President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with multiple delegations at State House over the past week, including a De Beers delegation led by CEO Al Cook, the PDM party led by McHenry Venaani, NEFF and Nudo delegations, the Brave Gladiators after their 2025 COSAFA Women's Championship victory, and Namibia International Energy Conference founder Selma Shimutwikeni.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with multiple delegations at State House over the past week, including a De Beers delegation led by CEO Al Cook, the PDM party led by McHenry Venaani, NEFF and Nudo delegations, the Brave Gladiators after their 2025 COSAFA Women's Championship victory, and Namibia International Energy Conference founder Selma Shimutwikeni.
PDM parliamentarian Inna Hengari has expressed concern about the accelerating debt-servicing burden, describing it as an "interest cost trap." She noted that interest payments are forecast to reach N$16.2 billion in 2026/27 (17.7% of revenue), while public debt stands at 65.2% of GDP, with 27% held in short-term treasury bills, leaving little capacity for infrastructure, social spending, or private-sector stimulus.
Kefas Hoaeb was formally joined to proceedings in Grootfontein Magistrate's Court for allegedly threatening to kill prosecutor Kristiana Erastus alongside first accused Efraim Tsibeb. He was remanded in custody pending a bail application, with the state opposing his release on grounds that he may interfere with witnesses and endanger the complainant.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region held an executive committee meeting in Swakopmund, hosted by Namibia's parliament. CPA Africa Region president Sameer Suleman, speaker of parliament of Malawi, highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and parliamentary cooperation across the continent, and formally announced that Malawi will host the CPA Africa Region conference and annual general meeting in August 2026.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region held its 90th executive committee meeting in Swakopmund, hosted by the Namibian parliament. Newly elected CPA Africa Region chair Jatta Fabakary Tombong praised Namibia's parliamentary leadership and government initiatives including subsidised tertiary education and a National Youth Development Fund.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered remarks on International Women's Day highlighting Namibia's strides in women's emancipation, including the recent swearing-in of the first female Supreme Court judge and the women's national soccer team's Cosafa Cup victory. She also commended an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew, noting that women now lead nations, advance science and shape industries in ways once unimaginable.
Swapo has filed a High Court application to evict a group of former exiled Namibians who have been camping at the party's Windhoek headquarters since October, demanding repatriation benefits. The group has indicated they will defend the matter and refuse to leave until their grievances are resolved.
Auditor General Junias Kandjeke says the council cannot account for N$4.7 million in salary payments because there are no updated staff record cards or salary advice, leading to an adverse audit opinion on the council's financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2021. The audit also flagged multiple other discrepancies including unreconciled cash balances, unconfirmed investments, and insufficient assets backing the Build Together Housing Fund.
Minister Ericah Shafudah clarified that N$65 million in social grant funds allegedly missing from NamPost between 2009 and 2018 never went missing, but was unclaimed payments held pending reconciliation between NamPost and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare. After reconciliation, the funds amounted to N$93 million and were deposited into a statutory fund, with N$58 million remaining unclaimed as of October 2025.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture's youth development allocation has increased by N$70.6 million to N$750 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The National Youth Council of Namibia welcomes the boost but emphasises that funds must be targeted at employment pathways, entrepreneurship, and skills development to make a meaningful impact.
While Namibia's debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to dip slightly from 67.3% to 66.1%, economists warn the improvement may be temporary as slower-than-projected economic growth could push the ratio above 70%. Rising interest payments—forecast to reach N$16.2 billion in 2026/27—are increasingly straining public finances and limiting resources for development and social programmes.
