Namibia Minute.
23 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Archive Minute from 23 April 2026
Politics

Namibia urges urgent global action on women's peacebuilding role

The News

Namibia has called for urgent global action to strengthen women's role in peacebuilding and governance, warning that progress remains uneven despite decades of policy commitments.

Why it matters

Namibia's advocacy for women's peacebuilding role reflects the country's international diplomatic priorities and domestic gender equality agenda.

23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

Politics

  1. Namibia urges urgent global action on women's peacebuilding role

    Namibia has called for urgent global action to strengthen women's role in peacebuilding and governance, warning that progress remains uneven despite decades of policy commitments.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Rundu Town Council faces revenue pressure in N$485m budget

    The Rundu Town Council's proposed N$485.5 million budget for 2026/27 is under strain as the municipality collects only 33% of its own revenue.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Education ministry investigates NTA governance and procurement

    The education ministry is investigating allegations of governance failures and procurement irregularities at the Namibia Training Authority following an anonymous petition.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  4. CPBN strengthens appointment procedures for bid evaluation committee members

    The Central Procurement Board of Namibia has introduced strengthened procedures for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee members, requiring applicants to possess accredited qualifications, valid certificates of conduct, compulsory training, and competency assessment. The enhanced process aims to promote integrity, transparency, and efficiency in public procurement.

    23 April 2026 · Informanté

  5. SWAPO moves anniversary, HQ inauguration to April 26

    SWAPO Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the postponement of the party's 66th anniversary celebrations and the official inauguration of its national headquarters in Windhoek from 19 April to 26 April 2026, deferring the events out of respect for the passing of SWAPO Member of Parliament James Uerikua and his son following a recent road accident.

    20 hours ago · Informanté

  6. ANC demands members choose between party, SACP

    The ANC has given its members who also belong to the SACP a 10-day deadline to declare which party they will campaign for in local elections, after the SACP announced it would contest independently. The move highlights tensions within the historically intertwined alliance and poses practical complications for senior figures like SACP chairperson Blade Nzimande and ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe, both of whom hold ministerial positions.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  7. Former ICT minister Mushelenga sworn into National Assembly

    Former information and communication technology minister Peya Mushelenga will be sworn into the National Assembly on Friday to fill the parliamentary vacancy left by James Uerikua's death, according to NA spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. City of Windhoek funds councillor training for service delivery

    The City of Windhoek is implementing a capacity development programme for councillors, established under Council Resolution 182/08/2021, that includes academic studies, workshops, benchmarking exercises and site visits to strengthen leadership and decision-making. The programme is designed to equip council members with skills to respond to residents' needs and improve accountability and service delivery.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  9. Namibia leads continental efforts addressing youth unemployment

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned a new National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism, with Namibia tasked to spearhead efforts tackling youth unemployment across Africa. The country's approach involves youth development funding, apprenticeships and education support, though Namibia itself faces a youth unemployment rate of around 44.4% according to census-based figures.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  10. Kunene Regional Council funds frozen, staff unpaid March and April

    Kunene Regional Council employees face a financial crisis after minister James Sankwasa blocked funds allocated to the council following a dispute over the appointment of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb in 2021. Staff have not received salaries for March and April, and the council has taken the matter to the High Court while seeking alternative payment methods.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  11. National Assembly speaker clarifies MP leave is not automatic

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence and that requests can be declined under Standing Rule 76. She stressed that leave is typically granted only for illness, bereavement of close family, official committee duties, or parliamentary travel, and must be formally submitted with reasons and approval from party chief whips.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

  12. Swapo delays naming replacement for deceased MP James Uerikua

    Swapo has not yet nominated a successor to National Assembly member James Uerikua, who died in a car accident over Easter, despite party rules indicating former minister Peya Mushelenga is next in line. The party has given no detailed explanation for the delay and says it will submit a name to the National Assembly soon.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

  13. Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Bill aims to improve accountability

    Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairperson Pohamba Shifeta has endorsed the Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Bill, arguing it will address structural inefficiencies and strengthen accountability in Namibia's state entities by clarifying roles between boards, ministers, and executives, and introducing mandatory performance agreements with measurable targets.

