Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge defended relocating a planned sports facility without following a regional council resolution, saying he exercised his discretion in the decision. Councillor Andreas Amundjindi had criticized the move, arguing it overrode council agreement and was tribally motivated.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge defended relocating a planned sports facility without following a regional council resolution, saying he exercised his discretion in the decision. Councillor Andreas Amundjindi had criticized the move, arguing it overrode council agreement and was tribally motivated.
The deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs announced that N$1.3 billion has been allocated for the 2026/27 financial year to cover monthly grants, psychosocial and medical assistance, and other support programmes for veterans. The allocation includes N$13 million for the liberation struggle heritage programme, which covers funeral assistance, marking heritage sites, and erecting tombstones for deceased veterans.
The High Court upheld appeals by six accused in the Namcor fraud and corruption case, granting them bail with restrictions on travel and movement. Judge Philanda Christiaan cautioned that courts should avoid informal labels like "Fuelrot" in discussing criminal cases, as such terminology can imply prejudgement and undermine public trust in judicial impartiality.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has allocated N$20 million for capital development to construct a regional office at Oshakati as part of its N$109 million budget allocation for 2026/27. Parliamentarians commended the move but called for broader regional coverage and better funding and staff compensation to strengthen the ACC's capacity to address corruption.
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has proposed a N$1.52 billion budget for 2026/2027 to improve welfare for liberation struggle veterans, including monthly grants, medical support, and heritage preservation. Deputy Minister Charles Mubita said the allocation will support about 23,694 veterans receiving monthly grants and address socio-economic challenges through medical care, psychosocial support, and settlement of outstanding Individual Veterans Projects.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested Ernest Gaoab, a former Human Resource Officer at Otavi Town Council who was acting as CEO, for allegedly creating and promoting himself to a non-existent Manager position that was not on the approved organisational structure. He has been charged under the Anti-Corruption Act and granted bail of N$10,000, with his matter postponed to 12 May 2026.
At the 11th OACPS summit, Namibia's ambassador Alfredo Hengari called for urgent economic transformation across the 79-member organisation, warning that reliance on exporting raw materials costs jobs and weakens African, Caribbean and Pacific economies. He stressed the need for industrialisation, agricultural production, natural resource beneficiation and intra-OACPS trade to build resilience and create opportunities for young people.
The secretary general of Nudo Youth League urged the government to allocate sufficient funding to the National Youth Council and reform Affirmative Action legislation to help graduates enter the job market, citing Namibia's youth unemployment rate of 44.4% as a serious concern requiring effective policies on job creation.
The Namibian Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority reports that Namibian microlenders lost about N$200 million in three months after the Ministry of Finance discontinued the Payroll Deduction Management System, reducing total consumer debt to N$7.5 billion. Term-loan disbursements fell 73.5%, though the number of borrowers increased 16.3% and payday lending rose 11%.
Workers from five fishing companies petitioned the Ministry of Agriculture demanding an end to the quota auction system, saying it fuels job insecurity and prevents long-term employees from securing permanent contracts. They argue the auction system favours the highest bidders, prevents companies from predicting future capacity, and has led to workers remaining on fixed-term contracts for years and widespread retrenchments in the sector.
The government's N$500 million monthly fuel subsidy in response to rising oil prices is unsustainable and will not effectively help the poorest Namibians, according to economists. Several specialists argue direct cash grants to low-income groups would be more effective than broad price subsidies, while transport operators warn of industry strain from the fuel increases.
Namibia and Malaysia's bilateral trade stands at approximately N$1.7 billion, reflecting continued economic growth between the two countries. The Malaysian High Commission highlighted this at an Experience Malaysia event in Windhoek, which also promoted visa-free travel for Namibians and cultural exchange to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appointed Vetumbuavi Mungunda as president, with Patty Karuaihe-Martin and Tarah Shaanika as deputy leaders. The new board, which will serve a two-year term, aims to strengthen the chamber's institutional capacity and expand its role in economic and policy discussions.
