Inspector General Joseph Shikongo says disciplinary and criminal proceedings are under way against officers implicated in corruption, drugs and other offences, as MPs express concern that such arrests are eroding public trust in the police force. Recent cases include officers arrested for drug smuggling, theft, firearms trafficking, and extortion.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Inspector General Joseph Shikongo says disciplinary and criminal proceedings are under way against officers implicated in corruption, drugs and other offences, as MPs express concern that such arrests are eroding public trust in the police force. Recent cases include officers arrested for drug smuggling, theft, firearms trafficking, and extortion.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's parliament opened its third session in February with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressing the chamber on enhancing parliament's role in inclusive development and participatory democracy, while bills including a land bill await action by lawmakers.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that prolonged backlog of cases, particularly those involving abuse of public resources, weakens public confidence in Namibia's state institutions. Chief Justice Peter Shivute cited a critical shortage of judicial officers and rising caseloads, with magistrate court backlogs growing from 57,090 cases at end of 2024 to 63,679 at end of 2025.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Two high-profile state prosecutors leading the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial, Deputy Prosecutor General Ed Marondedze and State Prosecutor Cliff Lutibezi, threatened to resign over low pay and were subsequently granted a N$54,000 monthly salary increase. The salary increase has drawn criticism from some colleagues whose own pleas for raises have not been addressed, and from a former deputy prosecutor general who says the timing is problematic given the case's current stage.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM parliamentarian Winnie Moongo has raised concerns with the ICT minister about prepaid data expiration policies imposed by MTC and Telecom Namibia, arguing that consumers lose paid-for data due to restrictive usage timelines and that this disproportionately affects low-income and rural Namibians. She called on the Communications Regulatory Authority to ensure these practices align with consumer protection principles and public interest.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek has approved renaming Rand Street in Khomasdal to Joshua //Hoebeb Street, honouring the former diplomat and educator for his contributions to education, community development and Namibia's liberation struggle. //Hoebeb, Namibia's first high commissioner to South Africa, played a key role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay in 1994 and later served as high commissioner to Botswana and governor of Kunene.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Utoni Nujoma attended a remembrance ceremony at Heroes' Acre honouring the late former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hage Geingob.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
A political science student argues that elected councillors and regional representatives lack sufficient educational qualifications to effectively manage budgets, interpret legislation, and drive development, citing examples like Katima Mulilo's land mismanagement and calling for a national dialogue on minimum leadership standards.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Poor customer care across Namibian public and private institutions is eroding trust and damaging business reputations, with communication failures, inadequate staff training, and negative social media exposure creating lasting harm. Organizations must invest in employee training, foster transparent communication cultures, and recognize that in today's digital environment, every customer interaction affects their competitive standing and long-term profitability.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
In December, Namibia exported N$10.7 billion in goods and imported N$11.1 billion, recording a trade deficit of N$393 million—an improvement from November's N$14.4 billion in imports. Exports increased 7.5% while imports fell 22.9%, with manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and agriculture leading export sectors.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian dollar has remained relatively firm in early 2026, supported by commodity prices and global risk sentiment, continuing 2025's trend when the rand and Namibia dollar achieved their strongest annual gain since 2009, driven by a softer US dollar and strong precious metals prices.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
NamWater has issued a public warning after receiving reports of fraudulent phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent its Evaluation Committee and demanding payments in exchange for awarding tenders. The utility stressed that it does not request or accept payments for bid awards and urged the public to report suspicious calls to bids@namwater.com.na.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia Revenue Agency has identified a technical glitch in its Integrated Tax Administration System causing duplicate tax returns for some taxpayers and has temporarily advised against submitting affected returns while technicians work to resolve the issue. NamRA has assured the public that affected taxpayers will not be disadvantaged and can still obtain Tax Good Standing or Tax Clearance Certificates if their tax affairs are otherwise compliant.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
UN Economic Commission for Africa executive secretary Claver Gatete highlighted Namibia's strategic position as a regional trade gateway through its well-developed road network and the Port of Walvis Bay, noting the country's role as a logistics hub serving landlocked SADC neighbours. He said increased intra-African trade under the AfCFTA could address unemployment and inequality while supporting a new step-by-step trading guide being piloted by select African countries.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia imported petroleum oil valued at N$1.5 billion in December, down N$778 million from the previous month, with the majority sourced from the United Arab Emirates. Petroleum oils accounted for 13.7% of total imports and were the country's top re-export product.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
ASX-listed Aldoro Resources has purchased a Diamec Smart 8 drill rig valued at N$16.9 million through a drill-for-equity agreement with AMW Mining, securing in-country drilling capability at rates up to 50% below Namibian market prices for its Kameelburg REE–Niobium Project.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Brazilian oil company Petrobras has acquired a 42.5% stake in oil block 2613 in the Lüderitz Basin, in partnership with TotalEnergies, marking Petrobras' return to Namibia and aligning with the company's strategy for portfolio diversification and reserve replenishment.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Institute for Public Policy Research has called on Namibia to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a framework requiring disclosure of information on oil, gas and mineral resources throughout the value chain. The EITI was listed as a goal in Namibia's second Harambee Prosperity Plan but was never implemented, though compliance would address current gaps in contract transparency, beneficial ownership disclosure, and revenue reporting.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Rosh Pinah Zinc has commissioned a paste fill plant that converts mine waste into paste pumped back underground, reducing dilution and improving ore extraction efficiency. The plant is part of the RP2.0 expansion project, which aims to double production to 1.3 million tonnes per year and is reported to be 85% complete, on schedule and within budget.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia will participate in the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town in February to attract investors and development partners to its mining sector. The country will host two investment-focused sessions highlighting its stable mining environment, mineral resources including uranium and diamonds, and projects seeking support for exploration, processing and value addition.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece by the Mineworkers' Union Vice President argues that Namibia's mining sector must prioritise workforce development, local skills upgrading, and protection against technological disruption to ensure sustainable growth and equitable benefit from natural resources.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
A parliamentary committee report found that Namibia's 11 agricultural green scheme projects face persistent structural challenges including broken machinery, procurement delays, and inadequate funding, though the projects remain fundamentally viable and productive. The committee recommended improved management, stable financing, and revised market strategies to prevent the schemes from failing.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
According to Namibia's Hydrological Services Flood Bulletin, the country's rivers experienced minimal changes between 27 January and 3 February 2026, with some gaining water levels—including the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo (up 0.18m) and Kunene at Ruacana—while others declined, such as the Kwando and Kavango at Rundu.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia remains free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease but remains on high alert as cases spread in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana. Veterinary authorities have implemented stringent border and import controls, and are urging farmers to observe strict biosecurity measures to protect the country's disease-free status.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
Fish, fruit and nuts were the only non-mineral products among Namibia's top five exports in December 2025, with fruit and nut exports rising N$345 million and fish exports increasing N$84 million, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. The country recorded a food trade surplus of N$870 million, indicating comparative advantage in fish and fresh produce.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Ondangwa regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda has died following a shooting and acid attack at her home on 17 October 2025. The case will be upgraded from attempted murder to murder, and six arrested suspects remain in custody.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Police have released a composite sketch of a decomposed body found near the Western Bypass opposite the University of Namibia's main campus on 31 January. The woman remains unidentified, and authorities are appealing to the public for help identifying her or locating her relatives.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
International studies rank Namibia as the deadliest country in the world for drivers, with the article attributing the crisis to reckless driving behaviour, poor enforcement of traffic laws, and lack of consequences for violations. The author calls for a points-based licence system, vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders, and consistent law enforcement to address the epidemic of road deaths.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A five-year-old boy from Nalitungwe in Windhoek was found on Saturday after seven days missing in the veld, having taken shelter under a cave-like rock after being frightened by cattle while with his mother collecting firewood. The boy, who survived on dirty water and was covered in mosquito bites and thorn wounds, is now in stable condition at Katutura hospital.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
David Bruni, a prominent liquidator known for handling high-profile cases including Air Namibia's liquidation and the SME Bank closure, has died aged 76. He is survived by his wife Gisela, three children, and two grandchildren.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Windhoek's new strictly cashless parking system, implemented by private company KeyPlot Investment on behalf of the City of Windhoek, has drawn complaints from motorists over high transaction fees, inaccessibility for those without bank cards, and confusion—while parking attendants report reduced compliance and increased tension. KPI justified the move as necessary to address missing cash payments and theft under the previous system.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Joel Angula, a former Namdia security officer charged with murder and robbery in connection with a January 2024 heist at the Namdia head office in Windhoek in which a security officer was killed, will learn on 23 February whether he will be released on bail. The state opposes bail, arguing he may abscond or interfere with witnesses, while his defence counsel argues the state's case is weak.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ondangwa-based State Prosecutor Justine Shiweda has died four months after being shot and attacked with an acidic substance in October, with charges against arrested suspects now to be changed from attempted murder to murder.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has warned that social media posts about an "Agricultural Grants Programme 2026" are false and do not originate from the ministry. The public has been cautioned not to engage with the links or share personal information, and to rely only on official government platforms for accurate information.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
Joel Angula, a 46-year-old ex-protection officer accused of involvement in the Namdia diamond theft and the deaths of two people, will learn the outcome of his bail application on 23 February. The State has opposed bail citing severity of charges and fears of abscondment and witness interference, while Angula's lawyer argues the evidence is circumstantial.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
The City of Windhoek announced the recall of an 800-gram tin of Nestlé NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula (batch 51660742F3) following detection of a potential presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Parents are advised to monitor infants for symptoms including severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and unusual tiredness, and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
Ondangwa Regional Prosecutor Justine Shiweda has died following an attack on 17 October 2025 in which she was shot and doused with a corrosive substance. At least six suspects remain in custody in connection with the incident, and the attempted murder charge is expected to be amended to murder when the matter returns to court.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Ndiyona Combined School in Kavango East sent hostel learners home due to a sewer leak that has flooded the hostel, with sewage water flowing back to shower floors and rendering toilets unusable. The acting principal said they have been waiting for the directorate of education to address the problem.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's focus on grade 11 and 12 results overshadows the importance of primary education as the foundation for academic achievement. The author contends that strong primary teaching and early intervention in basic skills like numeracy and literacy are essential, and that investing in the early years brings greater long-term academic and national benefits than reactive focus on senior exam performance.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Hillary Wang, a stylist and creative, has launched Style Sanctuary Namibia, an image consulting service offering wardrobe curation, closet cleaning, and production conceptualising for individuals, corporates, and productions. Wang emphasizes aligning personal style with identity and self-expression rather than surface-level aesthetics, and plans to expand the service into education and personal branding in 2026.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The University of Namibia's 2025 visual arts graduate exhibition, on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia until 14 February, features work by six final-year students centred on motherhood, personal trauma and Namibian cultural heritage. Key installations include textiles honouring childbirth and motherhood, masks reflecting illness and resilience, and works engaging with the Herero and Nama genocide and indigenous cultural practices.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A photographer and journalist travelled to the Rehoboth Gebiet south of Windhoek to document the area's diverse people, their lives and stories through portraits and interviews. The piece opens a photographic essay exploring the "colourful people" and "patchwork quilt" of Namibian communities in the region.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
From musicians and fashion designers to visual artists and comedians, Namibian creatives are entering 2026 with sharpened purpose, focusing on international expansion, sustainable careers, and industry unity. Common themes include building collaborative networks, prioritizing authenticity and mentorship, and reducing dependence on government support to create their own opportunities.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Award-winning actor Adriano Visagie is launching a four-part MultiChoice Spotlight masterclass series to equip grassroots Namibian filmmakers and performers with business and performance skills. The quarterly in-person sessions will cover topics including the business of acting, personal branding, and opportunities such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Children in Katutura Central make toy cars from recycled materials, using old milk cartons for bodies, cooldrink caps for wheels, and tree branches for steering.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
A lifestyle column reflects on how Namibian mothers were constrained by tradition and patriarchy, often denied agency in marriage, work, and self-discovery, and argues that millennial women should extend compassion while unlearning harmful patterns their mothers could not escape.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
The Filmmakers Association of Namibia (FAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to decentralised development of the Creative and Cultural Industries following recent engagements in the Omaheke region, where Metumo Akwaake was confirmed as the regional representative. The association is undertaking a 2026 Membership Drive focused on mapping practitioners, identifying skills and facilities, and supporting youth empowerment and economic participation across regions.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Monika Amunyela reports on the launch of 'The Girl's Corner', an all-female social experience created by women to prioritize safety, emotional ease, and genuine connection over typical nightlife. Co-founder Rauna Fudheni says the concept strips away noise to focus on sisterhood, with plans for recurring themed events and expansion to Oshakati.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
The Miss Namibia Organisation has closed applications for 2026 competitions and completed candidate screening. The pageant continues to position itself as a platform for leadership and social impact, with winners and finalists involved in charity work, mentorship, and national development initiatives.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
India defeated England by 100 runs in the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup final in Harare, with 14-year-old opening batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scoring an unbeaten 175 to secure India's record-extending sixth tournament title. England's Caleb Falconer scored 115 but could not prevent the collapse that led to India's victory.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Borussia Dortmund have cut Bayern Munich's Bundesliga lead to six points in two matchdays following Bayern's shock home loss to Augsburg and draw in Hamburg. Dortmund, coached by Niko Kovac, face Wolfsburg this weekend while Bayern play Hoffenheim, with a Dortmund victory potentially narrowing the gap to three points before the teams meet in late February.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Arsenal hold a six-point lead in the Premier League and can extend it to nine points with victory over Sunderland on Saturday, while Manchester City travel to Liverpool on Sunday seeking to overcome a poor away record against their rivals. Behind the top two, Aston Villa's midfield injuries have allowed Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool to close in on Champions League qualification.