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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
25 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
25 March 2026 · New Era →