Meatco's interim CEO met with the Livestock Producers Organisation to discuss strengthening transparency, communication, and partnership across Namibia's red meat value chain. The engagement emphasised rebuilding trust between processors and cattle producers to improve sector performance and maintain global competitiveness.
NovaNam, Namibia's only fishing company holding the FISH Standard for Crew certification, has successfully renewed the international certification that recognises safe, fair and ethical labour practices on board its vessels. The certification, obtained first by NovaNam in 2022 and unique to Namibia and the African continent, followed an extensive independent audit assessing the company's fleet and operations against global, regional and local compliance standards.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund held a media workshop in partnership with the Witwatersrand Centre for Journalism to help journalists turn complex financial data into clear stories for the public. GIPF Chief Executive Martin Inkumbi said the goal was to help journalists better understand and explain financial information to build trust and transparency with the fund's members and the public.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a 2025/26–2029/30 strategic plan to transform Namibia from a raw commodity exporter into a value-driven industrial economy, prioritising local content, beneficiation, and capacity-building in mining and green industries. The strategy aims to develop domestic processing capabilities for minerals including uranium, diamonds, and rare earths, supported by an Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme for small enterprises, while balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Navachab Gold Mine has started construction of a N$120 million health centre in Karibib, a 15-bed rural facility designed to improve healthcare access after Covid-19 exposed infrastructure gaps. The project is expected to be completed and handed to government by 2028, with visible construction beginning in April.
Namibia inaugurated the N$107 million Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) on 19 March 2026, a facility designed to train youth in green hydrogen, oil and gas, solar installation, and water sanitation to support the country's southern energy corridor development. The centre welcomed 253 inaugural trainees, including 101 women, and aims to provide international-standard technical certification to build a home-grown workforce for the region's emerging energy industries.
Namibia is considering importing honeybees from South Africa to improve pollination for blueberry farms in Kavango East, but beekeepers, environmentalists, and government officials warn the imports could introduce diseases, weaken native bee populations, and threaten food security. The Beekeeping Association of Namibia and Ministry of Environment and Tourism both oppose the plan, citing risks of genetic dilution and resource competition, and recommend instead investing in local beekeeping capacity.
Heavy rain has persisted across multiple regions including Hardap, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Khomas, with areas such as Welbedacht recording up to 50 mm. The public is cautioned to avoid flooded areas and exercise care while travelling, with further rainfall expected.
Agribank's technical adviser outlines best practices for tomato production, covering crop variety selection, soil preparation, spacing, irrigation schedules, fertilisation, pest management, and staking requirements across a 90–120 day growing cycle.
Two communal farmers in the Omaheke region, Kuhepa Marenga and Wolle Mbaisa, purchased high-value cattle at auction in Windhoek to improve their herds' genetics and long-term value. Both emphasize that investing in superior bloodlines is a strategic move for sustainability and competitiveness in Namibia's livestock industry.
Chairperson of the NCRST ethics and responsible use of AI committee Taljaard Uaputauka has urged local graphic designers to adapt as artificial intelligence transforms lower-end design work, warning that entry-level roles face pressure from automation but stressing that higher-level functions like strategy, originality and client engagement remain dependent on human expertise. Uaputauka cautioned designers against competing with AI on speed alone, noting that clients value judgment, clarity and risk reduction, while a local designer said that adaptation requires stronger focus on creativity and using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.
A 16-year-old Angolan girl employed without pay and assaulted in Oshikoto region is recovering in hospital after a WhatsApp group raised N$8000 for her care. Her employer, Selma Daniel (62), has been arrested and charged, and community members aim to raise N$20000 to support the teenager's return to Angola.
Amruh Fishing handed over scholar patrol equipment and safety gear including reflective vests, stop signs, traffic cones, and safety caps to Good Hope Primary School in Walvis Bay, as part of its community development and road safety awareness commitment.
John Mutirua (24) was convicted on nine charges including the rape of a nine-year-old girl in 2018 and two murders committed in 2020 and 2023, and sentenced to two concurrent life terms in Windhoek High Court. The judge noted Mutirua's criminal escalation, lack of remorse, and volatile nature pose an ongoing danger to the community.
Welwitchia University has appointed Marius Hedimbi as its first vice chancellor, effective 1 April. Hedimbi, a full professor with over 15 years of higher education experience, previously served as acting vice chancellor and brings expertise in antimicrobial resistance research and academic leadership.
Heavy Saturday rains flooded Okahandja Park informal settlement in Windhoek, destroying household items and displacing families. Residents say the flooding, worsened by proximity to a riverbed, was unusually intense, with water reaching knee height inside shacks, and more rainfall is forecast for the week.
Medical experts and legal analysts warn that Namibia lacks laws regulating surrogacy, creating risks of exploitation and trafficking, following a fraudulent advertisement offering N$800,000 to surrogates. While South Africa and Botswana have experience with regulated or unregulated surrogacy arrangements, Namibia's legal framework remains silent on the matter, leaving parties with no legal protection and prompting calls for amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act.
Residents of Osona Village estate near Okahandja lost electricity on Saturday evening during rainfall, with the outage extending into a second day by Monday morning. The blackout has caused loss of perishable food, disrupted infant care, endangered refrigerated medication, and exposed communication gaps from management, despite an N$11-million grid upgrade in 2022 meant to prevent such recurring seasonal outages.
Heavy rains in 2025 caused an estimated N$353 million in damage to Windhoek's roads, compounding a decade of deferred maintenance. The City reported that half the capital's road network requires repairs, with 16% of roads having poor surfaces and 18% in poor structural condition, though N$64.4 million has been spent repairing 67,344 potholes by mid-March 2026.
The City of Windhoek says it needs about N$1 billion annually to formalise informal settlements but receives only N$53 million this financial year, while the capital hosts 150 informal settlements where more than 200 000 people live undocumented. The city's CEO and housing engineer attribute the crisis to funding shortages, lack of available land, and the fact that informal residents cannot be charged rates and taxes, leaving fewer than 60 000 documented residents to fund the N$5 billion municipal budget.
The Government Institutions Pension Fund has approved a 5% increase in monthly pension benefits for all pensioners and qualifying beneficiaries effective 1 April 2026, citing the fund's strong financial position and the need to protect members against rising living costs including food, fuel, housing and healthcare.
The Ministry of Education has committed to providing tents, boats, temporary learning spaces, and other supplies to schools in the Zambezi Region affected by flooding. Following the Minister's visit to two schools impacted by the floods, the ministry is also considering temporarily relocating teachers and learners to higher ground to enable recovery of lost teaching and learning time.
Namibia College of Open Learning offers accredited technical and vocational training in automotive mechatronics, welding, plumbing, and other trades to equip youth and workers with industry-ready skills. The programmes, supported by NSFAF funding and mandatory job attachments, align with national development priorities and are designed to support Namibia's industrialisation goals.
High Court judge Makapa Simasiku sentenced John Kangumbe Matirua to 44 years' imprisonment for two murders and two rapes of a minor girl, imposing life sentences (25 years before parole eligibility) for each murder, with the judge finding that Matirua's predatory actions and lack of remorse pose a serious ongoing risk to society.
The Ohangwena Education Directorate is hosting a regional awards ceremony in Eenhana to recognise outstanding teachers and learners for excellent performance, with Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa delivering the keynote address.
Data breached in a cyberattack on Namibia Airports Company has been released on the dark web by the INC Ransomware Group, including airport permits, parking databases, engineering files, and financial records. Authorities are investigating whether sensitive or personally identifiable information is among the leaked files and urge organisations to strengthen cybersecurity measures.
Heavy rains in the //Kharas region have rendered key roads impassable, leaving residents unable to access banking, healthcare, and shopping services. The Roads Authority has temporarily closed several affected routes and advised motorists to use alternative paths while monitoring conditions for repairs.
The National Youth Service's five-week rehabilitation programme at Henties Bay introduced 76 street-connected children aged 12–18 to structure, medical care, psychosocial support and life skills, with plans to transition them into formal schooling and vocational training. Graduates reported gaining confidence, emotional resilience and a sense of belonging after years of survival on the streets.
The state has acquired advanced diagnostic equipment including Philips 16-slice CT scanners worth millions of dollars to strengthen public healthcare facilities. The Health Ministry plans to roll out similar machines across all 14 regions by June as part of efforts to boost confidence in public hospitals ahead of a directive requiring government officials to use public healthcare.
A group of volunteers at Katima Mulilo State Hospital has accused officials of nepotism and corruption, claiming they were overlooked for entry-level positions despite years of service including during the Covid-19 pandemic. The volunteers have petitioned the Health and Social Services Minister and are calling for an anti-nepotism policy and formal recognition of their contributions.
Communities in Karibib and Otjimbingwe are facing severe water access challenges, with residents relying on untreated water sources and experiencing supply interruptions lasting up to a week. The shortages are worsened by increased demand from mining operations in the region, forcing residents to raise funds for connections and abandon small-scale farming.
The Windhoek High Court has sentenced Iuze Mukube John Kangumbe Mutirua, 24, to two life terms for murdering Meno Tjizera in 2020 and Albertus Maasdorp in 2023. Acting Judge Makapa Simasiku found that Mutirua's escalating criminal history, lack of remorse, and violent propensity pose a serious ongoing danger to society, warranting a sentence of 44 years to be served concurrently across multiple convictions including attempted murder, robbery, rape, and obstructing justice.
Murder, attempted murder, hit-and-run incidents, housebreakings, and drug-related offenses led recorded cases nationwide over the weekend, with deaths reported in Katutura, Tsandi, Mombela, Keetmanshoop, and multiple drowning incidents across regions.
Karibib Town Council faces mounting challenges from limited funding and manpower as rapid population growth driven by mining activity strains housing and service delivery. The council is prioritising the formalisation of two informal settlements and planning new housing extensions, but residents report slow progress on sanitation and waste management.
The Ongoma Music Awards, a new initiative designed to provide recognition and a platform for emerging local artists, has attracted over 200 entries ahead of today's submission deadline. Founder Ndawana Ndume describes it as a development foundation rather than a competition, aimed at preparing talented artists for bigger platforms and addressing a gap in recognition opportunities.
Taimi Nuuyango, a 26-year-old Namibian content creator who began filming beauty tips during Covid-19 lockdown, became the first Namibian content creator to represent the country at the Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit in Johannesburg. She credits consistency and strategy with achieving the recognition, which she says provides visibility for Namibia's media industry and opens doors for future local creators.
Australia's Watford striker Nestory Irankunda scored twice as the Socceroos defeated World Cup qualifier Curacao 5-1 in Melbourne, securing a strong finish before heading to North America for the tournament. Curacao, the smallest nation ever to make a World Cup, face a difficult group including Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
The Khomas Netball League completed weekend matches at Unam's main campus despite early rain, with regional officials noting good performances and significant changes to league standings. The competition will break over the long weekend before resuming, with teams focusing on training to improve their positions.
Two-time champions Omusati region are preparing for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup youth tournament, to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 5 April. Head coach Shipena Nakalondo expressed confidence in the squad's readiness despite being drawn alongside defending champions Kunene region.
The defending champions from Kunene and Kavango East regions will compete to retain their 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup trophies in football and netball at the tournament being held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April, bringing together under-20 teams from all 14 regions of Namibia.
Victor Wembanyama scored 41 points and achieved the fastest double-double in NBA history in just 8 minutes 31 seconds as the San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to nine games with a 129-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-110 overtime win against Detroit.
Germany defeated Ghana 2-1 in a Stuttgart friendly on Monday, with Deniz Undav's 88th-minute goal securing victory after Kai Havertz had opened the scoring from a penalty. The hosts dominated possession but Ghana equalized through a counter-attack before Undav's late winner.
Metropolitan Namibia has committed N$140,000 to support young athletes from all 14 regions to participate in the 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, a youth football and netball tournament to be held in Keetmanshoop from 3 to 6 April. The contribution aims to remove barriers of distance and limited resources that prevent talented young athletes from competing.
The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup is presented as both a talent factory producing international players and an economic engine for host towns, generating revenue for local traders and small businesses while spurring infrastructure improvements that benefit communities long after the tournament ends. According to the Namibia Football Association's marketing director, the tournament also builds national identity by bringing young athletes from all 14 regions together.
Former Brave Warriors goalkeeper Danzyl Bruwer has questioned the fairness of player and coach selection for the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, arguing that some players bypass the Governor's Cup trials and that established national coaches should not coach regional teams in a developmental tournament. He contends the selection process undermines the cup's intended purpose to develop players, officials, and coaches equally.
Erongo's regional netball team is aiming to improve on last year's showing at the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, with team manager Mathilde Nicolo emphasizing focus on youth development, structured training, and reaching the knockout stages. The squad features mostly new players and has received support from regional institutions and government, though Nicolo appeals for backing from local businesses.
Following Senegal's January 2025 AFCON title being stripped by CAF after players walked off the pitch, social media posts claim Morocco won their 1976 title the same way. An AFP investigation found no evidence that Moroccan players left the pitch in 1976, with eyewitnesses and archival research confirming Morocco won that tournament "fairly, by the book."
Otjozondjima FC won the Omaheke Top 20 football championship after defeating Pamue Eleven 4-3 on penalties in the final at Legare Stadium in Gobabis, while Renamo Bucks claimed the netball title with a 29-22 victory over Pamue Ladies.
Okarindi Komutati FC has appointed Cleff Kavirijeta Tjiposa as interim head coach while the club's primary coaching staff are temporarily unavailable; the team sits second in the Kunene Regional Football League Second Division with 31 points.
Leevi Hakusembe Secondary School won first place in both football and netball at a Kapako Constituency tournament in Kavango West Region, with 24 football teams and 5 netball teams competing for cash prizes. The local councillor praised the event and called for sustained investment in youth sport and development of a self-resilient sports sector.
The Namibia Powerlifting Association held a deadlift challenge in Windhoek on Saturday with 18 athletes, including eight women, reflecting growing interest in the sport locally. Association founding member Alexandra Limmer noted the event featured diverse competitors from a 73-year-old former champion to newcomers, and emphasized the community and mutual support that define powerlifting.
Siegfried 'Blackie' Kaperu, a retired national flyweight champion, has become one of Namibia's most respected boxing trainers, guiding fighters including Julius Indongo, Paulus Mose, and Paulus Ambunda to world championship titles. Kaperu credits teamwork, long-term development, mental fitness, and discipline as key to producing champions, though he notes financial constraints remain a major obstacle in boxer development.
Namibian fencers secured three bronze medals at the 2026 Easter Club Challenge in Gaborone, Botswana, with coach Dillon Kotze and junior Sebastian Botha among the medalists. The Namibian Fencing Federation plans to host a local competition in April and expand the sport through schools and grassroots development as it rebuilds following the Covid-19 period.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has inaugurated newly constructed and renovated infrastructure across Etosha, Hardap, and Bwabwata National Parks, valued at N$166 million and co-funded by Germany's development bank. The upgrades include enhanced facilities, staff stations, and utilities designed to strengthen wildlife protection and improve visitor experiences.
The Minister of Environment has inaugurated a Solid Waste Management Facility at Etosha National Park, emphasizing the need for environmental education alongside infrastructure to improve waste management practices. The facility, funded by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, addresses poor waste management at wildlife resorts and will be operated by Rent-A-Drum.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani says the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival contributes to local economic activity, tourism, small business development, and seasonal employment while promoting sustainable fisheries management. More than N$700,000 was pledged at a fundraising gala, with Standard Bank and MTC each contributing N$150,000.
Amapiano producer Kelvin Momo has withdrawn a R2.8-million lawsuit filed by Australian promoter Ace Events Group after the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement in January. The dispute stemmed from Momo's failure to perform at two contracted shows in Australia in November 2024, which forced the promoter to refund ticket holders.
Pakistan has emerged as an unlikely intermediary in escalating US-Iran tensions, leveraging its relationship with US President Trump, its geographic proximity and cultural ties to Iran, and its lack of involvement in the conflict. However, the role carries significant risks: Pakistan depends on oil through the Strait of Hormuz, faces domestic pro-Iran sentiment, and could be dragged into the conflict through its defence pact with Saudi Arabia while also managing security threats from Afghanistan and India.
Israel's parliament passed legislation making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks, with execution by hanging within 90 days. The law has drawn criticism from international observers and civil rights groups who say it is discriminatory and undermines democratic principles.
A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of Jos, a central Nigerian city, after gunmen attacked an open-air bar, triggering deadly revenge attacks that killed at least 26 people according to police. Plateau state governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang pledged an investigation and said those responsible would face justice.
A new Médecins Sans Frontières report based on 3,396 victims treated across Darfur documents rape and sexual assault as a persistent and defining feature of Sudan's civil war, with non-Arab communities systematically targeted and attacks continuing even in areas away from active conflict.
Nigeria's High Commission has issued an urgent safety advisory to its citizens in South Africa following violent unrest in the Eastern Cape, where protests over the alleged coronation of a Nigerian traditional leader turned violent, causing property damage and injuries. The advisory urges Nigerians to limit public activity, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile, and suspend socio-cultural activities amid rising tensions.
A 25-year-old paraplegic Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, died by euthanasia in Barcelona after an 18-month legal battle, with her father and a Christian advocacy group attempting to block her decision until the European Court of Human Rights ruled in her favour. The case has triggered criticism of the Spanish healthcare system, with some arguing institutions failed to provide adequate support, while others defend her right to choose assisted dying under Spain's 2021 euthanasia law.
Joburg's road running clubs have grown into social hubs where people forge friendships, find mentors, and support mental health, with groups ranging from casual neighbourhood runs to competitive time trials. Many clubs welcome runners of all abilities and backgrounds, with no membership fees, offering practical support like water stations and marshals while fostering connections with local businesses.
The US Embassy in Namibia has cautioned Namibian travellers that overstaying their US visas can result in travel bans, visa ineligibility, criminal charges, and permanent damage to future travel prospects. The embassy stressed that compliance with the "admit until date" on the I-94 form is mandatory, and that intent does not excuse violations.
Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira is in Namibia for a two-day official visit from 30–31 March 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations. Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade will discuss naval cooperation, trade and investment, support for a food systems project with the UN World Food Programme, and global issues including multilateral reform.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bar in Jos, Nigeria's Plateau state, killing at least 12 people on Sunday. A mob then formed and killed at least 10 more in retaliation, with one local official saying 27 died in total.
In Sudan's Kordofan region, caught in intense fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, civilians report near-daily drone strikes that have killed hundreds and spread fear, with both sides deploying cheap "kamikaze" drones and advanced strategic weapons supplied by foreign backers. The strikes on markets, hospitals, and homes have driven traders away, caused food shortages, and disrupted aid access in areas already threatened by famine.
Russia's sanctioned tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carrying 730,000 barrels of crude has reached Cuba, the first oil shipment since January when the US removed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, depriving Cuba of its main energy supplier and triggering fuel shortages and blackouts on the island.
Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire as US President Trump signals possible military operations against Iran's oil infrastructure, sending global oil prices toward US$100–$117 per barrel. The Middle East conflict is disrupting global energy supplies, with analysts warning that further US or Iranian action could drive prices to historic highs.