Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 21 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 21 May 2026
Politics

Erongo Regional Council launches training to improve procurement capacity

The News

The Erongo Regional Council has launched a five-day procurement training programme aimed at addressing delays and administrative problems affecting project implementation and service delivery. The training brought together members of the procurement management unit, bid evaluation committees and procurement committees to tackle weak procurement capacity and procedural challenges that have delayed projects and affected budget implementation.

21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Politics

  1. Erongo Regional Council launches training to improve procurement capacity

    The Erongo Regional Council has launched a five-day procurement training programme aimed at addressing delays and administrative problems affecting project implementation and service delivery. The training brought together members of the procurement management unit, bid evaluation committees and procurement committees to tackle weak procurement capacity and procedural challenges that have delayed projects and affected budget implementation.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. PM Ngurare urges ethical, tech-driven African public services

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare called on African governments to build ethical, technology-driven and people-centred public services to improve service delivery, create jobs and drive economic growth. Speaking at the AMDIN Conference in Windhoek, Ngurare said African leaders must be principled, strengthen institutional oversight and transparency, and reject self-enrichment through public office.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Nekundi directs newly appointed SOE boards to improve performance

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has instructed newly appointed boards of the Roads Contractor Company, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority and TransNamib Holdings Limited to urgently improve performance, accountability and service delivery. Nekundi ordered the RCC to submit outstanding annual reports and complete projects on time and within budget, directed the aviation authority to strengthen surveillance systems and address concerns raised by recent plane crashes, and demanded an end to delays in TransNamib's locomotive remanufacturing and frequent derailments.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Business

  1. Fitch expects Namibia's debt at 66% of GDP by 2026

    Fitch Ratings forecasts Namibia's government debt will rise to 66% of GDP in 2026, with interest payments consuming 18% of government revenue, while affirming the country's BB- sovereign rating with a stable outlook despite high fiscal deficits and weak economic growth.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Vukile Property Fund targets 10–12% dividend growth in 2027

    The JSE and NSX-listed real estate investment trust expects funds from operations and dividend per share growth of 9.3% for the 2026 financial year, and forecasts FFO per share growth of 8–10% in 2027. For 2027, Vukile plans to increase its dividend payout ratio from 83% to 85%, which is expected to deliver dividend growth of 10–12%, supported by property expansions in South Africa, Spain and Italy and a 36% stake in Namibian property company MICC Properties.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Namibia ranks second in Southern Africa startup ecosystems

    Namibia maintains second place in Southern Africa's startup ecosystem rankings after South Africa, ranking 94th globally and 10th in Africa according to the 2026 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, though it dropped nine places globally from 2025 despite recording 8.2% ecosystem growth.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Bank of Namibia discusses economic outlook with diplomats

    The Bank of Namibia hosted diplomats, development agencies and international stakeholders to discuss global economic developments and Namibia's economic outlook. BoN governor Ebson Uanguta said the global economy faces structural changes from geopolitical tensions, technology shifts, climate risks and supply-chain disruptions, and that central banks must strengthen areas beyond traditional mandates including digital finance and cyber resilience.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Africa Bitcoin expects mixed performance across share classes

    Africa Bitcoin Corporation, listed on the Namibia Securities Exchange, anticipates gains in ordinary and preferred C shares but declines in preferred A and B shares for the financial year ended 28 February 2026. The company attributes expected ordinary share NAV growth of 7.56–17.56% to fair value adjustments and improved market conditions, while preferred A shares are expected to decline 5.51–15.51% due to higher costs at the linked Umganu Lodge investment.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  6. MTC Kasi Vibe Festival extends vendor application deadline to 29 May

    Organisers of the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival have extended the application deadline for local entrepreneurs, food vendors, and corporate exhibitors to 29 May 2026, with the three-day event scheduled for 31 July to 2 August 2026 at Brakwater Recreational Park. The extension is final, and stall spaces are strictly capped due to venue logistics.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Dinapama chief urges procurement focus on local manufacturers

    Dinapama Managing Director David Namalenga has criticized Namibia's procurement practices for enriching importers at the expense of local manufacturers, arguing that tender policies should prioritize job creation and support for local businesses. He called for procurement reform to measure employment impact and warned that constant changes in tender allocation hinder company growth.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  8. BoN governor warns of economic headwinds despite medium-term recovery prospects

    Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta said Namibia's economy faces headwinds from weaker diamond prices, drought and constrained fiscal space, though it is projected to gradually strengthen over the medium term supported by increased uranium production, tourism recovery, and mining and energy investment. He noted that Namibia's strategic importance presents opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and mining, but cautioned that global growth is expected to remain subdued through 2026 and 2027 amid geopolitical tensions and technological shifts.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Government convenes meeting on customs charges for importers

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare met with the finance minister and Namibia Revenue Agency commissioner to discuss solutions for small import entrepreneurs, known as 'Order With Me' operators, who face complaints over high and unpredictable customs duties, VAT, and courier clearance charges that are making their businesses unsustainable.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. NAC pursues new regional routes after Air Botswana suspension

    The Namibia Airports Company is pursuing new regional and international air routes following Air Botswana's suspension of the Windhoek-Gaborone service in August 2025. NAC says it operates across six African countries excluding Botswana and three European destinations, and remains positive about restoring direct connectivity between Windhoek and Gaborone.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. TransNamib freight train derails between Usakos and Kranzberg

    A TransNamib freight train derailed on Monday between Usakos and Kranzberg after wagons experienced uncontrolled movement, disrupting railway operations. No injuries were reported; the cause remains under investigation and recovery operations are underway.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Mining & Energy

  1. Mines minister to investigate dumped CVs in Karibib

    Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse says his ministry will investigate allegations that CVs submitted by unemployed Namibians to M15 Mining Contractor, a Chinese company working for Osino Resources Corporation in Karibib, were dumped in the open. Amutse described the handling of job seekers' personal information as unacceptable and indicated the Ministry of Labour may also become involved due to both labour and ethical concerns.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Husab mine still in capital recovery phase despite output

    Swakop Uranium says Husab Mine, operated in partnership between Namibia (10% via Epangelo) and China (90% via Taurus Minerals), remains in early operational lifecycle and has not yet paid dividends or tax despite large-scale production, citing its US$5 billion upfront investment and resulting tax loss profile.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  3. Experts call for stronger illegal fishing penalties in SADC region

    Stakeholders warn that existing penalties are failing to deter illegal fishing in Namibian waters, following the interception of a vessel with 22 crew members and amid concerns over losses from bycatch, which increased sharply since 2020 despite monitoring systems in place.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Agribank invests N$50,000 in Kavango horticulture projects

    Agribank has invested nearly N$50,000 in irrigation equipment and farming materials for two horticulture projects to boost rural food production and community agriculture.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. New Land Reform Advisory Commission appointed in Namibia

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed a new Land Reform Advisory Commission to address historical land inequalities and redistribute commercial agricultural land. The new commission began its term on 1 May 2026 and will serve until 30 April 2029.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Namibian land reform stalled by decades of unfulfilled promises

    Namibia faces widespread "land reform fatigue" as repeated government announcements, commissions, and consultations over three decades have failed to produce meaningful change, leaving inequality in land ownership one of the country's most visible post-independence failures.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Sand mining at Onatshiku village leaves palm trees dead

    Sand mining at Onatshiku has uprooted palm trees and created a dangerous pit that poses risks to people and livestock. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism advised the Uukwambi Traditional Authority not to renew their environmental clearance certificate due to massive environmental damage, and rehabilitation has not yet begun despite promises last year.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Government pursues land reform to address colonial imbalances

    The minister of agriculture says the government is instituting land reform through key policies and laws to address historical injustices that have deprived many Namibians of access to productive land and economic opportunities. The Land Reform Advisory Commission, which advises on the acquisition, allocation and administration of commercial agricultural land, has received new members who will serve for three years.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Cooking oil production from mangetti seeds starts in Kavango West

    A cooking oil production plant in Kanyikama village, Kavango West, is pressing mangetti and sunflower seeds into cooking oil. The facility, operated by agriculturalist Winni Metzger, buys mangetti seeds from villagers at N$9 per kilogram and is currently focusing on mangetti oil production due to sunflower seed shortages.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Navy intercepts foreign vessel for illegal fishing in Namibian waters

    The Namibian Navy apprehended the foreign vessel Fu Yuan Yu 9878 near the Angolan border for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, with the vessel fully loaded with fish and its Automatic Identification System disabled. The 22-member crew, comprising four Chinese and 18 Angolan nationals, was detained, and a Ministry spokesperson stated the government is committed to protecting Namibia's fisheries resources and enforcing its regulations.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Society

  1. Northern NPPTA calls for taxi roof sign enforcement

    The northern branch of the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association has called for full implementation and enforcement of taxi roof signs.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Erongo Red launches electricity safety campaign

    The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor has launched a safety campaign urging customers to use electricity safely by avoiding overloaded plugs, exposed cables, and faulty wiring, and to report hazards immediately. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires in homes and communities.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Medicine shortages in public hospitals pressing presidential concern

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said medicine shortages in public hospitals are a major burden on her administration, after the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed national pharmaceutical stock levels are at 60%, below the government's 80% minimum target.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. VP calls for stronger support of vocational education

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged stronger support for vocational education, calling it one of Namibia's most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities. She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. PM praises teenager for rescuing toddlers from pond

