Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Politics

Employers' federation seeks policy clarity from presidential address

The News

The Namibian Employers' Federation has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her state of the nation address to provide businesses with clarity on economic policies. NEF president Elia Shikongo cited modest growth, high unemployment, rising costs, and labour law uncertainty as challenges, and urged the government to balance worker protection with business sustainability and job creation.

8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

  1. Employers' federation seeks policy clarity from presidential address

    The Namibian Employers' Federation has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her state of the nation address to provide businesses with clarity on economic policies. NEF president Elia Shikongo cited modest growth, high unemployment, rising costs, and labour law uncertainty as challenges, and urged the government to balance worker protection with business sustainability and job creation.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Sport ministry denies involvement in RCC's N$500m stadium loan request

    The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture said it had not appointed the Roads Contractor Company to source funding from the Development Bank of Namibia for sport stadiums, nor was it aware of or party to any loan application by the RCC. The ministry said it remains the custodian of sport infrastructure development and is implementing its national programme with N$5 million per facility as part of phase 1 of a long-term, phased approach.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President tributes to MP James Uerikua killed in road accident

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to Member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara when his vehicle overturned after a tyre burst. Uerikua's 14-year-old son also died in the accident; the president described him as an active comrade whose loss is felt by the nation and said parliament and his family are establishing a committee to preserve his legacy.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Namibian lawmaker James Unomasa Uerikua dies suddenly

    A National Assembly member has penned a tribute to fellow lawmaker James Unomasa Uerikua following his sudden death. The piece describes Uerikua as an articulate and intellectually fearless parliamentarian whose sharp political contributions enriched legislative debate, and notes that his son died alongside him.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Swapo MP James Uerikua's sudden death mourned nationwide

    Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua has died suddenly and tragically, leaving his wife recovering from injuries and his children grieving. A fellow MP pays tribute to Uerikua as a rare leader of exceptional intellect and humility who was deeply committed to economic renewal and serving Namibia's voiceless.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Swapo MP mourns former governor James Uerikua

    Marlayn Mbakera, a Swapo member of parliament, has written a tribute to James Uerikua, the former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP who died, describing him as a hardworking, caring, and brilliant mentor who encouraged her to pursue political office and supported her through various challenges.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Namibia mourns parliamentarian James Uerikua, aged 43

    Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondhupa governor James Uerikua died aged 43 in a car accident on Friday, along with one of his sons. President Nandi-Ndaitwah described him as a "young and promising leader" whose loss comes at a time when the country needs clarity and commitment on complex challenges.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in Easter road accident

    Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. New deputy minister posts draw criticism over budget costs

    Political analysts have criticised president Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of seven deputy ministers, saying the move will cost the government nearly N$1.7 million annually and reverses earlier cost-saving pledges. Critics including analyst Henning Melber argue the appointments signal inadequate planning and a centralisation of power, while raising concerns about the appointees' ability to effectively balance parliamentary, executive, and regional council duties.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. National Assembly adjourns to honour deceased Swapo parliamentarian Uerikua

    The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Former governor James Uerikua dies in road accident

    Former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday, with his son Venturo also killed in the incident. Former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein paid tribute to Uerikua as a brilliant mind and kind-hearted person, while Swapo held a candlelit vigil in Windhoek.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. James Uerikua remembered as champion of entrepreneurs

    James Uerikua, a Swapo parliamentarian and former Otjozondjupa governor who died in a road accident on Friday, is being remembered by businessman Knowledge Katti for his integrity and unwavering support of Namibian entrepreneurs. Katti recalls that Uerikua consistently encouraged business people and never used his position to belittle them, instead offering genuine commendation for their contributions to the country's economic development.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. NEF warns ministerial interference blurs labour dispute lines

    The Namibian Employers' Federation has cautioned against growing ministerial involvement in company-level labour disputes, arguing it undermines the Labour Act's structured mechanisms and threatens institutional credibility. The NEF cited the Tsumeb Smelter case as a precedent and warned that ad hoc political intervention risks weakening Namibia's rules-based labour system and tripartite governance model.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  14. Parliament scrutinizes diplomats' allowances and foreign mission costs

    MPs challenged whether Namibian diplomats overseas claiming car allowances while receiving government vehicles constitute "double-dipping," and questioned the N$113 million spent annually on renting properties for foreign missions. The Trade and International Relations minister defended the practices, stating double-dipping has been addressed, and noted that the government is gradually acquiring properties while focusing on opening additional missions in strategic locations.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  15. Government allocates N$512 million to judiciary for 2026/2027

    The government has allocated N$512 million to the Office of the Judiciary for the 2026/2027 financial year, with N$497 million for operations and N$15 million for development projects including construction of magistrates' courts in Nkurenkuru and Katima Mulilo. The allocation reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the justice system and expanding court capacity in underserved areas.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  16. Supreme Court upholds freeze on Fishrot corruption saga assets

    Namibia's Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order preventing those accused in the Fishrot corruption case from accessing forfeited assets, rejecting an appeal by former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo. The court found that the Anti-Corruption Commission had proper authority to conduct the investigation and that the restraint order remains valid pending the outcome of the criminal trial, which is scheduled to recommence in March 2026.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  17. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in car accident

    Swapo member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua died in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, along with his 14-year-old son. Parliamentary colleagues and opposition leaders mourned him as a capable legislator, committed servant, and respected figure across political divides.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  18. Okahandja councillor outlines school, road and employment priorities

    Lissony Njembo Bethuel Tjaveondja, the Okahandja constituency councillor in his second term, has outlined a development roadmap including construction of secondary schools in underserved areas, road rehabilitation, and youth employment initiatives. He cited achievements such as a secondary school in Smarties serving over 600 learners and police substation, while flagging challenges including drug use among young learners, overcrowding in informal settlements, and a 50-year-old sewerage system.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Business

  1. August 26 Construction awarded Natis Wanaheda office tender

    State-owned contractor August 26 Construction has been awarded a tender to build a new Namibian Traffic Information System branch in Wanaheda, Windhoek, which will alleviate pressure on the existing southern industrial area office and is expected to employ 200 workers during construction.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Fraud losses in Namibian banking reach N$73.9 million annually

    Namibians lost N$73.9 million to banking fraud in 2025, up N$19 million from 2024, with electronic funds transfer fraud rising sharply to N$53 million. The Bank of Namibia attributes the increase primarily to vishing and phishing schemes where fraudsters impersonate legitimate institutions to steal sensitive information.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Entrepreneur opens wellness centre in Omaruru after career shift

    Betty Usoreruaije Tjongarero, who abandoned her childhood dream to become a veterinarian, trained in holistic therapy and now runs a beauty and wellness parlour in Omaruru offering massage, manicure, and other services. She identified a market gap in the small town and credits consistency, patience, and word-of-mouth marketing as keys to her six-year business success, though she notes challenges including unreliable utilities and sourcing specialised products.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. Okuryangava barber builds success through self-taught skill

    Helao Andreas Kakaya, owner of Kakaya Barber Shop and Salon in Okuryangava, has grown his small business from a childhood dream through self-training, patience and consistent service, while also mentoring others and managing the daily uncertainties of rent, customer variability, and pricing challenges.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Windhoek entrepreneur builds mobile salon from bedroom startup

    Fransina Nikodemus started a hair salon from her bedroom in 2018 to help pay off a family debt, and has since expanded into a mobile "Salon on Wheels" serving Windhoek and Walvis Bay, now supporting nearly 20 employees and permanent staff. The business reflects the broader role of Namibia's estimated 40,000 small and medium enterprises in the economy, though entrepreneurs like Nikodemus say they receive little government support.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Bank Windhoek awarded Namibia's Banking Brand of the Year

    Bank Windhoek has been named Banking Brand of the Year – Namibia 2026 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards, recognising its exceptional brand presence and commitment to excellence. The award reflects the trust Namibians place in the homegrown bank and its focus on customer-centric service and innovation.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Evangelina Nailenge appointed Momentum Metropolitan executive

    Evangelina Nailenge has been appointed executive: retail distribution at Momentum Metropolitan Namibia, effective March 2026, where she will develop distribution strategies to improve Namibians' access to financial solutions. Nailenge brings over twenty years of financial sector experience, including previous service as Managing Director of Momentum Investments Namibia.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Standard Bank sponsors 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival with N$150,000

    Standard Bank Namibia has pledged N$150,000 to the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival, scheduled for 28 April to 3 May under the theme "Harvesting Sustainability, Empowering Communities." The bank's sponsorship is part of its commitment to supporting local economic growth and community-driven projects that benefit small businesses and tourism in the coastal town.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. CIF warns RCC infrastructure model excludes local contractors

    The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia warns that the Roads Contractor Company's procurement model, with stringent financial thresholds and centralized project allocation, risks sidelining technically capable domestic contractors in favour of foreign-linked firms with stronger balance sheets. CIF chief executive Bärbel Kirchner argues the structure contradicts government commitments to boost Namibian participation and risks weakening local capacity and the construction sector's contribution to GDP.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Mining & Energy

  1. Government restricted from sharing oil and gas sector information

    Civil society organisations have accused the government of lack of transparency on oil and gas information access, with various agencies declining to provide petroleum licence details and citing organisational restructuring. Multiple officials and institutions have refused to respond to inquiries, prompting warnings that withholding critical sector information undermines public trust and the right to know.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Trigon receives first Kombat Mine sale payment

    Trigon Metals has received its first quarterly payment from the sale of Kombat Mine to Horizon Corporation Limited, part of an agreed schedule of eight payments totalling approximately N$429 million. The company will use the capital to fund exploration of its Addana Project in Morocco after the mine's sale following operational failures including water management issues and pump failure in January 2025.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. NUST awards 50 engineering students petroleum geoscience certificates

    Namibia University of Science and Technology awarded approximately 50 engineering students certificates for completing a technical workshop on petroleum geoscience, organised by Shell Namibia Upstream and partners to build local oil and gas expertise. The third training intake brought together students from five engineering disciplines to gain foundational knowledge in petroleum exploration and industry-ready competencies.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Floods delay locust spraying in Namibia's Zambezi region

    The Ministry of Agriculture says seasonal floods in the Zambezi region have halted spraying efforts against locusts that have infested hundreds of crop fields and grazing areas since January. So far, 7,124 of 32,896 hectares of infested areas have been sprayed, and spraying is expected to resume once floodwater subsides.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's poultry sector meets 85% of local demand

    Namibia is self-sufficient in eggs and meets over 85% of its poultry demand through domestic production, which grew to a production value of N$1.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand further. The Poultry Producers' Association noted significant growth potential, though the sector faces supply gaps in processed poultry products and seeks export opportunities leveraging the country's disease-free status.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Agriculture drives significant job creation in Ohangwena region

    Agriculture is playing a major role in employment across Ohangwena, with projects like the Ekoka Green Project employing over 200 casual workers, Oikango Pigery Farm employing 73 workers, and various farming initiatives providing livelihoods and reducing poverty in the region. Regional leadership emphasizes agriculture's contribution to food security and income generation, encouraging young people to enter the sector.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  4. PM calls for land delivery to unlock Opuwo's economic potential

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged traditional authorities to make land available to local authorities, calling it central to development and a national imperative to unlock Opuwo's potential as an economic hub. Over N$812 000 was pledged at a trade fair fundraising gala dinner, with the 13th Opuwo Annual Trade Fair scheduled for April 20 to May 2, 2026.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Marine Advisory Council tasked with sustainable fisheries management

    Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture has inaugurated a Marine Advisory Council chaired by executive director Teofilus Nghitila to advise on sustainable management of marine resources. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani highlighted the council's role during a critical period for the fishing sector, which faces declining catches due to overfishing, natural conditions, and population pressures.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Society

  1. Parents boycott Okahao school after five-year-old drowns

    Parents at Sam Nujoma Junior Primary School have withdrawn their children following the drowning of a pre-grade pupil in a nearby well on 10 March, and are demanding the removal of school principal Betty Munashimwe. They allege the principal failed to notify police or the child's parents and did not respond to the incident, and cite additional concerns about her conduct towards teachers and pupils.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia urged to strengthen prevention as child deaths persist

    Unicef's country representative warned during World Health Day that thousands of Namibian newborns continue to die in their first days of life and children under five remain vulnerable to preventable diseases including malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea. While Namibia has made progress in maternal and child health, officials stressed the need for preventive interventions and science-backed responses to emerging threats.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Windhoek High School mourns Grade 8 pupil killed in road accident

    Windhoek High School has paid tribute to Grade 8 pupil Venturo Uerikua, who died in a road accident in the Otjozondjupa region on Friday that also claimed the life of his father, National Assembly member and former Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua. The school said Venturo was a valued member of its community and extended condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Communities urged to help rehabilitate offenders in Namibia

    Namibia Correctional Service commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela said the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is a shared responsibility requiring active community involvement. At a community advisory committee meeting in Omaruru, he highlighted the committees' roles in monitoring facilities, advising on operations, and connecting offenders with employers and support services, citing successes including securing funding for inmates, paying fines to enable release, and facilitating training programmes.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Pension death benefits prioritize dependants, not nomination wishes

