Namibia Minute.
25 March 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Archive Minute from 25 March 2026
Politics

India funds advanced IT lab at NDF Osona base

The News

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.

25 March 2026 · The Namibian

Politics

  1. India funds advanced IT lab at NDF Osona base

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Ex-MP Booys' sixth bail application rejected by court

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. MP warns petroleum bill risks repeating fisheries corruption mistakes

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Minister to investigate alleged conflicts in N$175m rail contract

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. National Assembly clears Shaningwa of unparliamentary language allegation

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Swapo deputy SG denies Russian funding allegations, will not sue

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Water sector criticises N$3 billion national airline plan

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Namibia hosts African utility regulators conference on technology

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  9. PM urges Oshana youth to apply for development fund

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  10. President expects economic taskforce report by end of March

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  11. Starlink rejected over ownership rules, national security concerns

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  12. President defends Cabinet choices balancing government and Parliament

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Windhoek court dismisses RedForce's N$9.2 million claim against Rundu Council

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  14. Windhoek High Court dismisses Shanghala's recusal application

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  15. Panduleni Hamukwaya granted N$200,000 bail in Namcor fraud case

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  16. At least 91 MPs declare assets and business interests

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  17. MP !Naruseb calls for stronger substance abuse prevention programmes

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Business

  1. Government prioritises local manufacturers in procurement overhaul

    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

  2. OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies after cancer battle

    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

  3. MTC Marketing Indaba returns to Windhoek April 8–10

    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

  4. Cenored schedules three-day power outage in Otjozondjupa region

    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

  5. Lawyer criticizes local providers after Starlink rejected

    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

  6. Cran declines Starlink licence application in Namibia

    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

  7. Namfisa exempts lump-sum pension payouts from new regulations

    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

  8. Fisheries ministry passes Samherji workers' compensation claims to Labour

    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

  9. Namibia rejects Starlink licence bid citing ownership and security rules

    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

  10. Yango pledges regulatory compliance with Namibian transport authorities

    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

  11. Nedbank launches 108% home loans for first-time buyers

    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

  12. NASAN Energies approved to acquire Engen and Shell fuel stations

    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

  13. CRAN rejects Starlink bid to operate in Namibia

    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

  14. TransNamib investigates suspected tampering in Swakopmund train derailment

    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

  15. Ongwediva barber builds thriving business through passion and skill

    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

  16. Hair and beauty salon supports women in Katutura community

    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

  17. BoN and NAMFISA sign cooperation deal for financial oversight

    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

  18. Nigeria's Dangote refinery begins exporting fuel across Africa

    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

  19. Global mobile money transactions reach US$2 trillion in 2025

    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

Mining & Energy

  1. US aims to partner with Namibia on energy and minerals

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. TotalEnergies abandons US offshore wind, pivots to gas

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  3. Africa urged to adopt emerging technologies for inclusive utility services

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Agriculture & Land

  1. Hardap Aquaculture Centre supports fish farming across six regions

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  2. Heavy rains across Namibia raise flood concerns

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

Society

  1. Namibia misses over one-third of TB cases, minister says

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Keetmanshoop residents object to Toyota advert on cemetery wall

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Swakopmund foundation rescues 49 babies, calls for national awareness

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Keetmanshoop municipality faces water supply cut over debt

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Gym instructor accused of murdering ex-girlfriend appears in High Court

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Bank Windhoek trains 240 maths teachers in numeracy initiative

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Omaheke Region hardest hit by TB in Namibia, minister says

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  8. Police seek help locating missing Katutura man Romeo Nuseb

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  9. Namibia marks World TB Day with calls for early screening

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

  10. Omusati youth demand equal opportunities, basic services

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  11. Outapi youth turn community cleaning into income opportunity

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Young activist launches menstrual health education campaign

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  13. Student entrepreneur balances beauty business with Bachelor degree

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  14. Mortuary attendants offer dignity, care in essential role

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  15. Father charged with killing two children appears in Ondangwa court

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  16. Namibia leads African digital health and birth registration reform

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  17. Amupanda donates equipment to schools in Oshana and beyond

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  18. Karasburg rape case postponed to July 2026

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Culture

  1. Short story about grandmother's humorous clinic visit

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Sport

  1. Gobabis motocross event draws more riders, prepares for African championship

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Horse racing launched in Gobabis with 17 races

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Oshikoto coach eyes first Newspaper Cup final since 2002

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Namibia karting season opens with 27 competitors at Tony Rust

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Southern Stream First Division faces busy weekend of matches

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Muzeu leads Golden Boot race with eight goals

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Namibia's Brave Warriors arrive in Kazakhstan for FIFA Series

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Namibian swimmers win medals at South African championships

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  9. Namibian MMA team seeks sponsors for 2026 competition schedule

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  10. Namibian cyclists claim podium spots at Cape Epic race

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  11. Namibia U17 women ready for Kenya World Cup qualifier

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

  12. Brave Warriors face Kazakhstan in international friendly test

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Environment ministry shoots elephant after attack on Katima Mulilo teacher

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Zambezi floods displace families; wildlife and schools at risk

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Heavy rainfall and windstorm damage buildings across Namibia

    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.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté

World & Region

  1. Namibia launches Walvis Bay corridor secretariat in April

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South African justice minister condemns killing of lawyer

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Bill Cosby ordered to pay N$320 million in civil sex abuse case

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

  4. India's cooking gas shortage forces poor families to wood, coal

    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.

    25 March 2026 · New Era

Opinion

  1. Understand context before revising inherited strategic plans

    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.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian

Namibia Minute