Namibia Minute.
19 February 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Archive Minute from 19 February 2026
Politics

PDM questions N$1.26 million legal fees for suspended Katima CEO

The News

PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari has questioned the disbursement of N$1.26 million in legal fees related to suspended Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive Raphael Liswaniso, arguing that such costly legal entanglements deplete public resources and delay essential development.

19 February 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. PDM questions N$1.26 million legal fees for suspended Katima CEO

    PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari has questioned the disbursement of N$1.26 million in legal fees related to suspended Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive Raphael Liswaniso, arguing that such costly legal entanglements deplete public resources and delay essential development.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. NEFF backs petroleum bill as tool for economic freedom

    The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters party has endorsed the petroleum bill, arguing it strengthens the state's control over oil resources and serves the struggle for economic independence. NEFF deputy president Longinus Iipumbu told Parliament that Namibia must become the owner, controller, and beneficiary of its petroleum wealth rather than a spectator to foreign exploitation.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. PM Ngurare pledges stricter accountability for government contractors

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that government will enforce tougher oversight of contractors and service providers who fail to meet project timelines or abandon government sites. Since March 2025, Ngurare has approved the discharge or demotion of several underperforming public servants and called for closer coordination between the executive, legislature, and private sector to improve service delivery.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Venaani questions delay in opposition leader car provision

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani asked Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi why Imms Nashinge, leader of the official opposition, has not yet been assigned a government car as part of his benefits. Nekundi said Nashinge was previously offered vehicles which he refused, but assured that a new fleet arriving soon will include a vehicle for the opposition leader.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Three Bank of Namibia execs race for deputy governor post

    Three Bank of Namibia executives—Nicholas Mukasa, Emma Haiyambo, and Florette Nakusera—have been shortlisted to fill the vacant deputy governor position; according to sources, Mukasa is the front-runner after the Public Service Commission submitted him as the top contender.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  6. ECN spent N$16.33 million on five 2025 by-elections

    The Electoral Commission of Namibia spent N$16.33 million on five by-elections held on 17 June 2025 in Otjozondjupa, Kunene and Zambezi regions, following the resignation of five councillors elected to the National Assembly in November 2024. The by-elections were held in Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Kamanjab, Sesfontein and Kabbe South constituencies, with ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua praising the peaceful conduct of the voting.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Namibia, Angola hold talks on prisoner transfers to Angola

    Namibia and Angola met to verify and facilitate the transfer of over 100 inmates in Namibian prisons who claim Angolan nationality. Under a 2022 bilateral agreement on prisoner transfers, 107 Angolan nationals have applied to serve the remainder of their sentences in Angola, though only 17 possess the required national identification documents.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  8. Namibia honours late minister Erkki Nghimtina with memorial services

    The first of three memorial services for late former minister and liberation struggle figure Erkki Nghimtina took place at his residence in Omahenge village, Oshikango Constituency. Two further services are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with a military funeral planned for Saturday at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  9. Parliamentary debate on presidential power over petroleum industry bill

    The Petroleum Amendment Bill, which would vest petroleum sector oversight powers in the Office of the President rather than the Ministry of Mines and Energy, faced mixed scrutiny in the National Assembly. Critics including Bernadus Swartbooi raised concerns about the legal doctrine of functus officio limiting presidential review powers and complicating court challenges, while others questioned whether oil advisors at State House are already performing duties that legally belong to the ministry.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  10. Namibian MPs study Rwanda's governance and security practices

    A parliamentary delegation led by James Uerikua visited Rwanda to exchange best practices on international relations, defence and security. The MPs identified Rwanda's anti-corruption measures, technology-driven governance, security sector professionalism and public accountability mechanisms as models Namibia could realistically adopt to strengthen oversight and service delivery.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  11. Accused claims lack of disclosure halts trial proceedings

    Theodor Shipanga told the court that his trial is ongoing without proper charges or full disclosure, stating he has not received the docket, charge sheet, post-mortem report, witness statements, or the full police investigation file. The State disputed his claim of non-disclosure, and the case was postponed to 18 March 2026 pending assignment of a trial judge.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  12. Kharas mourns death of Swapo youth leader Samuel Jacobs