    7 hours ago · Informanté

  14. LPM demands SOEs end reliance on government bailouts

    The Landless People's Movement is calling for state-owned enterprises to become financially independent and end their dependence on public funds, arguing that since 1999 most SOEs have underperformed and failed to innovate. LPM leaders attribute poor performance to politically motivated appointments and said limited public resources should instead address urgent socio-economic needs.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

Business

  1. NamRA writes off N$46.6bn in tax penalties in one year

    Namibia's tax authority recorded a sharp rise in penalties waived under the government's tax amnesty programme in 2024/25, with the value of write-offs nearly tripling.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Government considers large-scale salmon farming for Namibia

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Namibia Atlantic Salmon Holdings to review plans for Africa's first large-scale salmon farming industry along Namibia's coast, emphasising the need for job creation, local ownership, and sustainable practices. The project would produce up to 51,000 tonnes of salmon under its initial licence, with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency aiming to structure local ownership at 60%.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  3. CRAN allocates N$42.1 million for rural mobile network expansion

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has allocated N$42.1 million under Phase 2 of the Universal Service Fund to MTC and Telecom Namibia to expand mobile and internet infrastructure into rural and underserved regions, including nine strategic RAN tower locations across five regions and connectivity to 15 public institutions. The project, 39% complete as of March 2026, supports Namibia's national development target of increasing internet penetration from 53% to 90% by 2030.

    15 hours ago · Informanté

  4. Windhoek building approvals rise while project values decline

    The City of Windhoek approved 192 building plans in March worth N$100.1 million, up in volume from 150 in February but declining 30.9% month-on-month in value. Residential units approved increased to 32 from 28, though their total value fell to N$46.3 million from N$65.1 million, reflecting a shift towards lower-value developments.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Namibia-EU forum seeks N$390 billion for green energy and diversification

    The Namibia-European Union Business Forum, scheduled for 12–13 May in Windhoek, aims to secure N$390 billion in investment for green energy, logistics hubs, and sustainable economic diversification. The event will focus on green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive sector, with Walvis Bay and Lüderitz positioned as key logistics hubs.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. President convenes fishing sector dialogue amid worker crisis

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for open dialogue in Namibia's fishing industry as unions warn the sector is in crisis, with workers facing job insecurity, poor conditions, and limited benefits. The three-day consultation at Walvis Bay includes presentations from unions and employers, with government officials to discuss fish stocks, employment practices, and quota allocation reforms.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Clean energy transition necessary for Namibia's economic resilience

    Fossil fuel dependency exposes countries to geopolitical shocks and rising prices that erode household budgets and strain economies; accelerating clean energy adoption through renewable sources and green technologies can address both climate instability and cost pressures while creating jobs and strengthening energy security. The article argues that developing nations require greater international financing support to enable this transition.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Lüderitz resident backs wind-tourism coexistence

    A Lüderitz resident argues that wind energy development and tourism can coexist, citing electricity security needs as InnoVent's Diaz wind farm—comprising 11 turbines generating 44 megawatts—begins testing near Kolmanskop. The farm is expected to produce over 230 gigawatt hours annually and supply about 5 to 6% of Namibia's electricity under a 25-year agreement with NamPower.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Northern communal livestock auctions hampered by poor animal condition

    Livestock auctions in northern communal areas generate income for farmers but poor animal condition and limited market knowledge reduce earnings, according to agriculture officials. A recent auction in Oshikoto region sold 133 of 139 cattle and 42 goats for N$1.3 million, with officials calling for training on the relationship between livestock quality and prices.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

Society

  1. Windhoek councillors tour capital's water reclamation facilities

    City of Windhoek councillors conducted a site visit to the capital's water reclamation facilities on Monday, where officials highlighted the city's globally recognised infrastructure.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. 33-year-old pedestrian killed by tipper truck in Oshakati

    A 33-year-old man died when struck by a tipper truck on the Oshakati–Ongwediva main road on Monday afternoon. The truck driver, aged 30, holds a valid licence and tested negative for alcohol; the pedestrian reportedly ran into the road.

