Namibia Minute.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 25 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 25 April 2026
Politics

Minister reports no formal drug cartels identified in Namibia

The News

Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, though police reported 359 arrests and seized drugs valued at about N$13.1 million between June and July 2025. She said government is focusing on dismantling informal criminal networks, disrupting supply chains, and targeting higher-level organisers rather than low-level offenders.

Why it matters

Minister's assurance that no formal drug cartels operate in Namibia provides important public security context despite ongoing arrests.

25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Politics

  1. Minister reports no formal drug cartels identified in Namibia

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, though police reported 359 arrests and seized drugs valued at about N$13.1 million between June and July 2025. She said government is focusing on dismantling informal criminal networks, disrupting supply chains, and targeting higher-level organisers rather than low-level offenders.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Hengari trial dates set for November 2026

    Former Minister McAlbert Hengari's trial is scheduled for 23–27 November 2026 and 8–12 February 2027 at Katutura Magistrate's Court. He and a co-accused face charges under the Anti-Corruption Act, including allegedly offering N$220,000 to a rape accuser to withdraw her case.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Attorney General appoints Haitembu-Shihengo chief of legal advice

    Anna Haitembu-Shihengo has been appointed chief of legal advice at the Office of the Attorney General effective 1 March, succeeding Chris Ngaamwa. She will oversee the directorate of legal advice and support the attorney-general in advising the president and government on legal matters.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Swapo president warns against party division and misinformation

    Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said internal division and misinformation risk weakening the ruling party, and that unity must be protected against both internal and external pressures. She cited the party's focus on implementing its 2025 to 2030 election manifesto, including youth employment and sustainable development initiatives.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. LPM suspends former councillor over dictator accusation

    The Landless People's Movement has suspended former Keetmanshoop councillor Joseph Isaacks following remarks he made accusing party leader Bernadus Swartbooi of being a dictator. The party said his public statements have tarnished the party and its leadership and violated the LPM's core values.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. President calls for SWAPO unity and vigilance against misinformation

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting in Windhoek, emphasising unity as the party's strongest asset while warning against misinformation and disinformation that could weaken cohesion. She highlighted government progress including youth empowerment initiatives and marked the party's 66th anniversary.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

  7. Kapofi meets German ambassador on regional security

    Defence Minister Frans Kapofi held a meeting with Namibia's German Ambassador Thorsten Hutter and Chief of Defence Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, where the parties reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral cooperation.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Business

  1. Africa Economic Leadership Council to host trade expo at Swakopmund

    The Africa Economic Leadership Council will hold a three-day Invest in Africa Trade Expo and business summit in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, aiming to connect African entrepreneurs and businesses and unpack opportunities in sectors including oil and gas, natural resources, and minerals beneficiation as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Afreximbank offers AfCFTA training for Namibian businesses

    Namibian businesses are being targeted for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) training through the Africa-Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which will take place in Egypt in June and is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in intra-African trade.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Bank of Namibia announces senior leadership promotions and appointments

    The Bank of Namibia has announced several senior leadership changes, including the appointment of Moudi Hangula as director of legal, governance, risk and compliance, Anthea Angermund as director of financial markets, and Helvi Fillipus as economic adviser to the governor. The central bank said the changes reflect a forward-looking approach to building institutional resilience and serving Namibia's evolving economic landscape.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. President tours Walvis Bay fisheries firms

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Pereira Fishing Co and Seawork Fish Processors at Walvis Bay, where she was briefed on operations from harvesting to processing and export. The visits included discussions of industry challenges, including reliable access to quotas and increased onshore value addition, with the government reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable and competitive fisheries sector.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia struggles to convert oil wealth into local jobs and control

    Namibia's offshore oil is legally owned by investors with 90%, while the state receives revenue through taxes and royalties, limiting the country's control over development decisions and ability to secure local benefits. President Nandi-Ndaitwah has positioned the delayed petroleum amendment bill as critical to strengthening the state's bargaining position on local content, job creation, and value retention, though fundamental investor control over operations cannot be altered.

    25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Agriculture & Land

  1. President visits fisheries monitoring centre in Walvis Bay

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources' regional office in Walvis Bay to assess the Vessel Monitoring System, a satellite-based tool used to track licensed fishing vessels and combat illegal fishing. The system has enabled detection and arrest of vessels violating fisheries laws over 14 years, though officials briefed the President on challenges including high maintenance costs, legal framework gaps, and emerging maritime crimes.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Society

  1. CRAN promotes girls' participation in tech, AI careers

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia marked International Girls in ICT Day 2026 on 23 April at A. Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek, calling for greater female participation in technology and digital fields. CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua encouraged young women to pursue careers as developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, while the authority donated N$53,000 to the school's ICT laboratory.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. NSA spent N$130m on 2025/26 household survey fieldwork

    The Namibia Statistics Agency spent close to N$130 million on the data collection phase of the 2025/26 Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey, which covered 12 months of field operations across Namibia's 14 regions and concluded on 22 April. The survey covered a representative sample of 11,016 households and will produce key development indicators to support economic and policy analysis, with the final report expected by end of March 2027.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Arrests of Angolan men for rape in Namibia increase

    The number of male Angolan nationals arrested for rape in Namibia is increasing at an alarming rate, with alleged perpetrators mostly young men employed as cattle herders or domestic workers. The latest incident involved a 22-year-old Angolan man arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old neighbour in Omutundungu village, Omusati Region.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

  4. WIS appoints Jarman as head of admissions and marketing

    Windhoek International School has appointed Christelien Jarman, a Grade 1 teacher since 2021, as its new head of admissions and marketing effective August, replacing Carol Heimstadt who held the role since 2001. Jarman brings experience from Pioneers Park Primary School, Windhoek Gymnasium, and ABQ International School in Muscat.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Young Namibian artist SM Music develops Afro-gospel sound

    Silas Musenga, a 25-year-old Namibian musician performing as SM Music, is building a career in Afro-gospel blended with global influences including Brazilian-inspired rhythms. Growing from a faith-driven background and citing artists like Limoblaze as influence, he aims to spread faith and positivity globally while representing Namibia, with a three-song EP planned for June release.

    25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Nine choirs compete at second Blended Voices Choral Competition

    The second Blended Voices Choral Competition is being held today at the National Theatre of Namibia in Windhoek, featuring nine choirs selected from more than 45 applicants in February. First place will receive N$100,000 and a trophy, with judges assessing intonation, diction, technique, accuracy and musicality.

    25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. National Theatre collaborates to bring 'Bang Bang' to Grade 8 pupils

    The National Theatre of Namibia and City of Windhoek transported more than 1,700 Grade 8 pupils to see 'Bang Bang', a play about school violence and youth challenges, directed by local theatremaker Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau. The production uses the 'Kilanova Method' to help pupils engage with their prescribed text while exploring issues such as bullying, trauma, criminal violence and teen pregnancy.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Windhoek College of the Arts students examine cultural identity and heritage

    The annual 'Art Splash' exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Namibia showcases work by Windhoek College of the Arts students exploring themes of cultural preservation, identity and the effects of modernity on tradition through textiles, ceramics, sculpture, photography and mixed media until 23 May. Featured artists examine how ancestral knowledge, indigenous symbolism and cultural practice intersect with urbanisation, religious faith and contemporary life.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Big Ben concert at Zoo Park draws emotional crowd

    An opinion piece reflects on a Big Ben concert at Zoo Park, describing a chaotic but emotionally connected crowd that sang along enthusiastically, with moments including a live proposal, though the artist struggled with lyrics and the performance was imperfect overall.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Namibian artist Salvador Mouers releases debut Afrikaans EP

    Local singer-songwriter Salvador Mouers released his debut Afrikaans EP, 'Binne', following his selection as the first Namibian artist for the ATKV-Crescendo mentorship programme run by South Africa's Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging. The EP will be presented at 'Kosmos Fees' and is available on streaming platforms from 25 April.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Minister urges transparency in National Arts Fund allocation

    Minister Sanet Steenkamp told newly appointed National Arts Council members that transparent, equitable, and impactful resource allocation is critical to supporting Namibia's creative sector fairly. The council is responsible for managing the National Arts Fund and ensuring funding reaches artists across both urban and rural areas.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Leipzig beats Union Berlin 3-1 in Bundesliga

    RB Leipzig defeated Union Berlin 3-1 at home, with goals from Max Finkgraefe, Romulo, and Ridle Baku, moving eight points clear of fifth-placed Hoffenheim and keeping the club on track for Champions League qualification next season. Union Berlin, managed by Marie-Louise Eta, suffered their second straight Bundesliga defeat and remain at risk of relegation.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Betis draws with Real Madrid in La Liga title race

    Real Betis drew 1-1 with Real Madrid on Friday in La Liga, with Hector Bellerin scoring a late equaliser to cancel out Vinicius Junior's 17th-minute opener. Barcelona provisionally leads Madrid by eight points after the result.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Sinner advances in bid for fifth consecutive Masters title

    Jannik Sinner defeated Benjamin Bonzi 6-7 (6/8), 6-1, 6-4 in the Madrid Open second round, moving closer to a potential record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title—a record currently held by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Arsenal reclaim Premier League top spot with Newcastle victory

    Eberechi Eze's early goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday to return to the top of the Premier League, while Tottenham won 1-0 against Wolves for their first victory in 2026 under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, easing relegation pressure in a tight battle at the table's bottom.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Bayern Munich stages comeback from 3-0 down to beat Mainz

    Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich came back from three goals down to defeat Mainz 4-3 on Saturday, with Harry Kane scoring the winner in the second half after coach Vincent Kompany introduced attacking reinforcements. The victory came ahead of Bayern's Champions League semi-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Manchester City beats Southampton 2-1 in FA Cup semi-final

    Manchester City came from behind to defeat Southampton 2-1 and reach the FA Cup final, with Nico Gonzalez's late strike sealing their place and keeping alive hopes of a domestic treble. The victory ends Southampton's 20-game unbeaten run.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Napoli beats Cremonese, delays Inter Milan's Serie A title

    Napoli defeated Cremonese 4-0 on Friday, preventing Inter Milan from clinching the Serie A title that week. Inter now need four points from five remaining games to secure their 21st league crown.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia and Angola escalate border crackdown on fuel, goods smuggling

    Namibian and Angolan police are intensifying efforts to combat cross-border smuggling of fuel, cigarettes, counterfeit medicines, and other illicit goods along their 400-kilometre porous border. Despite ongoing raids and arrests, officials acknowledge there is no quick fix to the entrenched cross-border crime.

    25 April 2026 · Informanté →

Opinion

  1. Namibian opinion: 16-year-olds mature enough for parenthood, voting

    An opinion piece argues the contradiction in Namibian law: 16-year-olds are allowed to become parents and enter relationships, yet must wait until 18 to vote. The author contends that if maturity is the standard, the current voting age threshold is arbitrary, particularly since young people are most affected by policies on education, healthcare, and employment.

    25 April 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Lifestyle discipline matters more than wealth

    An opinion piece argues that the "soft life" — characterised by affluence, leisure, and comfort — can encourage poor health choices like overeating and excessive drinking, and that financial success without physical discipline and intentional health habits leads to negative long-term outcomes.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Academic success does not determine life outcomes

    An opinion piece argues that while academic performance varies, life success depends on opportunity, timing, and circumstance rather than classroom ranking. The author contends that all professions and roles are vital to society and that personal improvement matters more than competing with others.

    25 April 2026 · The Namibian →

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