President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will pursue a fair and dignified outcome in genocide negotiations with Germany, with revised terms providing for long-term reparations and healing support rather than a one-off payment. A conclusion may be reached before year-end, though opposition figures have criticised the initial €1.1 billion agreement as insufficient compared to Holocaust reparations.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will pursue a fair and dignified outcome in genocide negotiations with Germany, with revised terms providing for long-term reparations and healing support rather than a one-off payment. A conclusion may be reached before year-end, though opposition figures have criticised the initial €1.1 billion agreement as insufficient compared to Holocaust reparations.
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has urged the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to regulate gaming, entertainment and lotteries through a collaborative approach that promotes economic growth and job creation while protecting communities from addiction and exploitation. The proposed amendments to the Gaming and Entertainment Control Act aim to modernise regulations, strengthen compliance, curb illegal operators and promote responsible gambling.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed National Council member Moses //Khumub as deputy minister in the Office of the Vice President, a move that lawmakers have criticised as unnecessary bureaucracy given the limited role of the office. The State House said the deputy minister will provide technical and professional support to Vice President Lucia Witbooi, particularly in overseeing marginalised communities and disability affairs divisions transferred from another ministry.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah says a joint declaration with Germany on the 1904–1908 genocide could be concluded by year-end, and announced fully subsidised tertiary education for eligible undergraduates backed by N$663 million, plus direct presidential oversight of the oil unit to prevent resource mismanagement.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that the government's promise to create 500,000 jobs by 2030 will be achieved through economic growth and private sector expansion rather than direct government hiring, but opposition leaders and labour experts criticized the pace of progress, with expert Herbert Jauch noting that only around 5,000 jobs have been created and that 100,000 jobs annually are needed to meet the target.
Businessman Austin Elindi, accused in a National Petroleum Corporation corruption case involving bribes and fraudulent fuel deliveries, was granted bail of N$50,000 in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on Thursday, after nearly nine months in custody since his July 2025 arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Elindi must report to the ACC office twice weekly, surrender travel documents, and remain in the Windhoek district pending his next court appearance on 21 April.
The Labour Court has ordered the Katima Mulilo Town Council to immediately reinstate chief executive Raphael Liswaniso, who had been suspended without pay since October following an investigation. The arbitrator found that Liswaniso's suspension was unjust and that the council had violated his rights by denying him salary and failing to properly inform him of charges, and ordered the council to pay all his remaining salary.
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi opened a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Namibia Traffic Information System centre in Wanaheda, a two-year project costing N$230 million that will provide licensing, testing, and vehicle permit services closer to residents in areas like Hakahana and Okuryangava. The facility will use digital systems for learner licence testing and roadworthiness checks for light and heavy vehicles, expected to employ about 200 workers.
The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address, calling it political theatre that masks poor governance; the presidency responded that dialogue is essential in a democracy and that such absences represent a missed opportunity to raise concerns.
Six men facing murder charges in connection with the death of prosecutor Justine Shiweda appeared in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court, where they lodged formal complaints about their treatment in custody, including restricted communication with family and legal representatives, and limited consultation time. The case was postponed to 20 April for bail hearings.
Two former Roads Authority senior officials have sued the RA for allegedly violating its own disciplinary policy, claiming the entity failed to appoint a proper chairperson for their appeal hearing and breached the 14-day timeline required by policy. They seek reinstatement to their positions and an order setting aside the appeal chairperson's appointment.
Gabes Shiimi, accused in the Iuze Mukube murder case, says the State induced him to provide witness contact details by promising to drop concerns about interference, but then reneged on that undertaking when opposing his bail release. He argues the State breached good faith and asks the court to consider his cooperation when deciding bail.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that 1,779 cadet constables from the 2024/2025 training intake have graduated and been deployed nationwide as part of a strategy to enhance national safety and security. Additionally, 426 officers were appointed to the Correctional Service, while the Namibia Defence Force trained 2,419 members in combat and academic skills, with 1,705 youths undergoing military training due to graduate in May 2026.
A labour arbitrator has set aside the unpaid suspension of Katima Mulilo Town Council CEO Raphael Liswaniso, finding the move unfair and ordering his immediate reinstatement with backdated salary and benefits. The arbitrator ruled that the council's suspension process was fundamentally flawed, as it occurred without proper investigation or hearing and the ministerial representative lacked authority to suspend the CEO.