    Samuel 'Resign' Jacobs, former Swapo // Kharas regional youth secretary, has died at age 42 at Keetmanshoop State Hospital. Mourners and Swapo colleagues paid tribute to him as a dedicated, loyal party member and committed community leader.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

Business

  1. Retail bonds launch pushed back to 2027 due to capacity constraints

    The Bank of Namibia has postponed the introduction of retail bonds to 2027, citing the need to develop systems and external capacity as obstacles, after previously targeting a 2026 launch. Retail bonds will allow individuals to lend to the government at a lower entry point than existing treasury bills or fixed-income bonds.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Nasan-Vivo merger raises monopoly fears amid Vitol links

    The Namibian Competition Commission is investigating whether Nasan Energies' acquisition of 53 service stations from Vivo Energy violates divestiture conditions meant to prevent market dominance, citing alleged connections between Nasan co-founder Miguel Hamutenya and Vitol, Vivo's major shareholder. NaCC preliminary findings warn the deal could result in a combined market share of about 70%, contrary to the regulator's requirement that the buyer be independent with less than 10% market share.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Toyota Hilux launches customizable modular vehicle conversions

    Toyota Hilux has introduced a range of purpose-built modular conversion vehicles targeting small and medium enterprises, allowing customers to customize configurations including dropsides, cargo rails, canopies, and dry boxes on a flatbed chassis. The conversions are integrated at the manufacturer's plant to factory standards and come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Nida owes Keetmanshoop N$3.9m for water and electricity

    The Namibia Industrial Development Agency says it cannot pay its N$3.9 million water and electricity debt to Keetmanshoop municipality because tenants have failed to pay rent, creating cash flow problems. The municipality offered Nida a 100% interest waiver if it settled N$3.1 million in capital debt over three months, but Nida declined, citing inability to pay N$1 million monthly and is now requesting treasury assistance through its line ministry.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Former Air Namibia workers petition Supreme Court over unpaid severance

    Nearly five years after Air Namibia's liquidation, former employees have petitioned the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing in a dispute over unpaid severance payments. Although a High Court ruling previously ordered the recalculation and payment of severance packages, the liquidators have appealed that order, leaving many employees still awaiting payment.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Trustco rejects hostile takeover bid by minority shareholder RVF

    Trustco Group Holdings' largest minority shareholder, Riskowitz Value Fund LP (RVF), failed in its attempt to remove and replace the board at a general meeting on Monday. The meeting was ruled illegally convened under the Namibian Companies Act; a condonation vote to remedy defects failed, and RVF could not secure majority support even on the merits, according to the company.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Meatco reports strong turnaround with N$106 million operating profit

    The Meat Corporation of Namibia has recorded a significant financial turnaround, with group revenue rising to N$1.865 billion and an operating profit before tax of approximately N$106 million, marking recovery from five consecutive years of losses following implementation of a Turnaround Plan approved in November 2024.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  8. Trustco unwinds NAD 468 million LSH deal after RVF takeover bid fails

    Trustco Group Holdings has confirmed the full unwinding of its Legal Shield Holdings transaction following a failed hostile takeover attempt by Riskowitz Value Fund LP, which had received 400 million shares under an agreement that expressly prohibited a change of control but then used those shares to attempt exactly that. Approximately 400 million shares are being returned to treasury, restoring Trustco's shareholder structure and reducing RVF's voting rights to approximately 22%, with Trustco reserving all rights to pursue damages and restitutionary remedies.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  9. Namibia invites UAE investment in diamond cutting industry

    Trade Minister Selma Ashipla-Musavyi has invited the United Arab Emirates to invest in Namibia's diamond cutting and polishing sector and form joint ventures to increase value addition before exports, during a high-level business forum in Windhoek. Namibia also seeks to expand agricultural exports and establish a Joint Economic Commission with the UAE.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  10. Vice President inaugurates new Analytical Laboratory Services building

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi inaugurated a new Analytical Laboratory Services (ANALAB) facility in Windhoek, which provides soil testing, water quality assessments, and quality control services across agriculture, mining, food, and public health sectors. Witbooi described the building as a strategic asset supporting Namibia's scientific capacity, regulatory compliance, and economic growth.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  11. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate at 6.50%

