The National Council of Namibia opened its first ordinary session of the Seventh National Council, with chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha calling for rigorous scrutiny of the national budget.
National Council opens with emphasis on stricter budget scrutiny, reflecting parliamentary focus on fiscal accountability.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The National Council of Namibia opened its first ordinary session of the Seventh National Council, with chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha calling for rigorous scrutiny of the national budget.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams is to appear in Pinetown Magistrates' Court on 7 May on charges of fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice, related to his alleged interference in the investigation into former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa's 2017 assassination. Adams was arrested on 5 May after allegedly obtaining an affidavit from a murder accused during a prison visit in January 2025.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations, in response to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo. Venaani argued that leaders make key decisions based on sensitive information unavailable to the public.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Police is not disclosing whether suspended inspector general Joseph Shikongo retains his salary and benefits during suspension; Nampol referred media inquiries to the Presidency's statement, which does not address the conditions of Shikongo's suspension.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Police say CCTV footage from an incident in which Giano Seibeb was found naked at State House will not be released while investigations are ongoing. A criminal case has been opened; the chief of presidential security has been reassigned, and police say no further details can be provided while the matter is sub-judice.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
At the 52nd Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Namibia outlined its national development drive centred on service delivery, economic resilience and governance reforms. The country emphasised the National Development Plan Six, which focuses on economic recovery, human development, green growth and effective governance, with poverty eradication and expanded social protection systems as key priorities.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
The Presidency has acknowledged growing concern over sensitive presidential decisions and internal discussions appearing online ahead of formal announcements, with Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo attributing the trend to challenges of managing information in a fast-moving democratic society and saying the Presidency remains committed to using proper, authorised channels.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
The Omusati Regional Governor has proposed that the Okapalelona crossing point near Olukekete Centre be gazetted and renamed the Etalaleko Border Post to promote trade between Namibia and Angola by reducing distances to existing border posts, citing the area's historical significance as a site of PLAN's North-Western Front battles during the liberation struggle.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has criticised the nine-year drafting process of the Food Safety Bill and urged its expedited review to ensure inclusion on Parliament's legislative calendar this financial year. The Ministry is engaging a consultant to refine the Bill in line with current realities and best practices.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and replaced him with Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, citing a security incident in which a naked man was found inside the presidential residence as the reason for the removal.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The family of Giano Seibeb, accused of trespassing at State House in Windhoek, is demanding to see closed-circuit television footage of the incident and wants answers on how he escaped Windhoek Central Hospital's mental health centre where he had been admitted. The incident led President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to suspend police inspector general Joseph Shikongo.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi will represent Namibia at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi from 11 to 12 May 2026, a high-level meeting co-convened by Kenya and France where African leaders and international partners will discuss innovation, infrastructure, climate resilience and economic growth.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has defended its work visa regime for foreign pilots, saying visas are only granted when applicants are qualified and no Namibians are available. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has reported a shortage of 74 commercial pilots and flight instructors, with only 202 Namibian commercial pilot licence holders.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is developing a Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan under the Climate Investment Funds Industry Decarbonisation Programme, which has secured access to up to USD 250 million in concessional climate finance to support low-carbon industrial development. The plan aims to translate policy into practical industrial investments, expand manufacturing, strengthen mineral beneficiation, and create jobs, with submission to the Climate Investment Funds expected in October 2026.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Development Bank of Namibia has launched a new Client Portal, a secure, mobile-friendly digital platform enabling existing clients to manage their profiles, access account information, and connect with portfolio analysts. The launch forms part of the Bank's five-year strategic plan prioritising digital transformation for improved service delivery and client engagement.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's private sector credit growth eased to 4.3% in March 2026 from 4.7% in February, with total credit at N$123.3 billion. Household borrowing gained momentum to 4.1% year-on-year—its highest in the current cycle—driven by stronger mortgage lending, instalment credit, and overdrafts, while corporate lending showed seasonal fluctuations.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Bank of Namibia held its repo rate unchanged at 6.50% on 29 April, citing weak economic activity, slow private sector credit growth, inflation risks and rand strengthening. An FNB economist said easing credit conditions will likely be tempered by elevated borrowing costs, keeping private sector credit growth subdued.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Simonis Storm Securities has maintained a hold recommendation on Paratus Namibia Holdings after the company reported revenue of N$381.3 million for the six months ended 31 December 2025, up 16.5% year-on-year, but posted a total comprehensive loss of N$36.3 million. The analyst attributed the weaker earnings to ongoing investment in the mobile network launched in September 2025, though customer growth in mobile, SkyFi, and fibre services is beginning to improve.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Nedbank Namibia visited Rundu and Katima Mulilo as part of its Managing Director Roadshow to strengthen relationships with communities and businesses while shaping its 2026 strategy around regional needs. The bank highlighted partnerships such as the Wapa Nawa Recycling Centre through its Team Challenge initiative.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Meatco's operational agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation expires on 15 April 2026, prompting the company to wind down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir. The transition period runs from 16 April to 30 June 2026, during which Meatco will scale down operations in a controlled manner while honouring obligations to local producers and suppliers.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
Mobile Telecommunications Limited is calling on companies and institutions to create more internship opportunities for young Namibians through the Namibia National Internship Programme, which was launched in 2019 to help graduates enter the job market. MTC contributes N$2 million annually to the programme, which placed 332 interns in 2025 across more than 40 fields.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has approved a 15% increase in taxi and bus fares, raising taxi fares from N$13.00 to N$15.00 effective 18 May 2026, in response to rising fuel prices and operational costs cited by transport operators.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
Public transport fares will increase by 15% nationwide from 18 May 2026, raising the minimum taxi fare from N$13 to N$15, following approval by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The increase cites rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions, and comes after the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association requested a 30% increase.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Industries, Mines and Energy Minister announced fuel price increases effective from tomorrow: petrol will rise by N$1.40 per litre and diesel by N$4.63 per litre.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The ministry of works and transport announced a 15% increase in taxi, minibus and bus fares for urban and intercity transport, effective 18 May, following complaints from drivers about fuel price hikes. The increase marks the first adjustment to general taxi fares since 2021.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's industrial sectors—including green hydrogen, oil and gas, mining, and marine engineering—face a structural gap in competent welding personnel, including engineers and coordinators. The article argues this is a systemic issue requiring long-term response, not merely a training shortage, and describes the establishment of WeldNam in 2024 as part of addressing this gap.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia reports that major mining projects including the Tumas Uranium Project, Twin Hills Gold Project, and Etango Uranium Project continued to progress in 2025, supporting the sector's role as a main economic driver, though rising policy uncertainty is starting to affect investor confidence.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Paladin Energy says rising global nuclear energy demand and a uranium supply shortage are creating opportunities for the company to strengthen value from its uranium assets, including the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia's Erongo region. The company is focused on increasing production while maintaining financial flexibility and benefiting from long-term uranium supply contracts.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The International Energy Agency says methane emissions from the energy sector remain near record levels in 2025, and tackling them through tried-and-tested abatement measures could make 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas available annually to international markets.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy announced fuel price increases effective at midnight: Petrol 95 up by N$1.40 to N$23.48 per litre; Diesel 50 ppm up by N$4.60 to N$28.60 per litre; and Diesel 10 ppm up by N$4.63 to N$28.36 per litre. The government attributed the increases to sustained international oil price rises, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Namibia's dependence on imported refined petroleum products, rising freight and shipping costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and higher insurance and fuel procurement premiums.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
A government directive has been issued to commence the second irrigation phase of the Neckartal Dam through a public-private partnership.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
South African wheat farmers plan to reduce plantings by 6% to 486,400 hectares in the 2026-27 season, the lowest level in 12 years, due to lower global prices, higher fuel and fertiliser costs, and uncertain rainfall prospects.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Lüderitz Disability Centre, established in 2022, has provided essential care and basic education to young people with disabilities.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Namibia African Students Association has called for early intervention to improve performance in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary Level.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The Namibian Navy contributed ceremonial elements to the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival (28 April to 3 May), including Navy Brass Band parades, public ship tours of the NS Elephant, and a cocktail reception aboard the vessel attended by Vice President Lucia Witbooi and other dignitaries.