Former Swapo secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana has warned that the party's vacant vice presidency is unprecedented and leaves leadership exposed to unforeseen circumstances, while raising concerns about selective interpretation of party constitution as the party prepares for its 2027 elective congress.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has officially approved Herbert George Jacky Britz's designation as Kaptein of the Rehoboth Baster Gemeente Traditional Community, ending a protracted leadership dispute that followed his election in 2021 and court challenges by a rival candidate. Britz said the recognition restores the community's dignity and strengthens its voice in national matters.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Swanu leaders to discuss high unemployment, land reform, manufacturing, education, and social welfare as part of her political party consultations. Swanu representative Evilastus Kaaronda said the meeting allowed both sides to exchange views in depth on national issues, highlighting the importance of such dialogue for strengthening democratic processes.
Swapo's regional coordinator Matheus Mumbala addressed concerns in government institutions in //Kharas, calling for investigations and audits of the Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit and town councils from December 2020 to December 2025, and urging district leadership renewal and unity among councillors on development and service delivery.
Nedbank Namibia and Novel Motors have formed a business partnership combining financial solutions with automotive innovation, with Nedbank serving as co-host for an event introducing Novel's new product portfolio including Chinese brands Jetour, Omoda, Jaecoo and Foton. The partnership aims to address Namibian consumer preferences for rugged 4×4 utility vehicles and reliable after-sales support in a market of around 1,130 units per month.
FirstRand Namibia Group has announced executive changes at FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia, with Philip Chapman moving to chief executive of FNB Commercial and Daniel Motinga taking over as chief executive of RMB Namibia. Group chief executive Conrad Dempsey described the appointments as the outcome of deliberate succession planning and internal talent development.
Bank Windhoek has joined the first cohort of institutions testing government-to-person (G2P) payments under Namibia's national instant payment programme, initially piloting digital social grant disbursements with beneficiaries already familiar with digital channels before a nationwide rollout.
Private sector credit extension slowed to 4.2% year-on-year in January 2026, down from 4.4% in December, driven by weaker business credit and subdued demand rather than tightening financial conditions. Corporates continued making net debt repayments despite lower lending rates, though instalment and leasing credit remained strong at 17.4% growth, underpinned by vehicle sales.
The ministers of agriculture and labour met with four fishing companies to discuss reintegrating 222 workers who lost jobs at Walu Fishing through the Government Employment Redress Programme. Each participating company will receive an employment quota aligned with their workforce size, and the government emphasized its commitment to fair labour practices and zero tolerance for exploitation.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says Namibia has only three months of fuel reserves left due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by conflict in Iran, a major oil-producing country. The government has established a task team to explore alternative options to ensure the country's petroleum supply is not negatively affected.
According to Standard Bank's Head of Business and Commercial Banking, the bank's Blue Growth Series training programme has helped nearly 350 women entrepreneurs in Namibia formalise their businesses, gain financial literacy, and access market networks. The initiative responds to global data showing women start half of new businesses but face barriers in financing and market access, with women in Africa receiving significantly less venture capital than men.
Job Nghipandulwa founded Nalago Skincare after discovering that Kalahari melon seeds, long overlooked in northern Namibia, contain valuable nutrients like antioxidants and Vitamin E beneficial for skincare. The company, which made its first sale in April 2024, sources seeds directly from households, creating new income opportunities for rural families while producing natural cold-pressed skincare oil.
Hollard Namibia has introduced Hollard Gap Cover, a financial safeguard designed to protect members of private medical aid funds from shortfalls between what medical aid covers and what healthcare providers charge. The product is available in two options—Core, covering in-hospital specialist charges, and Plus, extending to out-of-hospital shortfalls and co-payments.
The Legal 500 and law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr hosted the first GC Powerlist: Namibia 2026 ceremony, honouring over 50 general counsel and in-house legal professionals for their role in shaping corporate governance and navigating complex regulatory frameworks across finance, mining, energy, and other sectors.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told Parliament that Namibia has sufficient oil reserves for the next three months and confirmed a task force has been assembled to monitor the Iran-US-Israel conflict and explore alternative supply options.
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed that the government should receive dividends in physical commodities such as gold, uranium, or lithium instead of cash, arguing this would provide a hedge against currency volatility and inflation rather than converting mineral wealth into fiat currency.
Debmarine Namibia is pursuing brand-building and consumer education to protect the natural diamond industry as synthetic diamonds devalue the market and reduce consumer appetite. The strategy comes as De Beers' valuation has plummeted from US$4.1 billion to US$2.3 billion, potentially affecting Namibia's funding for schools, hospitals, roads and social programmes.
Namibia's mining sector started 2026 strongly, supported by favourable commodity prices and renewed global demand for strategic minerals, with gold and uranium now accounting for the majority of sector revenues. Corporate income tax from non-diamond mining surged 54% to N$4.4 billion in 2025/26, though the diamond market remains under pressure from weak consumer demand and lab-grown competition.
Jason Kasuto, managing director of Monasa Advisory and Associates, forecast that Namibia's real GDP growth will average 6.1% between 2026 and 2035, well above the 2015–2024 average of 1.3%, driven primarily by continued expansion of mining and emerging hydrocarbons sectors. Speaking at the Namibia Institutional Investors Forum 2026, Kasuto urged institutional investors to deploy capital into projects that support domestic economic diversification and capacity building rather than relying on global markets.
Nigeria's Dangote mega-refinery has committed to prioritising the domestic market to prevent fuel shortages in the wake of Middle East tensions and rising crude prices, but warned this depends on government support and cannot rule out further price increases. Fuel prices in Nigeria have risen about 20% in a week following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with petrol prices reaching record highs as the refinery, which supplies most of Nigeria's fuel since opening in 2024, faces higher global commodity costs.
Namibia has banned imports and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from parts of Botswana following confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The ban, issued by the chief veterinary officer, aims to prevent the virus entering Namibia and applies to cattle, sheep, goats, and antelope products, though imports from FMD-free zones remain permitted with a veterinary permit.
Meat Corporation of Namibia slaughtered 75,268 cattle in the 2024/25 financial year despite ongoing drought, achieving higher average carcass weights and dressing percentages through improved production and processing efficiencies. The company attributed increased cattle marketing to improved payment discipline and producer confidence.
Namibia has imposed immediate restrictions on the importation and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from ten zones in Botswana following confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks reported by Botswana's Veterinary Authority. The measure aims to prevent introduction of the FMD virus into Namibia, though imports from other zones remain permitted with veterinary approval.
Hilaria Shikongo from Karibib has revealed for the first time that she has lived with obstetric fistula — a preventable childbirth injury creating a hole between the birth canal and rectum — since 2011, when she gave birth at age 16. Despite repeated trauma including surgical repair failure, she went on to have three more children and has now begun nursing studies, hoping to raise awareness so other women recognise symptoms early and seek help.
An Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian criticised the recently tabled budget for not addressing the shortage of gender-based violence shelters, noting that Namibia has only eight government-operated shelters with six regions having none. She also highlighted severe shortages in social workers, with Namibia having one social worker for every 17,923 children compared to the international standard of one per 5,000 children.
A 26-year-old from Outapi won over N$1.2 million after correctly predicting 23 football match outcomes in a single online bet placed for just N$1 through Castlebet Namibia. The bettor said he used his knowledge of football to make the predictions and plans to use the winnings to complete his studies.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the Women's World Day of Prayer in Windhoek on 7 March, emphasizing the global Christian solidarity movement and calling on churches to combat gender-based violence and advance social justice. She stressed that faith must translate into action, particularly in supporting survivors of violence and challenging structural inequalities that harm women and vulnerable communities.
A 7-year-old boy was hospitalised at Windhoek Central Hospital after allegedly being assaulted by the father of a classmate who discovered his son crying after an incident at school. The Namibian government says it is investigating the matter, with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare condemning the incident and emphasising that no circumstance justifies violence against children.
The education director in Omusati region has ordered teachers to cease all unauthorized income-generating activities outside their full-time jobs, warning of audits and disciplinary action under the Public Service Act. Teachers have resisted the directive, arguing that their low salaries force them to seek additional income to cover loans and living expenses, with union leaders noting the rule applies to all public servants but should be enforced more educatively.
In Kenya, where wealth was once associated with being overweight, demand for weight-loss surgeries and drugs like Ozempic has surged as beauty ideals shift toward slimness and celebrity culture normalizes medical intervention. Social media pressure, health concerns including diabetes and infertility, and changing fashion preferences are driving the trend, though critics question the procedures as pursuing unrealistic standards.
A 32-year-old man entered a Windhoek City Police office in Khomasdal claiming he had been robbed, then took a vehicle key left on a table and drove off with a police vehicle, crashing it into a private property. Police say the suspect is a patient at a mental hospital and is receiving medical attention; no injuries were sustained and investigations are ongoing.
Andrea Ferris appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Tuesday charged with the murder of Abre Maasdorp and attempted murder of her ex-husband Granville Maasdorp following a domestic altercation at Elisenheim. The court remanded her in custody and postponed the matter to 4 June while she applies for legal aid.
The Ministry of Education has launched a regional outreach programme to inform learners about tertiary education opportunities, admission requirements, and government support, beginning in Kavango West and extending to other regions through March 2026.
The Namibian Police Force in Erongo is searching for three women wanted in connection with fraud and money laundering involving N$280,410 in Swakopmund. The suspects are believed to be in Windhoek, and police are appealing for public assistance in locating them.
A man described as mentally ill entered Windhoek City Police's Khomasdal office claiming he had been assaulted, then took a vehicle key from a table and drove a police car out of the yard. The vehicle crashed into a residential property on Richardine Klopper Street, causing damage to both the car and the house, though no injuries were reported.
The Capricorn Foundation has expanded its support for the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Programme in Kunene, now reaching 1,200 learners and 200 teachers across the region following a N$798,000 investment since 2024. The programme has shown measurable improvements, with schools recording reductions of 20 to 50 percentage points in learners unable to perform basic mathematical tasks, and plans to expand to 15 schools by 2026.
The Mariental Youth Resource Centre operates at reduced capacity with only two staff members instead of the required seven, while its converted house premises lacks youth-friendly infrastructure. The centre is pursuing a five-year plan to construct a new multipurpose facility and has revived programmes in agricultural cooperatives, entrepreneurship training, and environmental education despite staffing constraints.
The One Economy Foundation, in partnership with FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, launched #EmpowerToEarn to address youth unemployment in peri-urban and semi-rural areas through practical skills training in catering, hairdressing, and agriculture, combined with entrepreneurship and financial literacy modules and post-training business mentorship.
Informal traders at Windhoek's Havana four-way stop say road construction and lack of facilities make their businesses unsafe and difficult to operate. Vendors are calling for designated trading space and basic infrastructure, citing security risks from early morning stock preparation and the absence of storage facilities.
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila visited Windhoek Central Hospital's Children's Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and called for the Legislature to develop more bills to improve Namibia's training capacity for specialist workers, noting the country lacks experts in key medical fields and most specialists are trained abroad. A paediatric cardiologist highlighted that Namibia has only 10 to 15 sub-specialists across the entire country, describing the situation as "tragic" and pointing to an inability to build local training capacity.
The Kavango regions experienced multiple serious incidents over the weekend: an armed home invasion in Rundu in which the homeowner was shot and one suspect was injured, a smuggling attempt at Rundu Police station involving contraband for inmates, and two deaths including a pensioner who drowned while fishing and a man whose body was recovered after going missing in February.
Katoole Ipinge, a former marketing and communication manager at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management, appeared in court facing 10 corruption charges. He allegedly directed Nipam clients to deposit funds totalling N$175,200 into his personal bank account between June and December 2021, in breach of his official position.
Three men were arrested and granted bail after allegedly shooting an elephant in Omusati region that subsequently killed a 46-year-old woman who was provoked the animal. Police registered a case of illegal hunting; the suspects allegedly used a .303 hunting rifle on the protected animal, valued at about N$295,000.
Windhoekers celebrated the book launch of Marisa 'Mel' Kelly's second book, 'The Limbo Circus & Other Short Stories', published by Modjaji Books. The nine-story collection draws on Kelly's travels through southern Africa and personal experiences, including work at London Zoo and as a veterinary nurse.
The Film Week returns to Windhoek from 12 to 15 March, screening over 150 films from 16 African countries alongside panels, masterclasses and workshops. The Namibia Film Commission says the four-day festival showcases Namibian storytelling, strengthens the local film ecosystem and provides a platform for audiences to experience films reflecting local realities and languages.
New Era has published a creative short story about two characters whose discovery of an unusual rock triggers a frenzy of stone-hunting and rivalry in their community.
The 2026 National Enduro Championships' first leg attracted 64 entries—the highest in three years—with riders competing across eight classes over varied terrain. Winner Quinton van Rooyen and organiser Ruan de Lange noted the sport is gaining momentum, with the second leg scheduled for Etumba on 11 April.
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat scored 83 points — the second-highest total in NBA history — in a 150–129 victory over Washington on Tuesday, surpassing Kobe Bryant's 81-point record and trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point performance from 1962.
Namibia will receive a N$9-million Fifa-standard football field at the OlympAfrica Centre in Omaruru as part of a continental partnership between Anoca and Fifa aimed at expanding access to quality sport infrastructure across Africa. The facility will provide young Namibians with improved opportunities to participate in organised sport and develop their talents in their communities.
Former sprint champion Frank Fredericks warns young athletes to remain humble, avoid premature celebration of domestic success, and recognise they must compete at southern African, continental, and world levels to truly advance. Reflecting on his 1996 indoor 200m world record of 19.92 seconds, Fredericks emphasises the importance of sacrifice, coaching, and gratitude for the independence and opportunities that enable international competition.
The ||Kharas region will host the 24th edition of The Namibian Newspaper Cup at Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April after winning hosting rights on their third bid attempt. The region has completed stadium renovations including new lighting and resurfaced fields, and aims to replicate the success of their previous 2012 hosting while competing to win the tournament for the second time since 2019.
Bayern Munich defeated Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with Michael Olise scoring twice and Serge Gnabry, Nicolas Jackson, and Jamal Musiala also finding the net. The dominant performance leaves Bayern on the verge of the quarter-finals, with a blockbuster tie against Real Madrid or Manchester City awaiting if they progress.
Lamine Yamal's stoppage-time penalty rescues Barcelona from defeat, earning a 1-1 draw at Newcastle in a Champions League last 16 first leg. After Harvey Barnes put Newcastle ahead in the 86th minute, Yamal converted from the spot following a foul on Dani Olmo, leaving Barcelona with work to do in the return fixture on March 18.
Atletico Madrid dominated a mistake-filled Tottenham to win 5-2 in their Champions League last 16 first leg at the Metropolitano stadium. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky's early errors contributed to Atletico scoring four goals in 22 minutes, though Tottenham salvaged two goals to give themselves hope for the second leg.
Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg, with Mario Lemina's first-half goal leaving the six-time European champions in danger of a shock exit ahead of the second leg at Anfield on March 18.
Arsenal, Premier League leaders chasing their first major trophy since 2020, take on Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League knockout round after winning all eight league-phase matches. The tie is one of four last-16 matchups featuring PSG vs Chelsea, Real Madrid vs Manchester City, and Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting.
DS Football Academy announced that four young players—Tiago Schmidt, Herman Ambambi, Damion Malgas, and Isack Hamata—have joined TS Galaxy Academy in South Africa's Gauteng Development League as part of the academy's push to create international pathways for talented young footballers.
Elisenheim Lifestyle Estate in Windhoek is constructing two international-standard padel courts at its main hub, scheduled for completion in May 2026. The facility will feature professional-grade outdoor courts with LED floodlighting and a digital booking platform to support recreational and competitive play.
The Deputy Minister of Education has officially launched the 24th edition of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament established in 2001 that provides opportunities for young athletes from all 14 regions to showcase their talent. The 2026 tournament will be hosted in the ǁKharas Region from 3 to 6 April in Keetmanshoop.
Rössing Uranium has donated N$135 000 to the Swakop Striders Running Club from 2026 Rössing National Marathon registration fees, to support athletics development and community sport in the Erongo region. The company also donated N$20 010 from 5km Fun Walk entry fees to the Cancer Association of Namibia.
Namibia's Brave Gladiators defeated South Africa to win the Cosafa Women's Championship, marking a major milestone for women's football in the country.
With six matches remaining, Eeshoke Chula Chula, African Stars, and FC Ongos are separated by only four points at the top of the Namibia Premier Football League, with Chula leading on 47 points. Head coaches of the contending sides expressed determination to fight for the championship, with African Stars' Elemu Agnus emphasizing defence and clinical finishing, while Ongos' Ronnie Kanalelo said his team would focus on maintaining their approach without tactical distractions.
The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo rose 3.05 metres in a week to reach 6.68m by Monday, March 9, 2026, significantly higher than the 2.06m recorded on the same date last year. The Hydrological Services of Namibia has warned surrounding communities to be cautious as the river overflows its banks into the eastern Zambezi floodplains.
The Hai||om have filed a High Court case seeking recognition of ancestral land rights over Etosha National Park and Mangetti West farms, claiming dispossession by German settlers in the 1890s and violent apartheid-era eviction in 1954. They are seeking restoration of land rights, alternative land, or financial compensation, citing violations of the Namibian Constitution and international indigenous rights frameworks.
South Africa faces potential record fuel price hikes in April due to soaring international oil prices, a weakened rand, and new tax increases. Petrol could rise by over N$3 per litre and diesel by more than N$5, driven by geopolitical tensions affecting Middle Eastern oil supplies.
The US$259 million Kazungula Bridge, completed in 2021 with Japanese support, has dramatically reduced crossing times between Botswana and Zambia by replacing a slow ferry with a fast road-and-rail link, easing cargo movement along the North-South Corridor trade route and boosting efficiency across the SADC region.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the G7 will discuss releasing strategic oil reserves as finance ministers prepare crisis talks on the Middle East war; three G7 countries, including the US, have already backed the proposal, which aims to stabilize soaring oil prices amid supply concerns.
China has announced zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries beginning May 1, 2026, a policy intended to enhance African exporters' competitiveness, support industrialization, and strengthen China-Africa relations through trade-led development rather than aid-dependent frameworks.
At a Beijing press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed China's commitment to deepening China-Africa friendship, called for a political settlement to the Middle East conflict, and outlined China's vision for a multipolar world built on equality and cooperation rather than hegemony.
Hundreds of residents are fleeing Tigray region as federal and Tigrayan forces mass at their shared border, with local officials warning that renewed conflict appears imminent. The previous civil war from 2020–2022 killed at least 600,000 people; the peace agreement has never been fully implemented and tensions remain volatile.
An opinion piece by Swapo Party Women's Council secretary Fransina Kahungu argues that Women's Day should challenge organizations to move beyond symbolic recognition and instead build substantive capacity in women through mentorship, skills training, and policy literacy. She calls on women's organisations to create pipelines of technically prepared leaders rather than cycles of spectators, emphasizing that real empowerment means shaping systems and policies that improve women's lives materially.
At the UN Commission on the Status of Women, African nations must prioritize strengthening democratic institutions to support women's political leadership, manage AI's impact on youth employment, and address widening gaps for boys and young men. Namibia's stable democracy and high female parliamentary representation offer a model, but representation alone is insufficient without robust rule of law and fair elections.