Minister James Sankwasa said the current Traditional Authorities Act is outdated and misunderstood, leading to tribal splinter groups seeking separate recognition rather than maintaining cohesive traditional leadership structures. The government is proposing amendments to the act and holding a workshop with traditional leaders to gather input on governance and accountability reforms.
Minister James Sankwasa said the current Traditional Authorities Act is outdated and misunderstood, leading to tribal splinter groups seeking separate recognition rather than maintaining cohesive traditional leadership structures. The government is proposing amendments to the act and holding a workshop with traditional leaders to gather input on governance and accountability reforms.
Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has approved the suspension of Katima Mulilo Town Council chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso with pay, effective immediately, just days after an arbitrator found his previous suspension unjustified and ordered his reinstatement with back pay.
IPC president Panduleni Itula called on President Nandi-Ndaitwah to publicly explain why former deputy prime minister and industries minister Natangwe Ithete was dismissed last year, citing concerns about government transparency and corruption despite the president's constitutional authority to dismiss officials without explanation.
Former diplomats have rejected lawmakers' criticism of Namibia's relationship with the United States, arguing that the government has maintained independent foreign policy while working with the US as part of the global community. President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that cooperation with the US does not mean endorsing its foreign policy, noting Namibia's recent support for South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
A Windhoek High Court judge has dismissed multiple charges against businessman Antoine Mbok and co-accused Daniel Nghiwilepo in a trial over stolen cheques worth N$3.9 million from the Ministry of Finance. Mbok now faces four charges, his company M Finance faces five charges, and Nghiwilepo faces two charges after the judge found the state's key witness—a former finance ministry clerk—unreliable on most of the allegations.
Newly appointed deputy minister Edward Wambo has pledged to deliver efficient, accessible, and people-centred services aligned with Vision 2030, emphasizing teamwork and continuous improvement. Minister Lucia Iipumbu expressed confidence in their working relationship, saying Wambo's track record and grassroots connection will enhance the ministry's service delivery.
Proceedings in the high-profile corruption trial of former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and others have stalled over a disagreement about which of two competing appeals applications should be heard first—a recusal challenge or a stay-of-proceedings request. The court has adjourned until 5 May 2026 to resolve the procedural impasse.
Safety and Immigration Minister Lucia Iipumbu welcomed newly-appointed Deputy Minister Edward Wambo and called for staff unity as the ministry tackles cross-border crime, migration pressures, and digital transformation. Wambo pledged to serve with integrity and prioritise improved security, migration support, and people-centred services.
Judge Nate Ndauendapo partially upheld discharge applications from Antoine Mbok and Daniel David Nghiwilepo, who were accused of defrauding the government of over N$3 million. Mbok was discharged on seven counts but faces three remaining charges including money laundering, while Nghiwilepo was discharged on multiple charges but must answer two conspiracy counts.
Namibian Cabinet approved development of a commercial cattle feedlot and livestock value chain hub at Farm Kehoro under a 25-year lease, reserved the Okoutjete Gold occurrence in Kunene from mining operations, and ordered a technical assessment of Northern Regional Electricity Distributor's infrastructure needs following recent industrial action.
Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula responded to the President's State of the Nation Address, arguing that Namibia's laws deter private sector investment and that the 250,000 jobs cited lack clarity on employment conditions. He also disputed the government's corruption record, noting the Transparency International score has declined despite the President's rhetoric on treating corruption as treason.
The Nama Traditional Leaders Association is calling on the government to block planned industrial activities on Shark Island in Lüderitz, a site where Nama and Herero people perished during the 1904-1908 German colonial genocide. The association argues that the site, which they describe as a "living cemetery," must be preserved with dignity and respect rather than disturbed by oil, gas, or green hydrogen projects.
Namibia's aircraft operators say restrictive visa and work permit processes are constraining pilot availability, threatening aviation safety and tourism. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association notes that Namibia's pilot pool is exhausted, with only 2% of recent pilot job applicants being Namibian nationals, and calls for the Home Affairs ministry to expedite work permits for qualified foreign commercial pilots and flight instructors.
The Namibia Revenue Agency collected N$500 million in three months through a compliance initiative and recovered a further N$622 million through legal action against non-compliant taxpayers, winning 14 of 15 cases. The agency also recovered N$171 million from VAT fraud and intercepted N$67 million in drug-related cases as part of its push to meet its revised revenue target of N$88 billion.
The Khomas region registered 3.2% annual inflation for March, above the national rate of 2.1%, with housing and utilities driving inflation most significantly. Food prices fell sharply compared to the prior year, while transport costs declined, according to data from the Namibia Statistics Agency.
The banking sector's total income reached N$15.9 billion in 2025, up 9.7% from N$14.5 billion in 2024, driven mainly by net interest revenue from traditional lending activities and increased digital and service-based fees.
Main contractor Otesa Civil Engineering denies accusations from 15 SME subcontractors that they were excluded from the Opuwo-Otjivize road upgrade project; Otesa and the Roads Authority confirm SMEs were invited to a briefing and groundbreaking ceremony in November 2025 and maintain that their partnership is contractually secured, though actual construction has not begun pending budget resolution.
Mobile Telecommunications Limited increased spending on its second annual Branding and Marketing Indaba to N$4.6 million, up from N$4.4–4.5 million the previous year, primarily due to the introduction of Excellence Awards with N$20,000 prizes per category and an increase in delegates from 300 to 400.
Meatco has begun slaughtering and processing Wagyu cattle at its facilities, strengthening Namibia's position in premium global beef markets. The company is also in talks with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to finance turnaround projects including revival of small stock and cannery operations.
Annual inflation in Namibia slowed to 2.1% in March 2026, down from 4.2% a year earlier, driven largely by lower transport costs, though housing and food remain significant cost pressures. Inflation varies by region, with Khomas recording the highest rate at 3.2% while northern zones recorded 1.0%.
Namibia's economy has grown by N$80 billion over five years and tax revenue has risen from N$55 billion to N$76 billion, but the government faces competing budget pressures and slow job creation. The economy remains heavily dependent on mining and primary sectors that generate high export earnings but few jobs, prompting calls for economic diversification and value-added mineral processing.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Enertrag and GIZ signed an agreement to support Namibian suppliers in the green hydrogen value chain through an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme. The partnership aims to strengthen local capacity and participation, with over €40 million committed to Namibian projects and focus on building domestic industries, creating jobs, and increasing processed exports rather than raw material exports.
TotalEnergies announced a hydrocarbon discovery on the Moho license offshore the Republic of Congo, with an estimated 160-meter hydrocarbon column in high-quality reservoirs. The Moho G discovery, combined with the previously discovered Moho F structure, represents approximately 100 million barrels of recoverable resources planned for development via tieback to existing facilities.
Recent rainfall in catchment areas has boosted southern Namibian dams to a combined 90.8% storage capacity, up from 88.7% the previous week, with Hardap Dam receiving the largest inflow of 13.7 million cubic metres. However, dams supplying Windhoek remain significantly depleted at 58.2% capacity, down sharply from 88.4% a year ago.
Members of parliament have expressed concern over the continued underfunding of the agriculture ministry, with lawmakers warning that declining allocations for land distribution, drought support, and veterinary services risk compromising national food security and employment. The ministry received N$1.8 billion for the current financial year, with over N$1.4 billion allocated to operations and over N$300 million to development.
Savanna Beef has received an export abattoir certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, enabling it to export deboned chilled and frozen beef cuts to the UK, EU, and EFTA countries. The company aims to slaughter 50,000 cattle locally each year that would otherwise be exported as weaners to South African feedlots, aligning with Namibia's "Growth at Home" vision and creating around 240 jobs when at full operation.
As ploughing season approaches and farmers move free-range chickens into coops to protect fields, housing transitions cause stress leading to fighting, reduced egg production, and illness. Proper coop design—with adequate feeding space, appropriate rooster-to-hen ratios, durable materials, and separated age groups—along with vaccination and veterinary care can prevent these problems.
A technical advisor from Agribank warns that while rainfall is essential, wet conditions during the rainy season increase livestock disease risks including footrot, sweating sickness, gall sickness, and lumpy skin disease, and recommends farmers implement preventive measures such as vaccination and proper herd management.
Residents of Itsawises, a remote village near Keetmanshoop, face severe unemployment and lack of basic services including shops and clinic. They are calling for gardening and agricultural support to help them produce food for their families and local markets.
Namibia is making progress toward its 2030 food self-sufficiency target through green schemes and increased local crop production. The country now produces 56% of its vegetables locally worth N$323 million, while agricultural exports reached N$2 billion in 2025/26, with green schemes generating N$67.4 million from maize and wheat harvests.
Namibia's livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and contributed 3.5% to GDP, supporting over 45,000 direct jobs and sustaining approximately 70% of the population's livelihoods. The sector maintains unique concurrent export access to the USA, China, Norway, and the EU.
Pedestrian fatalities in Namibia increased to 47 in the first three months of 2026 from 41 in the same period last year, according to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, even as overall pedestrian-related crashes and injuries declined. Police and transport operators cite intoxication, inattention, and poor road conditions as contributing factors, with authorities calling for targeted safety measures in high-risk regions.