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Inter Milan visit Sassuolo on Sunday with the chance to extend their Serie A lead to eight points while AC Milan are unavailable due to the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at San Siro. Inter are on an 11-match unbeaten streak and targeting the Scudetto after Napoli's win last season.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Shilongo Gravestones and Funeral Services CC has donated soccer balls and a full kit to Vietnam Rangers FC. Team manager Nekundi Iipumbu said the donation will motivate players and help improve performance.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism faces a N$165 million funding gap that threatens conservation efforts across 21 protected areas, with immediate shortfalls of N$45 million for anti-poaching equipment and N$120 million for park infrastructure upgrades. A parliamentary committee has recommended increased tourism concession fees, biodiversity offset mechanisms, and private sector partnerships to close the gap.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A travel piece profiles Betsy Stein, a Baster farmer in Kam-Kam who traces her family history from a British grandfather and Griqua grandmother, and Günther Martens, a barista-trained coffee enthusiast who operates Conny's Coffee Shop on the C24 route for travellers heading to the Namib Desert.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's amended Environmental Management Act will extend legal protections to ecosystems like natural springs and habitats previously unprotected, and set standards for noise, smell, water and air quality. The ministry is consulting on proposed sand and gravel mining regulations and has flagged unprecedented illegal sand mining as a major environmental concern, attributing it to weak management, corruption, and insufficient enforcement.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Meteorological Services predicts heavier and more widespread showers this weekend, with heavy rainfall expected to impact the Kunene, Khomas, Hardap and //Kharas regions, creating potential flooding risks in some areas.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
US President Donald Trump said he "didn't see" a racist clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes that was included in a social media video he shared about voter fraud claims. After initial defense by the White House, the video was removed from Trump's Truth Social account following backlash from both Democrats and Republican senators.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa and striker Kylian Mbappe both emphasize the need for consistency as the team prepares to face Valencia in La Liga, with Arbeloa stressing that hard work rather than magic is required to turn around recent inconsistent performances.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia will host the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization's Integrated Field Exercise 2026 (IFE26) in October–November 2026, a six-week simulation involving around 250 international experts and 150 tonnes of specialised equipment to test methods for detecting and verifying suspected nuclear test explosions. This is the CTBTO's third full-scale on-site inspection exercise, placing Namibia at the centre of global nuclear non-proliferation and verification efforts.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →
An opinion piece argues that tribalism continues to undermine Namibian society 35 years after independence, and calls for government, traditional authorities, churches and civil society to conduct research on the issue and consider legislative action to combat what the writer describes as a "serious cancer" to the nation's social fabric.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
A fourth-year student has written to express concern that private and non-governmental organisations managing Namibia's wildlife are charging interns daily fees upwards of N$1,700, effectively pricing out local students and limiting access to career-building experience to the wealthy and international visitors. The writer calls on the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and universities to intervene and ensure local interns are valued for their contributions rather than treated as revenue sources.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian editorial accepts President Nandi-Ndaitwah's denial that her children have interests in the oil and gas sector, but argues her decision to control the upstream oil business herself contradicts her stated belief in separation of powers and risks creating conditions for nepotism and cronyism. The editorial also criticizes the incident in which security officers reportedly intimidated journalist Jemima Beukes for asking an impromptu question about the president's family oil interests, contending that such conduct undermines press freedom despite the president's claims to be "a friend of the media."
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's justice system faces a constitutional crisis with pre-trial detentions at 185 per 100,000 citizens—far above Africa's 33.7 average—and nearly 43% of Windhoek detentions deemed unnecessary. An opinion piece proposes deploying supervised law students and recent graduates to assist with bail applications and early court matters, drawing on existing legal-aid provisions and clinical legal education models from South Africa and elsewhere.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece examines the removal of a journalist from State House for asking a question about the president's family and their alleged influence in the oil and gas sector, arguing that while protocol matters, press freedom and public accountability are equally essential to democracy.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial criticizes the elaborate ceremonies and protocols surrounding Namibian parliamentary and presidential activities, arguing that the emphasis on tradition and formality wastes public resources and distracts leaders from actual governance work that ordinary citizens must accomplish without such fanfare.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
An MP argues that Namibia's fragmented climate response is inadequate to address severe droughts and desertification, and calls for a high-level Climate Delivery Unit in the Prime Minister's Office or Presidency to coordinate climate action, drive green job creation, and prepare for the EU's incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's proposed Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill should treat the red meat industry as strategic, enabling value addition, rural development, and coordination with domestic enterprises like Meatco through performance agreements and joint venture requirements.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
On Constitution Day, an opinion piece reflects on how 72 delegates forged Namibia's Constitution in eighty days through focused deliberation and consensus-building, resulting in a document so robust that it has required only three amendments in 36 years, unlike the United States and South Africa which have amended theirs far more frequently.
7 February 2026 · New Era →