Also known as: the African Union summit · African Union summit · African Union Assembly of Heads of State
Continental organization founded in 1963 as the Organisation of African Unity, now tasked with advancing African unity, integration, and development including the African Continental Free Trade Area.
African Unionaims to reducethe incidence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory infections
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“Complementing this effort, the African Union's Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030 aims to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory infections.”
African Unionlaunchedthe Single African Air Transport Market
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“The African Union has launched the Single African Air Transport Market which aims to liberalise air transport on the continent and promote greater competition and connectivity.”
African Unionis commemorated for60 years of existence
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“Namibia this week joins the rest of the African continent to commemorate 60 years of the existence of the African Union (AU), formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).”
The African Unionorganises annuallythe Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda following a decision to recognise 7 April as a day of remembrance for genocide victims
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“The Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, is organised annually by the African Union (AU) following a decision to recognise 7 April as a day of remembrance for genocide victims.”
the African Unionadvocates through its African Leadership Meeting forincreased domestic resources for health
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“To this end, the Global Fund supports initiatives like the African Union's African Leadership Meeting (ALM), which advocates increased domestic resources for health.”
African Unionmarkedfirst African Anti-Corruption Day last week for all 55 countries
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“This made the first African Anti-Corruption Day last week, for all 55 countries of the African Union, an important step in recognising both the realities and responsibilities for corruption.”
Namibia observed its second Genocide Remembrance Day to reflect on the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero, Nama, Damara, and ≠Nkhoen San peoples. The commemoration emphasises the need for truth-telling, restorative justice, and Germany's full acknowledgment of responsibility for the genocide.
Why it matters
Genocide Remembrance Day observance reiterates calls for truth-telling and German accountability, keeping a historic injustice at the centre of national discourse.
Namibia observed its second Genocide Remembrance Day to reflect on the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero, Nama, Damara, and ≠Nkhoen San peoples. The commemoration emphasises the need for truth-telling, restorative justice, and Germany's full acknowledgment of responsibility for the genocide.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp warned that Namibia risks future instability if young people are excluded from governance, economic opportunities and decision-making. She noted that 37% of Namibia's population is under age 15 and that youth should be treated as partners in governance and development rather than as a problem to manage.
Namibia marked Africa Day with renewed calls for continental unity and self-reliance. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that African nations face economic disruptions, climate change, disease outbreaks and geopolitical uncertainty, and urged strengthening regional cooperation, intra-African trade, and investment in local institutions.
An opinion piece questions whether African leaders have acted as a unified front to address the continent's problems as envisioned by Ghana's founding president Kwame Nkrumah at the 1963 founding summit of the Organisation of African Unity, and examines whether Africa has gained true control of its mineral wealth or remains dependent on external powers.
Africa Day is celebrated annually on 25 May to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, marking the continent's progress and cultural heritage. The article questions whether the celebration holds meaning for ordinary Africans, noting that while the AU envisions an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, many Africans regard the day as merely another public holiday marked by political speeches.
An opinion piece argues that Africa Day should prompt businesses, not just governments, to engage with the continent's development priorities, particularly water security—critical to food, health, and industry—and the African Continental Free Trade Area's goal of intra-African trade.
Swakopmund will host the Africa Economic Leadership Council conference and expo from 28 to 30 May to promote domestic investment and intra-African trade opportunities under the theme 'Unpacking the AfCFTA and Access to Markets'. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and African Continental Free Trade Area secretary general Wamkele Mene are expected as guests of honour, with about 100 exhibitors and 200 delegates anticipated.
An opinion piece argues that while foreign powers do pursue their interests in Africa, the deeper problem is Africa's lack of disciplined structures, weak institutions, and fragmented leadership that allow resources to be negotiated away, and that Africa must stop waiting for rescue and instead build order.
India has supported Namibia's independence since 1946 and hosted Swapo's first embassy abroad in 1986. The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (28–31 May) will align India's development vision with Africa's Agenda 2063 and strengthen the relationship through business and ministerial meetings.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology Emma Theofelus has challenged young Namibians to embody the resilience, courage and spirit of resistance demonstrated by founding president Sam Nujoma, speaking at a commemoration event hosted by the Physically Active Youth Empowerment Organisation in Katutura.
Ghana's foreign minister announced the country will evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa following recent protests against foreign nationals and reported xenophobic attacks. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the "protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals" as isolated acts of criminality, saying his government would regulate migration and enforce its laws.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi arrived in Nairobi to lead Namibia's delegation to the Africa Forward Summit, where African leaders and investors will discuss investment, innovation, and economic cooperation. Namibia is focusing on securing partnerships that support industrialisation and value addition rather than dependence on raw material exports.
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.
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.
The Pan-African Parliament in South Africa this week is electing a new bureau after resolving a 15-year argument about leadership representation. In May 2017, the PAP passed a resolution to introduce regional rotation of the presidency, addressing a pattern in which only east, west, and central African leaders held the top position during the institution's first 18 years.
The Africa Economic Leadership Council will hold a three-day Invest in Africa Trade Expo and business summit in Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May, aiming to connect African entrepreneurs and businesses and unpack opportunities in sectors including oil and gas, natural resources, and minerals beneficiation as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned a new National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism, with Namibia tasked to spearhead efforts tackling youth unemployment across Africa. The country's approach involves youth development funding, apprenticeships and education support, though Namibia itself faces a youth unemployment rate of around 44.4% according to census-based figures.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed former ambassador Wilfried Emvula as chairperson of the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, with ten members inaugurated for a term to January 2030. The council, established under the APRM Statute, will provide strategic oversight and ensure transparency in governance reforms aligned with Namibia's development plan and Africa's Agenda 2063.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially inaugurated the Third National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening governance systems and aligning with national development priorities. The council will oversee key governance areas and lead Namibia's second-generation country review process.
Namibian Cabinet approved development of a commercial cattle feedlot and livestock value chain hub at Farm Kehoro under a 25-year lease, reserved the Okoutjete Gold occurrence in Kunene from mining operations, and ordered a technical assessment of Northern Regional Electricity Distributor's infrastructure needs following recent industrial action.
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.
Namibia's government has supported the SHINE programme, an international exchange initiative involving six local universities and two European partners in Germany and Spain, aimed at improving education quality, graduate employability, and research opportunities. The EU-funded project, running from January 2026 to December 2028, seeks to modernise higher education and position Namibia as a hub of academic excellence in southern Africa.
An opinion piece argues that portraying Africa as a global climate leader shifts responsibility away from historical emitters and reinforces exploitation through renewable energy, carbon offsets, mineral extraction, and labour frameworks that benefit wealthy countries. The author urges African leaders to adopt an Afrocentric climate position rooted in justice and differentiated treatment, rather than accepting a narrative that frames climate change as a technical financing challenge.
Namibia was among 123 countries that voted at the UN General Assembly to declare the transatlantic slave trade a "gravest crime against humanity" and call for reparations to address historical wrongs. The United States, Israel and Argentina voted against the resolution, while 52 EU countries abstained.
The United Nations General Assembly voted 123-3 to declare the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity", urging member states to consider apologizing and contributing to a reparations fund. The UK, US, and other nations opposed or abstained, citing concerns about legal precedent and the responsibility of modern institutions for historical wrongs.
At the opening of the 22nd African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund, Industries Minister Modestus Amutse called on Africa to ensure innovation in energy, water, communications and transport expands access for all rather than widening inequalities. He highlighted Namibia's renewable energy potential, including emerging leadership in green hydrogen, and commitments to inclusive economic growth and regulatory frameworks that attract investment while guaranteeing affordable services.
At the 22nd African Forum for Utility Regulators conference in Swakopmund, Namibia's Minister of Mines and Industries Modestus Amutse called for African nations to embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, smart grids and automation to support development across energy, water, communications and transport sectors while expanding access to essential services. He stressed that despite progress, millions of Africans still face energy poverty and limited digital access, and urged regulators to prioritise practical solutions including integrating emerging technologies into utility regulation and promoting inclusive access.
Namibia is hosting the 22nd Annual Conference of the African Forum for Utility Regulators in Swakopmund from 22–27 March, bringing together regulators from across the continent to explore how innovative technologies can improve access to essential services in energy, water, transport, and other sectors. The conference theme is "Innovative Technologies for Inclusive and Resilient Utility Regulation," with delegates discussing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
At a State House ceremony, Namibia's Head of State Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation's 36th Independence Day, reflecting on the country's sovereignty and the international solidarity that enabled its liberation. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence while expressing gratitude to nations and movements that supported the independence struggle.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah celebrated Namibia's 36th Independence Day by reflecting on the country's sovereignty since 1990 and expressing gratitude for global support during the liberation struggle. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development while addressing socio-economic challenges and youth empowerment.