Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Landless People's Movement leader Bernadus Swartbooi has criticised the 2026/27 national budget for prioritising security sector recruitment over infrastructure development and agricultural investment, saying the government is hiring for security jobs to meet political demands because there is insufficient money for real job creation. He argued that increasing operational budgets while declining development budgets keeps the country in a cycle of poverty and unemployment, and that rural development through agriculture should be non-negotiable.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Lawyers have raised concerns that the fair trial rights of suspects in the murder case of late Control Prosecutor Justine Shiweda may be prejudiced, as the accused are barred from having access to telephones while incarcerated, hampering their ability to contact legal representatives. The matter was remanded to 8 April 2026 to address the issue of telephonic access and to fix a bail application date.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba called on ruling party lawmakers not to discard input merely because it comes from opposition members, advising that lawmakers should verify claims and acknowledge when opposition points are correct. He also urged Namibians to safeguard national peace and unity, warning against tribalism and calling for collective support of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's leadership.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Four individuals accused of fraud and corruption over irregularities in the awarding of N$18.5 million in tenders at the Namibia Development Corporation have been set for plea proceedings on 16, 17 and 18 September 2026. The charges include fraud, money laundering, and use of position for gratification, allegedly involving a former NDC executive who used her position to influence tender awards to relatives and friends.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Steve Biko Booys, a former parliamentarian accused of two counts of rape, has lodged a fresh bail application citing protracted trial delays, the death of his brother, and the weakness of the State's case. The State opposed the application, arguing no new facts were presented and that strong evidence including DNA samples and text messages links him to the offence; the court postponed ruling to 24 March 2026.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's visa-on-arrival system has generated over N$413 million in revenue since March 2025, with nearly 290,000 visas issued, according to Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu. The policy is part of broader immigration reforms aimed at supporting tourism, investment and economic growth while maintaining border security.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Following a cybersecurity incident at Namibia Airports Company, the Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia has urged organisations to tighten security by implementing robust controls, enforcing governance policies, activating multifactor authentication, and conducting continuous cybersecurity awareness training.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
According to Namibia Statistics Agency data for February 2026, consumers in zone three (||Kharas, Erongo, Hardap and Omaheke regions) paid the highest prices for beef stew at N$113.96 per kilogramme and sunflower oil at N$34.79 per 750ml bottle, while headline inflation slowed to 2.4% from 3.6% year-on-year, with food and non-alcoholic beverages recording 1.6% annual inflation.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored) has announced a planned power interruption affecting customers connected to the Uitkomst 11kV network at Grootfontein on 16, 18 and 20 March, between 08h00 and 17h00 each day, for routine line maintenance to improve supply reliability.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged N$10,000 towards the upcoming Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition scheduled for 24 April to 2 May, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi describing it as an investment in the country's economic future. Local businesses and individuals have pledged about N$885,000 in total support for the event, themed "Connecting Local Trade to the World," which aims to empower local enterprises and develop Ondangwa into a world-class convention and events destination.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Airports Company says no sensitive information was stolen in a recent cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to network infrastructure and administrative accounts. The company has implemented containment measures and enhanced security safeguards, with investigations ongoing and services restored.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO called for stronger partnerships with Russian investors to boost agricultural production, technology transfer, and food security, highlighting opportunities in agro-processing, fertiliser production, and modern farming technologies.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Airports Company detected a cybersecurity incident on 6 March 2026 involving unauthorised access to network infrastructure and administrative accounts. Services have been restored with limited operational impact, and there is no evidence of data exfiltration, though investigations continue; NAM-CSIRT and NAC are working together to enhance security resilience.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
CRAN has authorised four local providers—Echo Namibia, Oblixx, RocketNet, and Blue Technologies—to operate LEO satellite internet services via OneWeb, bringing broadband-quality connectivity to rural areas as traditional telecommunications infrastructure deteriorates. Farmers and remote communities are key beneficiaries, with providers offering tailored packages and cost-effective options including hardware rental and collaborative arrangements.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia–Russia Business Forum discussed establishing a fertiliser manufacturing plant to support agricultural schemes and reduce food import dependence. The Ministerial Session of the Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission also identified cooperation opportunities in agriculture, sport, education, energy, and other sectors.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Nedbank Namibia has appointed John-James Tromp as head of consumer banking effective 1 March 2026, bringing together Private Banking, Private Wealth, Retail Banking and Lending divisions under one leadership structure to strengthen services for everyday customers across Namibia.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Elisenheim Property Development Company has received renewal of its Environmental Clearance Certificate for Phase 4 of the Elisenheim Lifestyle Estate development near Windhoek, which will add approximately 290 residential erven to the residential estate.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is reviewing storage fee structures at Namibia's National Oil Storage Facility to establish market-related tariffs and open access to more local entrepreneurs. The facility has received multiple applications from companies seeking to store diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel, but current space constraints may limit simultaneous usage; managers are considering short-term contracts (around 30 days maximum) to ensure fair access and prevent monopolisation by individual operators.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ondangwa Town Council raised N$885,070 in cash and pledges at a gala dinner to fund the 13th edition of the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, scheduled for April–May 2026. Vice President Lucia Witbooi officiated the event, highlighting the exhibition's role in promoting entrepreneurship and economic development, while business leaders called for greater priority to be given to local contractors over foreign firms in government tender awards.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Chevron has appointed Mwanyengwa 'Ndapewoshali' Shapwanale as deputy country manager and local content manager for its Namibia operations, strengthening its leadership team amid ongoing offshore exploration activity. Shapwanale previously worked as manager for local content and vendor assurance at Chevron.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said Namibia can achieve 80% national electricity connectivity in four years with sustained effort, up from the current 47–56% rate. The government aims for 70% connectivity by 2030, and Amutse urged stakeholders and the Electricity Control Board to ensure that licenced power generators deliver on their commitments rather than merely hold inactive licences.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called for accelerated oil and gas development to reduce reliance on imported petroleum amid geopolitical tensions and volatile global markets. Mantashe cited regulatory reforms including the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act and legislative modernisation as steps to unlock investment in the petroleum sector and ensure long-term energy security.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre has opened new intakes offering courses in solar installation, welding, electrical engineering, and logistics tailored to job requirements in emerging green hydrogen, oil, and gas sectors. The centre, which admits trainees nationally and provides free tuition through government policy, will inaugurate with Vice President Lucia Witbooi this Thursday.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services has imposed an immediate ban on imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from designated zones in Botswana following confirmed foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The directorate has also suspended poultry and poultry products from Argentina's Buenos Aires province due to highly pathogenic avian influenza.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia has enrolled 19 interns from various training institutions in a six-month workplace programme running from October 2025 to March 2026, part of the government's National Development Plan 6 and internship initiative to build youth skills in the livestock and meat industry.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Feedmaster, a leading animal feed producer founded in 1983 as a Namib Mills subsidiary, has expanded from producing maize chop to operating three plants with over 220,000 tonnes annual capacity, and has acquired regional operations and established laboratories to support Namibia's livestock sector.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
A national baseline report identifies 419 informal settlements across Namibia, with over 60% unregistered and unable to access secure tenure or basic services. The report reveals that municipalities themselves own the land where 98.3% of informal settlements are located, underscoring the need for coordinated surveying, planning and infrastructure systems to manage rapid urbanisation.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Education has instructed private schools to operate only within their approved grades and programmes, following reports that Eileen Private School in Kavango East offered Grade 10 classes without authorisation. The school has been formally instructed to discontinue the grade and the ministry says it will continue monitoring to ensure compliance with the Education Act.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifteen pupils from Rundu Secondary School in Kavango East region are at Rundu State Hospital with suspected food poisoning, while 283 pupils at the hostel showed symptoms of diarrhoea. Health inspectors are investigating the cause, with hostel superintendent Samuel Marungu saying the suspected contamination may be linked to meals served for lunch or dinner.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
About 75 children aged 12–18 from five regions completed a five-week rehabilitation and reintegration programme run by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in partnership with the National Youth Service at Henties Bay. The training focused on discipline, patriotism, voluntarism and agricultural skills, with officials calling on families to support the children's reintegration.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Former first lady Monica Geingos has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg but says she will not use the title until she completes her own PhD, following her late husband Hage Geingob's belief that such honours should be earned rather than conferred.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 22-month-old child died in Omusati's Ogongo constituency after twin two-year-olds allegedly placed sand in the infant's mouth, nose and eyes during an incident of minimal supervision. No arrests have been made as the suspected perpetrators are too young to face criminal charges.