Namibia Minute.
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Politics

Agriculture minister denies N$6.2m theft allegations at Amta

The News

Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has dismissed claims that N$6.2 million was stolen from the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta), characterizing the allegations as inaccurate.

Why it matters

Agriculture minister's denial of N$6.2m theft allegations addresses serious accountability questions about public agency management.

8 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

Politics

  1. Agriculture minister denies N$6.2m theft allegations at Amta

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has dismissed claims that N$6.2 million was stolen from the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta), characterizing the allegations as inaccurate.

    8 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. ACC investigates N$2.5m alleged fraud at government garage

    The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating alleged fraud involving about N$2.5 million worth of vehicle parts at the government garage, where officials are suspected of ordering spare parts never fitted to government vehicles. The wider probe has uncovered inflated spare-part prices, excessive repair bills, payments for undelivered goods, and government vehicles allegedly diverted to private garages without proper records.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. President warns NDF against substance abuse during military inspection tour

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warned soldiers in the Namibian Defence Force against drug and alcohol abuse during a seven-day inspection tour from 27 June to 3 July, stressing that discipline remains central to military professionalism and effectiveness.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  4. Speaker's office denies fault in parliamentary question backlog

    The Office of the Speaker has rejected claims that National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is responsible for a growing backlog of unanswered parliamentary questions, stating the delays lie with the executive. Of 550 National Assembly questions tabled since the eighth parliament began, 166 have been disposed of and one was withdrawn for a ministerial statement.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Namibia calls for investment to bridge artificial intelligence gap

    Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, and equitable AI access at a Geneva meeting, emphasizing that developing countries must not be left behind as the world shapes AI governance. Namibia is preparing its national AI governance framework anchored on human-centred governance, public sector innovation, and equitable infrastructure.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  6. Opposition MP threatens court action on ECN appointments

    AR leader Dr. Job Shipululo Amupanda has threatened urgent High Court action to halt a National Assembly vote on Electoral Commission of Namibia appointments, demanding Parliament defer the vote until records from the nomination process are made available. Amupanda's legal representatives argue MPs cannot properly evaluate nominees without access to interview scoresheets, minutes, and the President's signed nomination, and question the legality of a nine-month chairperson term instead of the constitutionally prescribed five years.

    15 hours ago · Informanté

  7. High Court voids Keetmanshoop Council no-confidence votes as unlawful

    The High Court overturned the Keetmanshoop Municipal Council's removal of two LPM management committee members through no-confidence votes, ruling that council meetings convened on 7 May and 4 June breached the Local Authorities Act, standing rules, and the Constitution. The court reinstated Easter Isaack and Annelize Knaus and declared all resolutions from those meetings null and void.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. Police urge reduced traffic fines to ease low-income burden

    The police traffic law-enforcement directorate head has called for lower traffic fines, arguing that current penalties create unfair hardship for low-income motorists and contribute to growing unpaid warrants and administrative backlog. He cited cases where motorists cannot afford vehicle repairs or fines, leading to arrest warrants and court instalments rather than improved road safety.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. Speaker rejects demand for ECN selection process records

    The Speaker of the National Assembly has dismissed demands by Affirmative Repositioning leader Dr Job Amupanda to provide internal records from the Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson and commissioner nomination process. The Speaker cited the Electoral Act, stating the National Assembly's role is confined to approving or rejecting the President's nominations, not scrutinising the selection committee's internal processes.

    11 hours ago · Informanté

Business

  1. IPC challenges government lifting of Vitol fuel restrictions

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of weakening fuel-sector competition by suspending restrictions on Nasan Energies sourcing fuel from Vitol. The restrictions were imposed by the Namibian Competition Commission in April over concerns the deal would substantially lessen competition, but line minister Modestus Amutse suspended them under Section 49 of the Competition Act; IPC claims Vitol already controls between 75% and 85% of Namibia's wholesale fuel market.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Zimbabwe court recognises SME Bank Namibia liquidation

    Zimbabwe's High Court has recognised the liquidation of Namibia's Small and Medium Enterprises Bank and granted liquidators Ian McLaren and Dave Bruni authority to recover the bank's assets in Zimbabwe. The court dismissed objections from Metropolitan Bank of Zimbabwe, a minority shareholder, and ruled that the legal requirements for recognising the Namibian insolvency proceedings had been met.