The New Era editorial praises President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address for offering grounded detail on Namibia's economic trajectory and progress toward Vision 2030, particularly in agriculture and reducing food imports. However, the editorial argues that while momentum is evident, success requires sharper focus on sustainability, water management, decentralised rural development, and skills training rather than the introduction of new planning frameworks.
The Bank of Namibia has appointed Nicholas Mukasa as second deputy governor effective May. Mukasa previously served as director of financial markets, managing foreign exchange reserves, implementing monetary policy, and overseeing government debt issuance.
The Ministry of Agriculture has approved Savanna Beef Processors to export beef to the United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA countries, with the company planning to slaughter about 50,000 head of cattle per year. The export certificate, valid until April 2027, marks a major milestone after three years of effort.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that Namibia's fish stocks are in decline, with stock assessments revealing increased pressure on key commercial species, prompting the government to review harvesting control rules and develop management plans for all TAC-regulated species. A 2024 survey showed an 8% decline in horse mackerel biomass, though the government is continuing efforts to add local value through its 70:30 processing policy.
The article examines how global economic instability, driven by rising oil prices and international conflicts, is affecting Namibia, while noting that fuel retailers have been accused of supply manipulation during price adjustments. The author argues that downturns are temporary cycles and entrepreneurs should view challenges as learning opportunities rather than permanent setbacks.
The Namibian Competition Commission must reassess its investigation into alleged price-fixing by pharmacies linked to the Pharmaceutical Association of Namibia after the Supreme Court ruled the probe was conducted unlawfully, finding that the commission exceeded its legal authority by delegating investigative powers to its secretary.
The African Export-Import Bank has made N$167.3 billion (US$10 billion) available to member states including Namibia through its Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help countries cope with rising food, transport and oil prices caused by Middle East conflict. The liquidity will allow Namibian banks and corporates to maintain supplies of fuel, liquid nitrogen gas and fertilisers despite disruptions to key trade routes.
The second MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba, held at Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek, brought together over 400 African industry professionals under the theme "Marketing from the Heart". The three-day event featured expert speakers, panel discussions, and 18 excellence award categories focused on authentic branding, digital strategies, and AI.
The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) warns that the Roads Contractor Company's infrastructure procurement model risks sidelining domestic contractors through stringent financial thresholds that favour firms with stronger balance sheets and external funding access, effectively excluding technically capable Namibian firms from competing on equal terms.
Namibia Breweries Limited's operating profit surged 42% to N$830 million in 2025, driven primarily by production localisation, productivity gains and margin expansion rather than revenue growth, which rose only 4%. The brewer shifted from volume-dependent profitability to a more efficient, margin-focused business model by localising cider and wine production and managing costs without significant price increases.
Namibia's Cabinet has withdrawn the Okoutjete area in Kunene region from prospecting and mining activities and directed police to patrol and monitor the site to deter illegal mining. The decision reserves the Okoutjete gold occurrence from mining operations under the Minerals Act, subject to consultation with the Environment Ministry.
Brent crude prices have swung sharply amid Middle East tensions, with Namibian pump prices at Walvis Bay reaching N$22.08 per litre—just 20 cents below their 2022 all-time high. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy will set May fuel prices based on developments over the coming two weeks, as vessel traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
Renewable energy accounted for nearly half of global power capacity by the end of 2025, with solar and wind driving a record 15.5% annual increase in renewable capacity. Africa's renewable capacity rose by a record 15.9%, but the continent added only 1.6% of global additions, with growth concentrated in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.
Petrovena Energy has been issued an award letter to enter into a petroleum agreement and be granted a licence for oil block 2812Ab in the Orange Basin, according to its Canadian partner Oregen Energy. If granted, Petrovena will expand its presence in the basin near existing discoveries of Venus and Mopane, while Oregen considers investing in Petrovena to gain access to the block.
Namibia will host the 8th Namibia International Energy Conference in April 2026, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expected to open the event. The conference theme, "The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth," will focus on turning offshore oil discoveries in the Orange Basin into economic value for Namibians and supporting broader economic development across multiple sectors.
An opinion piece from a Leonardville community member argues that Headspring Investments' uranium exploration project has brought tangible benefits to the Omaheke village through school feeding programmes, vocational training, bursaries, and community engagement. The author contends that the company's sustained investment in education and youth empowerment demonstrates genuine commitment to the community's long-term welfare.
