Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 29 March 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 29 March 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 29 March 2026
Politics

LPM raises concerns over foreign dominance in government tenders

The News

The Landless People's Movement has raised concerns in Parliament about government procurement practices that allegedly favour well-funded foreign firms over local contractors, citing high start-up capital requirements of N$20 million to N$70 million that local companies struggle to meet. The Works and Transport Minister acknowledged the issue and promised to discuss prioritising local companies with the Roads Contractor Company, though he noted current law prevents him from directly intervening in the procurement system.

29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. LPM raises concerns over foreign dominance in government tenders

    The Landless People's Movement has raised concerns in Parliament about government procurement practices that allegedly favour well-funded foreign firms over local contractors, citing high start-up capital requirements of N$20 million to N$70 million that local companies struggle to meet. The Works and Transport Minister acknowledged the issue and promised to discuss prioritising local companies with the Roads Contractor Company, though he noted current law prevents him from directly intervening in the procurement system.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Walvis Bay gains planning authority powers for local development

    The Municipality of Walvis Bay has been declared an Authorised Planning Authority, enabling it to oversee land use approvals and development applications such as rezoning and township establishment previously handled at national level. The municipality expects the status to reduce processing delays and improve service delivery through local decision-making.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. LPM launches youth governance forum for democratic change

    The Landless People's Movement has launched a Youth Governance Forum to position young people as key drivers of democratic transformation through active participation in implementing the party's agenda. The forum, aimed at addressing governance, accountability, and inequality, marks a shift toward recognizing youth as leaders of today rather than the future.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Oshikoto governor calls for unity among public servants

    Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi stressed that Oshikoto Region's progress depends on unity and mutual respect among public servants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, open communication, and cooperation between the Regional Council, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for effective service delivery.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

  5. VP Witbooi tours Windhoek crime hotspots with community radio

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi conducted a night tour of crime hotspots in Windhoek as part of a COPPS 94.1 radio programme aimed at raising awareness about road safety, alcohol abuse, and community security. Witbooi said the visit provided insight into challenges facing the capital and would help government make informed decisions to address alcohol abuse, particularly among young people.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. FirstRand Namibia appoints Conville Britz as director

    FirstRand Namibia has appointed Conville Britz as a non-executive director effective 1 April, in accordance with NSX listing requirements. Britz, currently general manager for strategy and projects at the Government Institutions Pension Fund, brings experience in strategy and institutional investment to the board.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Vetumbuavi Mungunda elected Namibia Chamber of Commerce president

    The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appointed Vetumbuavi Mungunda as president, with Patty Karuaihe-Martin and Tarah Shaanika as vice presidents. The new board will focus on strengthening institutional capacity and expanding the chamber's role in economic and policy discussions.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia imports N$140m fish as local hake quotas fall

    Namibia imported nearly N$140 million in fish in the fourth quarter of 2025—a 40% increase from the previous year—driven by declining fishing quotas allocated to local companies, forcing processors to source raw material from South Africa and Spain to maintain operations and employment.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Stolen KitKat shipment may cause Easter shortages across Europe

    A truck carrying over 400 000 KitKat chocolate bars, weighing approximately 12 000kg, was stolen in Europe while in transit between Italy and Poland. Nestlé warned that the theft may result in shelf shortages ahead of Easter and cautioned that the stolen goods could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Roads Authority prioritises rehabilitation and digital services

    The Roads Authority is prioritising rehabilitation of ageing road infrastructure and rolling out digital services to enhance delivery, with CEO Hippy Tjivikua noting that recent heavy rains have caused further damage. The authority requires approximately N$5 billion annually to maintain Namibia's 50,000-kilometre road network effectively, though current funding levels are insufficient.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibia Airports Company confirms stolen data released on dark web

    The Namibia Airports Company has confirmed that data stolen in a cyberattack by the INC Ransom Group has been released on the dark web, with approximately 500GB of data including airport permits, parking management, engineering documents, and financial records exposed. The company says operations at all facilities remain fully functional and airport safety and security are unaffected as it verifies the scope of the exposure.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Northern Namibia hosts multiple trade and agricultural expos