    The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Namibia maintained the repo rate at 6.50%, meaning commercial banks are expected to keep their prime lending rates at 10.00%. The decision was made to safeguard the currency peg with the South African Rand while supporting domestic economic activity, with consideration given to subdued credit extension and weaker domestic growth.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  12. Jetour T-Series launch drives record January sales in southern Africa

    Chinese SUV brand Jetour recorded its strongest January, selling 1,550 vehicles in southern Africa, boosted by the newly launched T1 and T2 models alongside existing Dashing and X70 Plus lines. The company attributes success to listening to local customer preferences and investing in dealer networks and parts availability.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  13. Mitsubishi launches all-new Destinator SUV in southern Africa

    Mitsubishi Motors will introduce the all-new Destinator to the southern African market in the first half of 2026, featuring seven-seat capacity, advanced technology including a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Yamaha audio system, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The vehicle earned a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating and multiple international design awards.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  14. LDV D90 SUV launches in Namibia at N$899,000

    The Chinese automaker LDV has introduced its D90 seven-seat SUV to the Namibian market, equipped with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and targeting family and adventure buyers through competitive pricing and generous specifications against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  15. Bank of Namibia holds repo rate steady at 6.50%

    The Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain the repo rate at 6.50%, prioritising monetary stability and protecting the Namibia Dollar's peg to the South African Rand amid a slowing domestic economy, though inflation remains contained and the external trade position has strengthened.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  16. Trophimus Hiwilepo appointed MTC board chairperson

    MTC's board of directors has appointed Trophimus Hiwilepo as the new chairperson effective 13 February 2026, following the passing of previous chairperson Theofelus Mberirua. Hiwilepo, who has been an independent non-executive director since July 2024, was selected for his leadership experience and commitment to Namibia's digital transformation.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  17. UAE minister explores new trade and investment ties with Namibia

    The UAE minister of foreign trade has confirmed the country's readiness to sign trade agreements and explore business opportunities in Namibia, with a delegation interested in mining, agriculture, logistics, oil and gas, and finance. Namibia's trade minister highlighted existing exports including diamonds, fish, and metals, and invited UAE investment in diamond processing, agriculture, and infrastructure including renewable energy.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  18. Nvidia and Indian firms announce AI infrastructure partnerships

    US chipmaker Nvidia unveiled partnerships with Indian computing companies including L&T and Yotta at an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, with commitments to build large-scale data centre capacity to support India's development as a global AI hub. India expects over US$200 billion in AI investments over the next two years, with major players including Microsoft, Adani Group, and others pledging substantial commitments alongside discussions by world leaders on AI governance and regulation.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

Mining & Energy

  1. Conservancies challenge Goantagab tin mine viability and environmental impact

    Conservancies representing the Sorris Sorris area have submitted an assessment to government arguing that the Goantagab tin mining project is financially unfeasible and environmentally damaging, disputing figures from Andrada Mining's agreement to buy ore from the mine. The project has faced a protracted legal battle over environmental clearance, with conservancies requesting the ministers of mines and environment withdraw the area from mining exploration.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. IUM launches new oil and gas studies for 2026

    The International University of Management has opened its 2026 academic year with new capacity-building programmes in oil and gas, environmental sciences, water management, health sciences, and nuclear energy, as the institution reaches a record student population of over 21,000.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Mineworkers union says sector not sharing benefits fairly

    The Mineworkers' Union of Namibia says mineworkers are not adequately benefiting from the mining sector despite its size, citing systematic erosion of job security through subcontracting, poor living conditions, and inadequate enforcement of labour plans. The union is advocating for a four-pillar framework focused on employment, rights, protection, and dialogue to ensure workers benefit from industry revenues.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. U.S. energy officials discuss oil, gas cooperation with Namibia

    Senior U.S. energy officials, including a Department of Energy envoy and a critical minerals advisor, met with Namibian petroleum industry leaders and U.S. energy services companies in Windhoek and Walvis Bay to discuss investment, infrastructure, and strengthened bilateral cooperation in Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector and energy security.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  5. Namibia opens first fully compliant hazardous waste facility