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has praised 16-year-old Cornelius Shimwaafeni as a hero after he rescued toddler twins from drowning in a pond at Omutundungu village in the Omusati region on Sunday. Shimwaafeni is also said to have saved two boys aged eight to ten who fell into a well last year.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Youth centres to become multi-purpose hubs for skills

    Twamanguluka youth organisation and the ministry of youth have launched a national Youth Centre Revitalisation Project to transform youth centres into integrated hubs offering education, healthcare, enterprise development, sports, technology and employment pathways. Pilot programmes will begin in Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Gobabis.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  7. Six human trafficking accused traced to China

    Six of 16 individuals accused of human trafficking and operating an international cryptocurrency scheme have been traced to China after absconding from Namibia, though authorities have not yet commenced locating their exact location, the court heard.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  8. President visits FabuPharm amid Namibia's hospital medicine shortage

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited FabuPharm, Namibia's only fully-fledged pharmaceutical manufacturing company, in Otjiwarongo, citing medicine shortages in public hospitals as a priority concern. FabuPharm produces over 150 medicines and healthcare products locally and supplies some directly to government hospitals through the Central Medical Stores.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  9. Kavango West school furniture repair faces timber and funding shortfall

    The Mutjimagumwe Woodwork Cooperative's school furniture repair project in Kavango West is running short of materials and funds. The chairperson says the council's initial 180 pieces of timber have been used up, and the N$500 000 payment is nearly exhausted, while the scope has expanded from 4 000 chairs to 4 975 chairs and desks.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. NamWater pipeline damage causes 24-hour Windhoek water interruption

    NamWater reported that a pipeline from Von Bach Water Treatment Plant to Windhoek was damaged Thursday morning during utility works to extend electrical busbar connections, causing an estimated 24-hour water supply interruption for Windhoek and surrounding areas.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. State says doctor's mother interfered with prosecution

    At a bail hearing in Ondangwa Magistrate's Court, the state alleged that Kelsey Kudumo's mother attempted to influence the prosecution process by contacting prosecutors regarding bail. The state argued Kudumo should remain in custody as a flight risk, citing her previous residence in China and travel to Nigeria, while Kudumo said she lived in China for studies and visited Nigeria for church purposes.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  12. Windhoek residents urged to conserve water amid pipeline damage

    Windhoek residents are being urged to use water sparingly following damage to a pipeline supplying water from the Von Bach Water treatment plant, which has disrupted supply from NamWater and placed pressure on the city's limited water reserves. The municipality says the water supply interruption could last approximately 24 hours as repair works continue.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  13. Hospital intern accused in N$2.1 million insurance fraud scheme

    Kelsey Kudumo, an Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital intern doctor, faces allegations of participating in an insurance fraud scheme involving falsified medical reports and laboratory results amounting to more than N$2.1 million. The prosecution claims medical records were falsified to support fraudulent insurance claims, with two doctors and a former nurse also linked to the scheme.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  14. Police warn illegal taxi operators of fines and arrest

    Namibian police have warned that illegal taxi operators will face fines starting at N$2,000 and arrest upon a third transgression. The warning follows concerns raised by the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association about 3,450 illegally operating cars since 2018, particularly in Rundu in Kavango East.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  15. President expresses concern over medicine shortages at public hospitals

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says reports of medicine shortages at public hospitals are giving her "sleepless nights," speaking during a tour of pharmaceutical manufacturer Fabupharm. Medical doctors say shortages of essential medicine persist despite government reports showing national stock levels at about 60%, with patients being turned away at several hospitals.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Culture

  1. Weekly events calendar across Namibia highlights arts and training

    A listing of upcoming events in Namibia includes theatre workshops, art exhibitions, training sessions, and family expos over the coming weeks. Events range from stage actor training labs at the National Theatre of Namibia to an art exhibition at the National Art Gallery of Namibia, along with workshops on farm safety and urban gardening.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

  1. Harry Maguire omitted from England World Cup squad

    England defender Harry Maguire said he was "shocked and gutted" to be left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad for the tournament in North America. The 33-year-old Manchester United centre-back, who has 66 caps, had been included in the England squad in March but will not be travelling to the World Cup.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Senegal announce 28-man squad for 2026 World Cup campaign

    Coach Pape Thiaw unveiled a 28-man Senegal squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring established stars including Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy alongside emerging talent. Senegal will begin their Group I campaign on June 16 against France in New Jersey, also facing Norway and Iraq.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia drawn with Cameroon, Comoros, Congo for 2027 Afcon

    Namibia's Brave Warriors face Cameroon, Comoros and Congo in group G of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Cameroon are five-time African champions and ranked 45th globally, while Namibia are ranked 120th in the world and 31st in Africa.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to level playoff series

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and provided nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 122-113 to level their Western Conference finals series at 1-1.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. Women cricketers compete in Nedbank Desert Ice T20 Challenge

    Some of Namibia's top women cricketers are playing alongside male counterparts in the Nedbank Desert Ice T20 Challenge, where franchises compete for a N$50,000 prize. Teams can select players from age 14 and above, including women players on merit, providing additional exposure and skill development opportunities.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Arsenal ends 22-year Premier League title drought

    Arsenal has been crowned 2025/26 English Premier League champions after Manchester City drew 1–1 with Bournemouth, confirming the title with one match remaining. The victory marks the club's first league title since the 2003/04 season and has sparked celebrations among Arsenal supporters in Namibia and worldwide.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  7. Vjahimisa Siririka pursues engineering degree and football dreams

    Vjahimisa Siririka, a Namibian footballer, grew up watching older boys play in Otjiwarongo and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering at Nust while carving out a name in Namibian football, with dreams of playing professionally abroad and representing the country internationally. He has played for Kasaona FC, Nust FC, and Unam FC.

    21 May 2026 · New Era →

  8. Karongee completes sports management certificate from Aims School

    African Stars' former midfielder Jasmeth Karongee has completed a certificate in sport management with Aims School of Sport in Windhoek. Karongee cited challenges including lack of mentorship and information about educational institutions, but credited his wife's encouragement and hard work for completing the qualification.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  9. Manuel Neuer recalled to Germany World Cup squad

    Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, was recalled from international retirement to Germany's 26-man World Cup squad for this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where coach Julian Nagelsmann plans to use him as the team's number one goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  10. Former African football stars debate 2026 World Cup prospects

    El Hadji Diouf and CAF president Patrick Motsepe believe an African team can win the 2026 World Cup, citing Morocco's run to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022 as evidence of growing capability. Nigeria's Jay-Jay Okocha remains unconvinced about African chances.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  11. Namibia establishes interim committee for traditional sports federation

    The Namibia Sports Commission has appointed an interim committee to oversee the Namibia Traditional Sport and Games Federation, tasked with stabilising federation affairs, implementing an official playbook, and organising an elective congress within 12 months. The committee will also promote, coordinate and administer indigenous games nationwide and establish regional structures.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Namibia launches long-term funding deal for community conservancies

    Namibia has launched the Namibia for Life Project Finance for Permanence agreement, a funding initiative involving government, conservation organizations, and international partners including Germany's KfW and USAID, to secure stable long-term support for community conservancies. According to WWF Namibia, Namibia is the first country in Africa to successfully complete such a conservation financing deal.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. First Cape Fur Seal bird flu case raises Namibian transmission concerns

    A Cape Fur Seal in South Africa was confirmed infected with avian influenza in early April, marking the first recorded case of bird flu in the species. Scientists now worry the virus could spread to Namibia's seal populations through seabirds and contaminated water, especially given that seals and seabirds travel long distances along the coast between the two countries.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Namibia launches luxury tourism expo to drive economy

    Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel has launched the Namibia Luxury Travel Market Expo, scheduled for November or December, to position the country's tourism sector as a premium niche. The minister emphasized tourism's role in generating foreign exchange, employment, and socio-economic transformation as part of Namibia's Vision 2030 and sixth National Development Plan.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

  1. Fear spreads as Ebola deaths rise in eastern DR Congo

    Fear has gripped Ebola-hit areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as the suspected number of deaths continues to rise, with officials struggling to contain the outbreak.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. Dutch cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak arrives in Rotterdam

    The BBCMV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, has docked at Rotterdam. Only crew members were aboard for the final leg of the journey.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. South Africa's inflation rises to 4%, driven by fuel price surge

    South Africa's inflation rate rose to 4% in April from 3.1% in March, mainly driven by sharp fuel price increases, with the fuel index rising 18.2% — the largest monthly jump since the CPI series began in 2008. Namibia imports most of its consumer goods from South Africa, making the increase important for local consumers and businesses.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. South Africa petrol prices heading for all-time highs in June

    Petrol prices in South Africa are set to increase sharply in June as the government phases out its fuel tax relief, with 95 unleaded expected to reach all-time highs of R27.42 at the coast. Diesel prices are forecast to decrease slightly, but relief is constrained by the government's planned reduction of the fuel tax reprieve from 3 June.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. SADC ministers to address geopolitical shifts and regional integration

    Southern African Development Community (SADC) foreign affairs ministers will gather in South Africa from 22 to 24 May to map a unified regional response to changing global geopolitical dynamics, global power competition, and technological and economic shifts. Discussions will focus on regional integration, industrialisation, trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and food security.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  6. Walvis Bay Corridor Group urges vigilance over DRC Ebola

    The Walvis Bay Corridor Group has called on transporters, logistics operators, and corridor users to strengthen hygiene and sanitation measures following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Transport and trade activities continue normally, but stakeholders are advised to ensure handwashing facilities, sanitisers, and protective equipment are available and to comply with health screening measures.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

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