Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced an operational budget of N$81.3 billion for 2026/27, with the social sector receiving N$54.3 billion (61.7% of total spending). The budget includes civil servant salary increases effective April 2026 and projected revenue of N$89.8 billion, with the budget deficit expected to decline to 5.5% of GDP.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced an operational budget of N$81.3 billion for 2026/27, with the social sector receiving N$54.3 billion (61.7% of total spending). The budget includes civil servant salary increases effective April 2026 and projected revenue of N$89.8 billion, with the budget deficit expected to decline to 5.5% of GDP.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has threatened to terminate Youth Security Services' contract with the ministry if it fails to pay employees by 27 February, following allegations that the company breached the minimum wage agreement after new national rates were implemented this year.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced that excise taxes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages have increased by 3.39% from 25 February in line with the Southern African Customs Union Agreement. Cigarettes, spirits, beer, wine, and other tobacco products all saw corresponding price increases.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly pushing to end the practice of allocating state-funded mansions to former presidents, preferring instead to accept a portion of benefits for her own retirement home. The review of the Former Presidents' Pension and Other Benefits Act will also examine extending benefits to vice presidents, amid criticism that such perks are excessive given widespread hardship among ordinary Namibians.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has tabled a N$104 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the government planning to borrow N$15 billion. Education, innovation, arts and culture receives the largest allocation at N$28 billion, followed by Health and Social Services at N$13.1 billion.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The government will pay 100% of medical aid for civil servants from 1 April, removing a 5% levy previously charged to service providers, while civil servants and senior officials must use public hospitals. The change follows an agreement between public sector unions and the Cabinet, and includes salary increments of 5% for most grades effective 1 April this year, with a further 5% increase from 2027.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Ports Authority CEO Andrew Kanime has dismissed allegations by IPC leader Panduleni Itula that President Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons are involved in the oil and gas sector. Kanime confirmed Namport's business relationship with Tradeport Namibia (operated by the President's son Nande) involves only manganese exports from South Africa, not oil and gas activities.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Finance Minister tabled the 2026/27 National Budget allocating N$1.9 billion to the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development, with N$744 million for developmental projects. The government reported progress in housing delivery through various programmes and is shifting key strategic projects to State-Owned Enterprises to maximise development funding.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah presented the FY 2026/27 Budget Statement allocating N$17 billion to the Safety and Security sector, with N$7.5 billion for defence and N$8.1 billion for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The allocation reflects the government's commitment to maintaining peace and security as foundations for economic growth, representing 19.5% of total expenditure excluding interest payments.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises has announced increases in sin tax on tobacco and alcohol products for 2026/27. Excise duties on tobacco products will rise by N$3.39, raising cigarette tax from N$22.81 to N$23.58 per pack of 20, while alcoholic beverage duties will increase by 3.39% across all categories.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah announced that N$54.3 billion has been allocated to the social sector in the 2026/27 budget, with N$28 billion for education and N$13.1 billion for health, representing 61.7% of total government spending and reflecting government commitment to human capital development and inclusive growth.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled the national budget for FY2026/27 totalling N$87.9 billion, down from N$106.3 billion the previous year, amid declining diamond revenue and lower SACU receipts. The budget prioritises social spending with N$54.3 billion (61.7%) allocated to education, health, and social services, while allocating N$1.7 billion for civil servant salary increases.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled Namibia's 2026/27 national budget with total expenditure of N$105 billion, allocating N$28 billion for education and N$13.1 billion for health and social services. The social sector receives N$54.3 billion (61.7% of the budget excluding interest), reflecting government commitment to macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Two senior Roads Authority executives dismissed over alleged tender irregularities have filed appeals and rejected wrongdoing claims, arguing the disciplinary process was flawed and that no financial loss occurred. They contend that only N$6 million was available for the vehicle procurement at the time, not the full N$16 million project value, and that the vehicles were ultimately leased at about N$5 million over four years under an existing contract.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said economic transformation requires institutional transformation and an efficient, digitally-enabled public service aligned with Vision 2030 and NDP6. Speaking at Namibia's inaugural Public Sector Innovation Conference, Ngurare emphasised that public sector innovation is central to economic development, expanded employment, and improved service delivery.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Erica Dien, Director of Administration at the Office of the Auditor-General, is marking three decades of service during which she pioneered the office's IT infrastructure and digital transformation, growing the organisation from 80 staff in rented offices to over 200 employees.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga says the new Walvis Bay council is prioritizing service delivery, road repairs, housing development and waste management over the next five years to address aging infrastructure and growing demand from urban migration. Projects include road rehabilitation through a Road Fund Administration agreement, 233 completed government houses at Green Valley, and procurement of additional waste management vehicles and equipment.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Meatco has instructed a company owned by David van der Linden to immediately cease the sale of 900 cattle that Meatco claims were wrongfully attached during the liquidation of Linden Beef CC. Meatco's lawyer warns that failure to comply will result in an urgent High Court application, citing ear tag numbers and records in the livestock identification system as proof of ownership.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Road Fund Administration has allocated only N$2.5 million for flood-damaged local authority roads in 2025/26 despite an estimated N$658 million in nationwide damage, leaving a funding gap of roughly N$655.5 million. Road users including taxi drivers say deteriorating conditions are crippling their livelihoods as they spend earnings on frequent vehicle repairs.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are vital incubators for entrepreneurship and job creation, yet face obstacles including limited funding, bureaucratic red tape, and restrictive local authority regulations. The article argues that meaningful progress requires government to reduce regulatory barriers, financial institutions to offer tailored solutions, and a broader shift in mindset to recognize entrepreneurs as primary drivers of wealth creation rather than relying on government support alone.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform says the salmon industry presents an opportunity for economic transformation through value chain development, which could stimulate foreign investment, strengthen agro-processing and cold-chain infrastructure, increase export revenues, and create employment. She cited Namibia's cold Benguela current, stable governance, and investor-friendly policies as competitive advantages, and noted that aquaculture is becoming a sustainable solution to global seafood demand amid climate change and overfishing pressures.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Workers at the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor, represented by the Mine Workers Union of Namibia, began a strike on 26 February 2026 demanding a 14th cheque payment and 6% wage increase, citing management's reluctance to engage constructively. The union criticized NORED's response of threatening dismissals and legal action, and called for the removal of the board.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ruthy Masake has highlighted industrial salmon farming as a way to expand Namibia's aquaculture sector into a high-value export industry, create skilled employment, and support related industries such as manufacturing and feed production. She emphasised the need to shift from traditional fishing to sustainable farming as a response to climate change and overfishing pressures on wild fish stocks.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Capricorn Group reported interim profit after tax of N$920 million for the six months ended 31 December 2025, a 4% increase from the prior year, as it navigates interest rate cuts, rising credit impairments, and higher operating costs. The group is shifting toward non-interest income sources, with such earnings now comprising 48.8% of total income, while managing a 53% jump in credit impairment charges and a 9% rise in non-performing loans.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Trade between Namibia and Belgium reached over N$7.86 billion in 2024, with Belgium becoming Namibia's fifth-largest export destination, driven primarily by mineral exports including refined copper, diamonds and other metals. Ambassador Hengari announced that Belgium plans to open a resident embassy in Windhoek in the first half of 2027, signalling strengthened bilateral relations and potential opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and infrastructure development.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Canadian oil and gas company Sintana Energy has listed on the London Stock Exchange's alternative investment market, with significant shareholding from Namibian businessman Knowledge Katti and operations across Namibia, Uruguay and Angola. The listing followed an acquisition of London-listed Challenger Energy late last year.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and De Beers Group CEO Al Cook met to address pressures facing Namibia's diamond industry, including competition from lab-grown diamonds, market volatility, and structural weaknesses. De Beers is launching a "Desert Diamonds" marketing campaign to differentiate natural diamonds from synthetics and educate consumers globally about Namibian diamonds' value and origin.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged the private sector to take a stronger role in developing Namibia's energy industry, saying energy is essential to tackling unemployment and boosting economic growth. She noted that the government views the private sector as a critical partner in developing oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The foot-and-mouth disease support fund was officially launched at the agriculture ministry with industry pledges of N$11 million. The fund, a coordinated effort between the four national farmers' unions and the Directorate of Veterinary Services, aims to finance awareness programmes, farmer training, and rapid responses to any outbreak, with a first-phase target of N$50 million.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture has established the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Support Fund and FMD Task Force to protect the livestock sector against potential outbreaks, with private sector pledges including N$2 million each from Bank Windhoek and FirstRand, and N$3 million annually from the Namibia Agricultural Union. The initiatives will support vaccination campaigns, border biosecurity, veterinary infrastructure, and farmer awareness programmes to safeguard Namibia's N$15 billion livestock industry.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
The 2026 Nedbank for Good Series has returned with a focus on inclusive agricultural development, raising funds for training projects nationwide. Since 2024, the initiative has generated over N$500,000 for Agra ProVision, supporting horticultural training at 14 sites and reaching 206 participants in the 2025 cycle.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti has committed to making unannounced visits to schools across Namibia to strengthen accountability and support for teachers, engaging directly with educators and pupils to understand challenges on the ground.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Three suspects—Germanus Oreseb (24), Petrus Tsauseb (25), and Theodor Tjikongo (34)—appeared in the Outjo Magistrate's Court over the murder of Florencia Jacobs, whose body was discovered behind a fire station on 31 January. The matter has been postponed to 18 June for further investigation, with the suspects remaining in custody.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Construction of a planned 500-bed state hospital in Windhoek's Havana settlement has not yet commenced, two years after a 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, despite being scheduled for 2027 completion. Residents and opposition parties question the project's progress, while the health ministry reports that preliminary infrastructure work including road and utility connections is underway.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Two magistrates testified in the Windhoek High Court that two men accused of robbing and murdering a resident at Avis Dam in July 2020 voluntarily made confessions after their arrests, with neither man reporting threats or coercion when statements were recorded in November 2020.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah has announced a N$100 pension increase effective 1 April, raising the monthly payment from N$1,600 to N$1,700. The N$447 million cost will be funded through the Ministry of Finance's N$12.9 billion allocation for the 2026/27 financial year.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi has advised retail stores and their employees against recording videos of suspected shoplifters, citing potential risks to investigations and the reputational harm that public exposure can cause, and recommending that wrongdoing be addressed privately with police involvement if criminality is evident.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development received an unqualified audit opinion but the auditor general flagged unauthorised expenditure and shortfalls in service delivery: the ministry provided only 557 urban households with toilet access against a target of 1,639, and 843 rural toilets against a target of 1,000. The ministry attributed the gaps to vacant positions and delays in procurement processes.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Water Corporation has cautioned that water supplies in northern communal areas may be interrupted due to a strike by Northern Electricity Distributor employees that began on 26 February, as water systems depend on electricity for pumping and treatment. NORED has separately warned of delays in responding to power failures and customer service requests, while a dispute over salary increments and the legality of the strike has escalated between the electricity distributor and the Mine Workers Union.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
Police in the Omusati Region reported that a 17-year-old girl was raped on several occasions by her biological father between January and last Sunday in Ohendjeno village, allegedly with threats of violence. The suspect has not yet been arrested.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
At least 45 schools in Oshana region are affected by bat infestations that disrupt lessons, create health hazards through droppings, and pose noise distractions. The regional education office has compiled a list of affected schools for fumigation and repairs to be considered in the 2026/2027 budget, but educators are calling for urgent action.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Mutwarantja Primary School in Rundu has remained closed for a month due to dilapidated pit latrines deemed unsafe by parents and staff. The education directorate says procurement delays are preventing toilet construction, despite available regional council funds, leaving approximately 300 learners out of school.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has told officers nationwide to stop citing lack of vehicles as a reason for failing to respond to crime scenes, warning that such responses erode public trust and damage the force's reputation. He instructed station commanders to take responsibility for effective deployment of available resources, noting that the Zambezi region alone has 97 vehicles and questioned why officers continue to claim transport shortages.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Several roads in the //Kharas region have been closed temporarily due to heavy rains and flooding. The Roads Authority is monitoring affected areas and urging the public to use alternative routes and report any road damage.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Hileni Ndjeke, 57, was remanded in custody and denied bail in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court after being accused of assaulting her husband's alleged girlfriend, Julia Katyati, who later died at hospital. Ndjeke is charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, though the State did not pursue murder charges as there is no evidence the assault caused the death.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Umbi Karuaihe-Upi has announced her departure after 35 years with NBC and leadership of the Miss Namibia Organisation, saying it is time to focus on personal projects and live a full life. Under her stewardship since 2023, she transformed Miss Namibia into a movement for change centred on education, housing, and women's empowerment, with contestants achieving international placements including a return to the Miss Universe Top 20 after two decades.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Zohlanga Gaseb has introduced Quiet Chapter, a new clothing line under her Adulting 102 brand that features dictionary-style definitions on garments to promote reading and personal identity. The collection supports the Purple Pencil Foundation and reflects Adulting 102's mission to foster a reading culture and empower young people through access to knowledge.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Visual artist Ndako Nghipandulwa has created a 12-work series titled "Job is Job" using discarded road signs to honour construction workers and celebrate the dignity of everyday work. The Windhoek City Police warned that altering public road signs is illegal, though Nghipandulwa's works were made from signs already being discarded and not in active use.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Eeshoke Chula Chula have been deducted three points by the Namibia Premier Football League for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Julinho Athletics, dropping them to third place and handing the league lead to African Stars. NPFL administrator Mabos Vries stated that player Esenge Yanzambe was ineligible due to accumulation of three consecutive yellow cards, and the club had been informed by the NFA but fielded him anyway.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Brave Gladiators qualified for the semi-finals of the Cosafa Women Championships and will face defending champions Zambia at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Namibia topped group C on goal difference after winning one and losing one match, while Zambia finished first in group B with seven points.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Premier Football League title race remains wide open with two-thirds of the season complete. Defending champions African Stars moved to the top on goal difference after Chula Chula were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, while the relegation battle intensifies with Life Fighters now bottom of the log.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, posting 256-4 and holding Zimbabwe to 184-6, which secured South Africa's semi-final berth. India faces West Indies in a winner-takes-all decider on Sunday in Kolkata for the final semi-final spot.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa crushed the West Indies by nine wickets in a T20 World Cup match in Ahmedabad, with captain Aiden Markram scoring an unbeaten 82 and Quinton de Kock adding 47 as South Africa chased down 177 with 23 balls to spare. The win leaves South Africa unbeaten in the tournament and on the brink of securing a semi-final berth.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Young African, buoyed by recent wins including a 2–1 victory over UNAM FC, faces champions African Stars FC and Khomas Nampol FC in Gobabis this weekend. Coach Maleagi Ngarizemo said the team has "awakened" from poor form and aims to collect maximum points at home.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The 2026 Namibia National Closed Chess Championships is underway in Windhoek this week, running through Sunday to crown national champions and select a team for the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan in September. The tournament features three sections with more than 20 players, including young talent as well as established competitors like International Master Dante Beukes seeking his fourth title.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Gobabis Sports Club, competing in the Omaheke Second Division League for the first time, won their opening two matches 1-0 against Golden Boys FC and 3-2 against Kom Haal Hulle FC to lead the standings. Head coach Zebaldt Ngaruka Karee Hengari attributed the strong start to meticulous planning and player commitment, though he emphasized the club's primary objective is survival and avoiding relegation.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The 24th edition of the Nedbank/Namibian Newspaper Cup will be hosted in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April, with U/20 football and netball teams from each of Namibia's 14 regions competing. The NFA says local infrastructure will be upgraded to standard and the event will be officially launched in Windhoek on 9 March.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The MTC Netball Namibia Premier League play-offs are scheduled for 7 March in Windhoek, with eleven teams competing for top honours. Mighty Gunners head coach Hilma Davids said the team is satisfied with player fitness and preparations, noting plans to hold trials after the play-offs to strengthen the squad.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Six Namibian participants and sports journalist Marco Ndlovu won all-expenses-paid trips to South Africa to attend the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, after entering an MTC eSIM promotion draw.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Brave Gladiators advanced to the semi-final of the Cosafa Women's Championship by finishing Group C with a superior goal difference despite level points with Mozambique and Madagascar. Head coach Lucky Kakuva expressed confidence ahead of today's match against defending champions Zambia at 12h00.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Sport, Youth, and National Service sector has received a N$70.6 million budget increase to N$750 million annually for the next three financial years as part of the broader N$83.6 billion MTEF for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. Sport expert Isack Hamata welcomed the boost as a signal that government views sport as a core pillar of human capital development rather than a peripheral luxury, though he cautioned that success depends on execution.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