The Republican Party's leader Henk Mudge has called for citizens to reject uranium mining in the Stampriet artesian basin, warning that in situ leaching operations could permanently contaminate one of southern Africa's most important underground water sources and pose risks to agriculture across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
Major intermittent rivers in the ||Kharas region have been flowing following recent heavy rains, though several roads are temporarily impassable. Despite the rainfall, water resources in southern Namibia remain under pressure due to high evaporation rates and limited groundwater recharge, with six southern dams currently storing 3% less water than a year ago.
An opinion piece argues that while live cattle exports to Mauritius offer farmers immediate income, exporting slaughter-ready animals at scale risks undermining Namibia's premium beef brand and underutilising domestic abattoirs. The author calls for a calibrated policy framework, possibly including a levy on live exports, to ensure that value is retained in the domestic supply chain while permitting measured market diversification.
Frederick Moses Jacobs has established a fruit garden at Farm Constancia Opstal near Keetmanshoop, growing guava, mango and lemon trees on land his late father once worked. Despite challenges including bird damage and the harsh climate, the trees are bearing fruit, and Jacobs hopes to eventually expand into commercial production.
Divundu Village Council CEO Athanasius Maghumbo responded to community concerns about land compensation delays, plot allocation criteria, and basic services, stating the council has paid N$18 million in compensation and does not sideline local residents in allocation processes. He disputed allegations of relocation to unserviced areas and untreated wastewater discharge, and said the council is prioritizing upgrading its oxidation pond and developing two new townships once funding becomes available.
The Cabinet has instructed the ministries of gender equality and home affairs to urgently intensify nationwide awareness campaigns addressing a "disturbing rise" in murders, which are allegedly linked to insurance schemes, land disputes, and religious beliefs. The government also plans to provide mental health support to inmates and scale up nation-building campaigns to promote social cohesion.
The Ministry of Home Affairs arrested 2,259 suspects for drug-related offences during the 2025/26 financial year, according to minister Lucia Iipumbu's budget motivation speech, which also detailed operations against trafficking, illegal immigration, and anti-poaching efforts across the country.
Omaruru Town Council requires an estimated N$28 million to upgrade water infrastructure in informal settlements as it grapples with ageing systems, drought-related challenges, and rapid urbanisation. While recent borehole drilling has stabilised overall supply, the council faces ongoing issues with vandalism, illegal connections, and the need to replace asbestos pipelines, with funding remaining a critical constraint.
The Erongo Widows' Association has called for a government social grant for widows, particularly young widows and those caring for children alone. Traditional leaders are divided: some argue the government has too many responsibilities and question whether all widows are vulnerable, while others support the grant as a means to improve child welfare and support primary breadwinners.
The Editors' Forum of Namibia will bar non-member journalists from entering its annual journalism awards from 2027 onwards, with 2026 as a final transition year. The forum says the change aims to ensure all award participants fall under the media ombudsman's authority and are bound by the code of ethics.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced significant progress in healthcare delivery, including the full upgrading of seven major hospitals, direct procurement of medicines that has saved over N$221.5 million and increased medicine availability from 49% to 57%, and the recruitment of 3,471 healthcare workers. The government has also procured medical equipment including CT scan machines, ambulances, and specialized units such as ICUs and dialysis centers nationwide.
An educator argues that school discipline in Namibia is eroding due to behavioural challenges, teacher overextension, and weak enforcement alternatives, and calls for a national conversation on discipline, professional support systems for schools, and strengthened parental responsibility.
In Gibeon, a remote village 100km south of Mariental, elderly residents like Welhimina Boois depend entirely on the government old-age pension grant (currently N$1 700 per month) to survive, often supporting extended family members as well. Over 250 000 elderly Namibians rely on this social grant as their primary income source, though many face severe hardship including food insecurity and inadequate housing.
A new water pipeline has been inaugurated in Oshilunga Shonkoski and surrounding villages, ending decades of reliance on muddy earth dams. The project aims to improve health, reduce the burden on women and children who previously travelled long distances for clean water, and support agriculture and local economic development.
Gibeon residents in Hardap region face high unemployment and lack of economic opportunities, with youth depending on social grants. The local village council plans to address this through brickmaking machinery, infrastructure upgrades, and skills exchange programmes to transition youth from grant dependency to economic emancipation.
The Zambezi region experienced an unusually calm Easter weekend with few serious incidents reported, according to Commissioner Andreas Shilelo. Although flooding continues in parts of the region with displaced learners still being accommodated at temporary compounds, police have not recorded any deaths or major flood-related incidents, though the commissioner flagged deteriorating road conditions around Kongola as a safety concern.
Omaruru Town Council needs an estimated N$28 million to upgrade water infrastructure in informal settlements, as it faces ageing systems, vandalism of communal water points, and rising demand linked to rapid urbanisation. Recent borehole drilling has stabilised overall water supply, but the council continues to tackle illegal connections and plans phased upgrades of asbestos pipelines while seeking government support.
Priscila Tjiroze, a veteran educator in //Kharas region with over 30 years' experience, reflects on her career spanning from classroom teaching to her current role overseeing adult literacy and arts and culture programmes. She emphasises that teaching is a vocation requiring passion, patience, and commitment, while noting challenges such as declining respect for teachers and students losing connection to cultural heritage.
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of Namibia's first film and creative city, expected to generate N$173 million in annual economic activity and create thousands of jobs. The facility will offer film production infrastructure, talent development, and hospitality services to position Namibia as a competitive African hub for creative productions.
Filmmaker Imãn Ayisha and co-producer Tekla Nakale's short film 'The B2 Passage'—inspired by the Namibian legend of a hitchhiking ghost bride—won Best Short Film at the 2026 Namibia Theatre and Film Awards. Ayisha says the award boosts her professional credibility and signals momentum for Namibia's developing film industry.
Lucky Mumbela, known as Yoh Boi, is an independent musician from Katima in the Zambezi region who blends Afro music and Amapiano with local languages, drawing inspiration from his community and culture. Though he faces financial challenges in producing music videos, he earns income through local performances and distributes his music via digital platforms.
Rising artist Fabiah Kavengeretwedamundiro from Rundu is building a career in Afro-Pop, drawing inspiration from African icons like Brenda Fassie and Makhadzi. She uses social media and YouTube to share her music, which aims to tell African stories while balancing tradition with modern sounds.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has sponsored N$400,000 to support the Namibian choir Collective Singers for a singing tour in Canada from 11 to 25 April, representing the country alongside choirs from around the world. Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti said the financial support reflects the government's commitment to investing in talent and enabling Namibian artists to perform on global stages.
Evangelist and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, born without arms and legs, will visit Namibia on 22 May for two events hosted by the Alliance of Christian Churches. The day will include a National Prayer Breakfast with leaders and a free public conference at Hage Geingob Stadium featuring gospel artists, aimed at promoting spiritual renewal and inspiring hope among youth and people with disabilities.
Roberta Manale, a Walvis Bay-born former Blue Waters goal defence player, shares her netball career journey from primary school through club competitions, including national youth team appearances. Though she stepped away from competitive netball to focus on university studies, Manale reflects on her achievements, regrets leaving the sport, and advises young players to value every opportunity and trust in their contributions to their team.
Orlando Pirates FC, a formerly well-supported Namibian football club, now face potential demotion to the NFA's second division after poor performance in the Southern Stream Division's first division, where they sit at the bottom with 13 points.
Namibia secured the overall title at the All Africa Water Ski Championships held at Von Bach Dam, finishing ahead of South Africa with 13,428.24 points. The victory marks the first time in the competition's history since the mid-1990s that Namibia has emerged as the overall best team, breaking a 30-year streak.
The Standard Bank Namibia Top 8 Cup, Namibia's domestic football competition, was officially launched in Windhoek after a six-year absence since 2019. The 2026 tournament will feature the eight best-performing teams from the Namibia Premier Football League, with a total prize pool of N$2.5 million and the winner receiving N$600,000.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that the feasibility study for upgrading Windhoek's Independence Stadium has been approved following consultations with the Confederation of African Football, with Namibia now awaiting a detailed report outlining the next steps to bring it to international standards. The government has also identified 121 community sports facility sites nationwide and decentralised construction responsibility to regional governors.
Otumbonde Sport Club, known as Red Fire, is focused on developing players for local and international football competition. The Omaheke-based club has produced players who now compete in the Namibian Premier League and South African professional leagues, and plans to participate in major tournaments this year.
African Stars lead the Namibia Premier Football League table with 50 points ahead of Eeshoke Chula Chula on 49 points, with only four matches remaining. The two sides will meet at Oshakati Independence Stadium this weekend in a crucial encounter, with both teams confident they can secure the title.