    The Namwaste Management Facility near Arandis has begun operations as Namibia's first fully compliant general and hazardous waste management site, serving the industrial, mining and emerging oil and gas sectors. The N$200 million facility, covering 177 hectares, will collect a minimum of 60,000 tonnes of waste annually and create approximately 40 permanent jobs.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  6. US Ambassador leads diplomatic push for Namibia's energy and critical minerals

    United States Ambassador John Giordano completed a 10-day mission across Namibia, Washington and Cape Town to mobilise American capital and technology into Namibia's oil, gas and mining industries, framing critical minerals as essential to US energy security in the "AI era". The diplomatic push aims to position US firms to compete in Namibia's offshore energy, uranium and critical minerals sectors while deepening strategic energy partnerships.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

Agriculture & Land

  1. Namibia records eighth driest January since 1981

    Namibia's January 2026 rainfall was the eighth driest on record since 1981, with below-average precipitation across most of the country despite heavy downpours in the north-east, according to the Namibia Meteorological Service's Climate Watch report.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. EU donates nine vehicles to support northern Namibia livestock

    The European Union handed over nine specialised vehicles worth about N$10 million to the Ministry of Agriculture to support livestock value chains in Namibia's northern communal areas, designed for transport across remote terrain and intended to improve farmer market access and reduce transport costs.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Ohangwena begins removal of illegally erected fences

    The Ohangwena Communal Land Board has begun dismantling illegally erected fences in the region, deploying 40 National Youth Service trainees to remove approximately 20 illegal fences identified in Okongo Constituency. The operation, which started on 17 February and is expected to last until Sunday, aims to restore communal grazing land and is part of a broader government effort to address a persistent problem across Namibia's Northern regions.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Walvis Bay man sentenced 30 years for child murder

    Riddick Narib, 33, pleaded guilty to murdering his five-year-old stepson Dantali Eiseb on 6 January 2023 by striking him repeatedly in the face with a brick, and was sentenced to an effective 30-year prison term by Judge Naomi Shivute in the Windhoek High Court. Narib also received a five-year sentence for obstructing the course of justice, with three years to run concurrently.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Kenyan man arrested, charged with Regina Kondombolo murder

    Geoffrey Kasume, a 40-year-old Kenyan national, is the sole suspect in the murder of Regina Kondombolo, 33, who was found dead at her Windhoek residence on 10 February after being assaulted and strangled. Kasume appeared in court on a murder charge with domestic violence provisions; the case has been postponed to 24 April while he remains in custody.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Four anti-inflammatory foods to boost good cholesterol

    HDL or "good" cholesterol removes excess bad cholesterol from arteries and protects artery walls, reducing cardiovascular disease risk when in higher ratio to LDL. Foods like fruits and vegetables, oily fish, olive oil, fermented dairy, and moderate red wine reduce inflammation and help improve HDL levels and cholesterol ratios.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. African-led HIV vaccine trial launches in South Africa

    The first participant has enrolled in the 'Brilliant 011' clinical trial for an HIV vaccine, conducted by South African researchers and the Brilliant Consortium—an African-led initiative involving scientists from eight African nations. The trial is testing two novel vaccine components and marks a major milestone in African-led HIV vaccine development, despite earlier funding challenges.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Windhoek street vendors suffer losses after CBD police enforcement

    Over 20 vendors have been removed from Windhoek's central business district by city police, with traders reporting lost income and confiscated stock. City police say they are enforcing compliance with identification requirements and rules against illegal trading, while vendors describe hardship and appeal for leniency.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Man sentenced to 30 years for murdering five-year-old stepson

    Ricddick /Narib, 32, was sentenced to 30 years in jail by High Court Judge Naomi Shivute for the murder of his five-year-old stepson, Dantali Wilfred Eiseb, in Walvis Bay on 6 January 2023. /Narib assaulted the child with a brick, buried the body in a shallow grave, and later sent a text to the victim's mother stating he had taken her son's life.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  7. Oshakati man arrested for illegal firearm and ammunition possession

    A 65-year-old Oshakati resident was arrested after law enforcement found unlicensed firearms and ammunition at his home following a tip-off. Authorities discovered an unlicensed shotgun, an airgun, and ammunition of various calibres.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  8. Police seek public help locating woman wanted for vehicle theft

    The Namibian Police Force in Erongo Region is appealing for assistance in locating 36-year-old Ndeshimona Gedeon, who is wanted in connection with a motor vehicle theft case. She is believed to be in Windhoek or Oshakati, and the public is urged to contact the investigating officers with any information.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  9. Five remanded inmates escape Ongwediva police holding cells

    Five trial-awaiting inmates escaped from police cells at Ongwediva after cutting a hole through the corrugated iron roof. Police have named the escapees and are appealing to the public for assistance in locating them.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  10. Windhoek Correctional Facility struggles with severe overcrowding and staff shortages

    The Windhoek Correctional Facility, designed for 174 inmates, is facing critical staff shortages with 682 vacant positions out of 1,121 approved posts, while holding far more prisoners than capacity across multiple units. Police holding cells nationwide also face significant overcrowding, with some facilities holding detainees at four times their intended capacity.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  11. Rundu Bulk Water Project progresses to 79% completion

    The N$665 million Rundu Bulk Water Supply project is approaching completion with 79% progress and expected commissioning in August. Critical pipeline extensions to surrounding communities are 94% complete, though concerns remain about the Rundu Town Council's internal reticulation infrastructure readiness.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  12. Health ministry tackles community resistance to indoor malaria spraying

    The health ministry says community members in Namibia are increasingly choosing mosquito nets over indoor residual spraying (IRS) due to myths and misunderstandings about effectiveness, but officials stress IRS remains critical for malaria prevention. The resistance comes as Namibia faces a significant malaria outbreak, with 8,760 confirmed cases recorded in January 2026—a 68% increase year-on-year—affecting 20 health districts and resulting in 11 deaths.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  13. 52 criminal cases confirmed in police holding cells

    Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu confirmed 52 criminal cases committed within police holding cells during 2024/2025, including 17 extortion incidents, 24 cases of sodomy or rape, and 11 cases of contraband smuggling. The ministry has implemented measures including regular cell searches and disciplinary action against implicated officers, though lawmakers called for long-term reforms to restore public trust.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  14. Oshakati court dismisses defamation suit against activist Tshilongo

    The Oshakati High Court has dismissed a defamation application brought by Uukwambi Traditional Authority chief Herman Ndilimani Iipumbu against activist Tangy Mike Tshilongo, with costs. The case stemmed from a long-running public dispute over Iipumbu's legitimacy as chief, with Tshilongo questioning whether he comes from the rightful royal lineage of the Uukwambi people.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  15. Police investigate illegal killing of protected crocodile in Kavango West

    Namibian Police in Kavango West are investigating the illegal hunting and mutilation of a crocodile at Bunya village, in which the suspect removed the brain, gall bladder and tail tip without a permit, violating the Nature Conservation Ordinance. The maximum penalty for illegal hunting of protected game is a fine of N$500,000 and/or five years in prison, with additional penalties possible for possession of wildlife products.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  16. Fishing union threatens strike over worker exclusion, job losses

    Tucna president Paulus Hango warned of a nationwide fishing industry strike if workers' concerns are not addressed, citing over 600 job losses last year, 490 jobs at risk, unpaid workers since October, and systematic exclusion of unions from employment agreements signed by government and companies. Workers also raised concerns including lack of protective equipment, quota allocation issues, and inadequate consultation before layoffs.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  17. Rehoboth residents walk to support children with cancer

    Rehoboth residents participated in a 5km walk organised by the Rehoboth Lions Club to raise funds and awareness for children affected by cancer, with proceeds directed to the Cancer Association of Namibia. The Lions Club, which has grown from three to 25 active members in two years, also runs vision care, hunger relief, and other community programmes in the town.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

Culture

  1. Sport reporter named after Jackson reflects on civil rights legacy

    Namibian sports reporter Jesse Jackson Kauraisa, named after the American civil rights leader, says carrying that name carries responsibility. Following Jackson's death, Kauraisa expressed his admiration for Jackson's activism against racism and his commitment to honouring that legacy through his own work serving people.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