    Retirement fund trustees are legally required to distribute death benefits based on financial dependence rather than nomination forms or wills, prioritizing those who relied on the deceased member for support. This approach sometimes conflicts with family expectations but protects vulnerable individuals by ensuring fair distribution under the law.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Erongo Widows Association calls for government social support

    The Erongo Widows Association is appealing to the government to introduce support similar to social grants or disability benefits, particularly for young widows and those caring for children alone. The association says widows face financial hardship, educational barriers for their children, and psychological challenges, and should be recognized in policy rather than treated as charity cases.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Civil servants' 5% salary rise eroded by rising costs

    A 5% salary increment for Namibian civil servants has failed to improve their financial situation as rising commodity and fuel prices, increased medical aid contributions, and reduced remoteness allowances have eliminated the real value of the increase. Teachers in remote northern regions face particular hardship despite delivering essential services.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  8. MTC 4Life trains youth in practical skills and entrepreneurship

    MTC's flagship corporate social investment program, launched in 2022, equips young Namibians aged 18–35 with vocational training in trades including baking, hairdressing, and cell phone repair, providing each trainee with N$5,000 in startup support and tools. Since launch, the initiative has trained 161 youth countrywide and invested approximately N$6 million.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Young Ruacana student pursues law to inspire others

    Dula Melania, an 18-year-old second-year LLB student at the University of Namibia, has overcome limited access to legal resources in her remote hometown to pursue a legal career. She advocates for broadening access to the profession for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, viewing her success as a way to prove that geographic origin need not limit opportunity.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Frankie Fredericks Foundation donates 100 school uniforms

    The Frankie Fredericks Foundation donated full school uniforms to 100 vulnerable learners across six schools in Outjo, Okahao, and Windhoek as part of its 'Back-to-School' initiative, investing N$100,000 to reduce financial barriers to education and boost learner confidence and attendance.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  11. Ministry receives N$2b budget; housing backlog priority

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has been allocated N$2 billion for 2026/2027, with an additional N$1.5 billion from the National Housing Enterprise to accelerate housing construction and address Namibia's housing backlog. The ministry has prioritised informal settlement formalisation and rural development, though infrastructure constraints—particularly ageing sewer systems requiring an estimated N$2.5 billion in upgrades—threaten to slow progress.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  12. Outjo NGO leads fight against gender-based violence

    Pots of Hope, an NGO based in Outjo, is working to eliminate gender-based violence, discrimination and exploitation through psychosocial support, community dialogues, skills training and advocacy. The organisation has been prominent in responding to recent cases of violence against women in the town, including the murder of Florencia Jakobs, while addressing underlying causes such as poverty and gender imbalances.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  13. Opuwo Town Council owes NamWater N$60 million

    Opuwo Town Council owes approximately N$60 million to NamWater as the town faces critical water shortages, with current supply at 70 cubic metres per hour against a demand of 120 cubic metres per hour, forcing water rationing that affects households, businesses and economic productivity. The council is undertaking interventions including reservoir construction and borehole drilling, and plans a water treatment plant to address quality issues linked to high lime content that damages infrastructure.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  14. NAB staff petition board over collective bargaining violations

    Employees of the Namibian Agronomic Board, represented by the Public Service Union of Namibia, have submitted a petition alleging the board violated agreements to include them in negotiations on a job evaluation and grading exercise, approving final reports without worker input. The workers cite breaches of collective bargaining principles under the Labour Act and International Labour Organization Convention, and have given the board 48 hours to respond.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  15. Government rehabilitates borehole in Ovituua village

    The Epukiro constituency office has rehabilitated a borehole in Ovituua village, relieving long-standing water scarcity that had pressured residents and livestock. Community leaders say the improved water access will enable backyard farming, local businesses, and better living conditions.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  16. Minister hands over fencing materials to disability project

    Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse handed over fencing and other materials worth N$26,000 to the Twayambekwa Green Scheme Project, an income-generating initiative for persons with disabilities in Oshakati West Constituency.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Culture

  1. Albert Mazibuko, Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder, dies at 77

    Albert Mazibuko, a founding member of the legendary South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, has died at age 77. Mazibuko was a member of the Grammy award-winning ensemble for 55 years and played a key role in shaping the group's isicathamiya sound, which gained international recognition through collaborations with artists including Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Mvula releases 18-track album, urges local music industry growth

    Namibian artist Lasarus Mvula has released his self-titled album featuring collaborations with local artists and blending African rhythms with international influences. Mvula says the industry has structural challenges despite pioneers paving the way, and calls for collective effort and discipline to strengthen Namibian music.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Analogue photographer Kohl exhibits decades of Kolmanskop images

    Esteemed analogue photographer Helga Kohl's exhibition "Time & Light" showcases her decades-long documentation of Kolmanskop, a ghost town in southern Namibia, capturing the decay and reclamation of what was once a thriving diamond mining settlement. The exhibition, on display at The Project Room in Windhoek until 11 April, features images of the abandoned town's interiors alongside photographs from Elizabeth Bay and Windhoek's city centre.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Windhoek Authors Cafe workshop helps writers publish and sell books

    The Namibian reports that Nelao Books is hosting the Windhoek Authors Cafe on 11 April, a workshop featuring publishers and authors discussing publishing options, pricing, and business strategies for aspiring writers. The event aims to help writers navigate the modern publishing landscape and build a sustainable creative industry in Namibia.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Ladysmith Black Mambazo founding member Albert Mazibuko dies

    Albert Mazibuko, a singer in the iconic South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo for over five decades, has died aged 77 after a short illness. The group, which won five Grammy awards and featured on Paul Simon's 1986 'Graceland' album, remembered Mazibuko as a "wise elder" and custodian of their distinctive a cappella sound.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Mysterious hailstone causes panic in rural village

    A fictional short story about a young man who discovers an unusually large hailstone and warns his village, triggering fear that the gods are angry; the event leads to a severe hailstorm, the chief's resignation, and eventual government intervention to fence off the area.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Ondangwa fashion designer turns childhood creativity into brand

    Thoivo Akuunda, founder of TPJ_Creations, has built a fashion brand rooted in celebrating individuality and self-expression, inspired by a childhood passion for design that began in Grade 7. Despite facing industry competition and challenges balancing multiple careers, he remains committed to empowering customers through bold, authentic fashion designs.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Sport

  1. Nedbank Newspaper Cup nurtures emerging netball talent

    The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup tournament continues to develop grassroots netball talent, with many teams fielding debutants and under-20 players competing at the national stage for the first time. Young players from various regions report that the competition provides crucial exposure, travel opportunities, and experience that prepares them for higher-level play and national selection.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia Cricket Eagles Face Pressure in World Cup Qualifier

    Namibia's FNB Eagles have collected only one point from their opening two matches in the Tri-Nations series against Scotland and Oman, leaving them sixth out of eight nations in the Cricket World Cup Division 2 competition. Coach Craig Williams believes better luck—including a dropped catch against Oman and the absence of strike bowler Ruben Trumpelmann due to illness—could have altered the results, with the team needing strong performances in remaining fixtures to progress to next year's World Cup qualifier.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Arsenal win first Champions League leg against Sporting in stoppage time

    Kai Havertz scored a late winner as Arsenal defeated Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, bouncing back after recent domestic defeats. Goalkeeper David Raya made key saves as Arsenal finished strongly despite struggling for momentum for much of the match.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Bayern Munich beats Real Madrid 2–1 in Champions League quarter-final

    Luis Diaz and Harry Kane scored to give Bayern Munich a 2–1 victory at Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, though Kylian Mbappe's second-half goal kept the tie open ahead of next week's return match in Munich.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Namibian racehorses win races at Botswana Easter Cup

    Namibian racehorses achieved multiple victories at the Masa Easter Cup in Botswana, with Whisper and Action Time securing first-place finishes in their respective races. Namibia fielded 14 horses from five racing clubs and earned recognition from the Horse Racing Association president for strong performance against Botswana and South African competitors.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Horse racing association mourns MP James Uerikua

    The Namibia Horse Racing Association has extended condolences following the death of parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a road accident between Okakarara and Otjiwarongo. Uerikua was a key supporter of horse racing in Namibia, particularly instrumental in reviving the sport in Gam settlement and establishing the Gam Racing Club, where he funded multiple competitions from his own resources.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Young rugby player calls for expanded youth development focus

    Unam player McHenry Kambatuku says Namibian rugby development is skewed toward the senior national team, leaving gaps at youth levels that need urgent attention through school programmes, better coaching, and consistent competition opportunities. He argues that early exposure to rugby, strong coaching, and local business support are essential to build the sport from grassroots level up.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. Easter sports tournament boosts Ruacana's local economy

    The 15th Ruacana annual Easter tournament attracted thousands of visitors and 99 teams over the weekend, drawing crowds and vendors to the small border town. Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu said the event demonstrates how sport can unite communities and stimulate local economic growth through spending on accommodation, transport, and services, though some vendors reported police breathalyser operations near the venue discouraged customers.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Standard Bank launches Top 8 Cup for Premier Football League

    Standard Bank Namibia launched the Top 8 Cup in Windhoek, a competition for the top eight teams of the Namibia Premier Football League at the end of the 2025/2026 season. The agreement was signed by Standard Bank CEO Erwin Tjipuka and Namibia Football Association vice president Jakobus Markus.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Laurie Marker wins lifetime research award for cheetah conservation

    The founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund has received a lifetime achievement in research award from Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology in recognition of her conservation work and contribution to building Namibia's scientific infrastructure. Marker founded the CCF in 1990 and has led pioneering efforts including reintroducing cheetahs to India after decades of extinction there.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia's pilot shortage threatens tourism and aviation sector

    Namibia faces a critical shortage of pilots and flight instructors, with only 202 commercial pilot licence holders but a need for at least 60 additional commercial pilots and 14 flight instructors, according to a white paper by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The shortage has forced aircraft carriers to ground up to 45% of their fleet, jeopardizing the tourism industry that depends on aviation to connect remote lodges and communities.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Artemis II astronauts complete historic lunar flyby, heading home

    Four NASA astronauts on the Artemis II mission have completed a dramatic lunar flyby that took them farther from Earth than any humans in history, breaking Apollo 13's 1970 record. The crew witnessed the far side of the moon and a total eclipse of the sun before beginning their journey back to Earth.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. US and Iran agree to conditional two-week ceasefire

    US president Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran conditional on shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi saying Tehran will agree if attacks against Iran are halted. Oil prices fell sharply following the announcement, and Pakistan has invited both sides for talks in Islamabad on Friday.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Trump threatens Iranian civilian infrastructure destruction

    US president Donald Trump has warned that Iranian civilization "will die" if the country does not meet his midnight Tuesday ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating the US military could bomb Iran's bridges, power plants and civilian infrastructure into the "stone age". Iran has rejected the pressure and insists on a full end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Afreximbank launches $10B fund to cushion Gulf crisis impacts

    The African Export-Import Bank approved a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to protect African and Caribbean economies from economic shocks caused by the escalating Middle East conflict, providing short-term foreign exchange support, financing for essential imports, and building resilience against future crises.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  5. Angola flooding death toll exceeds 30 people

    Heavy rains across Angola have killed more than 30 people, with the worst damage in the central city of Benguela where 23 died and infrastructure was damaged. President Joao Lourenco described the disaster as a "race against the clock" for rescue and medical response efforts.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  6. Mass shooting in Nigeria's Jos kills at least 30

    A shooting at a bar in Jos, Nigeria's Plateau state capital, killed at least 30 people Sunday evening, prompting authorities to impose a multi-day curfew. The attack, by unknown gunmen in a neighbourhood popular with university students and staff, marks a rare urban assault in a city with a history of deadly religious tensions, though the motive remains unclear.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  7. Iran-US tensions escalate as Trump deadline expires on strait

    As a US deadline looms for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, new strikes rocked Tehran with both sides rejecting an international ceasefire proposal. President Trump has warned of "complete demolition" of Iranian infrastructure if the deadline is not met, while Iran's military dismissed his threats and Iranian officials reject demands to end their control of the strategic chokepoint.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  8. WHO suspends Gaza medical evacuations after worker killed

    The World Health Organisation has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt after a security incident in which a WHO contract worker was killed. Israel said its soldiers opened fire on an unmarked vehicle that posed an immediate threat and continued to accelerate toward troops.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  9. Trump suspends Iran bombing for two weeks

    US President Donald Trump has agreed to suspend planned bombing and strikes on Iran for two weeks, conditional on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz completely, immediately and safely. The suspension came after Pakistan's Prime Minister requested an extension and follows Trump's earlier warnings to attack Iran's bridges and power plants.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  10. Arab development bank president visits Namibia to explore collaboration

    The president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa is in Namibia for a three-day visit to strengthen relations, explore trade and investment opportunities, and identify priority sectors for partnership aligned with Namibia's development objectives.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

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