Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

African Development Bank

Also known as: AfDB · African Development Bank Group

Multilateral development bank providing financing for Namibia's vocational education, climate resilience, infrastructure, and economic diversification initiatives.

2022-08-302026-07-23
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. April 2026

  2. The Namibian

    African Development Bank is owed a large portion of SOE debt

    Source

    “A large portion of SOE debt is owed to regional and global development banks, like the African Development Bank, the World Bank and KfW Development Bank.”

    Public enterprises owe N$9.3 billion in external debt
  3. March 2026

  4. New Era

    African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting the initiative through funding and technical assistance

    Source

    “Chief Investment Officer at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Alex Area, said the AFDB is supporting the initiative through funding and technical assistance.”

    DBN launches women-focused finance scheme

  5. The Namibian

    African Development Bank (AfDB) provided N$400 million in funding for DBN For Her

    Source

    “The facility is backed by N$400 million in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to improve access to finance for women entrepreneurs.”

    DBN launches N$400 million women-only financing platform

  6. New Era

    African Development Bank financed the project through a loan

    Source

    “The project was financed through a loan from the African Development Bank and represents a strategic investment for the //Kharas and Hardap regions.”

    //Kharas embraces N$127m VTC

  7. New Era

    African Development Bank provided funding for Namibia Water Sector Support Programme

    Source

    “government has also accelerated several strategic bulk water development projects under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme (NWSSP), implemented with funding from the African Development Bank.”

    Govt expands rural water supply …94 new boreholes, 137 water units

  8. The Namibian

    African Development Bank supports the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Zambezi River Basin

    Source

    “The exchange forms part of the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Zambezi River Basin, supported by the African Development Bank and other international partners.”

    Climate pushes Zambezi states to cooperate on water

  9. Informanté

    African Development Bank funds Namibia Water Sector Support Programme

    Source

    “Government has also continued to advance several strategic bulk water projects under the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme, which is funded by the African Development Bank.”

    Government reports progress in water supply and sanitation

  10. The Namibian

    African Development Bank launched N$28.5-billion partnership to overhaul national infrastructure

    Source

    “The government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday launched a N$28.5-billion partnership designed to overhaul national infrastructure and break the country's dependence on the mining sector.”

    N$28.5b blueprint launched to break mining’s grip

  11. New Era

    African Development Bank launched N$28.5 billion partnership with Namibian government

    Source

    “The Namibian government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday launched a N$28.5 billion partnership designed to overhaul national infrastructure and break the country's dependence on the mining sector.”

    Nam, AfDB launch industrialisation blueprint

  12. The Namibian

    The African Development Bank co-financed the Kazungula Bridge project

    Source

    “The project was advanced under a co-financing arrangement led by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (Jica), the African Development Bank and other partners.”

    SADC bridge eases cargo movement
Society

African Development Bank funds N$5.6 billion vocational and AI investment

The News

The African Development Bank announced N$5.6 billion in funding for Namibia's technical and vocational education and training system and artificial intelligence, with plans to modernise vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute, and create 15 000 workplace opportunities by 2030. The Namibian editorial warns that vocational graduates will not be absorbed into the market without fair state tender allocation and faster AI regulation.

19 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 July

  1. African Development Bank funds N$5.6 billion vocational and AI investment

    The African Development Bank announced N$5.6 billion in funding for Namibia's technical and vocational education and training system and artificial intelligence, with plans to modernise vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute, and create 15 000 workplace opportunities by 2030. The Namibian editorial warns that vocational graduates will not be absorbed into the market without fair state tender allocation and faster AI regulation.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. DBN secures US$1 million climate grant, opens path to larger funding

    The Development Bank of Namibia received a US$1 million grant from the Green Climate Fund following its accreditation in 2025, unlocking potential access to up to US$250 million in future climate financing and strengthening Namibia's position in the global green economy.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Ondangwa hospital project scaled down to district facility

    The government has scaled down its plans to build an Ondangwa referral hospital, with Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge announcing the project will instead become a 700-bed district hospital. The feasibility study and environmental assessments have been completed, with the AfDB providing financing in collaboration with the ministries of finance and health and social services.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 13 June

  1. Black empowerment laws insufficient for lasting business success

    Lawyer Sisa Namandje argues that despite years of empowerment interventions in Namibia—including affirmative action, SME financing, and procurement preferences—many black-owned businesses still struggle to survive beyond founders and political cycles. He highlights how ongoing social pressures, including requests for donations and support from extended networks, undermine the sustainability of black entrepreneurship.