Patrick Isaacks, a speedy forward from Walvis Bay who played for Blue Waters and helped the coastal team win the Premiership title, has died. Blue Waters Sport Club released a statement expressing shock and condolences to his family.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
The Sam Nujoma Foundation has described Cuba's worsening economic conditions as a "man-made humanitarian crisis" caused by intensified US sanctions that have morphed from a Cold War trade embargo into a complex web of financial and secondary sanctions. The crisis has deepened since Venezuela cut off oil supplies after January political changes, triggering rolling blackouts, medicine shortages and tourism decline that Cuban and regional officials warn threatens the island's survival and stability across the Caribbean.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
New Era editorial argues the six-decade US economic embargo on Cuba is a "man-made humanitarian crisis" that has failed its political objectives while causing severe suffering to ordinary Cubans through trade bans, financial restrictions, and energy shortages. The piece calls for the United States to lift the embargo and allow Cuba to rejoin the global economy, noting Namibia's historical solidarity with Cuba and international opposition to the blockade.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
According to the author, a corporate communications manager at NUST, professionals in multimedia and marketing should adopt Canva and AI tools to remain competitive and enhance their skills. The piece argues that collaborating with AI tools makes people more valuable, and emphasizes that in-person training on platforms like Canva is more effective than self-taught online learning.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece contends that Namibian teachers face disproportionate public blame for educational outcomes while managing heavy workloads, resource scarcity, and emotional labour—pressures that communities and policymakers often overlook. The author argues for a shift from fault-finding to shared responsibility, calling for respect and dialogue rather than generalised criticism.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that the African Union, established to unite the continent and drive economic integration and good governance, has failed to deliver on its vision and is now seen as a toothless "talk shop" unable to address conflicts, coups, and election failures. The author calls for urgent AU reforms and bolder action toward a common market, currency, military, and passport, or risk becoming irrelevant.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
A Windhoek special-school teacher argues that parents raising children with disabilities face emotional and psychological challenges that are often overlooked. She calls for society to provide safe spaces, listening ears, and encouragement to help parents move from grief and denial toward acceptance and the confidence to support their children's growth.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An independent activist argues that Namibia's social grants, while beneficial, have restrictive criteria that exclude unemployed youth and vulnerable children; he calls for expanded coverage and greater consultation with community stakeholders to ensure all children receive equal support and avoid poverty-related hardship.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that scandals and accusations are often timed deliberately to distract public and media attention from substantive policy announcements, bills, or negotiations. The author calls this "strategic noise injection" and warns that modern media infrastructure amplifies outrage, damaging governance and public engagement.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that traditional authorities in Namibia have a constitutional and moral duty to preserve and respect the distinct identities of all clans within their communities, rather than suppress or marginalise them. The author contends that true unity requires acknowledgement of diversity, and that erasing clan identity undermines the legitimacy and moral foundation of traditional leadership.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that the proposed Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, which would move upstream oil governance from the Ministry of Mines and Energy to the Office of the President, poses constitutional and accountability risks by concentrating discretion outside parliamentary scrutiny and historical safeguards. The author proposes instead creating an independent, specialised upstream regulator outside the Presidency, strengthening conflict-of-interest rules, operationalising dormant accountability laws, and equipping Parliament with resources to oversee the sector.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
New Era's editorial supports the Tax Amnesty Programme, extended to 31 October 2026 with no further extensions, as a pragmatic fiscal instrument to regularise outstanding tax debts and strengthen revenue collection while protecting social spending on education, health, and security. The editorial frames amnesty as balancing compassion with accountability, arguing that converting unpaid taxes into active revenue reduces borrowing pressure and reinforces voluntary compliance within the broader 2026/27 budget framework.
27 February 2026 · New Era →
An economic analyst argues that Namibia's 2026/27 budget must expand the narrow employer base—roughly 15,000 formal employers for 3.02 million people—through a more enabling business environment and strategic investment in manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, energy, and human capital, while maintaining fiscal discipline and managing public debt.
27 February 2026 · New Era →