    8 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Nandi-Ndaitwah urges Huawei to create AI jobs for Namibians

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Huawei executives in Shenzhen to urge the technology company to help create jobs as Namibia embraces artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The president welcomed China's 98 million yuan contribution to Namibia's smart city pilot project and said the partnership would focus on digital skills training to prepare workers for emerging opportunities.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. Chinese businesswoman appointed Pawo economic advisor

    Stina Wu has been appointed special economic advisor to the president of the Pan African Women's Organisation (Pawo), Eunice Iipinge, in recognition of her leadership in business development, investment promotion, and women's economic empowerment.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Erongo RED offers electricity vouchers for customer survey participation

    Erongo RED is offering N$1,000 in electricity vouchers to five customers who complete a public perception survey. The survey seeks feedback on the distributor's service delivery, communication, pricing, renewable energy efforts, and staff performance.

    20 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  6. Namibia's trade deficit narrows to N$3.1 billion in May

    Namibia's trade deficit narrowed to N$3.1 billion in May 2026, with exports of N$12.4 billion and imports of N$15.5 billion, an improvement from the N$4.4 billion deficit in April. Mining products, particularly uranium and diamonds, continued to dominate exports, while imports were driven by petroleum oils and nickel ores.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  7. Savanna Beef completes 40 million share issue, strengthens capital

    Savanna Beef Processors Limited has issued 40 million ordinary shares following completion of a privately negotiated subscription agreement in January 2026, bringing total issued share capital to 290,004,000 shares and increasing investors' commitment to about N$400 million.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  8. Sea exports reached N$6.2 billion in May, leading all transport modes

    Sea transportation accounted for N$6.2 billion (50.2% of total exports) in May, led by uranium, nickel ores and fish, according to Namibia Statistics Agency merchandise trade data. Road and air transport contributed 27.8% and 22% respectively, with overall export volumes reaching 393,168 tons.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  9. Namibia records N$1.5bn trade surplus with China in May

    Namibia recorded its largest trade surplus with China in May at N$1.5 billion, placing China ahead of Botswana and Canada as Namibia's most favourable trading partner that month. Despite an overall trade deficit of N$3.1 billion, exports of uranium, fish, gold and diamonds helped cushion rising import costs.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  10. Namibia's single friendly society maintains financial stability

    Namibia's only active friendly society grew total assets to N$3.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, a 9.3% increase year-on-year, and remained financially sound despite higher liabilities, according to Namfisa's quarterly report.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

Mining & Energy

  1. Namibia seeks Chinese investment in minerals, energy, infrastructure

    The Minister of International Relations called on Chinese businesses to deepen investment in Namibia, specifically in mineral beneficiation, critical minerals processing, hydrocarbon exploration, renewable energy, and infrastructure development during the Namibia–China Business Forum in Shanghai.

    8 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Government drafting nuclear energy policy to process domestic uranium

    The government is drafting a national nuclear energy policy backed by legislation to harness Namibia's uranium resources for domestic electricity generation, marking a shift in the country's energy strategy. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced this during a State Visit to China after touring a nuclear power corporation facility, signalling the government's intention to move beyond uranium exports and use the mineral wealth for energy security and industrialisation.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  3. Namdia selects 32 clients for three-year diamond supply period

    The Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (Namdia) has announced the appointment of 32 companies as its new client list for 2026/27 to 2028/29, following a competitive selection process that received 75 applications from companies in Namibia, Belgium, UAE, India, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, USA, Armenia and Zimbabwe.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  4. President declares nuclear energy will come to Namibia