Sport

  1. European football: Bodo/Glimt stun Inter, Newcastle routs Qarabag

    Norway's Bodo/Glimt beat Inter Milan 3-1 in Champions League play-off action, while Anthony Gordon scored four goals as Newcastle hammered Qarabag 6-1 in Azerbaijan. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid drew 3-3 with Club Brugge and Bayer Leverkusen defeated Olympiacos 2-0.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Arsenal squanders two-goal lead, draws with Wolves 2-2

    Arsenal failed to hold a commanding position as rock-bottom Wolves fought back to draw 2-2 on Wednesday, with late goals from Hugo Bueno and teenage debutant Tom Edozie leaving the Premier League leaders just five points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand still to play for their rivals.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Angola, South Africa win Cosafa Women's Championship openers

    Angola defeated Lesotho 3-1 and South Africa beat Malawi 2-0 on the opening day of the 11-team Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women's Championship 2025 in Polokwane. The tournament will culminate with the final on March 1, with teams aiming to dethrone defending champions Zambia.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia loses to Pakistan spinners in T20 World Cup

    Namibia slumped to a 102-run defeat by Pakistan in their final T20 Cricket World Cup match in Colombo, bundled out for 97 while chasing 200. Pakistan's spinners Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan proved unplayable, while opener Sahibzada Farhan's unbeaten century earned man of the match.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  5. T20 World Cup Super Eights format and schedule explained

    The eight Super Eights qualifiers have been divided into two groups of four, with India hosting one group and Sri Lanka hosting the other. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on March 4–5, with each match awarding two points to the winner and none to the loser, or one point each in case of a no result.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Pakistan beats Namibia to reach T20 World Cup Super Eights

    Pakistan sealed a Super Eight berth at the T20 World Cup with a 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo, powered by Sahibzada Farhan's unbeaten century (100 not out off 58 balls) and effective spin bowling from Usman Tariq and Shadab Khan. The win took Pakistan to six points in Group A and eliminated the United States.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Motocross nationals draw 45 riders ahead of African championship

    The first leg of Namibia's 2026 Motocross national championships drew 45 riders across nine classes, signalling strong participation ahead of the Motocross of African Nations later this year. Organisers are implementing safety upgrades to meet International Motorsport Federation standards, including a fully equipped field hospital and ambulance.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Namibia eliminated from T20 Cricket World Cup 2026

    Namibia's 2026 Men's T20 Cricket World Cup campaign ended with a 102-run defeat to Pakistan in a Group A match in Colombo, with the team bowled out for 97 while Pakistan scored 199/3, eliminating them from the tournament.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  9. Swakopmund archers qualify for South African championships

    Swakopmund Archery Club held its annual Valentine's Shoot tournament, where participants competed in target archery rounds to qualify for the 76th South African National and Regional Championships in Johannesburg in March 2026. Babette Taljaard and Jacqueline Coetzee attained the required qualification marks and will join Jannie Meuwesen as Namibia's representatives at the event.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  10. Teamflippy gears up for final Seawork Beach Series

    The Seawork Cares Beach Series 2 Valentine's edition drew 187 participants in swimming, running and aquathlon activities at The Mole in Swakopmund. The final event, scheduled for 28 March 2026 and themed around Namibia's Independence, aims to attract over 200 participants and celebrate the growth of the series from its initial 160 entries.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  11. Young defender Katjirua aspires to Brave Warriors and beyond

    Snewe Uanguraije Katjirua, a student at Jan Möhr Secondary School, is developing as a left back for Bucks Buccaneers in the Namibia Premier Football League after progressing through youth football in Swakopmund and winning titles with CBS Talents. His ambitions include playing for South Africa's Orlando Pirates and representing Namibia's senior national team at the FIFA World Cup.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  12. Sam Nujoma Stadium structural repairs to finish by October

    Refurbishment work at Sam Nujoma Stadium is advancing on schedule, with structural repairs expected to be completed by October 2025 as part of a phased programme to restore the venue to international football standards. The current N$13 million phase focuses on foundation repairs, reinstalling precast elements, and roof recoating, with a broader rehabilitation effort costing roughly N$19.9 million funded through a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement between the City of Windhoek and the Namibia Football Association.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  13. Namibian volleyball referee advances to international candidacy

    Ihula Tobias Naushanga, a Namibian volleyball referee nominated by the Namibia Volleyball Federation, completed an intensive International Referee Candidate Course in Cairo and aims to elevate officiating standards in Namibia while eventually refereeing beyond Africa.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

World & Region

  1. Britain's former Prince Andrew arrested on misconduct charges

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following police assessment of allegations that he shared sensitive information with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy, and claims he was involved in trafficking a woman to the UK for a sexual encounter.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  2. FIFA chief says all 2026 World Cup matches sold out

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino said all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup will be "sold out," with 508 million ticket requests received for seven million available tickets. Infantino defended ticket prices as market-driven and estimated the tournament would generate over $11 billion in revenue for FIFA and around $30 billion in economic impact for the US.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson reshaped American politics

    Jesse Jackson, a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., became the first African-American to achieve significant success as a major-party presidential candidate in the 1960s–80s, paving the way for later Black candidates and championing a multiracial "rainbow coalition" focused on poor and working-class Americans. His career included founding Operation Breadbasket and Operation Push to advance civil rights and economic justice, though it was later marked by scandals and health challenges.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  4. India, Southern Africa to resume trade agreement negotiations

    India and the Southern African Customs Union plan to resume preferential trade negotiations in 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties. According to India's high commissioner, a trade deal could boost India-Sacu trade by 40–60%, with Namibia benefiting particularly from easier access to Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT products, while India gains better market access to Namibian minerals, energy, and agricultural goods.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Jesse Jackson remembered as civil rights champion by Namibians

    The Namibian founding editor Gwen Lister has described American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died aged 84, as a "larger-than-life" figure whose activism supported Namibia's liberation movement and Swapo during the country's struggle for independence. Lister said Jackson was an internationalist and unwavering in his commitment to human rights, civil rights, and equal dignity over decades.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

  6. UK royal arrested over Epstein association and misconduct allegations

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles's younger brother, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following scrutiny over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations he may have passed confidential government documents to him. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has consistently denied wrongdoing and expressed regret over their friendship.

    19 February 2026 · Informanté

  7. South Africa deploys army to tackle gang and drug crime

    South Africa will deploy army units alongside police within 10 days to combat crime in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape, where gang violence and illegal mining fuel some of the world's highest murder rates. The move has drawn criticism from security experts and opposition parties who question whether soldiers are trained for policing and whether the short-term measure will effectively reduce daily murders.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  8. Gold fever grips South African township amid economic desperation

    Hundreds of fortune-seekers have descended on the township of Springs near Johannesburg to dig for gold after a discovery in early February, driven by soaring gold prices and high unemployment. Most diggers are motivated by survival in a country where unemployment approaches 32%, with some earning modest daily wages for processing soil.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  9. Kenya airport strike ends after government mediation

    Workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ended a strike on Tuesday that had disrupted flights and air traffic control since Monday, following government-mediated talks between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and airport authorities. The union had been protesting unresolved grievances including a stalled employment agreement.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  10. Ethiopian and Tigrayan troops mobilise along northern border

    Ethiopian federal and Tigrayan troops have massed along Tigray's border, raising fears of renewed conflict after a civil war that killed at least 600,000 people. Diplomatic sources warn that large numbers of troops positioning themselves face to face poses a risk of war unless the international community pressures parties to resolve disputes through dialogue.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

  11. UK inflation falls to 3.0% in January, signalling rate cuts ahead

    Britain's annual inflation rate eased to 3.0% in January from 3.4% in December, driven partly by lower petrol prices, bolstering expectations for Bank of England interest rate cuts. The data reinforces the central bank's guidance that inflation will cool towards its 2% target as energy bill relief offsets other elevated costs.

    19 February 2026 · New Era

Opinion

  1. Five AI governance concepts board directors must understand

    A legal practitioner specialising in corporate and AI governance outlines five concepts boards should grasp to oversee AI responsibly: algorithms and decision-making instructions, machine learning's dependence on training data quality, AI hallucination and information integrity risks, black-box systems that cannot explain their decisions, and shadow AI—unauthorised employee use of AI tools outside organisational control.

    19 February 2026 · The Namibian

Namibia Minute