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The City of Windhoek, which records approximately 960 burials annually, says five of its seven cemeteries are at full capacity and is urging residents to consider cremation as an alternative. The municipality is exploring measures including second interments and developing a new cemetery at Rocky Crest, though some residents and cultural groups have raised concerns about land allocation and religious objections to cremation.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 16-year-old Angolan girl has been rescued from unpaid domestic work in Namibia's Oshikoto region after being beaten and starved by her 62-year-old employer, who promised her N$500 monthly wages she never received. The suspect has been arrested and faces charges including contraventions of the Child Care and Protection Act, assault, and human trafficking.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Severe floods in Namibia's Zambezi region have made schools, clinics, and villages inaccessible except by boat, with the Zambezi River water level at 6.75m compared to 2.17m last year. Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi says officials plan to relocate affected communities and schools to higher ground while the Office of the Prime Minister has delivered tents, food, and water tanks to support displaced residents.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 62-year-old Namibian woman has been remanded in custody after appearing in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on charges of trafficking, starving, and physically abusing a 15-year-old Angolan child. The case has been postponed to 19 August to allow police to continue their investigation.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Young people in Oshana acknowledge Namibia's 36 years of democratic stability but say the next phase of development must prioritize meaningful economic opportunities and employment, with leaders calling for economic diversification, youth entrepreneurship support, and improved access to funding and decision-making roles.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called for reforms to the legal system and redress processes for gender-based violence survivors, arguing that current procedures are often re-traumatising and that courts, police and social services are central to addressing GBV. She emphasised that reform must address interconnected causes including poverty, mental health challenges, limited law enforcement capacity, and cultural norms that undervalue women's safety and autonomy.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened a planning workshop for the Divisions of Disability Affairs and Marginalised Communities, calling for stronger efforts to advance the rights and socio-economic development of persons with disabilities and marginalised communities. The workshop aims to review progress, identify challenges and map out strategies to improve service delivery, with Witbooi highlighting recent milestones including a sign language application launch, the Disability Cost Report, and a revised National Policy on Disability for 2025–2035, while acknowledging challenges such as limited financial resources and institutional capacity constraints.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has inaugurated a state renal dialysis centre at Keetmanshoop State Hospital in the ǁKaras Region, the first such facility in southern Namibia, allowing kidney failure patients in the region to access life-saving treatment without travelling to other regions. The facility is part of broader efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare services and expand access to medical care outside the capital.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has welcomed a donation of 4,896 tonnes of rice from South Korea, valued at USD 1.7 million and delivered via the World Food Programme, which will benefit approximately 300,000 vulnerable Namibians across all 14 regions between April and December 2026 as the country responds to floods in Zambezi Region and ongoing food insecurity from the 2024–2025 drought. Flooding has closed sections of the Bukalo–Sifuha road in Zambezi Region, with authorities warning residents in low-lying areas to relocate and advising motorists to use alternative routes.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Selma Daniel, 62, appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court facing charges of trafficking in persons, child exploitation, neglect, and child abandonment related to the alleged abuse of her 16-year-old Angolan domestic worker, who was unpaid and reportedly forced to work in harsh conditions. The magistrate remanded Daniel in custody, with the case postponed to 19 August 2026.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
A neighbour testified in the trial of Mecthilde Karomo (33), accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend and his new lover by setting fire to his shack in Okahandja Park on 26 December 2022, stating he did not observe household items from Karomo's home burning despite her claims that the fire had affected her possessions.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
The New Era Publication Corporation and National Commission on Research, Science and Technology held a maiden AI Innovation Hackathon themed "Coding the Future of Media" to give young innovators the opportunity to apply their skills to solve real-world problems. Twenty-five participants from tertiary institutions competed, with judges assessing entries on originality, impact, and usability.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
A 66-year-old pensioner in Ongwediva is facing eviction from land her family has occupied for 60 years after her son-in-law, a Zimbabwean national, allegedly sold the property without the family's knowledge. The daughter, married in community of property to the husband, claims she only discovered the sale through an eviction letter in 2024 and is now supporting her mother with community fundraising for legal defence.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Five of six men accused of murdering Ondangwa Control Prosecutor Justine Shiweda were denied bail in the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court; the case has been postponed to 8 April for further investigation and legal representation. A separate group of twelve people, including three of the murder suspects, faced charges related to N$1.9 million in money laundering at Sanlam, with six granted bail of N$25,000 each and six linked to the murder denied bail.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Police arrested multiple suspects over the weekend for drug possession, housebreaking, attempted murder, rape, and attempted robbery. Two deaths occurred in separate road incidents, and two suicides were reported in different locations.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian police force reported several drug-related arrests over the weekend, including suspects caught in possession and dealing of cannabis and mandrax tablets across towns including Lüderitz, Khorixas, Rehoboth, Kamanjab, Keetmanshoop, and Windhoek. NamPol spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi called on Namibians to partner with police to curb drug abuse and trafficking, which she described as a threat to youth, families, and communities.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Two constituencies in Kavango West region are set to benefit from new sports facilities under a N$10 million construction project, as part of the region's youth empowerment initiatives aligned with Namibia's Vision 2030. The projects, which also include boreholes for water provision, will create opportunities for local businesses and are being constructed by the Rundu Vocational Training Centre.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Village Sunday Market at Zest Mediterranean Restaurant in Windhoek drew over 450 visitors this past weekend, featuring 52 vendor stalls selling thrifted clothes, handmade jewellery, baked goods, and other local products, alongside live music. Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic to support local vendors, the market has grown from 10 stalls in the founder's driveway to its current capacity, with plans to train vendors to improve product presentation.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Mervin Claasen's 'The Dungeons', premiering at Windhoek's Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre on 20 March, dramatizes untold testimonies of detainees held in Lubango exile camps during Namibia's pre-independence struggle. The production draws from published accounts and survivor interviews to confront the harsh realities of the liberation movement and foster dialogue about this difficult chapter of national history.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Professor William Heuva published an analysis of the 2022 film "Tjipangandjara" in the Journal of African Cinemas, arguing that digital technology can promote Ovaherero cultural heritage and African Indigenous languages, and that the film demonstrates how creative works can resist commodification and neo-liberal economic pressures while preserving cultural identity.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Luka Doncic scored 36 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 100-92 for their sixth consecutive victory. The San Antonio Spurs also won, edging the Los Angeles Clippers 119-115 to cement second place in the Western Conference.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Premier Football League top scorer Petrus Stephanus has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season after suffering a tibia and fibula fracture during FC Ongos' 2-0 defeat to KK Palace FC on Sunday. The 31-year-old striker, who had 12 goals in 26 matches, underwent successful surgery and is recovering at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
ATG Windhoek High School Old Boys won the 50-over Premier League final by 33 runs, posting 307/7 before restricting Wanderers to 274/9. Old Boys' top-order batting display, featuring centuries and strong partnerships, proved decisive in reclaiming the title from defending champions Wanderers.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
England's six Champions League teams failed to win in first-leg matches against top European clubs, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham trailing by three goals each. Analysts point to fatigue from the Premier League's gruelling winter schedule without a break, physical style of play, and opponents with greater financial resources as key factors behind the disappointing results.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The 2024 Six Nations saw record attacking success with 211 tries scored, but also a record 211 tries conceded, prompting champion France and other teams to reassess their defensive weaknesses ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Ireland proved the exception, conceding the fewest points and tries, while most teams prioritized attacking performance despite the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by the tournament.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The third season of the MTC Volleyball National League began in Otjiwarongo last weekend with 16 teams competing, including newcomers Afrocat Volleyball Club. The defending champions Revival Volleyball Club lost to Nampol women's team 3-0 in a notable upset.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Zebaldt Ngaruka Aminuis athletic zone coordinator Zenaune Muharukua expressed satisfaction with his team's performance at the Omaheke Regional Athletics Championship in Gobabis, where 108 athletes from the zone won 33 medals including five gold. Muharukua noted that at least eight athletes are believed to have met qualifying standards and praised community support, while highlighting the need for continued assistance to talented athletes, particularly from marginalised San communities.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The 2026 Arysteq/Simonis Storm Schools table tennis series opened with its highest participation since launch, drawing 80 entries across youth categories at Wanderers Sports Hall. Tournament director Theo Beukes noted the objective is to grow the sport at grassroots level, with new schools including Waldorf, The Gardner Academy and Rosewood Academy joining the expanding competition.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
An opinion piece argues that Namibian sports federations like Athletics Namibia and the NFA should focus on strategic growth, talent pipelines and sponsorships rather than micromanaging events, and should delegate operational duties to trained sports managers to improve performance and professionalism ahead of the 2026 African Games.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The 10th season of the MTC HopSol Youth Soccer League kicked off with matches in the U/15, U/17 and U/19 age groups. Kasaona Football Academy defeated DTS 4–0 in their opening game, while Riverheights and Ramblers drew 2–2.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Vickson 'Loco' Shivute, a 26-year-old forward for KK Palace FC, shares the surname of Namibian football pioneer Elifas Shivute and is determined to carve his own place in the game's history. Currently the club's leading scorer with eight goals this season, he aims to eventually play professional football abroad and inspire the next generation of Namibian players.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
The Khomas Netball League chairperson reported that the season's opening weekend was successful, with nearly all registered teams participating and crowd attendance exceeding expectations. The competition features a refreshed format with improved match scheduling and innovations, though the Player of the Match award for the Super 10 division will be implemented from the next round.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Residents of Swakopmund have raised concerns over construction work at the Platz am Meer development on the beach, alleging that building waste and rubble are being pushed into the sea and the natural beach profile altered. The central dispute is whether coastal construction works requiring environmental clearance from the environment commissioner are proceeding without the required prior approval, with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism yet to confirm whether an environmental clearance certificate has been issued for shoreline works.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Finland and Namibia have partnered to strengthen the local circular economy, focusing on resource efficiency and sustainable growth across mining, energy and agricultural sectors. Namibia became the first African country to host a dialogue under the World Circular Economy Forum, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and private sector representatives to develop practical circular economy solutions.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Officials from Zambezi River Basin countries are strengthening regional water management and planning in response to growing climate variability affecting shared water resources. A Zambezi Watercourse Commission delegation visited Uganda to exchange knowledge on transboundary river management and climate resilience with the Nile Basin Initiative.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Kenya's foreign minister says Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine after talks in Moscow, and that Kenyans will no longer be eligible for enlistment through Russia's defence ministry. Kenya is also seeking the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home, with 27 having been repatriated so far, and has closed over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of duping citizens with false job promises.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Fighting between government forces and rivals loyal to suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar has displaced over 280,000 people in South Sudan's Jonglei state, prompting UN warnings of a return to full-blown civil war. Civilians are bearing the brunt of indiscriminate attacks including aerial bombardments and killings, with the region already facing severe hunger affecting 60% of Jonglei's two million people.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
South Korea donated approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of rice worth N$60 million to Namibia, expected to benefit around 300,000 Namibians across all 14 regions. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said the donation comes at a timely moment to support food security for vulnerable populations affected by drought and flooding.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian passport has risen to 60th place in the 2026 Henley & Partners Passport Index, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 75 destinations—an improvement from its 62nd ranking in 2025. Namibia's passport now outranks those of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola, though it remains behind South Africa and Botswana in the region.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Oil prices surged above US$106 a barrel as conflict in the region disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the International Energy Agency to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves across Asia, Europe, and North America. Global energy ministers are meeting to address soaring prices and discuss measures including price caps and military operations to reopen critical shipping routes.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
At the 11th Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Windhoek, both nations discussed deepening economic cooperation, including proposals for a fertiliser manufacturing plant and expanded collaboration in mining, nuclear energy, and fisheries. Trade between the countries grew 56% in 2025 to reach 18.4 billion rubles, though officials said this remains below its full potential.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Women in Ivory Coast face significant barriers to divorce, including social stigma, lengthy court processes, financial costs, and cultural pressure to preserve marriage for appearances. Low divorce rates reflect both structural obstacles and deeply rooted beliefs that women's success is defined by marriage rather than personal wellbeing.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Suspected fighters from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province launched an overnight attack on a military post on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the first such attack in years, which the military quickly repelled with no civilian casualties reported. The assault marks an escalation in the militant groups' campaign in northeast Nigeria, where their 16-year insurgency has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Israel's military said it has begun "limited and targeted ground operations" against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and protecting northern Israeli residents. The operations follow earlier Israeli air strikes and reflect escalating tension after Hezbollah's recent attacks involving hundreds of daily rocket launches toward Israel.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Air China will resume direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang from 30 March, marking a reopening of travel links after strict border closures since 2020. The weekly Monday service follows the restart of passenger train services last week, though North Korea remains cautious about allowing Western tourists.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
A New Era opinion column argues that farm workers' behaviour, attitude, and productivity directly mirror their employer's conduct and leadership; farmers who demonstrate organisation, discipline, and clear standards attract and retain committed workers, while those tolerating disorder inadvertently foster ill-discipline and undermine farm productivity.
17 March 2026 · New Era →