    13 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 8 June

  1. Namibia leads delegation at Korea-Africa foreign ministers meeting

    Ambassador Julia Imene-Chaduru led Namibia's delegation to the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Seoul, where African and Korean officials agreed to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, and sustainable development, while addressing geopolitical challenges and Africa's role in global supply chains.

    8 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Ndara reappointed to lead SADC fisheries surveillance board

    The SADC renewed the board of directors of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, retaining Namibia's Stanley Ndara as chairperson for a second term. The board's priorities include strengthening the centre's sustainability, reducing donor reliance, and rolling out a Regional Register of Fishing Vessels.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. Ndara re-elected to lead SADC fisheries monitoring body

    Stanley Ndara, chief executive of Namibia's Fisheries Observer Agency, has been reappointed as chairperson of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre for a second term. SADC ministers responsible for fisheries made the decision at a meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on 29 May.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 9 May

  1. Mining recovery expected to boost Namibia's 2026 growth

    According to the African Development Bank, Namibia's economy slowed to 2.6% in 2025 due to weaker mining exports, subdued consumer spending and softer investment, but is projected to rebound to 3.7% in 2026 supported by recovery in mining, manufacturing and electricity production. The bank cautioned that fiscal and external pressures will remain, with the fiscal deficit widening to 3.4% in 2025 from 2.6% in 2024.

    9 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Namibia ranks 13th in Africa on electricity regulation index

    The African Development Bank's Electricity Regulatory Index measures how effectively African countries regulate their electricity sectors across governance, regulatory substance, and outcomes. In the 2022 ERI report, Namibia achieved a score of 0.618, placing 13th out of 43 African countries, emerging as one of Africa's most promising regulatory success stories.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Africa far behind on clean cooking access by 2030 deadline

    Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to miss the UN's 2030 target for universal access to clean cooking energy, with 900 million people lacking access on the continent. The article argues that closing a US$5.5 billion annual funding gap requires diverse solutions including LPG, solar stoves, and biogas, alongside innovative financing and inclusive policies.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. African airlines record 21% cargo growth in February 2026

    African airlines are the fastest-growing region in global air cargo, recording 21% year-on-year demand increase in February 2026, with the Africa-Asia route showing particularly strong growth of 61.9%. Despite the momentum, Africa remains a small player at 2.1% of the global market, facing challenges including limited airport infrastructure and high operational costs.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 12 April

  1. Government advances N$2.8 billion Windhoek commuter rail project

    The government is progressing with a feasibility study on a commuter rail system linking Windhoek to Rehoboth and Katutura, with N$13 million spent and the study 30% complete. The N$2.8 billion project is part of broader government plans to modernise Namibia's rail infrastructure and ease transport pressures in urban and peri-urban areas.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 11 April

  1. State-owned enterprises carry N$9.3 billion external debt

    Namibian state-owned enterprises owe N$9.3 billion in external debt, most of it guaranteed by the government and owed to regional and global development banks. The Bank of Namibia's 2025 annual report notes a significant portion relates to intercompany lending in mining and quarrying, with the government aiming to keep debt guarantees below 10% of GDP.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Water ministry expands rural access through boreholes and pipelines

    Namibia's water ministry has drilled 94 new boreholes, installed 137 water supply units across all regions, and constructed 55 short pipelines with 2,886 private connections, improving water access in underserved rural communities. The ministry also rehabilitated sanitation facilities and increased access to basic sanitation services to 36.2% nationwide, with rural safe drinking water access rising from 83.5% to 84.9%.

    2 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 29 March

  1. Namibia develops drought-tolerant crop varieties for food security

    Namibia is investing in improved, drought-tolerant and high-yielding seeds through research stations in Mannheim and Kashana, supported by a partnership between the government and the African Development Bank. The initiative includes crop diversification with new varieties like soybean and cassava, and distribution of improved seeds to farmers at subsidised prices through the Ministry's Extension Services.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 March

  1. DBN launches new financing product for women entrepreneurs

    The Development Bank of Namibia has launched "DBN for Her," a financing initiative designed to increase access to credit for women-owned businesses. The product offers loans at prime interest rate with a 12-month grace period and credit guarantee scheme to address the documented funding gap, with women having received only about 14% of DBN's total funding to date.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. DBN launches N$400 million financing platform for women entrepreneurs

    The Development Bank of Namibia has launched DBN For Her, a women-focused financing initiative backed by N$400 million from the African Development Bank, offering loans ranging from N$150,000 to N$10 million to women-owned businesses employing between five and 300 people.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre opens with 253 trainees

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the N$127 million Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre, one of several regional centres run by the Namibia Training Authority. The centre, financed by an African Development Bank loan, has enrolled 253 trainees (101 women) in courses including solar installation, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and logistics.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Government drills 94 boreholes, installs 137 water units nationwide

    Government has expanded rural water supply across all 14 regions through drilling 94 new boreholes, installing 137 water units, rehabilitating 51 existing boreholes, and constructing 55 short pipelines. The efforts have increased rural access to safe drinking water from 83.5% to 84.9% and reduced distances families travel to access water.