A joint surgical campaign involving teams from Windhoek Central Hospital, Northern Vision Centre, and international volunteers from Germany and the United States is treating 500 patients with cataract operations across Kavango East and Zambezi regions, with operations running through Friday to restore sight to hundreds.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services will not take disciplinary action against four nurses, an intern doctor, and a doctor from Onandjokwe State Hospital accused of defrauding Sanlam of about N$1.9 million until police investigations are completed. The 12 arrested individuals are alleged to have helped members of the public claim insurance payouts using fake documents and fake death claims between 2020 and 2024.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 40-year-old human resources practitioner from the Ministry of Education over allegations that he demanded a N$10,000 bribe in exchange for securing a chief hostel matron position, providing interview questions and preparation materials to ensure the candidate's success. The accused appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court and was remanded in custody, with the matter postponed to 9 June.
The Katima Mulilo Town Council has introduced a dog registration programme requiring owners to pay N$20 for male dogs and N$35 for female dogs by 30 April, citing responsible pet ownership and public safety. Several residents say they cannot afford the fees, with some questioning the price difference between sexes and the council's justification.
Round 3 of Namibia's National Polio Vaccination Campaign will run from 20 to 23 April, following 90% coverage in Round 2. The health ministry says closing the 10% vaccination gap is critical after poliovirus was detected in sewage samples from Windhoek and Gobabis, signalling active circulation within the country.
A faulty borehole has disrupted operations at Kapako Combined School for three weeks, forcing learners to be released around 10h00 daily and affecting the wider community including the local clinic. The school principal says the education ministry has provided intermittent support, while authorities work toward a long-term dedicated school borehole, though outages continue as repairs proceed.
Namibian Police intercepted a vehicle at the Noordoewer border post on Friday and recovered 104 parcels of skunk cannabis valued at N$5.4 million hidden in its compartments. The suspected driver, a Namibian male, fled the scene when border officials detected the contraband, and investigations are ongoing.
Lüderitz mayor Brigitte Fredericks says central government budget cuts have slowed capital projects but the town remains committed to infrastructure expansion, including water systems, wastewater treatment, and land servicing to address a housing backlog of nearly 6,000 residents. The municipality has also prioritised social housing and is calling for investor interest.
Netagea Investment, a Namibian fishing company, donated crumbed fish worth N$25,000 to Vooruitsig Primary School in Rehoboth to support its feeding programme. The donation aims to address food insecurity affecting about 80% of the school's learners, with school leaders and the mayor emphasizing that nutrition is essential for academic concentration and child development.
Two secondary schools in Rundu received 200 chairs and 189 desks after local craftsmen refurbished broken furniture with a N$90,000 sponsorship from KDG Autolink, easing a chronic furniture shortage that had left learners without seating during examinations.
A new film starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson follows a couple whose wedding plans unravel when the bride confesses a dark secret at a pre-wedding gathering, transforming the narrative from romantic comedy into an uncomfortable exploration of trauma, forgiveness, and societal judgment.
Veteran visual artist Papa Shikongeni is displaying his 'Creativity Within Oneness' exhibition at Woermannhaus Art Gallery in Swakopmund until 12 May, featuring works that combine texture, layers, and symbolic narrative to explore spirituality and human connection. He is also hosting an 'Evolve Within' collage-making workshop on 9 May to teach participants how to create artworks conveying personal and social messages using collage techniques.
Two Grade 10–11 students won three-week trips to Germany after competing in the Goethe-Institut Namibia Language Competition on 28 March, which drew 39 pupils from 21 schools to test their German-language speaking skills. Organisers say German proficiency opens doors to vocational training and university studies in Europe, and the strong turnout reflects young Namibians' view of the language as a professional opportunity.
Namibian winger Deon Hotto is leading the South African Premier Division assist standings with eight, while playing as a left-back for Orlando Pirates. The 35-year-old has featured in 19 of the club's 24 league matches and has also scored one goal this season.
Tigers Sport Club, founded in 1927, is mathematically unable to escape the Namibia Premier Football League drop zone following a 3–2 defeat to Eleven Arrows, marking the club's first-ever relegation in its 99th year. The club's fall reflects a broader decline of traditional powerhouses in Namibian football, attributed by analysts to failure to adapt to modern football demands and compounded by recruitment, discipline, and administrative issues.
The FNB Namibia Eagles suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Scotland and now hold fifth place on the Cricket World Cup Division 2 log with 22 points from 28 matches, six points behind the Netherlands in fourth and facing increased pressure to qualify for the World Cup final qualifier.