Two of Windhoek's oldest sports clubs, United Rugby Club and FNB Wanderers Rugby Club, will face off this weekend in their annual derby for the Neels Dodds trophy across multiple disciplines including netball, cricket, lawn bowls, and rugby. United is marking 110 years, with fixtures beginning today and continuing tomorrow from 08h00 at United Sport field in Olympia.
Uushona Hiskia, a former Tigers fullback and member of the club's golden generation, left professional football while still in his prime to pursue a career in media, working 13 years at Namibia Press Agency and 21 years at NBC before retiring to livestock farming. He expressed concern about Tigers' current relegation struggles, lamenting the decline of the historic club.
Namibia's Baby Gladiators will play Kenya's Junior Starlets on 12 April 2026 at Unam Stadium in Windhoek in the first leg of their CAF FIFA U/17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Woody Jacobs says the squad is well prepared despite recent rainfall disrupting training, and is confident despite Kenya's World Cup experience.
Fillipus 'Energy' Nghitumbwa's camp is calling for his May 2026 fight against Leandro Jose Blanc to be recognised as a final eliminator for a world championship bout, citing his knockout victory over former world champion Yukinori Oguni and his regional titles as evidence he is ready for global competition.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism will remove part of the Walvis Bay landfill from Dorob National Park to allow the municipality full management authority and ability to enforce bylaws. The ministry has issued a compliance order against illegal tyre burning at the site, which residents report creates toxic smoke affecting the town, and has flagged health risks from living near the landfill.
Communities, government leaders and development partners gathered in Kavango East on 23 March to commemorate International Day of Forests, emphasizing sustainable forest management and highlighting how forest resources support livelihoods through activities like woodcraft production. The event, hosted under the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme, featured a tree-planting ceremony, an indigenous walk to observe tree species, and an information-sharing session on the ecological, cultural and economic importance of indigenous trees.
A Yale University research lab's analysis of satellite imagery and open-source data shows that an Ethiopian military base near the Sudanese border is providing support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has been at war with Sudan's army since April 2023. The researchers identified repeated deliveries of light pickup trucks and heavy weapons to the base that were later observed in RSF operations in Sudan's Blue Nile state, contradicting Ethiopia's denials of involvement in the conflict.
A drone strike on the paramilitary-controlled town of Kutum in Sudan's North Darfur state has killed 12 civilians, including six children, according to medical sources and local activists. The strike comes amid intensified drone attacks by Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which have been at war since April 2023.
Armed men killed 50 people in a village in Niger state in northwestern Nigeria on Tuesday, according to humanitarian sources, in a much higher toll than previously reported. The attackers struck Erena village in the Shiroro local government area, a region experiencing a surge in insecurity linked to jihadist groups and criminal gangs.
Oil prices rebounded sharply and global stock markets fell as investor concerns mounted over the durability of a Middle East ceasefire, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely blocked and Israeli strikes on Lebanon killing over 200 people. Analysts warn that oil prices will likely remain elevated and volatile until a more permanent regional agreement is reached, with longer-term impacts on growth and inflation uncertain.
Calls are mounting for a US-Iran ceasefire to extend to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah after Israeli strikes killed over 200 people in Lebanon, though Israel and the US say Lebanon was not part of the truce, while Iran signals the talks may collapse.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the European Union should consider temporarily suspending its strict spending rules if the Iran war and resulting energy shock worsens. Brussels cautioned that such a suspension is only possible if the EU experiences a severe economic crisis, which it said is not currently the case.
A NUST lecturer argues that gender stereotypes in technical and vocational training shape which trades students pursue, and that TVET trainers must examine their own assumptions to challenge these biases and create inclusive learning environments that allow students to pursue careers based on talent rather than gender.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's new National Work-Integrated Learning Policy (2025–2030) will succeed only through Ubuntu-driven collaboration among universities, industry, government, students, and communities, emphasizing shared responsibility and partnership over transactional placements.
An opinion piece argues that criminalising the "Ngungula trade"—Namibians' importation of subsidised Angolan fuel—punishes economic desperation rather than crime, and proposes a controlled decriminalisation model for border regions that would allow small quantities for personal use while preventing large-scale smuggling and protecting formal retailers.
According to Africa Provider Offshore Services CEO Veronique Herman, Namibia should leverage its oil and gas discoveries to build economic sovereignty by ensuring local ownership and participation, maintaining strict compliance with Namibian laws, and fostering collaboration among domestic companies to keep wealth and expertise within the nation.