    A series of trade expositions showcasing the Northern regions' culture and business potential are scheduled from April to June 2026, including the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Expo, Okongo's Omaludi Agricultural Festival, and Oshakati's Totem Expo. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver the keynote address at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival's fundraising gala dinner on 25 April.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

  8. NAC confirms ransomware attack data released on dark web

    Namibia Airports Company has confirmed that data stolen in a March 2026 cybersecurity breach by the INC Ransomware Group has been released on the dark web. The leaked data may include airport permit systems, parking databases, engineering documents, and financial records; NAC is verifying the breach extent while airport operations remain unaffected.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

  1. Walvis Bay port anchors regional energy and logistics network

    The African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund highlighted Namibia's strategic importance in regional energy and logistics, with the U.S. Ambassador emphasizing Walvis Bay's role as a key hub in a developing Southern African energy corridor that connects the region's resources to global markets.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Heavy rain forces temporary closure of three ||Kharas region roads

    The Roads Authority has temporarily closed three district roads in the ||Kharas region due to severe rain and flooding. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes and avoid flooded areas while the RA monitors conditions and makes repairs.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia develops drought-tolerant crop varieties for food security

    Namibia is investing in improved, drought-tolerant and high-yielding seeds through research stations in Mannheim and Kashana, supported by a partnership between the government and the African Development Bank. The initiative includes crop diversification with new varieties like soybean and cassava, and distribution of improved seeds to farmers at subsidised prices through the Ministry's Extension Services.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. Minister urges distressed mothers to seek help instead of abandoning babies

    Child welfare minister Emma Kantema has called on mothers in distress to seek counselling and support rather than abandon their babies, noting that those facing abusive relationships or poverty can explore legal options including family care, adoption, and places of safety. The minister warned that leaving infants in undesignated spaces could have consequences and encouraged families to reach out to the child welfare ministry for assistance.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Pupkewitz Megabuild donates materials to Omaheke school

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi received a donation of doors, locks, and security lighting from Pupkewitz Megabuild for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School in Omaheke Region, emphasising the importance of private sector support in strengthening Namibia's education system and creating safe learning environments.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Man arrested for using fake payment proof to obtain goods

    A 51-year-old Windhoek man has been arrested for allegedly using forged bank proof of payment documents to fraudulently acquire car parts, part of a suspected fraud network using the same method. The Windhoek City Police have urged businesses to verify payments before releasing goods and the public to report suspicious activity.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sport

  1. Sabalenka wins second straight Miami Open title

    Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to win her second consecutive Miami Open title, completing the Indian Wells-Miami "Sunshine Double" sweep. The world number one from Belarus became the first woman since Iga Swiatek in 2022 to win both elite early season hardcourt WTA 1000 titles.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Sinner seeks second Miami Open title against Lehecka

    World number two Jannik Sinner will face Jiri Lehecka in Sunday's Miami Open ATP final. Sinner is seeking to win the "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami, undefeated this week and on a 32-set winning streak at Masters 1000 level.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Japan beats Scotland 1-0 in World Cup warm-up friendly

    Japan won 1-0 against Scotland at Hampden Park through a late goal by Junya Ito, extending Scotland's streak without a home friendly victory to 10 years. The match served as preparation for both teams ahead of their World Cup campaigns.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Senegal parade AFCON trophy after CAF reversal of January title

    Despite being ordered to return the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after CAF reversed Senegal's disputed January final victory over Morocco and awarded it to the hosts, Senegal paraded the trophy at the Stade de France and beat Peru 2-0 in a friendly. The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the CAF decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Vingegaard wins stage six, closes on Tour of Catalonia victory

    Jonas Vingegaard claimed back-to-back stage wins in the Pyrenees and extends his overall lead to 1 minute 22 seconds at the Tour of Catalonia. The Danish cyclist, competing in the race for the first time, is well-positioned to add the overall title to his growing resume of stage-race victories.

    29 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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