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Namibia is finalising a national nuclear energy policy and conducting research to develop its first nuclear power programme, using the country's own uranium resources. She made the statement after leading a delegation to tour China's Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant in Shenzhen.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  5. Gold price surge offsets Namibia's production drop

    Namibia's first-quarter 2026 gold export earnings reached N$5.2 billion despite production falling 27.2% quarter-on-quarter to 1,953kg, as international gold prices surged to record levels. The Bank of Namibia attributes the production decline to resource depletion and water supply constraints.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

Agriculture & Land

  1. Hoha village achieves successful winter vegetable harvest

    Community members in Kavango East region's Hoha village achieved a successful winter vegetable harvest under the Adaptation to South-Western African Communities Project, with farmers receiving training in climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and organic soil enrichment methods. Local small-scale farmer Martina Ntjinano said the project skills have enabled her to produce food for household consumption and sale, reducing reliance on government drought relief.

    16 hours ago · New Era

Society

  1. One Economy Foundation cuts 12 jobs after donor funding drops

    The One Economy Foundation has reduced its workforce from 37 to 25 employees after its operating budget fell by 25% when one of its five largest donors withdrew funding.

    8 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  2. 18-year-old arrested for allegedly raping five-year-old

    Omusati Police have arrested an 18-year-old man accused of raping a five-year-old boy. The assault allegedly occurred last Sunday at Omaambo village.

    8 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  3. Kunene school water crisis disrupts classes, triggers pupil protests

    Orumana Combined School in Kunene has experienced a five-week water shortage after its borehole stopped functioning and the school was denied access to a community borehole. The water crisis has disrupted classes and prompted pupils to demonstrate, with school officials reporting the matter to education authorities and the Ministry of Works and Transport, but no lasting solution has been implemented.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. N$64 million Okakarara VTC dispute referred to mediation

    A High Court dispute over a N$64.2 million construction contract for upgrading the Okakarara Vocational Training Centre, involving the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, Octagon Construction, and the Namibia Training Authority, has been referred to court-connected mediation as the parties seek alternative dispute resolution before trial.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  5. Higher education enrollment reaches 97,333 students in 2025

    Namibia's higher education sector enrolled 97,333 students in 2025, with public institutions accounting for 50,941 and private institutions for 46,392. The University of Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology, and International University of Management were the largest institutions by enrollment.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  6. Ambulance shortage in rural areas costs lives, pastor says

    A retired pastor in Kalkfeld recounts how the lack of an available ambulance prevented his wife from attending medical appointments in February and May 2024, leading to her condition worsening and her death in July 2024. The shortage of ambulances in rural areas continues to delay emergency response, though a new ambulance has recently arrived in Kalkfeld to provide relief.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  7. Police seize 279kg drugs, arrest 165 suspects in June operations

    The Namibian police recorded the seizure of more than 279kg of illicit drugs and arrested 165 suspects during anti-drug operations across the country in June, including 162 Namibian nationals, one Chinese national and two Congolese nationals.

    11 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. Capricorn Foundation pledges N$5m to early childhood development

    Capricorn Foundation has committed N$5 million to support early childhood development over the next three years through a partnership led by the Ministry of Education and the Education Outcomes Fund, with the programme expected to reach more than 2,500 children by its launch in 2027 using an outcomes-based financing model.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. Woman charged with N$4m theft from deceased estates denies guilt

    Martha Dobberstein (78) pleaded not guilty to one count of money laundering and seven charges of theft in Windhoek Magistrate's Court. She is accused of stealing more than N$4 million from deceased estates of which she had been appointed as administrator, with thefts alleged between October 2022 and December 2025.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  10. Taxi association proposes fire suppression for public transport

    The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association has proposed mandatory automatic fire suppression systems and passenger registers for all public transport vehicles to improve safety and reduce fatalities in incidents involving fire and collisions.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  11. Unicef notes progress in education and health at Tsumkwe