Tadej Pogacar, the world champion, missed out on winning all five Monument races at Paris-Roubaix but can still become the first rider to win four Monuments in a single calendar year. His rival Mathieu van der Poel faces an uncertain path forward after finishing fourth at Roubaix and missing his three main Spring objectives.
Liverpool trails Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 from their Champions League quarter-final first leg and must overturn the deficit at home on Tuesday. The Reds, struggling in the Premier League and sidelined from domestic cups, see the Champions League as their last hope for silverware this season, with captain Virgil van Dijk calling for "a special performance" and invoking memories of previous comebacks at Anfield.
The Collin Benjamin Soccer Talents U/19 began their season with a 2-0 victory over Otjomuise Rising Stars, with captain Craig Muukweli scoring one goal. The team aims to replicate last season's unbeaten record despite fielding new players.
Namibian boxer Jeremiah Nakathila has dismissed reports that his career is over, saying he remains open to two or three more bouts if credible opportunities arise, though no formal retirement decision has been made. The 36-year-old emphasized that his valid visa, good ranking, and recovery from injury position him to continue fighting.
Zebaldt Ngaruka Eric Quest, a former star midfielder for Black Africa and African Stars, now runs Quest Eleven academy mentoring youth players across multiple age groups since its establishment in 2023. The 57-year-old retired player aims to develop technically skilled players for Namibia's national teams while emphasizing character building and discipline.
A herd of elephants has destroyed crops in several villages in Okahao and Tsandi constituencies of Omusati region since last month, with animals feeding on mahangu, maize, melons and damaging property at night. The Environment Ministry says it has requested authorisation to cull one elephant to scare others away and is preparing a helicopter to drive the elephants from affected areas.
TechCare Group, a Namibia-based technology company, has deployed a 360-degree virtual reality photo booth in Lesotho to enhance tourism promotion, with training provided to officials from Lesotho's ministry of tourism and UN representatives on operating and managing the VR system.
Community conservancy ranger Ndjitjiuee Karizemi, named Namibia's top-performing woman lion ranger since 2022, completed 705 patrols covering 8,135km while on maternity leave in 2024 and was appointed as one of three patrol leaders in 2025, overseeing 18 rangers across multiple conservancies. Her consistent fieldwork and leadership in community conservation have made her a standout in a male-dominated field.
Namibia Airports Company's Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay international airports have attained Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 1 from Airports Council International Africa, confirming they have measured and compiled their carbon footprint and established a foundation for long-term carbon management strategies.
Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to miss the UN's 2030 target for universal access to clean cooking energy, with 900 million people lacking access on the continent. The article argues that closing a US$5.5 billion annual funding gap requires diverse solutions including LPG, solar stoves, and biogas, alongside innovative financing and inclusive policies.
Pope Leo told reporters he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace after Trump attacked him on social media for his stance on Iran, calling him "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy." The pope said his role is to spread the message of the gospel and stand against global conflicts and innocent suffering.
South Africa's accession to the African Export-Import Bank as its 54th member brings a $11 billion commitment to transform Africa's trade architecture through mineral processing, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure investment. The move positions the continent to retain value in raw materials and access global trade frameworks rather than exporting unprocessed minerals.
Pope Leo XIV has begun a landmark visit to Algeria, the first papal visit to the Muslim-majority nation, amid public criticism from US President Donald Trump over the pontiff's calls for an end to violence in the Iran war. The two-day Algerian visit launches a broader African tour covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea from 13 to 23 April, with the pope framing the trip as an opportunity to promote peace and reconciliation between Christian and Muslim worlds.
Torrential rain in Angola over the weekend killed six people, with Benguela city hardest hit claiming five deaths and four missing. The deaths follow more than 40 deaths from similar flooding a week ago, as heavy downpours linked to climate change and a cool weather cycle continue affecting southern Africa.
Peter Magyar's Tisza party won a decisive parliamentary majority with record turnout, ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Magyar, a political newcomer promising to restore democratic checks and balance, pledged to put Hungary "back on track" with Europe after Orban's clash with the EU over rule-of-law and Ukraine.
France and Britain will organize a "peaceful multinational mission" to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, separate from the warring parties, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. The UK confirmed it will not join the US naval blockade of the strait announced by Trump.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia treats creativity as peripheral rather than central to development, with creative work frequently undercompensated and underrecognized. The author calls for repositioning creativity as a primary industry supported by fair compensation and institutional backing to unlock the country's potential in the global creative economy.