Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announced the programme for the region's Independence Day celebrations on 21 March at Independence Stadium in Oshakati, featuring a military parade, multi-cultural entertainment, and attendance from residents across the 11 constituencies with transport and meals provided.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announced the programme for the region's Independence Day celebrations on 21 March at Independence Stadium in Oshakati, featuring a military parade, multi-cultural entertainment, and attendance from residents across the 11 constituencies with transport and meals provided.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Hermanus Isaaks, 28-year-old chairperson of Mariental's council management committee, says his leadership focuses on accountability, service delivery and formalising informal settlements. The town is emerging as a hub for young political leadership, including William Minnie, 23, Namibia's youngest elected councillor.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held substantive talks with the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement at State House, covering economic development, governance reforms, land delivery and housing finance. AR leader Job Amupanda said the delegation presented detailed written proposals and described the engagement as the beginning of further discussions to ensure implementation of policy commitments.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The National Unity Democratic Organisation's national executive committee has appointed Peter Kazongominja as party president following the resignation of former deputy health minister Utjiua Muinjangue. The party also retrenched all employees due to financial challenges from the loss of two parliamentary seats, and formally reprimanded MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu for his parliamentary conduct.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Landless People's Movement leader Bernardus Swartbooi has called on the government to consider exporting labour to address Namibia's 36.9% unemployment rate, citing examples from Kenya, Uganda and Ghana that place workers in Gulf Cooperation Council states. He criticised the government's emphasis on education without corresponding job creation and argued that investment in productive sectors like agriculture and energy should be prioritised over social spending.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Swapo Member of Parliament Justina Jonas-Emvula has praised the 2026/2027 national budget as fulfilling the party's manifesto commitments, citing allocations for civil service salary increases, job creation in health and security services, and support for workers' rights. The budget includes N$700 salary increases for senior civil servants, 5% raises for lower grades, and N$259 million for health professional recruitment among other spending measures.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
PDM Member of Parliament Diederik Vries has criticised the 2026/2027 national budget for failing to address service delivery, saying high operational costs and debt servicing hinder economic development and capital project funding. Vries pointed to persistent youth unemployment, housing shortages, weak growth, and insufficient agricultural funding, arguing that despite allocating 61.7% to the social sector, the system is not delivering productivity and inclusive growth.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has appointed Silvester Wayiti as chief executive. Wayiti previously served as chief executive of HopSol Africa and brings more than 10 years of experience in technical, executive and board-level roles across the electricity supply chain.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Elisenheim Property Development Company has received renewal of its Environmental Clearance Certificate, enabling Phase 4 expansion of the Elisenheim Lifestyle Estate near Windhoek, which will add approximately 290 residential plots. The project, owned by Trustco Group Holdings, continues its development from farmland into an established residential community.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's inflation fell to a four-year low of 2.4% in February, but economists warn geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have raised global oil prices, potentially pushing inflation back toward 3.5–4.5% by mid-2026 since Namibia imports all its fuel and most of its food.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
First National Bank Namibia's Automated Deposit Terminals now accept the newly upgraded Namibia Dollar banknotes rolled out by the Bank of Namibia, including the enhanced N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20 and N$10 notes. The commemorative N$30 and N$60 notes remain legal tender but require deposit at FNB branches rather than ATMs.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia and Russia held a business forum to strengthen economic cooperation and create trade and investment opportunities, with discussions focused on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while political relations are strong, trade has remained limited, with Namibia exporting US$13 million and importing US$39.5 million from Russia in 2024.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian government is working to reintegrate 222 workers recently terminated from Walu Fishing through the Government Employment Redress Programme, placing them with four fishing companies under new employment agreements aligned with revised fishing quota allocations.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
A proposed hydrogen production facility in Namibia's Tsau ||Khaeb National Park promises jobs and clean energy exports, but conservationists warn it risks harming endangered wildlife like African penguins and unique desert plants, while local activists raise concerns about community engagement and respect for sites of colonial genocide.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, has warned that Namibia cannot allow foreign investors to dominate the mining sector while Namibians remain unemployed or hold only minor roles in projects tied to their mineral resources. The minister said the government must ensure meaningful opportunities for Namibians in mining and indicated the ministry may consider legislative changes if existing laws fail to protect local interests.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Institute for Public Policy Research warns that Namibia faces governance risks as it prepares for oil production, citing lack of transparency in petroleum licensing, insufficient beneficial ownership disclosure, and weak local content oversight as key areas needing reform before the expected investment decisions from TotalEnergies and Mopane projects. Addressing these challenges through the Access to Information Act and digital transparency could help Namibia avoid the "resource curse" while ensuring oil revenues benefit communities rather than political elites.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
NamPower is struggling to recover about N$700 million in electricity bills overdue for more than 90 days, with the rising debt threatening the utility's ability to pay suppliers and cover operational costs. The company has requested an 8.4% tariff increase to help cover rising costs, though it says the true cost-reflective increase would be 30.4%.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Chevron has appointed Emmanuelle Garinet as director of exploration for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa as the energy supermajor enters a new phase of exploration-led growth across Africa. The company is evaluating prospects in Namibia's Walvis Basin and plans to drill an exploration well between 2026 and 2027, building on major deepwater discoveries in the Orange Basin.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Uis community is demanding N$300 million in compensation from Xinfeng, a Chinese-majority lithium mining company that operated illegally until operations were halted in November 2024. The community cites damage to ancestral graves and cultural heritage, environmental harm, and lack of community consent, and calls for transparent benefit-sharing, local employment, and legally binding safeguards before mining resumes.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform has committed to urgently rehabilitating the Hardap Inland Aquaculture Centre, which produces tilapia fingerlings for small-scale fish farmers across six regions. The executive director set a target for the facility to return to full production by December this year.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
A 48-year-old doctor based at Onandjokwe State Hospital was arrested at the Muhembo border post in Kavango East on Saturday in connection with a N$1.9 million fraud case involving Sanlam. Police allege the doctor used false documents from various doctors in the north to steal money from the insurance company.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
About 130 inmates from Omuthiya police holding cells were transported to hospital on Sunday after showing symptoms of suspected food poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and chills. The Oshikoto police commander confirmed the medical incident but said she could not confirm food poisoning without a doctor's report.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Emma Theofelus drew criticism from consumer activists after stating that pensioners falling victim to online scams bear responsibility for protecting themselves, while activists argue the government should run awareness campaigns and opponents point to legislative gaps in data protection and cybercrime laws.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Two men convicted of murdering an Outjo resident during a violent house robbery in October 2014 will be sentenced in the Windhoek High Court in April. The convicted men, Lourens Aib and Hendrik !Nowoseb, were found guilty of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and rape in connection with the attack.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform has expanded water supply and sanitation across Namibia, installing 94 new boreholes and 137 water supply units, constructing 55 short pipelines, and enabling 2,886 private water connections. The ministry also reported that rural access to safe drinking water increased to 84.9 percent and open defecation declined from 40 percent to 39.4 percent.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Police are investigating multiple cases of housebreaking and theft reported over the weekend in Ongwediva, Olunkono, Brakwater, and Oshandubala village. Stolen items include a Toyota pick-up, laptops, a cellphone, jewellery, electrical equipment, and a safe, with investigations ongoing to trace suspects.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibian police arrested several suspects across multiple towns in drug-related incidents over the weekend, including individuals found in possession of cannabis and mandrax tablets in Khorixas, Lüderitz, Windhoek, Rehoboth, Kamanjab, and Keetmanshoop. All suspects are in police custody and are expected to appear in magistrates' courts.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Windhoek City Police Service has warned that altering a vehicle's colour without notifying the National Traffic Information System is a serious offence that could result in impoundment and suspension of driving privileges. The warning came after several vehicles with unreported colour changes were discovered during a recent taxi verification exercise.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
A 48-year-old man from Omahenene location near Oshakati has been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl on Friday afternoon. According to police, the suspect, a neighbour, forcibly took the victim to his house and raped her after she refused his initial request to accompany him.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Police reported several fatal road accidents, including the death of a seven-year-old girl in Shadimbungu village who was struck by a vehicle, another fatality on the B10 road at Mayara village, and a 31-year-old man killed in Walvis Bay after driving into a parked vehicle.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
A 16-year-old Angolan girl was hospitalized after being allegedly assaulted and exploited as an unpaid domestic worker in Namibia's Oshikoto region. Her employer was arrested and faces charges including human trafficking, labour violations, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education has clarified that teachers and public servants can run private businesses, but must obtain official approval under the Public Service Act to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure public duties are not compromised. However, some teachers expressed concern that the requirement discourages them from earning extra income to supplement insufficient salaries.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Two Outjo residents convicted of murder, attempted murder, rape and robbery from a 2014 tuckshop attack sought concurrent sentencing with their existing prison terms, but the State argued they deserve independent sentences of 30 years for murder, 10 years for robbery, and 15 years for rape. Sentencing has been postponed to April 2026.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate launched the construction of the Otjombinde Sports Field in Tallismanus on Thursday, describing it as part of the government's decentralisation policy to bring development and sporting facilities closer to communities. The facility will include football, netball, volleyball and basketball courts, and is intended to support talent development, youth engagement and community gatherings while creating local employment opportunities in construction and related services.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Otjiwarongo rapper Episode 9 (Patrick Kapitango) has released a 14-track album titled 'Tears of a Loner' that draws from his experiences with heartbreak, loss and personal challenges. The project explores themes of loneliness, pain and acceptance, featuring collaborations with Namibian artists and paying tribute to the country's founding president Sam Nujoma.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Breweries Limited has confirmed that Savanna will return as the headline sponsor of the Savanna Comedy Hour for the 2026 season. The monthly comedy platform, held at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, has expanded since its 2021 launch to feature over 40 local comedians and has become a regular fixture on Windhoek's entertainment calendar.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Julia Kandjimbi, founder of Ish Namibia, has built a fashion design business that makes stylish clothing accessible and affordable while juggling full-time work and studies. She participates in African fashion events, mentors young designers, and serves on the Leather Working Group for SADC to help grow the fashion industry across the continent.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Russell Josephat, a two-time Namibian national karting champion who started racing at five, is establishing himself as a promising name in southern African motorsport. With support from sponsors and his father, he is now competing in the more challenging Mini class and dreams of becoming a professional driver, inspired by Lewis Hamilton's 2021 Brazil comeback.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
World number two Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) to claim his first Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 crown, rallying from 0-4 down in the second-set tiebreaker. Sinner, who didn't drop a set in the tournament, joined Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the only players to win all six of the ATP's hardcourt Masters 1000 tournaments.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Saints defeated Wanderers 12-1 in the Indoor Hockey Women's Premier League to take the early lead after two rounds, with goals from Azaylee Philander, the Grogli sisters, and others. In the Men's Premier League, Saints and Windhoek Old Boys drew 5-5 to remain joint leaders.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The first Arysteq Simonis Storm Schools tournament for 2026 drew record numbers of 53 boys and 27 girls across five age categories at Wanderers Sports Hall in Windhoek on 13–14 March, marking the largest entry list and first time junior table tennis in Namibia required two full days of competition.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The third edition of the MTC Volleyball National League began this weekend in Otjiwarongo with surprising results, including defending women's champions Revivals Volleyball Club losing for the first time to NamPol VC. League coordinator Albert Khevare said the early results indicate this season will be far more competitive than previous editions.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Premier Football League title race is wide open after defending champions African Stars and second-placed Eeshoke Chula Chula both dropped points over the weekend, with Stars eventually returning to the top of the log after beating Okahandja United 3-1.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point to defeat Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, claiming her first title at the event after previous losses to Rybakina in four consecutive finals. The victory ended a frustrating run against Rybakina, including losses at Indian Wells in 2023 and the Australian Open in January.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard claimed his first Paris-Nice title, with Frenchman Lenny Martinez winning the final stage in a sprint finish on Sunday. Vingegaard won the King-of-the-Mountains competition and green points jersey to secure overall victory.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 5-2 on Sunday to restore their four-point lead at the top of La Liga, with Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo also scoring. The win came after Barcelona's midfielder Gavi made his return from a severe knee injury late in the match.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Navy secured first place at the recently concluded SADC Naval Pentathlon Games held in Walvis Bay, with South Africa second and Tanzania third. The three-day competition brought together naval personnel from the three nations to compete in various sporting disciplines aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and camaraderie among SADC navies.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
Telecom Namibia Sports Club will host the 2026 Southern African Telecommunications Games (SATeG) in Swakopmund from 3–6 April, bringing together telecommunications operators from six Southern African countries to promote sportsmanship, collaboration and industry unity through sporting competitions, cultural activities and networking.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
The Khomas Basketball League opened Saturday at the University of Namibia's gym with 10 teams in premier and first divisions, running until November. Defending champion Unam Phoenix won their opener 73-55 over NUST Dodgers, with teams and coaches expressing commitment to competitive play and developing young talent.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Saints and Windhoek Old Boys finished 5-5 in the men's premier league of the Namibia Indoor Hockey League. Saints captain Abraham Graham said his side led for most of the match but lost discipline in the final three minutes, allowing Old Boys to fight back from two goals down.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Simon Daniel, a 23-year-old winger for Unam FC, has progressed from informal settlement football in Okahandja to becoming a key attacking player in the Namibia Premier Football League, relying on pace and dribbling while continuing to develop his crossing and decision-making skills.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Mavinga Lodge & Campsite on the Kunene River will host an Easter Fishing Competition on Saturday, 4 April 2026, offering fishing, camping, and opportunities to experience local Ovahimba culture. According to organiser Joyce Paulus, the event aims to promote tourism in the area while providing a safe and friendly environment for families and anglers to enjoy nature.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Flights at Dubai airport gradually resumed on Monday following a drone-related incident that sparked a fire at a nearby fuel tank, with no injuries reported. The incident occurred amid Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE, which has intercepted the majority of projectiles but continues to face disruptions to civil infrastructure and travel.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Heavy rainfall over the past week has triggered deadly flash floods across Kenya, with at least 66 deaths recorded and more than 2,000 people displaced from their homes. Poor drainage and obstruction of rivers from unregulated development have worsened flooding in Nairobi, where half the deaths have occurred, while authorities continue search-and-rescue operations.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian reports on a South African judicial inquiry examining how 2003 decisions by the ANC government allegedly derailed truth and accountability for apartheid crimes. Former prosecutors Bulelani Ngcuka and Vusi Pikoli testified about political interference in the National Prosecuting Authority, false allegations that Ngcuka was an apartheid spy, and the prosecution of police commissioner Jackie Selebi.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Zimbabwean white farmers whose land was seized during Robert Mugabe's rule are seeking help from Donald Trump's administration to recover $3.5 billion in unpaid compensation promised by President Mnangagwa, leveraging the US interest in Zimbabwe's rare-earth mineral deposits and the Trump administration's previous support for white farmers in South Africa. Some farmer groups have hired a Washington lobby firm with Trump administration ties to promote the compensation through US government support for debt relief and international financing, though the farming community remains divided on the strategy and some fear worsening relations between Washington and Harare.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ugandan opposition politician Bobi Wine has told the BBC he left Uganda after January's disputed presidential election because he feared the government sought to eliminate him. Wine, whose party the National Unity Platform disputes President Yoweri Museveni's 72% election victory, said he spent two months in hiding sheltered by supporters before fleeing the country.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Somalia's Puntland Defence Forces, supported by US drone strikes and intelligence, are conducting sustained military operations against Islamic State fighters entrenched in the al-Miskad mountains. Though IS-Somalia's local threat capacity has diminished, the group remains a resilient organisation and continues to serve as a hub supporting Islamic State affiliates across Africa and beyond.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine says he has left the country after two months in hiding following January's disputed presidential election, claiming he won but the vote was rigged in favour of Museveni. Wine says he has gone abroad for "critical engagements" to mobilise the international community and calls for targeted sanctions against Museveni.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Russia have convened the 11th Session of their Intergovernmental Commission in Windhoek, with senior officials reviewing progress on bilateral cooperation across trade, mining, energy, agriculture, and other sectors ahead of a ministerial meeting.
16 March 2026 · Informanté →
The war in the Middle East and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global container shipping, with fuel surcharges rising and transit costs nearly doubling as commercial vessels face attacks and alternative routes grow longer. Importers worldwide, including those bringing goods to Namibia via global supply chains, face pressure to absorb costs or pass them to consumers.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Donald Trump told NBC News he is not ready to seek a deal to end the war with Iran, saying terms are not good enough, while US-Israeli forces continue strikes and Iran's new supreme leader vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. Israel has approved an emergency military budget of $827 million as the conflict enters its third week, with neither side moderating rhetoric despite mounting death toll and economic damage.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
President Denis Sassou Nguesso, one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, is set to win another five-year term in an election marked by low voter turnout and a divided opposition. Rights groups have flagged concerns about the persecution of opposition activists, with two former opposition figures currently imprisoned on security grounds.
16 March 2026 · New Era →