    23 April 2026 · Informanté

  3. Omusati malaria surge blamed on stagnant water, spraying resistance

    Stagnant water and low indoor residual spraying coverage, driven by community resistance to malaria spraying, have been identified as main factors behind high malaria cases in Omusati Region. From January to 12 April, 7,510 cases were recorded in the region, including 586 hospital admissions and 12 deaths.

    18 hours ago · Informanté

  4. Woman arrested after taking toddler at Okahao

    Namibian Police in Omusati arrested a 26-year-old Angolan woman for allegedly kidnapping a 16-month-old boy on Tuesday at Okahao. The child was found and the suspect arrested on Wednesday following an intensive search; the child's mother had asked the suspect to hold the infant while retrieving a missing shoe, but the suspect and child were gone upon her return.

    17 hours ago · Informanté

  5. Shack Dwellers Federation delivers 536 homes via partnerships

    The Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia has built more than 530 houses valued at over N$23 million over the past decade through partnerships with FNB Namibia, the Pupkewitz Foundation and Ohorongo Cement, with a further 60 homes planned for the coming year in selected urban centres.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. Government spends N$867m annually on school feeding programmes

    The government spends about N$867 million a year feeding more than 75,000 learners in State-run hostels. At Bunya Combined School in Kavango East, learners depend on soft porridge as their only reliable meal of the day, which teachers say directly impacts concentration and performance, though the school lacks proper dining infrastructure.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  7. Accused swindled uncle's car linked to prosecutor attack

    The state alleges that murder accused Petrus Shikwaya fraudulently took possession of his uncle's Suzuki vehicle and gave it to co-accused Petrus Uusiku as a reward for buying acid used to attack Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda on 17 October 2025. Shikwaya denies the allegations, claiming the vehicle was purchased for his uncle at the decision of his uncles.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. Baby found safe after alleged kidnapping near Okahao

    A baby was found safe after being taken on 21 April near Okahao District Hospital; a suspect has been arrested. The mother, an Angolan national, had asked the suspect (also Angolan) to hold the child while she searched for a missing shoe, after which both disappeared until police traced them.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. Family of woman killed by elephant demands compensation meat

    A woman was killed by an elephant in Kavango East on 28 March; the elephant was later shot and found dead but decomposed before the family could access its meat. The family is now requesting the Environment Ministry provide them meat from another elephant, as the killed elephant's carcass could not be recovered in time for the funeral.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  10. Accused denies involvement in prosecutor murder case

    Petrus Shikwaya, 21, one of six accused in the murder of Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, claims he was in Windhoek on the date of the attack in October 2025 and had no knowledge of any plan to kill her. Shikwaya admitted sending N$1,200 from his account but said it was on his uncle's instruction and he did not know it would be used for the corrosive acid used in the attack; the state opposes bail, citing a strong prima facie case and concerns about witness interference.

    11 hours ago · Informanté

  11. Eight-year-old raped in Omusati; suspect arrested

    An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped on Tuesday afternoon in Olwani village, Elim Constituency, Omusati Region, by a 51-year-old male neighbour. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday.

    9 hours ago · Informanté

  12. Otjinene councillor demands permanent electricity solution

    A five-day power outage in Otjinene disrupted healthcare, water, education, and telecoms; electricity was restored Wednesday but remains unstable. The councillor called for coordinated action by Cenored, NamPower, and NamWater on infrastructure and contingency planning, citing significant economic losses and public safety threats.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian

  13. Murder accused Shikwaya denies owning most of five properties

    The state alleges that 21-year-old murder and fraud accused Petrus Shikwaya owns five properties across northern Namibia, claiming his uncle Abner Mateus financed their acquisition; Shikwaya has denied knowledge of most properties but confirmed ownership of a farming unit near Windhoek that he says he bought for N$11,000.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

  14. Grade 10 pupil hospitalized with spinal injury after assault over N$20 debt

    A Simataa Secondary School pupil was severely assaulted on 23 March by a Grade 12 pupil and three others over an unpaid N$20 debt, suffering spinal cord injury, breathing difficulties, and vision problems. The accused is out on bail of N$2,000 and returned to school, while the victim remains hospitalized and may repeat his grade.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

  15. Namibian police arrest suspect in Omusati rape case

    Namibian police in Omusati Region arrested a 59-year-old male suspect on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Angolan girl three weeks prior. According to police, the suspect entered the victim's bedroom in Okapuku village, threatened her with a knife, and raped her; the suspect is the victim's neighbour.

    5 hours ago · Informanté

Culture

  1. Windhoek calendar: pilates, concerts, dance, and theatre this week

    The Namibian lists a week of cultural and recreational events across the country, including pilates sessions, an 'Electric Nomad' album launch, a Blended Voices Choral Competition at the National Theatre, and recurring activities like swing dance classes, quiz nights, and kizomba lessons.

    16 hours ago · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Bayern Munich reaches German Cup final, seeks treble

    Bayern Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 on Wednesday with goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz to reach the German Cup final for the first time since 2020. The victory keeps Bayern's hopes of a treble alive after securing back-to-back Bundesliga titles.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Barcelona beats Celta Vigo 1-0, Yamal injured after scoring

    Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 in La Liga, moving nine points clear of Real Madrid with six matches remaining, but lost teenage forward Lamine Yamal to a hamstring injury after he won and converted the match-winning penalty. Joao Cancelo also left the field injured in the tight encounter.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Manchester City edge Arsenal atop Premier League

    Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Burnley, with Erling Haaland scoring the sole goal. The defeat relegated Burnley to the Championship for the third time in five seasons.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Team Namibia deploys nine wrestlers for African continental championship

    Namibia has sent a nine-member wrestling team, supported by two coaches and one referee, to compete at the African Continental Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, scheduled for 25 April to 5 May 2026. The championship will feature Greco-Roman, freestyle, and women's wrestling across multiple age categories and is expected to draw around 500 athletes and officials from 27 African countries.

    3 hours ago · Informanté

  5. Namibian ministers meet IOC president in Switzerland

    Sport minister Sanet Steenkamp and deputy minister Dino Ballotti met International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne to discuss strengthening Namibia's sport infrastructure, athlete empowerment, and Olympic collaboration with the Namibia National Olympic Committee.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. Blue Waters face Unam in Top 8 Cup quarter-final

    Blue Waters FC will play Unam FC in a 2026 Standard Bank Top 8 Cup quarter-final on 2 or 3 May at Swakopmund, with the Walvis Bay club citing home advantage as motivation. Quarter-final draws also pit FC Ongos against KK Palace, African Stars against Eleven Arrows, and Mighty Gunners against Eeshoke Chula Chula.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  7. Three Namibian players advance to junior tennis quarterfinals

    Namibian tennis players Joanivia Bezuidenhout and Mari van Schalkwyk advanced to the quarterfinals of the ITF J30 u18 junior tournament in Windhoek, with Bezuidenhout defeating seventh seed Rutendo Mavhenyengwa and van Schalkwyk beating fourth seed Ceressa Jackson in three sets; Israel Dowie also qualified in boys singles.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. Thunder extend playoff lead over Suns to 2-0

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points as Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Phoenix 120-107 to take a 2-0 series lead in their NBA playoff first round. In a separate matchup, Detroit Pistons defeated Orlando Magic 98-83 to level their series at 1-1.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. SKW Youth Tournament features 60 teams across age categories

    The SKW Youth Tournament runs this weekend at SKW fields, with more than 60 teams competing across age categories from U7 to U15. Hosted by SKW Football Club and sponsored by RFS Fund Administrators, the tournament promotes youth development, sportsmanship, and community spirit through football.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  10. Namibian forward Kamatuka aims for first cup final

    Joslin Kamatuka, a 34-year-old Namibian winger for Durban City FC, is set to play in his first-ever major cup final against TS Galaxy on 2 May after recovering from a four-month hamstring injury layoff. Kamatuka has regained full fitness and expressed confidence in lifting the Nedbank Cup trophy, crediting family and fellow Namibians for supporting him through his rehabilitation.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  11. Namibian boxer Ndjolonimus faces Denmark's unbeaten Banks

    Paulinus 'John-John' Ndjolonimus is set to fight Denmark's unbeaten champion Jacob Banks this Saturday for the WBO Global Super Middleweight title and a WBC world title eliminator. Ndjolonimus, the WBO Africa Super Middleweight Champion, enters with a 20-1 record while Banks is undefeated at 18-0.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  12. Namibia names beach volleyball teams for CAVB Zone VI qualifier

    The Namibia Volleyball Federation has unveiled two women's and two men's beach volleyball teams to compete at the CAVB Zone VI qualification tournament in Maputo from 30 April to 2 May, a key pathway toward the African Nations Championship and 2028 Olympics.

    16 hours ago · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Tourism hospitality group opposes Competition Commission scrutiny of JV model

    The Hospitality Association of Namibia has warned that the Competition Commission's questioning of exclusivity clauses in the country's joint-venture tourism model could undermine investment, conservation, and rural livelihoods. The association argues that exclusivity is essential to securing long-term private-sector funding for over 50 community-based tourism lodges and campsites operating under the framework.

    22 hours ago · Informanté

  2. Namibia welcomes new SADC wetland protection initiative

    The Southern Africa Regional Ramsar Initiative, launched across 12 SADC countries, aims to promote protection and sustainable use of wetlands while attracting financial and technical resources for the region. Namibian conservation experts welcomed the move, citing threats to wetlands like the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin from overfishing, pollution, illegal hunting, and sand mining.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. Zambia's government takes body of ex-president Lungu

    Zambia's government has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa 10 months ago, despite the family's wishes for a private burial. A South African court last August ruled the government could repatriate the body for a state funeral, and the family's appeal attempt has lapsed.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. South Africa's Ramaphosa to decide fate of crime-accused police chief

    President Cyril Ramaphosa must decide whether to suspend or place on leave National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who faces criminal charges tied to a dubiously awarded police tender worth R360-million. The decision comes as SAPS fractures over rival claims of cartel infiltration and corruption among senior officers.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Taiwan president cancels Eswatini trip after flight permits revoked

    Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked his aircraft's flight permits, which Taiwan officials attributed to Chinese pressure and economic coercion. China denied coercion and praised the three nations for upholding the "one-China" principle, while the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Ted Cruz criticised the permit revocations as blatant coercion.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. Zambia government takes possession of ex-president Lungu's body

    Zambia's government has taken possession of former president Edgar Lungu's body, who died in South Africa in June, overriding his family's wishes for a private burial. A South African court previously ruled the government could repatriate the body for a state funeral, and the family's appeal has now lapsed, though they dispute this and have sought an urgent high court order to return it to the funeral home.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. UK man sentenced to life for deliberately infecting seven with HIV

    Adam Hall (43) from Washington near Sunderland was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years after being found guilty of deliberately infecting five young men and two boys aged 15 and 17 with HIV through rape and grievous bodily harm between 2016 and 2023 in Newcastle.

    7 hours ago · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Editorial: N$26.8m drug seizure insufficient for crisis

    An editorial argues that Namibia's Namibia Revenue Agency confiscation of narcotics valued at N$26.8 million in the 2025/26 financial year, while a visible win, is not enough to address the country's growing drug crisis.

    23 April 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. Strategic goal-setting should balance challenge with realism

    An opinion piece argues that effective goal-setting requires setting targets beyond current capabilities to drive behavioural change and competency development, but warns against crossing into unrealistic territory; the author contends that goals should create discomfort while remaining achievable, and that even failed attempts at challenging goals yield better outcomes than conservative targets met with ease.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Business partnerships drive growth, innovation, and sustainability

    An opinion piece argues that business partnerships allow firms to pool resources, share expertise, mitigate risks and unlock opportunities, though they carry challenges including shared liability, reduced autonomy and goal misalignment. The author notes partnerships are common among long-established Namibian enterprises but appear concentrated among lighter-complexioned entrepreneurs.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian

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