    A Unicef delegation visited Tsumkwe schools and health facilities and found increased school enrolment of 1,090 children, improved pupil retention, and a decline in pupil pregnancies. The visit was part of Unicef's regular programme monitoring to assess how initiatives supporting children and families are working on the ground.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

  12. Eenhana maternity ward overcrowded, inadequate equipment

    Expectant mothers at Eenhana district hospital's temporary maternity waiting area have appealed to the government for improved accommodation, citing overcrowding and insufficient equipment. The facility serves patients with only two doctors on an alternating basis and has one non-functioning breathing machine when four are needed.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

Culture

  1. Pensioner weaves traditional eshisha granary basket

    A pensioner in northern Namibia weaves a large eshisha granary basket, a traditional storage container used to store mahangu and sorghum after harvest.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Local vocalist Javelin headlines showcase celebrating her artistic journey

    Vocalist Javelin Imfusi will headline "Becoming: Javelin on Mic" on Saturday in Windhoek, performing covers and hymns alongside local artists. The event celebrates her artistic growth and aims to inspire transformation and empower hidden talents.

    9 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Curry Barker's 'Obsession' blends horror and dark comedy

    Namibian filmmaker Curry Barker's supernatural horror film 'Obsession' has hit the box office, following two music store co-workers whose dynamic turns sinister when a wish granted by a novelty item transforms into creepy obsession and violence.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

Sport

  1. Switzerland beats Colombia on penalties for World Cup quarter-finals

    Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final Round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup outside the United States, setting up a quarter-final against defending champions Argentina.

    8 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. France face Morocco in World Cup quarter-final showdown

    France begin their push for a third World Cup title Thursday against African champions Morocco in a blockbuster quarter-final at Gillette Stadium. France have scored 14 goals in five games, with captain Kylian Mbappe accounting for seven of them, while Morocco advanced through the group phase and eliminated the Netherlands and Canada.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. Djokovic beats Auger-Aliassime in Wimbledon's longest quarter-final

    Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set epic lasting five hours and 15 minutes, Wimbledon's longest quarter-final, to advance to a semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.

    8 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Egypt demands referee removal after Argentina World Cup loss

    The Egyptian Football Federation filed a complaint with FIFA after Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last 16, demanding an investigation into French referee Francois Letexier and his team over what it claims were serious refereeing mistakes, including a disallowed goal and a missed penalty decision.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Dutch debutant Kooij wins chaotic fifth stage sprint

    Dutch 24-year-old Olav Kooij won the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday in a chaotic sprint finish after a crash five kilometres from the line disrupted teams' lead-out strategies. Norway's Torstein Traeen retained the yellow jersey despite being brought down in the crash.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  6. Four players seek first Wimbledon final; Gauff favored

    Coco Gauff, Karolina Muchova, Marta Kostyuk, and Linda Noskova all make their Wimbledon semi-final debuts, with only Gauff having previously won a Grand Slam title. Gauff is the highest-ranked player remaining in the women's draw and has dominated Muchova in their head-to-head record.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  7. Zverev beats Fritz to reach first Wimbledon semi-final

    French Open champion Alexander Zverev defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final, where he will face British wildcard Arthur Fery. Zverev, who had never passed the last 16 in nine previous trips to Wimbledon, will be the first German man to play a men's Wimbledon semi-final since Tommy Haas in 2009.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  8. British wildcard Fery reaches Wimbledon semi-finals first time in 25 years

    Arthur Fery became the first man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wildcard in 25 years after defeating French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 in the quarter-final. The 23-year-old world number 114 will face French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Friday for a place in the final.

    5 hours ago · The Namibian

  9. NFA awaits CAF decision on Unam's Confederation Cup place

    The Namibia Football Association has received Unam FC's request to compete in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup after winning the NFA Cup, and is awaiting CAF's guidance. CAF's extension of the club licensing deadline from 30 June to 25 July potentially allows Unam enough time to complete the required licensing process.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  10. NFA honours football legend Oscar 'Silver Fox' Mengo

    Namibia Football Association honoured legend Oscar Mengo for his contribution to Namibian football. Mengo, a former star player for African Stars FC and founder of Liverpool FC, told The Namibian that Namibian football is moving in the right direction but needs better player salaries and sponsorship to develop talent for continental and global recognition.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  11. Namibian Eagles secure third successive victory before Netherlands

    Namibia defeated Vidarbha by six wickets on Monday, securing an unbeatable lead in their five-match series and building momentum ahead of next week's World Cricket League Division 2 tour to the Netherlands and Nepal. Nicol Loftie-Eaton took four wickets for 18 runs, and Jan Frylinck scored 103 as Namibia chased down 296.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  12. Government funding freeze to national sports federations sparks athlete concerns

    The government has withheld funding to national sport federations, raising concerns among athletes that the move could undermine Namibia's ambitions to build a competitive high-performance sporting system. Two-time Olympic swimmer Phillip Seidler and others have warned that consistent investment is essential for international sporting success.

    16 hours ago · New Era

  13. Nust netball team wins historic silver at USSA championships

    The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) netball team finished runners-up in Division VI at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Netball Championships held in Bloemfontein from 29 June to 3 July, securing a historic silver medal after winning six of seven preliminary matches before losing 39-38 to Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in the final.

    16 hours ago · New Era

Tourism & Environment

  1. Scientists investigate rising desert elephant calf mortality rates

    Scientists are expanding research into the deaths of desert elephant calves in north-western Namibia, working with researchers to analyse genetic and field samples as well as stress levels in desert elephants. An experienced safari guide suggests increasing human activity and tourist presence around elephants may be contributing to stress, though the exact cause of calf mortality remains unknown.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

World & Region

  1. World Cup quarter-finals: Eight teams compete for semi-final spots

    The FIFA World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage with eight teams remaining, including France, Morocco, Spain, and Belgium. Matches are taking place in the United States beginning Thursday.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Angola prosecutors seek 18-year jail terms for two Russians

    Angolan prosecutors have asked a court to sentence two Russian nationals to 18 years in prison each and expel them after serving their terms in a terrorism case. The trial, running alongside a separate terrorism case in Namibia involving Jona Hangula, involves the Russians and two Angolan men, with prosecutors seeking varying sentences of 10–15 years for the Angolans.

    18 hours ago · Informanté

  3. EU congratulates Namibia on removal from FATF grey list

    The European Union congratulated Namibia on its removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in June 2026, recognising progress in strengthening the country's financial system. The EU supported Namibia's implementation of the FATF Action Plan through capacity building to over 150 officials across law enforcement and justice institutions.

    21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  4. Zimbabwe president extends term, scraps direct elections via law

    Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments extending his term by two years until 2030 and replacing direct presidential elections with parliamentary appointment. The changes, passed by parliament where Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF holds a majority and criticized by opposition as a "constitutional coup," also extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Former Namibian honorary consul to Serbia Boskovic dies

    Vasilije Boskovic, who served as Namibia's honorary consul to Serbia from 2002 to 2024, has died aged 85. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade credited him with strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries and helping establish the Engineering Council of Namibia, with a relationship spanning over 60 years.

    18 hours ago · The Namibian

Opinion

  1. Saving is essential financial practice for Namibian households

    An opinion piece argues that saving is not optional but essential to financial well-being for Namibians facing rising living costs and unexpected emergencies. The article distinguishes between saving for short- to medium-term needs and investing for long-term wealth growth, and emphasizes both are important parts of a healthy financial plan.

    17 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Divundu residents share blame for town's poor infrastructure maintenance

    An opinion piece argues that while Divundu leaders bear governance responsibility, communities also have a duty to maintain and respect public resources. It cites the deteriorating Divundu Open Market as an example, suggesting residents use social media to blame leadership without acknowledging their own role in preserving facilities.

    13 hours ago · The Namibian

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