector ties, demands retraction

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has categorically denied that her relatives have interests in Namibia's oil and gas sector and demanded a public retraction and apology or credible evidence from those making the allegations, particularly after journalist Jemima Beukes was removed from State House for questioning such purported ties.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  14. Namibia intensifies economic diplomacy amid global uncertainty

    Trade and International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has called on her ministry to prioritize economic diplomacy, trade and investment promotion to deliver measurable benefits to Namibians including jobs and market access, as global tensions, climate pressures and trade disruptions threaten smaller economies. The ministry plans to focus on market diversification in priority sectors such as agriculture, mining, renewable energy and logistics, while advancing new investment and trade bills.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  15. Entrepo appeals High Court payroll deductions ruling to Supreme Court

    Microlender Entrepo Finance is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court after the High Court dismissed its application for contempt of court against Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah over her alleged non-compliance with a court order requiring the continued operation of the Payroll Deductions Management System.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  16. Oshana Governor convenes regional and local authorities

    Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge held a consultative meeting with regional and local authorities to align leadership around a shared vision and renew commitment to ethical governance and development that improves people's lives.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. NCCI northern branch loses members to rival business association

    The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry's northern branch has seen membership decline from about 1,500 to 400 businesses, with many joining the rival Namibia Local Business Association. NCCI leadership attributes the exodus to limited recognition from public enterprises and internal fragmentation, while Naloba claims it offers better support for local entrepreneurs.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Former Bank Windhoek employee charged in Namcor fraud case

    A former Bank Windhoek employee has been arrested and charged with five counts including fraud, forgery, and contraventions of anti-corruption and financial intelligence laws in connection with the Namcor fraud investigation. She is accused of helping open a fraudulent bank account in the name of Quality Meat Supplies using someone else's identity document on behalf of fugitive Victor Malima, and is being held in custody pending a bail application hearing.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Former Bank Windhoek employee charged in Namcor fraud scheme

    Heidi Boois, a former Bank Windhoek employee, appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court on five charges including fraud and forgery linked to the opening of a fraudulent bank account allegedly used to channel N$3.36 million to individuals connected to a larger Namcor corruption case. Boois is the 12th person charged in connection with alleged fraud and corruption at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia, stemming from a fuel company's sale of filling station assets to a Namcor subsidiary for N$53.2 million in July 2022.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibian brands losing traction through disconnected advertising strategy

    According to the chief executive of Image Consultancy Namibia, Namibian businesses have adopted "top-down" marketing approaches that ignore local behavioural psychology and grassroots reality, relying instead on international trends and digital metrics while neglecting community engagement and field research. He argues that effective advertising requires understanding customers' emotional and cultural needs through psychology, data analysis, and locally-rooted design rather than generic stock imagery.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian dollar strengthens to four-year high against USD

    The Namibia dollar has traded at N$15.65 to the USD, its lowest rate in over four years, following the South African rand's movements. The NAD is pegged 1:1 to the ZAR, tying its exchange rate behaviour to USD-ZAR movements.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Travena Dairies closes Windhoek outlets amid unsustainable operations

    Indigenous milk producer Travena Dairies will close its four Windhoek distribution outlets this month due to unsustainable operations, eliminating at least 20 jobs. The company faces challenges including land tenure insecurity, escalating costs, and loss of government school milk contracts when the government switched to imported powdered milk in 2022.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Widow sues Namdia for N$4m over slain protection officer

    Shirley Eises, widow of Namdia Senior Protection Officer Francis Eiseb who was shot dead during a January 2025 armed robbery at the state-owned diamond company, is claiming close to N$4 million in compensation for loss of financial support and trauma, arguing that Namdia failed to provide adequate security despite knowing the risks to employees.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Universal Service Fund tower launched in remote Kunene community

    Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus launched a network tower at Ehomba resettlement in Kunene Region under the Universal Service Fund programme, extending 4G broadband and voice services to the remote community and public institutions including a local school. The government initiative, administered by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, aims to expand telecommunications coverage to underserved and unserved areas.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Young entrepreneur launches handcrafted candle business in Windhoek

    Ndapewa Gift Niilenge, a 24-year-old single mother, left formal employment to focus full-time on Ombili Glow, her handcrafted candle business, as part of a broader trend among young Namibians turning to small-scale manufacturing amid rising unemployment. She produces high-quality soy wax candles with intricate designs across multiple collections and plans to donate 10% of proceeds to charity.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  10. Namibian men's grooming sector expanding with barbershop growth

    Namibia's men's grooming industry is experiencing consistent growth as an increasing number of men invest in professional grooming services, with approximately 75 barbershops now active across the country. Local entrepreneur Joel Mwatilefu's Joe's Fade Cuts exemplifies the sector's expansion, having grown from a side skill into a brand with multiple branches, a training academy, and proprietary products, though operators face challenges including high operating costs and cash flow management.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  11. Single mother builds Namibian cuisine brand internationally

    Costance Likando founded 'The Japo's Taste', an agro-processing and catering business in Windhoek that showcases authentic Namibian food through culinary training and international showcases in China, Dubai, and the USA. Starting with personal savings and driven by her commitment to her children's education and community impact, she has overcome funding constraints and operational challenges to build a recognised culinary enterprise while mentoring other food entrepreneurs, particularly women.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  12. MTC Maris expands mobile money via Kazang agent network

    MTC Maris has partnered with Kazang, a leading African mobile money distributor, to expand financial services access through over 5,500 agents nationwide, bringing e-money, remittances, and digital payments to urban, informal, and remote rural areas in Namibia.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  13. Namport invests N$22m in advanced container handling equipment

    The Namibia Ports Authority has invested over N$22 million in next-generation reach stackers and logistics support at the Port of Walvis Bay, equipped with enhanced safety features and capable of handling up to five-container stacking heights. The investment supports Namport's modernisation goals and commitment to international port standards and smart port principles.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Chevron sponsors 2026 energy conference as Namibia prepares for first oil

    Chevron has renewed its diamond sponsorship of the Namibia International Energy Conference (scheduled for April 2026) as the country prepares for first oil following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin. The conference aims to bring together government, energy companies, and investors to discuss Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector, which analysts project could contribute up to 18% of GDP at peak production.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 88 Energy's Namibian oil exploration licence extended one year

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has extended 88 Energy's PEL 93 licence until October to allow further geophysical surveys and prospect de-risking. The company plans high-resolution gravity and airborne geophysical surveys in 2026 to refine subsurface understanding and support future drilling decisions.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Zambezi governor launches environmental assessment for 500 new plots

    Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula launched an environmental impact assessment for the development of 500 erven in Bukalo Village Council, saying development and conservation can coexist through proper planning. The Bukalo Village Council chairperson said the exercise will evaluate environmental, social and economic impacts while gathering resident input before project approval.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Colonial migration and veterinary controls shaped northern Namibia's donkeys

    Historians trace how donkeys became central to rural life in northern Namibia through colonial borders, migrant labour, and conservation policies. Donkeys entered the region in the 1920s-30s when migrant workers returning from the south brought them as hardy, disease-resistant pack animals, and they retained their special status by being permitted to cross the veterinary cordon fence that separated colonial Namibia.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Meatco clears livestock producer arrears with N$580 million payout

    Meatco paid out over N$580 million to livestock producers between November 2025 and January 2026, clearing all arrears, with additional payments of N$52 million to permit-day producers and N$64 million to Northern Communal Area producers. The corporation plans a throughput of 63,000 cattle for the 2025/26 financial year and is offering producer prices ranging from N$68 to N$78 per kilogram for AB 1–4 grades in the February to April 2026 period.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Multiple Namibian regions experience heavy rain and hail

    Several regions across Namibia, including Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Erongo, received significant rainfall and hail this week, causing flooded streets in towns such as Otjiwarongo and Mariental. The Namibia Meteorological Services forecasts additional heavy showers today, with flash floods likely in Kunene, Erongo, and Omusati regions.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  5. Agribank launches loan arrears relief programme for struggling clients

    Agribank is implementing an Arrears Relief Programme from February 2026 for clients with overdue accounts, offering 100% write-off of penalty interest, de-listing from credit bureaus, and structured repayment plans over up to 60 months. Eligible clients in pre-legal status must pay at least 20% of arrears, while those in legal status must pay 25%, with the remaining balance ring-fenced and charged no further interest.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  6. /Khomanin community demands accountability over land allocation

    /Khomanin community members gathered to voice concerns over land allocation practices, alleging communal land is being sold to non-members and criticising lack of accountability from traditional leadership. The community presented a list of 50 households for placement on Farm Korassieplaatz and requested formal submission to the traditional authority and land reform minister.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Namibia has only one public sector oncologist

    Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia has only one specialist oncologist in the public health sector, with six more in private practice, creating long waiting times and late-stage cancer diagnoses. The government is finalising a national cancer control programme and plans to decentralise services to northern regions, while four oncologists are being trained abroad to strengthen public sector capacity.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Rural cancer patients face long distances to treatment

    The Cancer Association of Namibia says geographical distance and financial hardship delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for rural patients, as specialist services remain centralised in Windhoek. The association is opening new oncology and palliative care centres in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to improve access.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Katutura residents express safety concerns over damaged bridge

    Residents of Grysblok in Windhoek have raised alarm over a bridge whose railings collapsed nearly a year ago, creating a gap that forces pedestrians and schoolchildren to walk dangerously close to traffic. The City of Windhoek spokesperson says the department has assessed the area and will replace the railings; residents also cite inadequate street lighting and rising theft as additional safety concerns.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Parliament demands accountability for stalled hospital projects

    A parliamentary committee has warned of zero tolerance for incomplete health infrastructure after an oversight visit exposed non-functional theatres, missing equipment, and projects stalled for years at Okakarara District Hospital. The committee will summon contractors and officials to explain why funded projects remain incomplete and commit to enforcing accountability through a formal report to parliament.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Capricorn Foundation commits N$1.6m to education initiatives

    The Capricorn Foundation has committed N$1.6 million across three education initiatives to provide learning materials and improve infrastructure for early childhood development centres. The funds support the Amos Meerkat Syllabus, EduVision Online Learning for remote schools in the Hardap region, and Karstveld Academy bursaries for Grade 12 pupils.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Suspect arrested in Ondangwa for drug dealing to undercover officer

    A 32-year-old Ondangwa resident was arrested after allegedly delivering drugs to an undercover police officer. Police seized cannabis valued at N$66,000 from his car and cocaine powder valued at N$2,500 from a body search, along with N$7,790 in cash believed to be proceeds of crime.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Thieves steal cash and clothes from vehicle at Oshakati hospital

    Unknown thieves broke into an Angola-registered vehicle parked at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and stole two bags of clothes, documents, and cash totaling approximately N$4,500. The victims, residents of Angola, declined to open a criminal case and returned home immediately.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  8. Planned water cut in Omusati region affecting Okahao, Tsandi areas

    NamWater announced a planned 24–48 hour water supply interruption in Omusati Region affecting Okahao town, Tsandi village and surrounding areas, starting Tuesday at 05:00 to allow for ground reservoir filling following liner replacement and leakage testing.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  9. Murder trial enters disputes over police conduct and confession validity

    Three men accused of killing businessman Daniele Ferrari in July 2020 are claiming police brutality, torture, and that their confessions were made under duress and without proper legal warnings. The trial has moved into a trial-within-a-trial as defense lawyers contest the admissibility of the confessions and crime scene evidence, while police maintain the confessions were obtained without coercion.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  10. Boy, 15, arrested for cannabis sale in Walvis Bay

    Namibian Police in Erongo Region arrested a 15-year-old boy for selling cannabis in Narraville, Walvis Bay on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Police officers found him with 30 ballies of cannabis weighing 31 grams, valued at N$1,550.00; he was released into parental care pending a Magistrate's Court appearance in Walvis Bay.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté →

  11. Capricorn Foundation invests N$1.6m in three education projects

    The Capricorn Foundation has committed N$1.6 million to three education initiatives: Amos Meerkat Syllabus (N$600,000), EduVision Online Learning (N$609,744), and Karstveld Academy (N$423,330). The projects support early childhood development, online lessons in secondary schools, and student bursaries, with a focus on closing education gaps between rural and urban areas.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  12. Ohangwena youth training creates entrepreneur and employer

    A government-funded enterprise training programme at the University of Namibia has helped young people start businesses; one graduate, Immanuel Shangula, now runs Pewa Omaano Trading CC, a school furniture manufacturing and repair business in Ohangwena that employs four permanent artisans and creates local work in communities.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  13. Old Mutual Foundation hosts Youth Indaba on learning and earning

    The Old Mutual Foundation will host Youth Indaba 3.0 on 12 February 2026 at UNAM's Ongwediva campus, focusing on practical pathways to help young people translate education and skills into sustainable livelihoods. The event will bring together youth, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs for discussions on career readiness, entrepreneurship, financial capability, and economic opportunities.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  14. CRAN launches second USF tower in Kunene region

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia launched a telecommunications tower in Ehomba, Kunene region, under its Universal Service Fund initiative to expand digital access to rural and underserved communities. The launch follows an earlier USF tower deployment in Epinga, Ohangwena region in November 2025.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  15. Flood-hit school raises N$600k for learner hostels

    Parents and community members in Onanghulo village have raised over N$600,000 to build two hostel blocks at Onanghulo Combined School, aiming to keep learners in school during seasonal floods that have previously forced closures for up to three months. The roofed hostels are ready but remain empty awaiting beds, mattresses, paint, and cooking pots.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  16. Malaria cases surge 68% in Namibia during January 2026

    Namibia recorded 8,760 confirmed malaria cases in the first four weeks of 2026—a 68% increase compared to the same period in 2025—with 604 hospital admissions and 11 deaths. Twenty health districts have surpassed epidemic thresholds, with Katima Mulilo and Outapi districts reporting the highest case numbers.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  17. Bukalo Village Council tackles infrastructure and service delivery challenges

    The Bukalo Village Council is addressing long-standing challenges including inadequate sanitation, water access, housing shortages and safety concerns through targeted infrastructure upgrades and institutional reforms. The council has upgraded sewerage systems, improved water reticulation, allocated 500 housing plots with materials distributed to 200 beneficiaries, and undertaken a debushing exercise to reduce theft and housebreaking in the settlement.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  18. Convicted stepdad claims relationship breakdown triggered child's killing

    A man convicted of killing his five-year-old stepson testified during mitigation proceedings that personal struggles and a relationship breakdown with the boy's mother drove him to strike the child with a brick multiple times. He cited heartbreak over the mother's alleged infidelity as his motive, though he acknowledged during cross-examination that he could have resolved matters maturely and expressed remorse for taking the child's life.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  19. Zambezi region reaches over 42,000 children in polio vaccination drive

    The Zambezi region vaccinated 42,478 children against polio in a recent nationwide campaign, achieving high coverage with strong parent cooperation, though flooded roads hindered access to some remote areas. The health ministry urged parents to participate in a second vaccination round scheduled for 24–27 February 2026.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Cape Town art fair returns with global artists and new focus

    The Investec Cape Town Art Fair returns to Cape Town from 20–22 February with 126 exhibitors from 23 cities and 490 artists from 44 countries, exploring the theme "Listen". The 13th edition will feature expanded programming, four curated sections, new awards including the Orms International Photography Prize, and exhibitions beyond the convention centre, with Windhoek's The Project Room having participated in the previous year's fair.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Musician calls for mandatory local music quota on radio

    Swart Baster has renewed calls for binding local music quotas on Namibian radio stations, arguing that limited airplay is undermining local artists' incomes. According to Nascam interim board chairperson Joseph Ailonga, broadcasters are being consulted to revise the broadcasting code of conduct, with some indicating willingness to increase local content to 70–90%.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. National netball coach welcomes reactivation of schools netball

    National netball coach Julene Meyer has welcomed the reactivation of nationwide schools netball, which aims to establish a structured regional pathway to develop elite talent for future international competitions. Meyer outlined a plan for national and regional schools leagues with play-offs to give players experience before joining senior squads.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia faces Estonia in Davis Cup World Group II play-off

    Namibia will compete against Estonia in a Davis Cup World Group II play-off match in Windhoek this weekend, with the top-ranked Namibian player Connor van Schalkwyk unavailable as he plays for Baylor University. Despite the challenge posed by Estonia's higher world ranking and stronger individual players, captain Codie van Schalkwyk said the team is ready to compete for promotion to World Group II.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Arsenal reaches League Cup final, beats Chelsea

    Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the League Cup semi-final second leg, with Kai Havertz scoring in stoppage time to secure the club's first final appearance in eight years. Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22, seeking their first League Cup trophy since 1993.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. England completes T20 series sweep over Sri Lanka with spin display

    Jacob Bethell's career-best four for 11 helped England sweep Sri Lanka 3-0 in a World Cup warm-up series, with England's spinners dominating as they defended 128 for nine to win by 12 runs. England head to the T20 World Cup in India with momentum, while Sri Lanka face questions about their vulnerability to spin bowling.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. IOC chief calls for sport focus, reduced political involvement

    International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry says the organisation should focus on sport and preserve its neutrality, telling IOC members that while politics cannot be entirely separated from their work, the Games must remain a neutral ground where athletes can compete free from political divisions.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Morocco to appeal CAF fines and bans from chaotic AFCON final

    Morocco's football federation said it will appeal sanctions and fines totalling $315,000 imposed by CAF after the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal in January, which was marked by disputed penalty decisions, pitch invasions, and projectile-throwing by supporters. Senegal, which was fined $615,000 and whose head coach was banned for five games, also said it would appeal its sanctions.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman win T20 World Cup warm-up matches

    Zimbabwe defeated the Netherlands by 29 runs, Nepal beat the UAE by seven wickets, and Oman won against Sri Lanka A by five wickets in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches. The victories featured strong individual performances from Ryan Burl for Zimbabwe, Aarif Sheikh for Nepal, and Aamir Kaleem for Oman.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. England reaches ICC U19 World Cup final with Rew century

    Thomas Rew's 110 helped England defeat Australia by 27 runs in a semifinal in Bulawayo and secure a place in Friday's ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup final against either India or Afghanistan.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Namibia drawn with Mozambique, Madagascar in COSAFA Women's Championship

    Namibia's Brave Gladiators have been placed in Group C of the 2026 COSAFA Women's Championship alongside Mozambique and Madagascar, with the tournament running from 18 February to 1 March.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  10. Bush Bucks, Shooting Stars lead Zambezi Regional football league

    Bush Bucks and Shooting Stars each collected six points in the opening weekend of the Namport Zambezi Regional Second Division League, with Bush Bucks topping the 12-club table by goal difference after wins against Zambezi Sporting Academy and Real Cheetahs.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  11. Namibia prepares for Davis Cup playoffs against Estonia

    Namibia's men's tennis team will compete against Estonia in Davis Cup World Group Two playoffs at the Central Tennis Club in Windhoek from 7–8 February, with both teams vying for qualification to the World Group Two later in the year. Head coach Gerrie Dippenaar acknowledged Estonia's experience but expressed confidence in his team's youth and home-court advantage, despite the absence of their number one player Connor van Schalkwyk due to college commitments.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  12. Vera Looser teams up with Dutch rider for Cape Epic

    Namibian cyclist Vera Looser, 2025 Sportswoman of the Year, will partner with Rosa van Doorn of the Netherlands at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in South Africa's Western Cape. Looser aims to secure her second title at the gruelling eight-day event running 692 kilometres.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  13. Namibia names training squad for 2026 Jarvis squash tournament

    The Namibian Squad Association has announced a 14-player provisional training squad to prepare for the Jarvis Competition in Mossel Bay, South Africa in July 2026, with six players ultimately to be selected for the national team based on fitness, commitment, and competitive performance.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  14. Namibia faces Libya in 2026 CAF Futsal Cup qualifier

    Namibia plays Libya in the second round of the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers today in Swakopmund, with the return leg set for 8 February. Head coach Marcos Antunes expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete despite Libya's higher world ranking, emphasizing the importance of fan support and strategic preparation.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  15. Namibian cyclists prepare for 2026 national road championships

    Namibia's national road and time trial cycling championships will take place in Windhoek from Friday to Sunday, with over 120 elite, under-23, and junior riders competing for national champion jerseys across time trial and road race events.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. Epstein used South Africa to prey on women, US files reveal

    Newly released US Department of Justice records show convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein cultivated extensive ties to South Africa dating to the 1980s, networked with prominent South African businessmen and officials, and used scouts and intermediaries to recruit South African women and girls through modelling opportunities and employment offers.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. South African DA leader pressured to step down from party role

    John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance, is being forced to announce he will not seek a third term as party leader, with the decision framed as his own choice to focus on his Agriculture minister portfolio. In exchange, he is permitted to retain his ministerial post, though party insiders say the decision was driven by internal pressure, an FLC investigation into his conduct, and concerns that his controversies—including credit card debt and perceived mishandling of a cattle crisis—could damage the party's prospects in upcoming local elections.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya's former leader, reportedly killed

    Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the 53-year-old son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been shot dead at his home in Zintan, according to his political team's head, though conflicting reports suggest he may have died near Algeria's border. He was once considered his father's heir apparent and played a key role in Libya's rapprochement with the West before the regime's collapse in 2011.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. South Sudan president dismisses aides over dead appointee

    South Sudan's President Salva Kiir sacked his press secretary and chief administrator after a man dead for five years was appointed to an elections panel in a presidential order dated 30 January. The mistake drew social media mockery and prompted the president's office to acknowledge inadequate verification of names submitted by stakeholders.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. US-India trade deal removes tariffs, pledges energy purchases

    US President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India that reduces tariffs to 18% from 25%, removes a 25% toll on Russian oil purchases, and commits to over US$500 billion in purchases of US energy, technology, agricultural, and other goods. Indian exporters welcomed the deal as relief from months of uncertainty, though analysts urged caution citing lack of clarity on implementation details.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  6. Namibia and Venezuela discuss youth development cooperation

    The National Youth Council's interim executive chairperson and Venezuela's ambassador to Namibia met to strengthen diplomatic ties and establish youth development programmes, with plans to expand cooperation in education, skills development, and cultural exchange.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

  7. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi reported killed in Libya

    Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has allegedly been killed in western Libya, according to his political advisor and lawyer. Circumstances around his death remain unclear.

    4 February 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Namibia must build alliances to defend self-determination against imperialism

    An opinion piece argues that small resource-rich nations like Namibia face threats to sovereignty from great powers pursuing imperial interests, citing the US attack on Venezuela as evidence. The author calls for Global South countries to form strategic alliances based on shared principles to ensure collective security and protect their right to self-determination.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Personal loans as financial tool when used responsibly

    An Old Mutual finance executive explains that personal loans are neither inherently harmful nor helpful, but tools best used for genuine needs and emergencies rather than wants. Taking a loan only makes sense when the interest rate and terms are competitive versus alternatives, the loan improves stability or opportunity, and the borrower can repay comfortably without additional spending.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute