… The renewed focus on natural diamonds carries particular weight for diamond-producing countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Angola and South Africa, where economies and mining sectors derive substantial value from natural diamond production. …
… Other board members are Antonio Francisco Jaime of Angola, Kagisanyo Bedi of Botswana, Boy Ronald Mavuso of Eswatini, Rijasoa Fanazava of Madagascar, Simeao Lopes of Mozambique, Alban Pulaizi of Malawi as a stakeholder representative, Bokang Makututsa of Lesotho as a stakeholder …
… They also approved the second term for several board members from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Zambia and the SADC Secretariat. …
… The government has already strengthened disease prevention measures following FMD outbreaks reported in South Africa and parts of Botswana earlier this year. …
… Kandorozu pointed to the historical role played by chief Frederick Maharero, who fled to Botswana during the genocide, and was granted asylum there. …
… He expressed solidarity with farmers in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Angola, saying livestock producers across the region face similar struggles linked to drought, uncertainty, and disease outbreaks. …
… Speaking at the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration in Okakarara, Muinjangue said copies of the order are preserved in Botswana archives, while the Nama people later received a similar order written in Dutch in 1905. …
De Beers Group has intensified efforts to boost demand for natural diamonds through a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign, aiming to distinguish natural stones from synthetic alternatives and capitalize on growing consumer interest. Namibia produced 556,000 carats in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, and diamonds remain critical to the country's economy.
Why it matters
De Beers' marketing push and Namibia's Q1 diamond output remain vital to the country's economy and export revenue.
De Beers Group has intensified efforts to boost demand for natural diamonds through a new phase of its global 'Desert Diamonds' marketing campaign, aiming to distinguish natural stones from synthetic alternatives and capitalize on growing consumer interest. Namibia produced 556,000 carats in the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, and diamonds remain critical to the country's economy.
Momentum Group reported a 15% increase in normalised headline earnings to N$5.54 billion for the nine months ended 31 March 2026, with Namibia's operations contributing strongly to growth in life insurance, new business volumes and contractual service margins across African operations. Momentum Africa, which includes Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho, recorded a 60% increase in earnings to N$304 million, driven by strong investment income, improved operating profits and positive changes in economic assumptions.
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.
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.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.
The Livestock Producers' Organisation says no country can fight foot-and-mouth disease in isolation, warning that Namibia's internationally recognised FMD-free status requires cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities, farmers and regional partners. Maintaining the status is critical to protecting the livestock industry and international beef export market access.
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia announced that the mining sector sustained more than 166,000 jobs in 2025, with continued advancement of uranium, gold, copper and critical mineral projects. The article explores the broader question of whether government or the private sector bears primary responsibility for job creation in Namibia, where unemployment remains a pressing challenge.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.
The Livestock Producers' Organisation vice-chairperson has called for stronger regional cooperation among Southern African countries to fight Foot and Mouth Disease, arguing no country can successfully combat the disease in isolation. He stressed that Namibia's FMD-free status brings responsibility to support neighbouring countries facing outbreaks, noting that disease does not recognise borders.
National Assembly deputy speaker Phillipus Katamelo said that the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people can only be addressed through meaningful action, not words alone. He urged companies operating in Namibia to focus on improving social conditions and creating jobs in local communities as a way to help correct historical injustices.
The government's proposed 51% local ownership requirement for future mining licences has strained relations with the Chamber of Mines, which raised concerns about investor confidence and capital flight. The article argues that while foreign investment is important to the mining sector, Namibia's minerals belong first to Namibians and the country must balance competing interests.
South Africa-based Africa Bitcoin Corporation, listed on the NSX, plans to expand its Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund into Namibia in 2026, with investor roadshows already underway in Namibia and Botswana. The expansion reflects growing interest in alternative investments and digital assets across southern Africa, though Namibian regulators have maintained a cautious approach toward cryptocurrency investments.
The governor of Kavango East is reviving the government's idle Uvhungu-Vhungu dairy farm, which has been non-operational for 16 years. About 70% of the resuscitation work is complete, with plans for joint ventures and approximately N$160 million needed to make the farm operational.
Natural diamonds face pressure from cheaper laboratory-grown synthetics, prompting African producers, particularly Botswana, to withhold inventory from the market to signal scarcity and protect long-term value rather than compete on depressed prices.
Activist Sem David has called on the City of Windhoek and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to release full details of mayor Sackarias Uunona's trip to the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, questioning the purpose and cost of the visit and why technical officials were not sent instead.
Former Namibian health minister Dr Richard Kamwi has been appointed president of the Society for AIDS in Africa, an organisation focused on strengthening the continent's response to HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, emerging infectious diseases and broader public health issues. The appointment followed a leadership handover ceremony and executive board transition meeting held in Accra, Ghana on 14–15 May.
A same-sex couple in Botswana has filed a court case seeking the right to marry after being told it was illegal when they attempted to register their intent at a local government office. Hearings are scheduled for 14 and 15 July; if successful, Botswana would become the second African country to legalise same-sex marriage after South Africa in 2006.
An opinion piece criticizes Botswana's frequent import restrictions on South African fruits and vegetables as protectionism that conflicts with SACU's free-trade principles, and advocates instead for regional coordination and collaboration to support food security goals.
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.
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.
Namibia Football Association president Robert Shimooshili confirmed Namibia's joint bid with South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe to co-host Afcon 2028. Shimooshili, newly elected to Cosafa's executive committee, said the NFA has agreed to co-host pending final government approval, though infrastructure upgrades including an approved stadium will be necessary.
Robert Shimooshili, president of the Namibia Football Association, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations during Cosafa's 2026 Elective General Assembly in Harare. Shimooshili said the election represents a major achievement for Namibia and an opportunity to advance football development and economic growth in the region.
Namibia is part of a regional campaign to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations with South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, according to the interim secretary general of the Namibia Football Association. The NFA has expressed its intention to host, though discussions are still in early stages and the association is seeking government support.
Namibian international centre-back Sisqo Haraseb has reported Iraqi club Al-Qasim FC to FIFA over unpaid wages and breach of contract, joining several players taking similar action. Haraseb is currently back in Namibia training with local teams ahead of Cosafa 2026.
Famous Brands reported declining profits from SADC operations, with revenue from the region falling 6% to R423 million and operating profit dropping from R51 million to R29 million, driven by weakening consumer spending in Botswana, Zambia and other regional markets. In Namibia, the company operates Debonairs Pizza, Steers, Wimpy, Mugg & Bean, Fishaways and Milky Lane.
The Trans-Africa Rally 2026, an 8,135-kilometre cross-continental expedition, completed its Namibian leg after traversing Damaraland, Etosha National Park, and Divundu over 14 days, with participants now crossing into Botswana towards Chobe Game Lodge.
Namibian Defence Force Chief Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas told newly accredited Defence Attachés from Zambia, Botswana, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe that collaborative efforts among nations and international organisations are essential for maintaining peace and preventing conflict, reaffirming the NDF's commitment to international military cooperation.
World record pole vaulter Armand Duplantis will headline the Diamond League season opener this weekend in Shanghai/Keqiao, joined by middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon, hurdler Karsten Warholm, sprinter Letsile Tebogo, and 100m hurdler Tobi Amusan. The 15-meet series will span four continents and 15 cities, culminating in the final in Brussels on September 4–5.
Travellers reported hours-long delays and disrupted services at Ngoma Border Post on Wednesday due to a medical emergency involving an officer who opens the post, with services resuming around 11h00 after additional officers were deployed. Control immigration officer Irvine Mushanana acknowledged ongoing staffing shortages at the border post during busy periods.
Botswana president Duma Boko paid respects to former president Festus Mogae, who died on 8 May after a long illness, praising him as a distinguished leader whose stewardship strengthened Botswana's democracy and stability. Botswana declared 15 May an unpaid public holiday in his honour.