Namibia Minute.
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Politics

Opposition splits over oil and gas authority transfer bill

The News

The Republican Party has backed a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer oil and gas authority from the minister of industries to the Presidency, citing anti-corruption benefits and transparency. The move has divided opposition parties, with the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters also supporting it, while other opposition parties argue it increases corruption risk and reduces parliamentary oversight.

7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Opposition splits over oil and gas authority transfer bill

    The Republican Party has backed a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer oil and gas authority from the minister of industries to the Presidency, citing anti-corruption benefits and transparency. The move has divided opposition parties, with the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters also supporting it, while other opposition parties argue it increases corruption risk and reduces parliamentary oversight.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President appoints new ministerial and deputy ministerial officials

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed several new officials to ministerial and deputy ministerial positions, including Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency, Hambeleleni Ndjaleka as deputy minister of health and social services, and others to various portfolio positions across government departments.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Legal framework exists for dismissing misconduct public servants

    Namibian law provides clear procedures for holding government employees accountable for misconduct, including suspension, fines, demotion and dismissal through disciplinary committees. The challenge is not legal complexity but lack of political will to enforce these rules consistently.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Supreme Court upholds asset seizure in Fishrot corruption case

    Namibia's Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by three Fishrot accused—former attorney general Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo—challenging the prosecutor general's use of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act to seize their assets. The court upheld the High Court's restraint order covering bank funds, properties, vehicles, and luxury goods, finding that the prosecutor general may rely on Anti-Corruption Commission evidence rather than police investigations alone.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. President appoints new minister and deputy ministers

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the appointment of Charles Mubita as minister in the presidency, eight deputy ministers across various portfolios, and an adviser to the minister of defence and veterans affairs, with the aim of strengthening governance and coordination.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Windhoek must prioritize liveable apartments over density, editorial argues

    The City of Windhoek's plan to build apartments instead of freestanding houses is pragmatic given land and funding constraints, but developers risk sacrificing community spaces and livability. The editorial warns that apartment living requires planning for recreation areas and social infrastructure, drawing lessons from Singapore's approach, and calls on the municipality to address internal corruption and executive salaries before expanding housing.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibian MP Mootu joins IMF Young Parliamentarians Initiative

    Member of Parliament Utaara Mootu will participate in the inaugural cohort of the International Monetary Fund Young Parliamentarians Initiative, which aims to strengthen engagement with younger legislators and understand their economic priorities. The discussions will be held from 12 to 15 April 2026 in Washington, D.C.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in car accident at 43

    James Unomasa Uerikua, a Swapo member of Parliament and former governor of Otjozondjupa region, died on Friday in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara; his 14-year-old son also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to him as a promising young leader and voice for the voiceless.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Legal aid income threshold too low for middle-income earners

    Swapo parliamentarian Hilma Iita has tabled a motion proposing 75% partial legal aid for middle-income earners, arguing the current N$7,000 monthly income threshold leaves workers unable to afford private lawyers while earning too much to qualify for free aid. Justice minister Yvonne Dausab had previously indicated plans to raise the threshold to N$10,000 and consider case complexity, but Iita stressed the law remains unchanged and is outdated given current living costs.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Ministry of Defence allocates N$1.5 billion for veterans welfare

    The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs spent N$2.5 million on funeral assistance for 363 veterans in 2025/2026, with minister Frans Kapofi reporting that 94% of the department's N$1.5 billion allocation went toward veterans' welfare and preserving liberation struggle history. For 2026/2027, the ministry is requesting a similar N$1.5 billion budget, primarily for monthly grants benefiting nearly 24,000 veterans.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  11. Okongo councillor outlines development projects and infrastructure plans

    Efraim Shipindo, councillor for Okongo constituency in Ohangwena, has described progress in agricultural diversification, youth empowerment, education, and water access, while identifying road infrastructure upgrades and financial constraints as ongoing challenges for the remote region.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. Bank Windhoek named top banking brand in Namibia 2026

    Bank Windhoek has been named Namibia's top banking brand for 2026 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards, in recognition of its exceptional brand presence, commitment to excellence, and customer-centric approach in the country's financial sector. The award follows the bank's recent international recognition including Best Foreign Exchange Bank and Small and Medium Enterprises Bank awards for 2025.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Bus and taxi association warns against fake fare hikes

    The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association has warned operators not to overcharge passengers, saying no fares have officially increased yet. The association says a fake document bearing its letterhead with new transport fares is circulating on social media and urges passengers to report any overcharging to police.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibian economic growth slows amid global risks, sector weakness

    The Bank of Namibia reported that real GDP growth dropped to 1.7% in 2025 from 3.8% in 2024, driven by weaker agriculture, lower global diamond demand, and manufacturing contraction, though inflation eased to 3.5% and services remained steady. Global growth is expected to slow to 3.2% by 2027 due to rising public debt and geopolitical tensions.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia launches study on sustainable aviation fuel production

    Namibia has begun a six-month feasibility study on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) under the International Civil Aviation Organisation's ACT-SAF Programme, sponsored by Switzerland. The study will assess Namibia's readiness in policy, feedstock availability, infrastructure, and investment potential to position the country within emerging green aviation value chains.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government pursues 10% stake in Rössing uranium mine

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare confirmed that Namibia is discussing acquisition of a 10% stake in Rössing Uranium, currently held by South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation. The government holds less than 4% and argues the stake should belong to Namibia under law of succession, with the aim of maximizing the country's benefit from its uranium resources.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  3. US to boost investment in energy, critical minerals

    The US Ambassador to Namibia said his country wants to deepen partnership with Namibia by expanding investment in offshore oil and gas, critical mineral exploration, and infrastructure projects, while also strengthening cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Namibian officials attended an international nuclear energy conference in Nairobi with US support, positioning Namibia's uranium sector to expand into the broader nuclear value chain.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Zambezi floods and locusts destroy crops, threaten food security

    Devastating floods and locust outbreaks in Namibia's Zambezi region have destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and displaced over 2,000 people, prompting the government to commit to feeding affected residents until the next harvest season. The regional minister has called on government to provide seeds, fodder for livestock, and continued support as communities struggle with starvation.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Organisational structure critical for agribusiness success

    According to Agribank's technical advisor, a well-designed organisational structure in agribusiness improves decision-making, efficiency, job clarity, and financial management while supporting succession planning and sustainable growth. The article outlines how clear roles, reporting lines, and span of control help agribusinesses reduce bottlenecks, align operations with strategic goals, and strengthen their ability to secure funding.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  3. B2Gold-backed grants support 20 agricultural students

    Agra Agricultural Academy has announced a grant programme for 20 selected candidates, supported by a four-year N$560,000 annual commitment from B2Gold Namibia. The programme provides accredited training in Plant and Animal Production to students from Northern Namibia, focusing on practical skills and industry application.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. Hardap aquaculture centre reaches 80% of annual fingerling target

    Tilapia fingerling production at Namibia's Hardap Inland Aquaculture Centre has reached about 80% of its annual target despite operational constraints including incomplete infrastructure and limited holding space. The Ministry of Agriculture says it is committed to rehabilitating infrastructure and improving production levels by December this year.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Otto Kapuka pursues sustainable farming and community development

    Otto Kapuka, a farmer in Olwadhiya village, has built a diversified agricultural operation producing crops and employing local workers while planning to expand into livestock, agro-processing, and community education initiatives. Despite challenges in funding and market access, Kapuka views his farm as a vehicle for job creation and food security, and encourages young farmers to start small and reinvest earnings.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Desalination plants to address Oshikoto's saline water crisis

    Desalination plants and reverse osmosis systems will be constructed in Oshikoto to tackle water shortages caused by the region's saline underground water. The projects are expected to take three to four months to complete, beginning after the rainy season and finishing before August, with pipelines linking boreholes to supply communities, livestock, and agriculture.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Four-year-old boy dies after assault in Windhoek home

    A four-year-old boy died after being allegedly assaulted by his grandmother's boyfriend in Windhoek on Saturday, with police reporting the suspect repeatedly slammed the child to the ground. The incident is one of three recent deaths in Windhoek under investigation by police.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Six arrested following fatal mob attack in Oshakati West

    Six suspects have been arrested after a mob attack killed an unidentified man in Oshakati West constituency, Oshana region. Villagers allegedly attacked the victim with palm and camel thorn branches and their fists over suspicions of housebreaking; a second man was mistakenly identified and also assaulted, though he survived.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Funeral services vehicle stolen in Oshakati housebreaking

    Police in Oshana region are investigating the theft of a branded funeral services vehicle and household items worth N$158,000 from Onanime village. Three unknown suspects allegedly pushed the silver Toyota Hilux from the premises and drove it away using keys stolen from inside the house.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Channel 7 radio volunteer dies in car accident

    Channel 7, a Christian radio station, is mourning the death of volunteer Anneri Burger, who died in a car accident last Tuesday. The station's executive head Neal van den Berg remembered her as a faithful supporter who contributed to the station's fundraising radiothon and its mission of spreading the gospel.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Woman arrested for alleged rape of 58-year-old in Aus

    A 42-year-old woman was arrested at Aus in the ǁKharas region after allegedly raping a 58-year-old woman at Khaubeb location on 3 April. Both were taken to Lüderitz State Hospital for medical examination and completion of a rape kit, according to national police.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Human skeleton discovered in Omusati bushes

    A human skeleton was found in bushes at Onkaankaa village in Omusati on Thursday. Police recovered the remains and clothing from the scene; the identity of the deceased remains unknown and investigations continue.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. DBN funds N$1bn health infrastructure programme nationwide

    The Development Bank of Namibia has disbursed N$1 billion towards a national health infrastructure programme, part of the government's "Roadmap" initiative. The funding will support construction of a 500-bed Windhoek District Hospital and district hospitals in Nkurenkuru, Otjiwarongo, and Ondangwa to address bed shortages and improve healthcare access.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Angola's efundja floods northern Namibia, disrupting schools and transport

    Severe flooding from Angolan water sources has inundated low-lying areas of Ohangwena and parts of Omusati, blocking roads, closing schools, and disrupting healthcare access. President Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on traditional authorities to allocate land for permanent relocation of flood-prone communities, but the process has stalled due to lack of formal applications from residents.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Mariental man acquitted of 2019 murder due to weak evidence

    Windhoek High Court Judge Claudia Claasen acquitted Adam Isaack of murdering Eldin Fransman in 2019, finding the State's case rife with contradictions and unreliable witness testimony, with no eyewitnesses or forensic evidence linking him to the fatal stabbing. The judge noted that another State witness, Beneg Jossop, who owned the knife used in the killing, had provided inconsistent accounts of his location during the incident.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Man facing child abuse charges sues media for defamation

    Johann Wickus Maree, a Windhoek resident charged with 74 counts including child sexual abuse and production of child pornography, is suing Network Media Hub and related entities for N$300,000 in damages over a March 2024 article that identified him and detailed allegations. Maree argues the publication violated his right to presumption of innocence before his trial concludes.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  11. Free medical outreach programme comes to Outapi constituency

    Community members in Outapi, Omusati region will receive three days of free healthcare services from 8–10 April, including medical check-ups, HIV and STI testing, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, and health counselling. The Omusati Medical Campaign Tour, organised by DuneSeven Medical Centre with partners, aims to improve access to healthcare and empower communities with health knowledge, particularly for those with limited access to screening and treatment for conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  12. WHO calls on stakeholders to support science for health

    The World Health Organisation has called on governments, scientists, health workers, and the public to stand with science to protect lives and rebuild trust. Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services is marking World Health Day on 7 April at Okapale, Goreagab in Windhoek.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Kavango East retains Nedbank Newspaper Cup netball title

    Kavango East defeated Khomas 35–28 in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup netball final at Keetmanshoop, successfully defending their title after tactical adjustments following an earlier pool-stage loss to the same opponent. Martha Mununga of Kavango East won player of the tournament and best defender awards.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Erongo region wins Nedbank Cup after 14-year drought

    Erongo ended their 14-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2026, defeating defending champions Kunene 2–1 in extra time at Keetmanshoop. Centre-back Shahid Naoebeb scored twice in the match and was named player of the tournament.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Seventeen-year-old Smith sets Namibian hammer throw record

    Ansuné Smith, 17, broke and reset her own national hammer throw record at the Unam/NUST Welwitschia Athletics Championships in Windhoek last month, surpassing the 50-metre mark required to qualify for the African Championships. Smith, who is Namibia's only female hammer thrower, credits her focus on personal goals over record-chasing and her rigorous training regimen to the achievement.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. NASFED starts 2024 strong with regional swimming success

    The Namibia Aquatics Sports Federation has kicked off the year with a successful national championship in February and multiple international competitions in South Africa, with swimmers targeting qualification times and national records ahead of the Aquatics Junior Championships later in the year.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Otjimati FC coach cites squad shortage after Omaheke Top 20 exit

    Otjimati FC head coach Cecil Ngaipue Murangi said his team's early elimination from the Omaheke Top 20 tournament was a learning experience, attributing the setback partly to fielding only 12 players due to other commitments. Despite the loss, Murangi praised young players who performed against Premier League-calibre opponents and expressed confidence in the team's future prospects.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. NNOC-CGA establishes Medical Commission for athlete care

    The Namibia National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association has established a Medical Commission, endorsed on 16 March 2026, to strengthen athlete health, welfare, and performance systems and align with international Olympic standards. The five-member commission, led by Vice President Gaby Ahrens, will advise on medical policies, athlete safeguarding, and governance through 31 December 2028.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. NSC uses clustered model to select AUSC Region 5 team

    The Namibia Sports Commission has adopted a clustered competition model for the National Youth Games to select Namibian athletes for the African Union Sport Council Region 5 Youth Games in Maputo. The new approach groups sports codes and regions into competition hubs to reduce costs while maintaining fair and transparent selection across 11 sport codes through regional and sport-specific trials scheduled for May.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

World & Region

  1. Nine Indian police officers sentenced to death for custody killings

    Nine police officers in India's Tamil Nadu state have been sentenced to death for the 2020 custody deaths of a father and son who were detained for keeping their mobile phone shop open during lockdown. The judge described the case as a clear abuse of authority, noting the men were stripped and assaulted before dying in jail.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Asian nations negotiate safe passage with Iran through Hormuz

    As Trump threatens military action against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, several Asian countries—including the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and China—have already struck agreements with Tehran to ensure safe passage for their vessels through the critical shipping route. The diplomatic arrangements reflect nations' heavy energy dependence on the Gulf and their preference for negotiation over conflict, though the scope and durability of these agreements remain uncertain.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Trump threatens devastating Iran strikes by Wednesday deadline

    President Trump has issued an explicit ultimatum demanding Iran reach an acceptable agreement by Tuesday 20:00 Washington time or face new strikes that would "decimate" bridges and power plants, though Iran has so far rejected the ceasefire and made "maximalist" counter-demands, leaving unclear whether negotiations are progressing behind closed doors.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Australia's decorated soldier arrested on war crimes charges

    Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most-decorated living soldier and Victoria Cross recipient, has been arrested and charged with five counts of murder in relation to alleged unlawful killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. A 2023 civil court judgement found he had killed several unarmed Afghans, though he denies all wrongdoing.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. DRC accepts US deportees in new migration agreement

    The Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States who are not Congolese nationals, effective this month, with the US providing logistical and technical support. The DRC joins other African countries including Eswatini, Ghana and South Sudan in receiving third-country deportees as part of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policy.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. NamWater CEO urges SADC regional water cooperation

    NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia called on water utilities across southern Africa to strengthen collaboration to address shared challenges including ageing infrastructure, climate uncertainty, and rising demand. At a Water Utilities Executive Leadership Conference in Swakopmund, Nehemia emphasized that regional cooperation and adoption of technologies like AI are essential to improve service delivery across SADC countries.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Senegal's fish collapse drives desperation, illegal emigration

    Industrial and illegal fishing, along with climate change and overfishing by artisanal fleets, have caused a sharp decline in Senegal's fish stocks, displacing traditional fishers and spurring some to attempt dangerous migration to Europe. According to the Environmental Justice Foundation, 57% of fish populations exploited in Senegal are in a state of collapse, with fishing vessels often flagged to Senegal but ultimately owned by foreign operators from Spain, Italy, France, China, and Turkey.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Jihadists kill four Nigerian police officers in station raid

    Militants suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP attacked a police station in northeastern Nigeria on Saturday, killing four officers, and also targeted a camp for displaced persons. The attacks are part of a surge in jihadist violence in Borno state, with Boko Haram and ISWAP intensifying operations against military, police and civilian targets.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Iran claims US airman rescue masked uranium theft attempt

    Iran's foreign ministry alleged that a US operation to rescue a downed F-15E pilot on Friday may have been cover for stealing enriched uranium, calling it a "deception operation," though the US characterized the mission as a successful "daring" search and rescue. Iran's military claimed several US aircraft were damaged during the operation, while Iranian media also reported damage to a Tehran university's gas infrastructure and AI facility from overnight strikes.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Israeli strike hits Beirut suburbs targeting Hezbollah

    An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold largely emptied by repeated attacks and evacuation warnings. The strike, which Israel said targeted the militant group, killed at least eight people including civilians in separate strikes across Lebanon.

    7 April 2026 · New Era →

Opinion

  1. Opinion: War profiteering and financial corruption in Middle East

    This opinion piece argues that recent US-Israeli military operations against Iran represent a corrupt system of war profiteering enabled by prediction markets and financial speculation, where elite traders and officials profit from conflict through insider trading and market manipulation while ordinary citizens bear the costs.

    7 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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