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Planning Commission is coordinating with the Ministries of Finance and Education to develop and upgrade sport facilities across all regions, with a goal of ensuring every Namibian has access to quality sporting infrastructure by 2030. The initiative aims to professionalise sport and create employment and development opportunities for youth.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Erongo Regional Council is conducting a data-capturing exercise for persons with disabilities from 5 to 8 May 2026 to update its regional database and improve the coordination and delivery of programmes for disabled people in the region.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Health Plan acknowledged that healthcare providers experienced failed claims processing and delayed payments following its transition to a new managed care service system on 1 April. NHP said the disruptions did not meet expected standards, though the principal officer framed the transition as necessary for long-term sustainability and improved healthcare management.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
With winter approaching, Namibia faces drier and windier conditions that increase fire risk, particularly during drought periods. Santam Namibia chief executive Franco Feris recommends clearing properties of dry vegetation, keeping fire extinguishers accessible, and reviewing insurance coverage to protect against fire-related damage.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents of Rehoboth and surrounding areas will experience a planned power outage next Wednesday from 08h00 to 16h00 due to maintenance work on the Klein Aub 66-kilovolt power line. The outage affects multiple areas including farms, Rietoog, Hochanas, Dornfontein, Kalkrand, and others, during which NamPower will service high-voltage equipment at the station.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ngambela of the Masubia Traditional Authority held a media briefing to deny rumours of Chief Munitenge Moraliswani III's death, presenting the chief to media to demonstrate he is well. The Ngambela attributed the false reports to the chief's recent trip to Windhoek for routine medical check-ups.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
In remote Ovahimba communities in Omusati and Kunene regions, children experience markedly different childhoods depending on schooling: some attend Onakayale Private School while others remain in villages focused on livestock herding from a young age, reflecting how cattle-centred life has traditionally shaped attitudes toward formal education.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
The Namibian Police in Erongo Region are asking for public assistance in locating Rachel Joy Hailonga, 18, who went missing on Sunday, 3 May 2026, around 09:00 from Doboma Street, Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay. She was last seen wearing black pants, a black hoodie jersey, and black sandals, and anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Naftali Mwatile on 081 290 2660 or the nearest police station.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi says the ministry will respond as a matter of urgency to a request from taxi drivers for a fare increase. Taxi drivers say fares have not increased since 2021 despite multiple fuel price rises, with the current fare remaining N$13 while petrol costs N$22.08 and diesel costs N$23.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Residents in Grootfontein expressed concern after cattle were spotted grazing in a cemetery, risking damage to graves and tombstones. Community activist Pablo Benjamin called for the municipality to enforce proper fencing and by-laws to prevent livestock from entering burial grounds and to hold cattle owners accountable.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Twapewa Nakashona (23), known as Twaps the MC, juggles studying, a marketing role at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, his own business ventures, and a career as a hype man. He has shared the stage with over 15 international artists and credits his stage presence to mentorship from MJ the Hype MC and other MCs.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
KK United FC and Ohangwena Nampol FC are level on 38 points atop the North East First Division with one match remaining, while Cuca Tops remain within striking distance on 37 points in a three-way battle for promotion to the premier league.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Melt Meyer qualified for the African Championships in Durban following a 300kg deadlift in the men's open 110kg division at the AWPC South African Championships, with plans to attempt 320kg and compete for gold and an African record.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
2026 men's masters bowls champion Steven Peake attributes his victory primarily to mental preparation and a clear approach to the game, noting that mindset and belief are areas players can emphasize more for better performance.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Windhoek-based Bucks Buccaneers Football Club has withdrawn from the upcoming Namibia Football Association Cup, which runs from 8 May to 27 June, citing financial constraints including approximately N$420 000 in salary commitments over two months and additional spending on travel, accommodation and equipment.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Football Association will soon enter an agreement with the Pakistan Football Federation to build long-term institutional ties and strengthen development pathways in both countries. Preliminary discussions took place at the 76th Fifa Congress in Vancouver, Canada, with formal signing planned during an upcoming Fifa seminar in Miami.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Athletics Namibia announced that 14 athletes will represent the nation at the CAA African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana from 12 to 17 May, with long jumper Lionel Coetzee and discus thrower Ryan Williams identified as the nation's best medal prospects following their success at the previous African Championships in Douala two years ago.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Phillipus 'Energy' Nghitumbwa will defend his WBO Global super bantamweight title against Leonardo Carrillo of Colombia at Mövenpick Hotel on Saturday night in the main event of the Dr Sam Nujoma Boxing Bonanza. Nghitumbwa, ranked fourth in the world with a 17-2 record, faces Carrillo, who holds a 20-1-1 record and is the WBA Fedelatin super bantamweight champion.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Botswana held a high-level bilateral engagement between their sports commissions in Gaborone to review progress under a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding and map a stronger path for regional sport development. The partnership has yielded results in athlete support, high-performance preparation, sport governance and regional cooperation through athlete exchanges, joint training camps, and event hosting.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
Leo Scholz, a 7-year-old who started playing football at DTS in 2016, has developed into a goalkeeper and shot-stopper. He recently made his Namibia U/17 national team debut, fulfilling a long-held dream to represent his country.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
Aston Villa reached their first European final in 44 years with a 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the semi-final second leg, advancing 4-1 on aggregate. They will face German club Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul on May 20.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's swimmers competed on Day 2 of the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, with Roselinda Matyayi winning bronze in the Girls' 50m butterfly (14–18 years) and multiple swimmers achieving top-8 finishes across individual and relay events.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Top tennis player Jannik Sinner called on Grand Slam tournaments to demonstrate respect toward players in an ongoing dispute over prize money and player welfare benefits. Leading players have sought a 22-percent share of tournament revenue, but after a year of negotiations with the organizers of Wimbledon and the French, US, and Australian Opens, no agreement has been reached.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Bayern Munich lost 1-1 at home to PSG in the Champions League semi-final second leg, eliminating them 6-5 on aggregate. Coach Vincent Kompany said he was already motivated to return to the competition next season.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Jonas Vingegaard makes his Giro d'Italia debut on Friday as he bids to win both the Italian Grand Tour and the Tour de France in the same year. The two-time Tour winner and clear favourite, with rival Pogacar absent, says completing the triple crown of all three Grand Tours is a goal for him.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has set the 2026 hunting season for game animals and birds, with some activities allowed until the end of August. Hunting periods vary by farm type—from 1 May to 31 August on game-proof fenced farms and conservancies, and from 1 June to 31 July on adequately fenced farms—with species-specific and daily limits; hunting generates about N$400 million annually for Namibia.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A female African penguin was successfully released back into the wild on Halifax Island near Lüderitz after 49 days of care by the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds. With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs globally and the species listed as Critically Endangered in October 2024, Namibia's penguin population has declined more than 82% since 1979.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Competition Commission faces criticism for investigating conservancy tourism partnerships, with the Chamber of Environment calling instead for a probe into Namibia Wildlife Resorts' alleged anti-competitive dominance in national parks. The dispute raises questions about whether competition law is being applied in a way that could undermine the communal conservancy tourism model that supports rural livelihoods and conservation.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has recorded eight rhino poaching incidents during the first four months of 2026, with seven rhinos killed in Etosha National Park and one poached on a private farm, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The ministry has allocated more than N$350 million in the current financial year to strengthen conservation efforts and combat wildlife crime.
7 May 2026 · Informanté →
Nigeria is arranging to repatriate its nationals in South Africa who wish to return home, as concerns grow over recent attacks on foreigners in the country.
7 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with wealthy Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who is wanted in South Africa for alleged money laundering, during a visit to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's private farm. Ramaphosa's spokesperson said the president did not know in advance that Chivayo would be present at the informal meeting.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran will be "over quickly" and that he aims to end Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Iran said a US proposal to end the war is "still being considered"; Axios reported the White House is working toward a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran that could frame nuclear negotiations, with provisions including suspension of Iranian nuclear enrichment, lifting sanctions, and restoring free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Norwegian fish farms released 75,000 tonnes of nitrogen, 13,000 tonnes of phosphorus and 360,000 tonnes of organic carbon in 2025, equivalent to the raw sewage of millions of people annually, according to analysis from the Sunstone Institute. The nutrient discharge from open-net salmon farms raises concerns about destructive algal blooms in vulnerable fjords.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Around 150 people from 23 countries are stranded on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic near Cape Verde after three confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases were identified on board. Three passengers have died, and the WHO says three suspected hantavirus patients have been evacuated to The Netherlands for medical care.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Ghana has formally asked the African Union to discuss xenophobic attacks in South Africa, citing concern over recurring violence against foreign nationals that has resulted in loss of life. The matter is expected to be discussed at the AU's Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for 24 to 27 June.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →