Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Cabinet

Also known as: Cabinet of the Republic of Namibia

Namibia's executive body that approves policy decisions, including mining regulation, fishing restrictions, and social programs.

2025-12-082026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. May 2026

  2. Informanté

    Cabinet approved temporary change allowing trawling within 200-metre isobath for wet-landed horse mackerel

    Source

    “Cabinet recently approved a temporary change allowing trawling within the 200-metre isobath up to a depth of 150 metres (and not shallower) for wet-landed horse mackerel fishing vessels.”

    Exclusive fishing zones for horse mackerel subsector to be identified under revised trawling limits

  3. The Namibian

    Cabinet approved temporary relaxation for wet-landed horse mackerel subsector

    Source

    “Cabinet recently approved the temporary relaxation for the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector, allowing vessels to fish up to 150 metres deep from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027.”

    Government limits trawling relaxation to narrow zone
  4. April 2026

  5. The Namibian

    Cabinet directed ministries to intensify nationwide sensitisation and awareness campaigns responding to murders

    Source

    “The Cabinet has directed the ministries of gender equality and child welfare and of home affairs, safety and security to urgently intensify nationwide sensitisation and awareness campaigns to respond to a "disturbing rise" in murders across the country.”

    Govt to strengthen GBV, crime prevention efforts countrywide

  6. The Namibian

    Cabinet directed Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Social Services to develop mental health support strategies for inmates

    Source

    “The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security together with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to develop strategies to provide medical and psychological support to inmates suffering from mental health conditions.”

    Govt to strengthen GBV, crime prevention efforts countrywide

  7. The Namibian

    Cabinet must undertake comprehensive re-evaluation of current remuneration structures

    Source

    “It is imperative that the Cabinet, the government, and labour unions representing public servants undertake a comprehensive re-evaluation of current remuneration structures.”

    Civil Servants: A Struggle Against Rising Living Costs
  8. March 2026

  9. Informanté

    Cabinet resolved to temporarily reduce number of levies imposed on fuel by 50% for three months, April to June 2026

    Source

    “Furthermore, the Cabinet has resolved to temporarily reduce the number of levies imposed on fuel by 50% for three months, with effect from April to June 2026.”

    Petrol price to increase by N$2.50, diesel by N$4.00

  10. The Namibian

    Cabinet issued directives in July 2025 guiding the procurement initiative

    Source

    “The Government Stores Local Manufacturers Registration Initiative follows Cabinet directives issued in July 2025 and is aligned with the job creation and industrialisation targets set under the sixth National Development Plan.”

    Govt to prioritise local manufacturers in procurement overhaul

  11. The Namibian

    Cabinet will receive a joint report regarding the GERP and recommendations to address issues

    Source

    “The ministries will submit a joint report of the meeting to the Cabinet regarding the GERP, including recommendations to address issues within the programme.”

    Govt steps in to save Walu fishermen’s jobs
  12. February 2026

  13. New Era

    Cabinet approved Namibia's Nuclear Industry Strategy in September 2025

    Source

    “In September 2025, Cabinet approved Namibia's Nuclear Industry Strategy, and it was reported that the strategy would lay Namibia's foundation in the nuclear energy development sector.”

    Namibia’s nuclear power ambitions offer path to energy security

  14. The Namibian

    Cabinet formally approved the nomination on 23 September 2025

    Source

    “The nomination follows the formal approval of Cabinet on 23 September 2025, marking a carefully coordinated national effort.”

    Dâures/Brandberg monument could become world heritage site
Society

Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

The News

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

5 September 2026 · Informanté →

Yesterday

  1. Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 30 August

  1. MOUs are not deals; Namibia should measure diplomacy results

    An editorial argues that Memoranda of Understanding do not constitute binding agreements and typically bypass parliamentary scrutiny, and that Namibia should focus on measurable economic outcomes rather than ceremonial "signing" events with other countries.

    30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 17 August

  1. Justice system advances security plan for magistrates, prosecutors

    Namibia's Chief Justice has convened stakeholders to consider security assessment findings covering more than 400 judicial officers and prosecutors, with the assessment to be submitted to Cabinet and the Office of the Prime Minister. The move addresses risks of intimidation and violence faced by those administering and prosecuting the law, prompted partly by the death of regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda in October 2025.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Security plan for 400 magistrates and prosecutors reaches Cabinet

    Chief Justice Peter Shivute convened a meeting to review a security assessment for over 400 prosecutors and judicial officers, following concerns heightened by the death of regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda. The report is expected to be submitted to Cabinet and the Office of the Prime Minister in the coming weeks for consideration and possible implementation.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 1 August

  1. Vice President meets stakeholders on Hai-//om San challenges

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi held a high-level meeting with stakeholders in Outjo to discuss the living conditions and future of the Hai-//om San community residing in and around Etosha National Park. It was resolved that a comprehensive Livelihoods Options and Development Plan be developed to address socio-economic challenges confronting the community, with a multidisciplinary technical team to undertake field assessments across designated sites.

    1 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 31 July

  1. Cabinet approves mining policy for protected areas

    The Cabinet has approved a new national policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected areas and other environmentally sensitive zones, balancing mineral development with environmental conservation. Namibia has also been authorised to sign the statute of the African Mineral Development Centre, enabling participation in the African Union agency dedicated to sustainable mineral development.

    31 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 25 July

  1. Government advances trade management bill and investment laws

    The government is progressing on a draft international trade management bill to establish an International Trade Management Commission that will oversee trade remedies, tariff investigations, and import-export controls. A separate investment promotion and facilitation bill, which completed public consultations between December 2025 and January 2026, is being prepared for parliament to create a more transparent investment process.

    25 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 July

  1. Venaani backs Nuclear Bill to grow uranium-driven economy

    PDM president McHenry Venaani has endorsed the draft Nuclear Bill, arguing that Namibia should use its uranium resources to drive economic growth and value addition rather than export raw minerals. The government has concluded nationwide public consultations on the proposed legislation, which seeks to modernise the nuclear regulatory framework and establish three specialised institutions to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

    20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 6 July

  1. State lawyers accused of mishandling medical claims, losing millions

    Government lawyers are accused of mishandling health-related legal cases and potentially sharing settlement payouts with senior ministry officials and claimants' lawyers. Between 2019 and 2024, the health ministry spent N$14.7m on medical claims, with about N$5.5m spent over the past year, amid delays in a nationwide medico-legal training programme.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Minister denies microchip implants in electronic IDs

    Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu clarified in Parliament that Namibia's electronic identification documents, to roll out from September 2026, do not involve microchip implantation into citizens' bodies. The secure digital ID card will store biometric and demographic information including fingerprints and photographs to enable identity verification in physical and digital environments.

    18 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Government allocates N$34m for nationwide sanitation rollout

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced that the government has allocated N$34 million from the disaster management budget for sanitation interventions and plans to fast-track implementation across all 121 constituencies. About 40% of Namibian households lack access to basic toilet facilities according to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, with open defecation still practiced in many areas.

    9 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Petroleum Amendment Bill raises questions about governance and presidential power

    An opinion article argues that Namibia should not rush to formalize a more centralized petroleum governance structure that would shift authority to the Office of the President and the Upstream Petroleum Unit before parliament and the public fully consider the constitutional and accountability consequences.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 18 May

  1. SSC CEO recruitment suspended over salary concerns

    The search for a new Social Security Commission chief executive has been halted after Cabinet raised concerns about what it views as inflated executive salaries relative to member benefits.

    18 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Cabinet cuts Monica Geingos' post-office benefits and allocations

    The Cabinet has reduced the benefits of former first lady Monica Geingos, limiting her to three household staff members and two state-sponsored vehicles effective 1 June, down from her current seven employees. The new policy applies to former first ladies whose husbands die before them, but does not affect founding first lady Kovambo Nujoma.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 11 May

  1. Illegal pilchard bycatch surges despite fishing moratorium

    Pilchard bycatch has risen sharply from 608 tonnes in 2020 to more than 11,000 tonnes in both 2024 and 2025, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform warning that increasing bycatch could threaten marine biodiversity and fish stocks if not properly managed.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Ministry clarifies trawling restrictions for horse mackerel sector

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has clarified that a temporary relaxation of trawling restrictions for wet-landed horse mackerel applies only between latitudes 22° South and 24° South, allowing trawling in waters shallower than 200 meters down to 150 meters from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The ministry said exclusive offshore areas for the subsector south of latitude 22° South have not yet been finalised and will be identified after consultations with the fishing industry.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 4 May

  1. Cabinet eases trawling limits for horse mackerel subsector

    Namibia's Cabinet has approved a temporary 12-month change allowing wet-landed horse mackerel trawling within shallower waters (down to 150 metres depth) between latitudes 22°S and 24°S, effective May 2026. The Ministry of Fisheries will identify exclusive fishing zones for the subsector after consulting the industry and stakeholders.

    4 May 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 3 May

  1. Government limits trawling relaxation to narrow geographic zone

    The Ministry of Fisheries has restricted a temporary relaxation of trawling in waters shallower than the 200-metre isobath to a defined zone between latitudes 22°S and 24°S, applying only to the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector. The clarification was issued to address confusion about how Cabinet's decision would be applied, with further zone specifications and consultations to follow.

    3 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Namibia and Angola formalize N$4 billion power interconnection deal

    Namibia and Angola have signed binding agreements to jointly develop a cross-border power interconnector (ANNA), featuring a 166-kilometre transmission line linking the Kunene region to Cahama and a further 270-kilometre line between Omatando and Otjikoto. The project, estimated at N$941 million for the interconnector component and set for completion by 2029, aims to enhance regional energy security, diversify Namibia's electricity supply, and enable Angola to leverage its renewable and hydro resources across the Southern African region.

    16 April 2026 · New Era →

Friday 10 April

  1. Cabinet directs intensified GBV and crime prevention campaigns nationwide

    The Cabinet has instructed the ministries of gender equality and home affairs to urgently intensify nationwide awareness campaigns addressing a "disturbing rise" in murders, which are allegedly linked to insurance schemes, land disputes, and religious beliefs. The government also plans to provide mental health support to inmates and scale up nation-building campaigns to promote social cohesion.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Civil servants' 5% salary rise eroded by rising costs

    A 5% salary increment for Namibian civil servants has failed to improve their financial situation as rising commodity and fuel prices, increased medical aid contributions, and reduced remoteness allowances have eliminated the real value of the increase. Teachers in remote northern regions face particular hardship despite delivering essential services.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 March

  1. Petrol price rises N$2.50, diesel N$4.00 from April 1

    The Minister of Mines and Energy announced fuel price increases effective April 1, 2026, citing sharp rises in international crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and the weakening Namibian dollar. The Cabinet has temporarily reduced fuel levies by 50% for three months to April–June 2026, with the National Energy Fund absorbing an under-recovery of approximately N$500 million.

    27 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Government prioritises local manufacturers in procurement overhaul

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched the Government Stores Local Manufacturers Registration Initiative to expand Namibia's manufacturing capacity by requiring government offices, ministries, state-owned enterprises and local authorities to prioritise locally produced goods in procurement. The initiative involves registering manufacturers on an eligibility list for preferential procurement through restrictive bidding, with site inspections to verify operational capacity, though items that cannot be produced domestically will remain open to standard national bidding.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. Government reemploys 222 Walu Fishing workers through redress scheme

    The government is facilitating the re-employment of 222 former Walu Fishing workers through a redress programme involving four companies following a labour dispute. Walu Fishing lost its 2026 fishing quota after disputes with workers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 February

  1. Namibia pursues nuclear power to boost energy security

    As the world's third-largest uranium producer, Namibia is advancing plans for its first nuclear power plant to reduce reliance on imported electricity and support its Vision 2030 development goals, backed by international partnerships with Russia and China. The project faces significant capital costs and requires imported technical expertise, but recent cabinet approval of Namibia's Nuclear Industry Strategy signals sustained government commitment.

    12 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Namibia submits Dâures/Brandberg for UNESCO world heritage status

    Namibia has officially submitted a nomination dossier for the Dâures/Brandberg national monument area to be added to UNESCO's world heritage list, with the committee's decision expected by July 2027. The site, located in the Erongo region, is an ecological 'sky island' with over 900 rock art sites spanning 5,000 years of cultural history and featuring endemic species found nowhere else on earth.

    11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 February

  1. Namibia visa-on-arrival generates N$413m in under year

    Namibia's visa-on-arrival system, launched on 3 March 2025, generated N$413.4 million in revenue by 31 January, with 289,510 visas issued. The Department of Immigration Control and Citizenship also issued 51,285 travel documents during the period, reflecting improved service delivery and administrative efficiency.

    9 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 8 February

  1. Namibia's visa-on-arrival scheme generates N$413 million

    Namibia's visa-on-arrival system, launched on 3 March 2025, generated N$413 million in revenue and issued 289,510 visas by 31 January. The government is advancing digital transformation in immigration services, including planned electronic and digital ID launches in the 2026/27 financial year, while implementing further visa reforms by 1 April.

    8 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 February

  1. Namibian legal year opens with focus on reform and safety

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah opened Namibia's legal year at the Supreme Court today, marking the start of a year the justice ministry hopes will bring meaningful reform, improved efficiency, and strengthened public confidence. The judiciary has established a Safety and Security Task Force to address concerns following recent attacks on prosecutors, while legal professionals advocate for plea bargaining reforms and amendments to obsolete laws.

    5 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Parliament advances budget, land reform, and governance bills

    Parliament's second session approved the Appropriation Bill and advanced key legislative reforms including the Land Bill, Mental Health Bill, and public enterprise governance amendments, according to National Assembly Speaker Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The Speaker said the session strengthened parliamentary oversight, public participation and democratic debate while addressing pressing national challenges such as health care, land reform, unemployment and economic growth.

    5 February 2026 · Informanté →

Cabinet — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute