India's high commissioner inaugurated an Indian-funded advanced network laboratory at Osona military base to enhance information technology training within the Namibian Defence Force. The facility features modern IT infrastructure and upgraded classrooms, supporting a bilateral cooperation agreement under which about 80 NDF personnel travel to India annually for specialised courses.
India's high commissioner inaugurated an Indian-funded advanced network laboratory at Osona military base to enhance information technology training within the Namibian Defence Force. The facility features modern IT infrastructure and upgraded classrooms, supporting a bilateral cooperation agreement under which about 80 NDF personnel travel to India annually for specialised courses.
Former member of parliament Steve Biko Booys has had his sixth bail request dismissed in the Windhoek Regional Court while facing rape charges. The magistrate ruled that the new facts presented were either not genuinely new or did not overcome previous grounds for detention, noting that Booys' trial delays stemmed partly from his own actions including changing defence lawyers and requesting the magistrate's recusal.
Independent Patriots for Change MP Michael Mulunga argued during National Assembly debate that the petroleum amendment bill, which would place oil and gas under the Office of the President, mirrors the governance failures that led to the 2019 Fishrot scandal. He warned that granting such discretionary powers without proper oversight risks similar corruption and questioned why the bill is urgent when commercial oil production is years away.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has pledged to investigate allegations that TransNamib executive engineers who are board members of a joint venture improperly awarded a N$175 million railway maintenance contract without proper procurement processes. TransNamib denies the allegations, stating it adheres to all procurement procedures and holds 51% of the joint venture.
The National Assembly speaker has ruled that Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa did not use profanity in parliament, after consulting official Hansard recordings of an alleged incident from last year in which she was accused of using the f-word to an IPC member.
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has dismissed allegations published by Forbidden Stories, based on leaked documents linked to Russian intelligence, that he solicited millions of dollars to support Swapo's 2024 election campaign. He said he will not pursue legal action and denied ever requesting external funding for the party.
Activists and analysts warn that the government's plan to launch a state-owned airline for N$3 billion is a risky use of public funds that should instead go to water infrastructure and essential services. They cite the previous airline's collapse, which cost over N$8 billion in subsidies, and note that private operators already serve many routes.
Namibia is hosting the 22nd Annual Conference of the African Forum for Utility Regulators in Swakopmund from 22–27 March, bringing together regulators from across the continent to explore how innovative technologies can improve access to essential services in energy, water, transport, and other sectors. The conference theme is "Innovative Technologies for Inclusive and Resilient Utility Regulation," with delegates discussing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has urged young people in Oshana to apply for the National Youth Development Fund (NYDF), a collateral-free initiative available to Namibians aged 45 and below. He warned that funds should not remain unused due to lack of applications, and noted that government has allocated N$257 million in its initial phase last year with an additional N$500 million planned annually over five years.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said she expects the government's Economic Recovery Task Force to deliver a full report by end of March to guide policy decisions for the new financial year. The 18-member taskforce, established to address unemployment and rising cost of living, includes private sector members who are volunteering their services without payment.
Namibia's Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus said the rejection of Starlink's application to provide satellite internet services was lawful and based on regulatory requirements, including the mandatory 51% local ownership rule and national security concerns. The minister noted that Starlink's proposed 100% foreign ownership model raised material regulatory considerations regarding jurisdiction and government oversight, and that the company had also operated unlawfully without a licence.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has defended her Cabinet appointments, saying she balanced power between government and Parliament while protecting the ruling party's slim majority in the National Assembly. She explained that appointing too many elected members to Cabinet would weaken Parliament, so she appointed eight non-elected ministers allowed under the Constitution and left some ministries without deputy ministers.
Judge Orben Sibeya ruled that Rundu Town Council was not obliged to support RedForce Debt Collection CC under their written agreement, and dismissed the collector's N$9.2 million damages claim after finding RedForce failed to meet monthly collection targets of N$5 million, constituting material breach.
Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis has dismissed an application by former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and James Hatuikulipi to recuse her from their corruption trial related to fishing quotas, finding that the applicants relied on inapplicable civil procedure rules and that their bias claims lacked sufficient factual foundation.
Magistrate Jozanne Klazen granted bail to oil-rot fraud and corruption accused Panduleni Ndimba Hamukwaya, cited his parental responsibility for three minor children left without care as both he and his wife Jennifer remain in custody. Hamukwaya faces four charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, money laundering charges, and theft allegations related to alleged fraud at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia.
At least 91 parliamentarians have submitted asset and interest declarations as required under parliamentary standing rules, with MPs disclosing shareholdings in telecommunications, banking, and brewing companies, as well as residential and commercial properties across Namibia. Failure to comply with annual declaration requirements constitutes a breach of parliamentary rules and may result in referral to the Committee of Privileges for disciplinary measures including fines or formal reprimands.
Swapo MP Alpheus !Naruseb told Parliament that while the appropriation amendment bill supports youth development, it does not adequately address substance abuse affecting young Namibians. He urged the government to strengthen preventative programmes, awareness initiatives, and community interventions to tackle the rampant prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse undermining families and communities.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched the Government Stores Local Manufacturers Registration Initiative to expand Namibia's manufacturing capacity by requiring government offices, ministries, state-owned enterprises and local authorities to prioritise locally produced goods in procurement. The initiative involves registering manufacturers on an eligibility list for preferential procurement through restrictive bidding, with site inspections to verify operational capacity, though items that cannot be produced domestically will remain open to standard national bidding.
Leonid Radvinsky, the Ukrainian-American billionaire who bought OnlyFans in 2018 and served as its majority shareholder, has died aged 43 after a long battle with cancer. The company, which reported US$1.41 billion in revenues in 2024 and 377.5 million global users, was reportedly in talks for a sale valuing it at around US$5.5 billion.
The second annual MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba will bring African marketing and communications professionals to Windhoek in April under the theme "Marketing From the Heart," featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking focused on authentic storytelling, nation branding, and digital communication strategies.
The Central Northern Regional Electricity Distributor has announced planned power interruptions on 25, 27 and 29 March between 07h00 and 17h00 in Okahitua, Oakakarara constituency, affecting multiple villages, schools and a clinic. The outages are for urgent line maintenance aimed at improving reliability and preventing future unplanned outages.
Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo has criticized local internet service providers as "unreliable monopolies" following the government's rejection this week of Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, citing the company's failure to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Amoomo argued that Namibians are "stuck" with expensive and unreliable services from Telecom and MTC, while the regulatory authority Cran has warned the public against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink services as they are illegal under Namibian law.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has rejected Starlink's applications for both a class comprehensive telecommunications service licence and a Spectrum licence for satellite internet services. The decision was published in the Government Gazette, with the authority citing that Starlink has 0% Namibian citizen ownership, and aggrieved parties may petition for reconsideration within 90 days.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has advised the finance minister to exempt a clause in the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (Fima) that would have forced all retirement fund members to annuitise their benefits. Workers will continue to receive one-third of their retirement benefits tax-free as a lump sum, though the government's long-term policy aims to move Namibia toward full annuities in line with International Labour Organisation standards.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has referred compensation claims from 252 former Samherji employees to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, noting that affected workers were already considered under a government redress programme aimed at reintegrating them into the fishing industry following the company's 2019–2020 closure. Some former employees argue that placement at other companies does not fully address their financial losses.
The government rejected Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, with the Communications Regulatory Authority noting the company failed to meet the 51% local ownership requirement and raised concerns over national security and data sovereignty. Though acknowledging Starlink's potential to improve connectivity in remote areas, authorities said compliance with Namibian law remains non-negotiable.
E-hailing platform Yango has announced a collaborative effort with Namibian authorities and local fleet partners to ensure full regulatory compliance, public passenger permit adherence, and enhanced commuter safety. The company works with about 25 local SMEs that control their own fleets and employ drivers, and uses photo verification and app-based reporting to enhance safety and prevent fraud.
Nedbank Namibia has launched the 'Unlock Your First Home' initiative, offering up to 108% home loan financing at interest rates 1% below the bank's home loan base rate, with a dedicated lending portfolio to help first-time buyers cover upfront costs like bond and transfer fees and access affordable housing.
The Namibia Competition Commission has approved NASAN Energies' acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell-branded fuel service stations from Vivo Energy Namibia, positioning the local oil marketing company as the country's third-largest fuel retailer. The company plans to rebrand the stations and prioritise local suppliers as it implements the transaction.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has declined Starlink's application for telecommunications and spectrum licences, citing non-compliance with ownership rules (requiring 51% Namibian ownership), national security concerns, and prior breaches of the Communications Act. CRAN said Starlink met only three of six required criteria, and the company may request reconsideration within 30 days.
A TransNamib train derailed near Swakopmund on Monday night at 28 km/h, with preliminary indications suggesting possible tampering with rail equipment; no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, with re-railing expected to be completed shortly.
Haufiku Frans, known as Dee Hustler, began barbering in 2011 and moved to Ongwediva in 2013, where he has built a successful barbershop known for quality work and busy queues, particularly during wedding season. He credits his success to dedication, not rushing his work, and the childhood experience of cutting hair in his village.
Ndapandula Imene launched a hair and beauty business in Katutura after spotting strong demand for salon services during the December festive season. The business now employs four hairdressers and is growing despite challenges including expensive imported equipment and transport costs.
The Bank of Namibia and NAMFISA have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen cooperation in regulating the financial sector, establishing a system for information sharing, joint inspections, and risk monitoring. The deal includes creation of a technical working group to support responsible growth of financial technology in Namibia.
Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, owned by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, has begun exporting fuel to West, East and Central African countries including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo, following disruptions to Middle East oil supplies caused by regional conflict.
Mobile money transactions globally surpassed US$2 trillion in 2025, doubling from US$1 trillion in just four years, according to the GSMA State of the Industry Report. The sector now serves 2.3 billion registered accounts with 593 million active monthly users, driven largely by growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, though challenges remain including low women's engagement and cross-border data restrictions.
US Ambassador John Giordano said at the Powering Africa Summit that Namibia's uranium, oil, and gas resources make it central to global energy security, and the US seeks to position itself as a development partner to help strengthen supply chain resilience while positioning American companies early in Namibian projects.
Energy company TotalEnergies has agreed to exit US offshore wind development, relinquishing two leases and receiving refunds under a settlement with the US Department of the Interior. The company will redirect its investment into US gas and power projects, citing offshore wind's high costs and potential to increase electricity prices.
At the 22nd African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund, Namibia's Minister of Mines and Industries Modestus Amutse called for African nations to embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, smart grids and automation to support development across energy, water, communications and transport sectors while expanding access to essential services. He stressed that despite progress, millions of Africans still face energy poverty and limited digital access, and urged regulators to prioritise practical solutions including integrating emerging technologies into utility regulation and promoting inclusive access.
The Hardap Inland Aquaculture Centre, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, breeds tilapia fingerlings and provides extension services, technical support, and subsidised feed to fish farmers across Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Omaheke, Hardap, and //Kharas regions. The centre prioritises food security and sustainable livelihoods rather than profit.
Heavy rainfall hit multiple regions including Windhoek, the north, and north-east, causing localised flooding in the capital and rapid river rises in the Zambezi and Kavango regions. Authorities recommend activating flood contingency plans in vulnerable areas across the country.
Health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao says an estimated 34% of tuberculosis cases in Namibia go undetected, leaving infected people undiagnosed and outside the treatment system. The government notified 8,370 TB patients last year and achieved an 87% treatment success rate, but faces particular challenges in remote areas like Omaheke region, which it is addressing through active case finding and new national management guidelines.
Some Keetmanshoop residents have criticised a Toyota Namibia advertisement on a cemetery wall, saying its "Here. For life" tagline is insensitive to families with loved ones buried there. Toyota says it donated the wall in exchange for a year of advertising and that the tagline, introduced before the cemetery opportunity arose, is meant to reflect the durability of its products rather than comment on human life.
Ruach Elohim Foundation in Swakopmund has safely received 49 babies through its baby saver box since 2020, but its founder says there is a lack of visible national awareness and support following the decriminalisation of baby abandonment in 2019, with no consistent campaigns or signage to guide vulnerable mothers to safe alternatives.
Keetmanshoop municipality risks bulk water supply disruption after nine months of non-payment to NamWater, with N$31.6 million owed representing 33.3% of its total N$95-million outstanding debt. The municipality has begun disconnecting defaulting residents to collect payments before the NamWater deadline.
Tjizake Murangi, a former gym instructor, made his first appearance in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday, accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend Frieda Amadhila eight times in her apartment in April 2024. The prosecutor general decided to try him in the upper court due to the seriousness of the crime; he remains in custody after being denied bail and a pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 28 April.
Bank Windhoek, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the African Leadership Institute, launched a mathematics teacher-training programme in 2024 that has trained 240 teachers with an investment of N$1.2 million, aiming to strengthen numeracy skills and financial literacy as a shared-value investment in Namibia's economic resilience.
On World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao reported that Omaheke Region has the highest TB case notification rate in Namibia, with many communities on remote farms and settlements facing difficulty accessing treatment. While Namibia achieved an 87% TB treatment success rate in 2024 and made progress on TB/HIV co-infection, the ministry estimates it missed 34% of total TB cases nationally, proportionally higher in Omaheke.
Namibian Police in Khomas Region are appealing for public assistance in locating 26-year-old Romeo Ronald Nuseb, who was last seen in Katutura on 18 March 2026 and was reportedly travelling to Oranjemund for a job opportunity but never arrived. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Senior Inspector Christoph or his mother Sylvia at provided phone numbers.
Namibia joined global commemorations of World Tuberculosis Day under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," with health officials urging the public to prioritise early screening and treatment as the country records more than 3,000 TB cases annually. Officials highlighted Namibia's progress in improving treatment success rates and expanding access to TB services, while emphasizing the strong link between TB and HIV and the importance of early detection and treatment adherence.
The Omusati Regional Youth Forum Chairperson has called for equal opportunities and improved access to water, electricity, and network coverage across the region, citing high youth unemployment and rising crime as pressing challenges. She urged the government to create more basic jobs accessible to the majority of youth and deploy more security personnel to crime hotspots.
Young people in Outapi are earning income through the Dishena Youth Cleaning Project, a community initiative that provides practical work experience, skills training, and employment to unemployed youth while addressing waste management needs. The founder plans to expand the project across the Omusati region.
Faith Nghipunya, 21, is leading the "I'm just a Girl" campaign to address period poverty by providing sanitary pads and menstrual health education to schoolgirls, with the goal of integrating comprehensive menstrual health into school curricula to reduce stigma and ensure no girl's education is disrupted by menstruation.
22-year-old Ndeyapo Sheende combines full-time studies in education with a growing beauty services business in Windhoek, offering lash extensions and brow services while managing time and building financial independence. She acknowledges challenges during exam periods but credits the entrepreneurial experience with developing discipline, communication skills, and confidence beyond the financial benefits.
Mortuary attendants work 24-hour shifts to receive, store and prepare bodies for family identification while maintaining professional standards and supporting grieving families. Despite stigma, the role requires strong character and on-the-job experience to handle the emotional demands and ensure respectful care at the end of life.
Thomas Sheya (33) appeared before the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on Monday facing murder charges for the deaths of his two young children, Ruusa (4) and Andreas (2). The children's mother broke down in court, while family members questioned why additional charges were not being pursued and expressed fears that justice may not be served if the suspect is released on bail.
Namibia's digital healthcare transformation, including its e-Birth and e-Death notification systems introduced since 2017, is being showcased as a model for other African countries during an Africa CDC learning visit in Windhoek. The systems, which now connect 153 health facilities and have achieved over 99% birth registration coverage, represent the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery and civil registration through technology.
Activist Job Amupanda has donated equipment to construct a school hall and renovate a playground at Omaalala Primary School in Oshana, and recently built classrooms and administrative blocks at two other schools in Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. Amupanda, now a parliamentarian and patron of Omaalala Primary School, stressed the importance of providing conducive learning environments for learners.
A man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl between September 2020 and March 2021 in Karasburg has had his case postponed again, this time to 14 July 2026, due to the absence of the regional court prosecutor. The accused, Sixtus Swartbooi, faces three rape charges under the Combating of Rape Act and remains out on N$5,000 bail.
A creative short story depicting an elderly grandmother's visit to a clinic with her granddaughter, featuring comedic interactions between the stubborn patient and a young nurse, and the grandmother's preference for traditional remedies over prescribed medications.
The second leg of the Gobabis Motocross National Championships drew 46 entries, up from 43 in the opening leg, with competitors travelling from across Namibia as part of preparations for the Motocross of African Nations in August. While participation increased in most classes, the Clubmans category drew no entries, though organiser Ingo Waldschmidt noted the overall trend is encouraging for the sport's future.
The Namibia Horse Racing Association held its 2026 calendar launch at Gobabis with an Independence Day event featuring 17 races and about 600 spectators from across the country and Botswana. Katiti Komambo won the Nambred 2000m and Woodland Ridge won the Import Open 2000m, while the event boosted local business activity despite minor operational challenges with starting gates and crowd control.
Nelson Geingob, coach of Oshikoto region's football team, says they can reach the Nedbank Namibia Newspaper Cup final this year, hoping to win the trophy that has eluded them since reaching the final in 2002 when they lost 3-2 to Omaheke. Geingob, who was part of that 2002 team and later became a Brave Warriors stalwart, says reaching the final would extend his contract by two years and give the region a chance to produce more national players.
The 2026 Namibia Karting Nationals opened on Saturday with 27 karters competing across various age groups and classes at the Tony Rust Race Track in Windhoek. Guido Bidoli won both DD2 classes, while rookie Zune Viviers secured third in her category, and Cecil Koorts Jr will compete in the UK Championship of the Future.
Log leaders Mariental Sports Club, undefeated after 17 matches with 35 points, face Young Brazilians FC on 28 March in a key Southern Stream First Division clash for ||Kharas region supremacy and promotion to the country's top-flight league. The weekend also features matches between Try Again FC and Dates Eleven FC, Celtic FC and Blue Boys FC, O&L Ramblers and Orlando Pirates SC, Friends FC and City Boys FC, and Oranjemund FC and Quiver FC.
Namibian striker Bethuel Muzeu is currently the top scorer in South Africa's Motsepe Foundation Championship with eight goals, enjoying outstanding individual form despite his club Black Leopards sitting bottom of the table. The 26-year-old has scored in multiple matches this season and has reached double figures in each of the last two seasons.
Namibia's national men's football team has arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the 2026 FIFA Series. The squad will face Kazakhstan tomorrow and Comoros on Saturday at the Astana Arena, bolstered by the arrival of three foreign-based players.
A 23-member Namibian junior swim team competed at the South African National Junior Age Group Championships in Gqeberha, with Patrick Durand winning four gold medals and setting a long course record in the 800m freestyle, while several teammates also earned medals across the event.
Namibia's mixed martial arts team is seeking sponsorship support to fund participation in major international competitions in 2026, including African Championships in Angola, Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, and World Championships in Georgia. Team head coach Carlos De Sousa said financial backing is essential, noting that competing in South African events alone costs around N$10,000 per athlete per trip.
Namibian cyclists Jacky Shipena and Jana von Backstrom finished second in the women's category, while Tristan de Lange and Martin Freyer claimed third in the men's race at the Cape Epic, one of the world's most demanding 650-kilometre mountain biking events held in the Western Cape.
Namibia's U/17 women's football team, led by coach Woody Jacobs, will face Kenya in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on 12 April at Unam Stadium in Windhoek — the nation's first home match in the competition in six years. The squad of 25 players, including experienced youth and senior-level performers, has been selected from an initial pool of 80 girls across Namibia.
Namibia's senior football team is in Astana, Kazakhstan, to compete in the 2026 FIFA Series international friendlies, opening their campaign against the hosts today at Astana Arena. Head coach Collin Benjamin said the team views the match as a valuable opportunity to measure itself against strong international opposition and showcase the squad's potential.
An elephant that attacked teacher Florence Mutete near Katima Mulilo on Tuesday was put down by the environment ministry after it continued charging at officials and residents despite attempts to chase it away. Mutete sustained minor hip injuries, and ministry officials warn residents to remain alert as high rainfall has increased wildlife movement into residential areas.
Severe flooding in Namibia's Zambezi region has submerged villages and displaced families to higher ground and schools, with officials reporting shortages of tents and food aid despite assistance from the Prime Minister's office. The floods have also pushed wildlife out of their natural habitat, prompting the Environment and Tourism ministry to map displaced animals to prevent poaching.
Heavy showers and a severe windstorm hit multiple regions on Tuesday, with Grootfontein in Otjozondjupa most severely affected; the TyreMax Building had its roof completely blown off, prompting the municipality to warn residents against entering the structure or standing near unstable buildings. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Kunene, Erongo, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, and Hardap regions.
Namibia will operationalise the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor secretariat on 1 April to strengthen regional trade and improve cross-border transport with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The move includes introducing a user pay principle levy of 90 cents per tonne on cross-border cargo and addressing infrastructure gaps and regulatory harmonisation challenges.
South Africa's justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned the fatal shooting of 35-year-old lawyer Chinette Gallichan in Johannesburg, calling it a direct threat to constitutional order. Gallichan, a legal practitioner at Sibanye-Stillwater involved in a labour dispute, was killed near the CCMA offices; authorities say the attack was targeted and no arrest has been made.
A California jury awarded a woman who accused veteran US entertainer Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her more than US$19 million (about N$320 million) in a civil hearing. The case is one of multiple allegations against Cosby, who was previously convicted in a criminal case but had his conviction overturned on a technicality.
Soaring black-market prices for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in India, partly due to Middle East supplies being disrupted by war, are pushing low-income families in New Delhi back to burning wood and coal for cooking, raising health risks and worsening air quality. Activists cite hoarding and documentation barriers for migrant workers, who lack access to subsidised LPG and rely on informal markets where prices have risen two to three times.
The rule of Chesterton's fence advises against removing or reforming strategic decisions without first understanding the reasoning behind them. Even when implementing plans developed by others, respecting the original work while critically assessing it requires understanding the underlying assumptions and factors that informed those decisions.