    18 March 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Zambezi Basin states increase water cooperation amid climate variability

    Officials from Zambezi River Basin countries are strengthening regional water management and planning in response to growing climate variability affecting shared water resources. A Zambezi Watercourse Commission delegation visited Uganda to exchange knowledge on transboundary river management and climate resilience with the Nile Basin Initiative.

    17 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 March

  1. Government reports progress in rural water and sanitation

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform has expanded water supply and sanitation across Namibia, installing 94 new boreholes and 137 water supply units, constructing 55 short pipelines, and enabling 2,886 private water connections. The ministry also reported that rural access to safe drinking water increased to 84.9 percent and open defecation declined from 40 percent to 39.4 percent.

    16 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 15 March

  1. Political backlash over Chinese majority stake in desalination plant

    Opposition MPs and analysts have criticized the government's agreement to give China General Nuclear Power Group a 70% controlling stake in a N$3-billion coastal desalination plant while the state retains only 30%, raising concerns about water sovereignty and affordability for poor Namibians. NamWater and Swakop Uranium defended the joint venture structure as necessary to finance critical infrastructure while maintaining public sector participation.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. Government and AfDB launch N$28.5bn diversification strategy

    The government and African Development Bank unveiled a five-year partnership worth N$28.5 billion to reduce Namibia's dependence on mining by investing in climate-resilient energy, water management, transport corridors, and technical education. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the strategy aims to create labour-intensive growth and address high youth unemployment.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. Namibia and AfDB launch N$28.5 billion industrialisation plan

    The Namibian government and African Development Bank launched a five-year Country Strategy Paper providing N$28.5 billion (US$1.78 billion) to diversify the economy beyond mining, support infrastructure and climate resilience, and address youth unemployment through technical and vocational education.

    12 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Kazungula Bridge speeds cargo transit across Zambezi River

    The US$259 million Kazungula Bridge, completed in 2021 with Japanese support, has dramatically reduced crossing times between Botswana and Zambia by replacing a slow ferry with a fast road-and-rail link, easing cargo movement along the North-South Corridor trade route and boosting efficiency across the SADC region.

    11 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Namibia signs green port partnership with Korea, AfDB

    The Ministry of Works and Transport and Namibian Ports Authority signed a partnership under the Namibia–Korea Green Port Strategy Programme, receiving technical support and funding from the African Development Bank and the Government of Korea to develop a 10-year Green Port Policy, Strategy, Investment Plan and Implementation Roadmap. Namport, which manages Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports, aims to reduce emissions, improve air and water quality, and protect marine ecosystems while maintaining economic competitiveness.

    24 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Namibia hosts Global Water Partnership Organisation Secretariat

    Namibia has formally signed a headquarters agreement to host the secretariat of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) in Windhoek, making it the world's first Global South-anchored intergovernmental organisation dedicated to water. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani said the decision reflects Namibia's long experience in water cooperation, transboundary basin management, and its proven track record hosting other regional institutions.

    17 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 February

  1. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 30 businesses

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses and expects to create 147 jobs. The fund, launched in September 2025 with N$500 million allocated, offers collateral-free loans at 2% to 4% interest to young Namibians aged 18 to 45 to boost entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment.

    3 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 February

  1. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 46 young entrepreneurs

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 46 youth-owned businesses through the Development Bank of Namibia, with about 40 additional applications under assessment. The fund, a N$500 million initiative supporting Namibians aged 18–35, offers loans from N$60,000 to N$1 million at interest rates from 2%, with no collateral required.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 22 January

  1. AfDB approves US$10m loan for Namibia's green hydrogen project

    The African Development Bank has approved a US$10 million loan to Hyphen Hydrogen Energy for detailed engineering studies on Namibia's green hydrogen and ammonia project near Lüderitz, a development that could create 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions while producing up to two million tonnes of green ammonia annually for export.

    22 January 2026 · New Era →

African Development Bank — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute