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

Opposition slams Swapo's modest social grants increase

The News

Opposition MPs and activists have criticised the government's 2026/27 budget allocation, accusing it of breaking campaign promises by increasing social grants by only N$100 rather than the promised larger amounts. They argue the government has adequate resources to fund higher increases to pensioner and vulnerable children's grants to better protect citizens from inflation.

19 March 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. Opposition slams Swapo's modest social grants increase

    Opposition MPs and activists have criticised the government's 2026/27 budget allocation, accusing it of breaking campaign promises by increasing social grants by only N$100 rather than the promised larger amounts. They argue the government has adequate resources to fund higher increases to pensioner and vulnerable children's grants to better protect citizens from inflation.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. IPC MP proposes renaming Henties Bay after founding president

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Armas Amukoto has proposed renaming Henties Bay to 'Sam Nujoma Bay' in honour of Namibia's founding president, arguing that the country should replace colonial geographical names with ones that reflect its own liberation history and identity.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Lukato criticises unfulfilled pension increase promise

    National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato has criticised the government's 2026/2027 budget for failing to fulfil President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's promise to increase senior citizens' monthly old-age pensions from N$1,600 to N$3,000, noting that the budget contains only a N$100 increase and citing instead a shift in priorities toward youth development.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. PDM's Inna Hengari elected to World Bank young MPs committee

    Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Inna Hengari has been elected to the World Bank's steering committee of global young members of parliament, representing the eastern and southern African region from 2026 to 2028, marking Namibia's first representation on this platform.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Sheya calls for executive directors' accountability on budget implementation

    Swapo MP Marius Sheya has called for executive directors in government ministries and agencies to be subpoenaed and held accountable for failing to implement the national budget, arguing that Parliament must take its oversight mandate seriously and prevent government resources from being misallocated.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Swapo deputy denies allegations of Russian election campaign support

    Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has rejected allegations reported by Forbidden Stories that the ruling party requested Russian support for its 2024 election campaign. The non-profit news organization reported leaked documents from Russian operatives allegedly showing requests for funding and involvement in disinformation operations, including a fabricated letter claiming UK financing of the opposition IPC.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Asoli association formally becomes political party

    Josef Kauandenge has announced that the Association of Localised Interests (Asoli) has become the Asoli Progressive Party and will submit registration documents to the Electoral Commission of Namibia for the 2029 elections. The party, formed following Kauandenge's departure from Nudo, aims to address social and economic issues that Kauandenge says other political parties have neglected.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Leaked Erongo military airspace plan sparks industry concern

    The Namibian Defence Force confirmed a proposal to reclassify a military operations area (FYM-401) in Erongo to prohibited airspace, citing international aviation standards. A 25 March meeting will convene aviation authorities and stakeholders to discuss the proposal, which has drawn opposition from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association over concerns about impacts on aviation, tourism, and mining drone operations.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Outapi Town Council plans community engagement on 2026/2027 priorities

    The Mayor of Outapi Town says community involvement is key to shaping responsive policies and ensuring development meets public needs. The town council has scheduled a community engagement meeting for next week to present its 2026/2027 strategic priorities and formally introduce the seven newly elected local councillors.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  10. Khomas announces Independence Day celebrations schedule

    Khomas regional leadership has announced a two-day Independence Day programme, with schools continuing normally on Friday 20 March and a youth-focused pre-event at Zoo Park, while the main celebration will be held on 21 March at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura East, starting at 09:00 with gates opening at 06:00.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  11. Namibia's fiscal pressures to persist amid elevated funding costs

    CAM chief economist Floris Bergh warns that Namibia's fiscal trajectory has deteriorated and creditworthiness is unlikely to improve, with funding pressure expected to remain high as state-owned enterprises seek capital market borrowing. The 2026 deficit is forecast at 5.8% of GDP (N$16.6 billion), well above the healthy 3% threshold, with interest costs consuming 18% of government revenue.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Botswana and Namibia deny hosting foreign military bases

    Botswana's defence minister clarified that Thebephatshwa Air Base is a sovereign installation operated solely by the Botswana Defence Force, not the US. Namibia's defence minister Frans Kapofi also stated that Namibia has not been approached to host a Chinese military base and will not agree to host foreign military installations, preferring to rely on its own people for security.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Walvis Bay Municipality plagued by seventeen years of governance failures

    Walvis Bay Municipality has been without an internal audit, performance management system, or general manager for 17 years, with further gaps including poorly designed job descriptions, a recently established procurement unit, and reports of staff conducting business with the municipality. Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga revealed these systemic governance failures to residents and called for reforms to address deep-rooted institutional problems affecting service delivery.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  14. Amushelelo and Cloete seek consolidation of 360 fraud charges

    Social activist Michael Amushelelo and business partner Gregory Cloete have asked the High Court to consolidate 360 fraud and money laundering charges against them, claiming several counts are duplications. The two face allegations of defrauding investors through an investment scheme known as Project One Million between 2018 and 2019.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  15. IPC lawmaker proposes renaming Henties Bay after Sam Nujoma

    IPC lawmaker Armas Amukoto has urged Namibia to rename Henties Bay in honour of founding president Sam Nujoma as part of decolonising public spaces and honouring liberation heroes. The proposal comes as parliament also considers converting the Old State House into a museum dedicated to Nujoma's legacy.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Business

  1. Private sector increasingly complements public services in Namibia

    According to the article, Namibia's public sector often underperforms on efficiency and sustainability, while the private sector drives innovation and job creation through market-based incentives. Private educational and healthcare institutions in regions like Erongo and Kavango East are filling service gaps and demonstrating higher operational standards than comparable public facilities.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Nasan Energies approved to buy 53 service stations from Vivo Energy

    The Namibian Competition Commission has approved Nasan Energies, co-founded by Miguel Hamutenya, to acquire 53 service stations from Vivo Energy/Engen. The approval comes despite earlier objections over potential monopoly concerns related to possible ties between Nasan and Vitol, Vivo Energy's parent company.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. MTC opens flagship mobile shop at Grove Mall

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited has opened a new flagship store at Grove Mall in Windhoek offering products, services and self-service points. The company plans further expansions to Okongo and Kuisebmund in coming months as part of a strategy to decentralise service delivery and reach over 41 stores nationwide.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namra auctions only compliant goods, destroys counterfeits

    The Namibia Revenue Agency has clarified that it auctions only goods verified as compliant—seized during enforcement operations—and never counterfeits, which are destroyed by law. The agency says goods must remain uncleared or unclaimed after a prescribed period and owners have three months to regularize their position with required documentation and duties before seizure and disposal.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Vice president launches GIPF pension-backed home loan scheme

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) pension-backed home loan scheme in Mariental, allowing GIPF members to access pension savings for acquiring, building, or improving homes, including in rural areas. The scheme is intended to address Namibia's housing backlog and support inclusive development, with Mariental Extension 6 featuring 311 planned affordable houses in the Hardap region.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Team Namibia appoints four new board members from key sectors

    Team Namibia has appointed four new board members representing technology, national branding, standards and manufacturing to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and support local production and economic development. The organisation says the move aligns with efforts to promote domestic industry and reduce reliance on imports.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Bank Windhoek sues Elindi for N$2.3 million debt

    Bank Windhoek is suing businessman Malakia Elindi, who is charged in the Namcor fraud case, for about N$2.3 million owed on a mortgage loan and overdraft facility, and seeking to have ten properties with a combined market value of N$9.4 million sold to recover the debt. Elindi, who is currently in custody awaiting a High Court judgement on a bail appeal, has claimed assets worth N$113 million but faces mortgage bonds totalling N$10.5 million against the properties.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Meatco offers NUST students industry exposure in supply chain

    Meatco has hosted first-year students from NUST's Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management programme for a research visit to gain practical experience in livestock and agro-processing operations. The initiative, which included interaction with Meatco's Marketing, Logistics, and Value Addition teams, is part of efforts to develop skilled professionals for Namibia's agricultural sector.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  9. BMW profit resilient amid tariffs, outperforms German rivals

    German carmaker BMW reported a net profit of 7.45 billion euros for 2025, a decline of just 3%, significantly outperforming competitors Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz despite US tariffs and Chinese market pressures. The company's finance chief expects transatlantic tariff disputes to ease, forecasting a US-EU trade deal at zero tariff rates that would benefit BMW's South Carolina operations.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  10. Renault launches turbocharged Kiger SUV in Namibia

    Renault has unveiled the new Kiger Turbo compact SUV, set to arrive in Namibian showrooms by April, featuring a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, enhanced technology including an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, and improved safety features across multiple trim levels.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  11. Chery upgrades Tiggo 4 with safety, comfort, technology features

    Chery has announced a major upgrade to its popular Tiggo 4 range with improved safety features including LED headlights, airbags, and rear-view camera, plus enhanced comfort and technology such as faux leather seats, dual digital screens, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The refreshed Tiggo Cross LiT MT and CVT models are expected to arrive in Namibian showrooms next month at approximately N$290,000 and N$320,000 respectively, with no increase in recommended retail price.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Mauritius seeks deeper digital technology partnership with Namibia

    At the Namibia–Mauritius Business ICT Forum, Mauritius Minister of Information Technology Avinash Ramtohul said his country is ready to work closely with Africa as a trusted digital partner, offering expertise in digital infrastructure, AI strategy, and data governance. Namibia's investment board highlighted opportunities in fintech, cybersecurity, and mobile payments, noting the country has 88% mobile penetration but needs investment to extend digital services to underserved rural areas.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Ongwediva woman earns through marula products side business

    Maria Katumbe, a domestic worker from Ongwediva, collects marula fruits to produce jam and honey, earning up to N$200 on good days to supplement her income and support her family of 10. She calls on government to support small businesspeople working with traditional foods, and encourages other mothers to start small income-generating ventures.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  14. Puma Energy seeks court order to restore airport fuel operations

    Puma Energy Namibia has filed an urgent court application seeking restoration of its access and control over fuel facilities at Eros and Ondangwa Airports, which it claims were unlawfully seized by Namibia Airports Company and other respondents on 11 March. NAC argues the matter does not warrant urgent intervention and that it followed proper procurement procedures in awarding fuel supply services to competitor Central Oil Namibia.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  15. MP pushes timber value addition and artisan support in Kavango

    Zebaldt Ngaruka Nudo MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu advocated in Parliament for local timber in the Kavango regions to be processed into furniture for government use, and called for incubation centres, grants, and the Youth Credit Scheme to support vocational training graduates and informal artisans in woodworking and other trades. He also proposed that the Zambezi region develop taxidermy services to add value to trophy hunting in conservancies locally rather than exporting for processing elsewhere.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Mining & Energy

  1. Chevron appoints Shapwanale as deputy country manager

    Chevron has appointed Mwanyengwa Shapwanale as deputy country manager and local content manager for its Namibia operations. Shapwanale, who previously worked as manager for local content and vendor assurance at Chevron and as deputy country manager at Reconnaissance Energy Namibia, brings more than a decade of experience in journalism and corporate communications.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Mine Workers Union meets minister over diamond sector retrenchments

    The Mine Workers Union of Namibia met with the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations to discuss looming retrenchments in the diamond cutting and polishing sector, including 35 workers facing job losses at Almond Diamonds after the company's quota was terminated by the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. The Union called for policy reforms, stronger worker protections, and tripartite engagement in mining sector governance.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  3. NOSF maintenance costs surge; new contractor starts end of March

    Namibia's National Oil Storage Facility, generating N$3 billion in annual revenue, faces mounting maintenance challenges from ageing equipment, corrosive coastal conditions, and dependence on Chinese manufacturers for repairs. A new dedicated maintenance contractor will take over at the end of March to address the facility's high maintenance burden, which officials say is the largest operating expense.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Agriculture & Land

  1. UN reports 57.2% of Namibians face moderate to severe food insecurity

    According to a UN Food and Agriculture Organisation report, more than half of Namibia's population lacks access to safe and nutritious food, with nearly one in five Namibians undernourished and over one in five children under five stunted. The FAO's 2025–29 Country Programme Framework, launched Monday, aims to strengthen agricultural policy and food security systems but faces a funding gap of nearly N$193 million of its N$256 million resource requirement.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Kunene trains 15 beekeepers in honey production skills

    The Kunene Governor's office, working with Agra ProVision, trained 15 participants in modern beekeeping techniques and financial management. Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua aims to expand the programme to 200 beehive outlets across the region, using profits from initial sales to train additional beekeepers and create livelihoods.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Society

  1. Six pupils break windows at junior school in Gibeon

    Six pupils from Captain Reverend Dr Hendrik Witbooi Primary School in Gibeon broke windows at Dr WM Jod Junior Primary School. The school principal resolved the matter with the pupils and parents, who will cover damages, while the Hardap education director plans to address discipline issues during an upcoming visit.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Government launches N$14 million Otjiwarongo shack upgrade

    The government has begun a phased project to replace informal settlements with serviced land in Otjiwarongo, starting with water infrastructure in Eie Risiko that has already connected 80 households to taps and water meters. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa said future phases will include electricity, roads, and sewerage, with plans to eliminate shacks in the area within a year.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. AR parliamentarian raises alarm on hepatitis B infections in youth

    Affirmative Repositioning MP Esther Haikola-Sakaria has raised concerns about growing hepatitis B infections among young Namibians, noting that the virus is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV-AIDS but receives far less public awareness and prevention attention from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Vice president opens disability and indigenous communities workshop

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened a planning workshop for divisions handling disability affairs and marginalised communities, highlighting progress including a sign language app launch, disability cost report, and national disability policy 2025–2035, while acknowledging resource constraints and challenges such as limited funding and land disputes affecting indigenous minorities.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Gibeon school faces discipline crisis amid pupil disrespect

    Pupils at Captain Reverend Dr Hendrik Witbooi Primary School in Hardap are increasingly disruptive, insulting teachers and skipping classes. School officials and regional education authorities attribute the behaviour to broken homes and lack of parental involvement, urging parents to reinforce moral values and collaborate with the school.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Shortage of sign language interpreters excludes deaf Namibians

    PDM parliamentarian Diederik Vries has raised concerns in Parliament about the lack of sign language interpreters in public offices, saying this excludes people with hearing impairments from essential services in healthcare, policing and welfare. He called on the government to ensure interpreters are properly trained, accredited and held to professional standards, noting the failure violates domestic disability obligations and international commitments.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Zambezi region plans to relocate nine flood-affected schools

    The Zambezi regional education directorate is considering relocating about nine schools severely affected by annual floods in the eastern part of the region, with water levels at 6.78m. Consultations with relevant authorities are ongoing, and the government has allocated N$30 million for the uprooting of at least three of the schools.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Fifteen pupils at Rundu hostel treated for food poisoning

    Pupils at Rundu Secondary School in Kavango East reported suspected food poisoning after eating lunch, with 15 treated and four admitted to hospital. The pupils blamed the hostel kitchen's dirty conditions and poor hygiene, noting the presence of cockroaches, flies, and drainage problems; health inspectors were investigating and similar incidents have affected schools across both Kavango regions.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Baby's death in Omusati raises child supervision questions

    A one-year-old child died in Omusati's Ogongo constituency after being left under minimal supervision with other children, including two-year-old twins. Police say no arrest has been made as the suspected perpetrators are too young to be held criminally accountable, and the exact cause of death remains unclear.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Safety ministry to accelerate human trafficking action plan

    Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the ministry will fast-track its human trafficking action plan (2023–2027) in response to parliamentary questions about the rising issue. Between June 2024 and June 2025, six cases were recorded, with five Namibian victims repatriated from Myanmar and one from Laos, while perpetrators often target vulnerable children from rural areas.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  11. Illegal tyre burning at Walvis Bay poses health risks

    Residents and health professionals in Walvis Bay are demanding government intervention over toxic smoke from illegal tyre burning on state land, with a local doctor reporting increased cases of smoke inhalation and concerns about cancer risk, particularly affecting neighbourhoods like Kuisebmand and Narraville at night. The municipality says its hands are tied because the land is government property, and has appealed to the environment ministry for action.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  12. Rehoboth woman charged again with dealing drugs

    Naomi Fisch, 31, is set to appear in Rehoboth Magistrates Court on 20 March 2026 on new drug charges after her arrest on 18 March for dealing in cocaine and crack cocaine. She was previously released on bail for a similar drug matter in February 2026.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  13. Tsumeb addresses urgent school overcrowding with new infrastructure plans

    Tsumeb Municipality's 14 schools serve over 10,000 learners amid rapid population growth, with some classrooms operating at a 1:40 teacher-to-learner ratio. The municipality is identifying land for new schools, with the regional education directorate planning to prioritise a new primary school by 2027.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  14. MVA Fund promotes defensive driving to address pedestrian crashes

    The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is pushing defensive driving training to reduce road accidents, citing data showing about 1,000 pedestrian-related incidents yearly and noting that 72% of crashes are caused by driver behaviour. The fund is launching a workplace road safety programme and calling for company partnerships and media support to combat rising road fatalities.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  15. NQA launches online platform to automate qualification evaluations

    The Namibia Qualifications Authority has launched an Evaluation Automation System to replace its manual qualification evaluation process. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the new digital platform will reduce processing times, provide real-time tracking for applicants, and improve accuracy and consistency.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  16. Vice President launches GIPF pension-backed home loan scheme

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially launched the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) Pension-Backed Home Loan Scheme in Mariental, allowing active pension fund members to access a portion of their savings to acquire, build, or improve homes, including in unproclaimed rural areas. The initiative aims to reduce the national housing backlog, stimulate the construction sector, and create employment opportunities.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  17. Multiple regions braced for Thursday rainfall, flooding risk high

    The Namibia Meteorological Services expects rain on Thursday to affect Omaheke, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution during heavy rainfall, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and activate flood preparedness measures, particularly in the Zambezi Region where the river is already overflowing.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  18. Bank of Namibia warns public against fraudulent online investment scams

    The Bank of Namibia has warned the public against a fraudulent investment scheme using a fake website impersonating a media outlet and falsely claiming endorsement by Deputy Governor Leonie Dunn. The central bank stressed that neither it nor the Deputy Governor endorses any investments and urged the public to verify information through official channels and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  19. Court finds accused's confession in murder case admissible

    An Acting High Court Judge has ruled that a confession and warning statement made by Protasius Kuvirua, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend Auguste Ndemupandula Jonas in Otjiwarongo in March 2023, are admissible as evidence, rejecting the defence's challenge that the confession was involuntary and made while the accused was in shock.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  20. 22-month-old dies from sand asphyxiation in Omusati

    Police in Omusati are investigating the death of a 22-month-old boy who was allegedly smothered with sand by his two-year-old twin cousins while under minimal supervision in Ogongo constituency. No arrests have been made because the suspects are minors.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  21. Rural-urban migration drives Namibia toward 50-50 population split

    Poor living conditions and lack of employment and services in rural areas are driving Namibians to towns and cities, with the rural and urban population now roughly equal. The government is implementing programmes including small-scale farming support and infrastructure development in rural areas to create opportunities and encourage people to remain in villages.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  22. Police warn Walvis Bay taxi drivers against transporting unknown parcels

    Erongo police met with taxi operators in Walvis Bay to warn them against transporting packages without knowing their contents, after several drivers were arrested for unwittingly carrying drugs and illegal items. Police urged drivers to work with law enforcement and report suspicious activity, while drivers raised concerns about their safety and unlicensed competitors.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  23. Nkurenkuru hospital consultation advances after decade-long delay

    An Environmental Impact Assessment consultation was held for the proposed Nkurenkuru District Hospital, with community leaders calling for it to function at intermediate or regional level with full specialist services to reduce patient referrals to distant facilities, and pressing for at least 70% local recruitment and accountability over the project's decade-long stall since 2014.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  24. Oshakati orders long-distance buses to use official market terminal

    The Oshakati Town Council has directed all long-distance transport operators to load and offload passengers only at the Oshakati Open Market bus terminal (Omatala), not at informal roadside points, to reduce congestion and improve safety. Some smaller operators have expressed concerns about space constraints and visibility at the official facility.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  25. Otumborombonga to get new primary school with private funding

    The Otjozondjupa education directorate has received a two-hectare piece of land from the Otumborombonga community for the construction of a primary school, funded by a German couple and valued at approximately N$2.2 million. The school, expected to cater to learners from pre-primary to Grade 7, will ease pressure on distant schools and reduce travel burden for approximately 7,000 residents in the area.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Sport

  1. Namibian swimmer van Rooyen completes double Robben Island crossing

    Veteran Namibian swimmer Irma van Rooyen completed a double Robben Island crossing in Cape Town in under six hours without a wetsuit, braving cold water of approximately 13°C and strong currents. The achievement forms the first leg of the Cape Triple Crown of open water swimming.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. CAF strips Senegal of 2025 Afcon title, awards it to Morocco

    The Confederation of African Football has stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco after reviewing a controversial final where Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest against refereeing decisions. Senegal's Football Federation has condemned the decision as "unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable" and says it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, a process that may take over a year to resolve.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Region 5 sports chief leads European mission for partnerships

    The African Union Sports Council Region 5 chief executive has begun a strategic mission to Europe to foster global partnerships in innovation, inclusive sport, and technology across southern Africa. The initiative includes engagements with organizations such as the Global Disability Innovation Hub and Loughborough University, with focus on inclusivity in sport and research collaboration.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Hardap football team aims to reclaim Nedbank Cup glory

    Hardap region's football team is preparing with a new generation of players to compete in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, their first major tournament push since finishing runners-up in past competitions. Coach Christi Guruseb says the team is training intensively and focused on improving their own performance despite facing tough opponents in group A.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Namibian archers prepare for South African nationals

    The Swakopmund Archery Club hosted a two-day final preparation competition ahead of the 76th South African National Archery Championships later this month. Namibia will field two mixed teams for the first time in recent years, and para-archer Jan-Lotz du Toit and accomplished Barebow archer Lutz Wahlers will represent the country at the nationals.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Champions League round-up: Liverpool, Bayern, Barcelona advance

    Liverpool thrashed Galatasaray 4–0 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals despite trailing 1–0 from the first leg, while Bayern Munich hammered Atalanta 10–2 on aggregate and Barcelona demolished Newcastle 8–3 on aggregate. Atletico Madrid also progressed despite losing 3–2 to Tottenham at home.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Senegal vows to appeal after CAF strips Africa Cup title

    The Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco, overturning Senegal's 1-0 victory in the final after the Senegalese players briefly walked off in protest over a stoppage-time penalty. The Senegalese Football Federation says it will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it "unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable."

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Otjinene Sports Field to boost youth talent and local economy

    A new multipurpose sports field in Otjinene constituency will accommodate football, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and netball, providing opportunities for youth development and hosting local tournaments. Local officials say the facility, part of the government's decentralisation policy to build sports infrastructure nationwide, will reduce pressure on existing stadiums and contribute to economic growth in the area.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  9. Namibia prepares archers for South African nationals

    Namibia's Archery Association hosted a two-day preparation event in March to ready its teams for the 76th South African National Archery Championships. The country will field two mixed teams in compound categories and will include para-archer Jan-Lotz du Toit and accomplished Barebow archer Lutz Wahlers in its national delegation.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  10. Puma Energy sponsors Namibia Endurance Club Championships

    Puma Energy Namibia is providing N$25,000 in fuel sponsorship for the second consecutive year to support the Namibia Endurance Club Championships at Henties Bay, which runs until Saturday with a record 105 horses and riders from 11 clubs competing across five categories over distances ranging from 20 to 120 kilometres.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  11. National boxing championships held in Keetmanshoop for Commonwealth Games

    More than 150 amateur boxers from across Namibia competed in the southern town in a selection tournament for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland later this year. Four female and six male champions will be announced to represent Namibia at the games.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Namibian prodigy Uanguta, 11, targets chess Grandmaster title

    Shadah Uanguta, introduced to chess at age six, is Namibia's youngest national team player and has already achieved a FIDE rating of 1520. She aims to become a Grandmaster and is setting her sights on international competition after dominating tournaments in her age group.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  13. CAF awards AFCON title to Morocco, Senegal appeals ruling

    The Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco after ruling that Senegal's temporary walk-off during the final—lasting 15–17 minutes when players briefly left the pitch in protest—violated regulations, despite the referee allowing play to resume and reach its natural conclusion with Senegal winning 1–0. Senegal's Football Federation has condemned the decision as "unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable" and announced it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, with Namibian referees and pundits expressing confusion and concern about CAF's neutrality and the precedent of overturning a completed match.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

World & Region

  1. Russian agents conducted covert operations in South Africa elections

    A data leak reviewed by Forbidden Stories reveals that Russian influence agents engaged in covert operations during South African election campaigns between 2019 and 2025, including secret meetings with ANC leadership, smear campaigns against opposition parties, and fabricated documents. The Company, a network run by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, allocated significant budgets for online disinformation campaigns and paid social media influencers to target political opponents.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Crypto betting users threaten journalist over Iran missile report

    A military correspondent for The Times of Israel says he was threatened and pressured by bettors on the crypto platform Polymarket to change his reporting on an Iranian missile strike in Israel on March 10, with individuals attempting to bribe him and claiming his report would affect the outcome of their wagers. The journalist maintained his account was accurate based on Israeli authorities and video evidence, reported the threats to police, and Polymarket condemned the harassment as a violation of its terms.

    19 March 2026 · Informanté

  3. Nigeria suicide bombings kill 23, wound 100 in Maiduguri

    Three coordinated blasts detonated in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Monday evening, striking a busy market, a hospital entrance, and a post office area, killing at least 23 people and wounding more than 100 others. The military blamed suspected Boko Haram militants for the attacks, which came as the city broke its Ramadan fast and marked one of the worst recent assaults on the capital of Borno state.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  4. Britain and Rwanda clash at court over scrapped migrant deal

    Rwanda is seeking over £100 million from Britain at an international arbitration court in The Hague, claiming unpaid amounts and costs from a 2022 migrant deportation agreement that Britain abandoned in 2024, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money. Britain disputes Rwanda's claims, arguing they are motivated by retaliation for London's suspension of aid over Rwanda's alleged support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  5. Scottish parliament votes down assisted dying bill narrowly

    Scottish lawmakers rejected a bill that would have legalised assisted dying for terminally ill people with six months or less to live, voting 69 to 57 against the proposal after more than two hours of debate. Supporters argued it would provide dignity, while opponents worried it could coerce vulnerable people and undermine end-of-life care.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  6. Colombia, Ecuador clash over alleged border bombing

    Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro alleged that an unexploded bomb fell on Colombian territory near the border after Ecuadoran military operations against criminal hideouts, claiming it belongs to the Ecuadoran army. Ecuador's right-wing President Daniel Noboa denied the allegation, saying Ecuador is operating within its own territory against criminal groups largely composed of Colombians.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Opinion

  1. Independence day reflections on Namibia's 36-year struggle

    An emeritus professor of politics reflects on Namibia's achievements since independence—including constitutional integrity, social investment, and democratic institutions—but argues the core failure has been persistent inequality and poverty, compounded by corruption rooted in "the economics of affection" and policy incoherence on food, energy, water and jobs. He warns that the founding motto "One Namibia, One Nation" risks becoming a nostalgic memory as climate change and extractive industries threaten deeper social division.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Budget shapes pensioner welfare through fiscal stability, not direct support

    An opinion piece argues that the 2026/27 national budget, though not explicitly addressing pensioners, indirectly supports their interests through fiscal consolidation, controlled inflation (projected at 3.5%), lower interest rates, and improved payment systems. The author notes the budget contains no direct pension reforms, suggesting policy continuity rather than structural changes to address coverage and adequacy issues.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

  3. Law college courses offer valid path to legal career

    According to an opinion piece by a Lingua College lecturer, college certificates and diplomas in law are not inferior alternatives but legitimate starting points for students unable to meet university entry requirements, building foundational skills and confidence that can lead to success as legal practitioners.

    19 March 2026 · New Era

Namibia Minute