… He has turned the arid former French colony into an international military and maritime hub for both the United States and China. …
Djibouti’s president set to win sixth termNamibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Place
China
Also known as: Shanghai · Chinese government · Chinese · Communist China · the Chinese government · the PRC
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- April 2026
… China has also acknowledged that their vessels have also used the channel. Questions remain over the scope of these assurances and just how lasting these agreements with Iran will be. …
Trump's Hormuz deadline looms but Asian nations have already struck deals with Iran… Nasa is seeking to return a crew to the lunar surface by 2028, before China does in about 2030.
Manned mission to moon fires engines to leave Earth's orbit… Namibia has secured new export opportunities for products such as dates to Canada and India, pasta through regional trade fairs, and possible long-term exports of marula oil and baobab products to China. …
Namibia doubles down on economic diplomacy … foreign missions get over N$952m… The real shift went beyond budgets, with Trump’s focus moving from Europe to China. …
Opinion – The great illusion of NATO is fading fastBEIJING – Beijing expressed “gratitude” yesterday for coordination that enabled three Chinese ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway which Iran has all but closed during the war in the Middle East. …
China expresses ‘gratitude’ after three ships transit Hormuz straitAs the war in the Middle East enters its second month, choking the world’s energy supply and sending oil prices soaring, China is trying to step in as a peacemaker. …
China is trying to play peacemaker in the Iran war – will it work?- March 2026
… Curacao have now crashed to consecutive defeats after losing 2-0 to China, with new Dutch coach Fred Rutten facing a formidable task at the Caribbean island nation’s maiden World Cup. …
Australia head to World Cup on a high after crushing Curacao 5-1… Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is on Tuesday travelling to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. …
How Pakistan won over Trump to become an unlikely mediator in the Iran war… The tankers then come back down the Gulf and out of the Strait of Hormuz, to China – the main buyer of Iranian oil. …
Why does the US have Iran's Kharg Island in its sights?
Business
Namibia's March vehicle imports valued at N$979 million
The News
Namibia imported commercial vehicles worth N$979 million in March, predominantly from South Africa, India and China, while re-exporting N$48 million worth mainly to Zambia, according to NSA trade statistics. The country recorded a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion in March, an improvement from the previous month's N$5.2 billion deficit.
10 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Today
Namibia's March vehicle imports valued at N$979 million
Namibia imported commercial vehicles worth N$979 million in March, predominantly from South Africa, India and China, while re-exporting N$48 million worth mainly to Zambia, according to NSA trade statistics. The country recorded a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion in March, an improvement from the previous month's N$5.2 billion deficit.
10 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Yesterday
Namibia's trade deficit narrows to N$2.3 billion in March 2026
Namibia recorded exports of N$13.2 billion and imports of N$15.5 billion in March 2026, resulting in a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion—an improvement from the N$5.2 billion deficit in February. China was the largest export market and South Africa the main source of imports, with mining commodities (uranium, gold, nickel ores, diamonds) dominating exports alongside fish, while re-exports increased significantly.
10 May 2026 · Informanté →
Thursday 7 May
Paladin Energy sees uranium opportunities amid rising global demand
Paladin Energy says rising global nuclear energy demand and a uranium supply shortage are creating opportunities for the company to strengthen value from its uranium assets, including the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia's Erongo region. The company is focused on increasing production while maintaining financial flexibility and benefiting from long-term uranium supply contracts.
7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Wednesday 6 May
Three dead in suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, with two cases confirmed so far and two crew members presenting with respiratory symptoms. Hantavirus is a virus strain carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings, with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome having an approximate 38% mortality rate when respiratory symptoms develop.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 5 May
China's Wu Yize wins World Snooker Championship, beats Murphy 18-17
Wu Yize, 22, won the World Snooker Championship for the first time with a dramatic 18-17 victory over Shaun Murphy at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, becoming the second Chinese player to win the title.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 23 April
Government spends N$867m annually on school feeding programmes
The government spends about N$867 million a year feeding more than 75,000 learners in State-run hostels. At Bunya Combined School in Kavango East, learners depend on soft porridge as their only reliable meal of the day, which teachers say directly impacts concentration and performance, though the school lacks proper dining infrastructure.
23 April 2026 · New Era →
Taiwan president cancels Eswatini trip after flight permits revoked
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled a planned visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar revoked his aircraft's flight permits, which Taiwan officials attributed to Chinese pressure and economic coercion. China denied coercion and praised the three nations for upholding the "one-China" principle, while the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Ted Cruz criticised the permit revocations as blatant coercion.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 21 April
Namibia and China pledge cooperation on energy, mining, agriculture
Following high-level talks between Namibian Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in April 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism, infrastructure, and human resource development. Namibia emphasised the importance of adding value to natural resources including critical minerals through local processing, while both sides committed to enhancing cultural and youth exchanges.
21 April 2026 · Informanté →
Monday 20 April
Namibia gains duty-free access to Chinese market from May 2026
Namibia will access 100% duty-free entry into the Chinese market from 1 May 2026 under a "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement. The government says the zero-tariff measure will boost industrialisation, strengthen export growth, and enhance Walvis Bay's role as a regional trade hub.
20 April 2026 · Informanté →
Sunday 19 April
Namibia delegation visits China to advance renewable energy capacity
A technical delegation comprising representatives from the Namibia Power Corporation, Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is in China to study advanced renewable energy technologies, including wind energy, solar solutions, and battery storage, with engagements centered on scaling Namibia's infrastructure and supporting the country's goal to increase renewable energy's share in the national energy mix from 54% to 70% by 2040.
19 April 2026 · Informanté →
Saturday 18 April
China pledges support for Namibian industrialisation and value addition
China says it will support Namibian economic development and local processing of natural resources including uranium, according to a joint statement issued after a week-long visit by Namibia's trade minister. Namibia aims to shift from exporting raw materials to China towards processing and manufacturing value-added products locally in sectors such as green hydrogen, mining, and oil and gas.
18 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 17 April
Namibia sends delegation to China for renewable energy expertise
A high-level Namibian delegation, led by the Green Hydrogen Programme and supported by the Global Wind Energy Council, is visiting China to study renewable energy solutions and industrial development, with focus on wind power, solar energy, battery storage, and fuel cells. The visit aims to help Namibia reduce electricity imports, build local energy supply, and eventually become a green energy exporter.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Wednesday 15 April
President says Namibia overregulated like developed country
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described Namibia's regulatory environment as too rigid and unsuited to a developing economy, citing it as one of her biggest challenges. She called for reform and a shift in work culture and mindset, including moving away from rigid 08h00–17h00 schedules, to drive meaningful economic transformation.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia urges Chinese investors to process minerals locally
International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has called on Chinese investors to move beyond buying raw materials and instead invest in local industries such as minerals processing, agriculture, and manufacturing to help reduce Namibia's persistent trade deficit and create jobs. The minister noted that Namibia exports minerals including uranium and copper to China while importing manufactured goods, and stressed that adding value to resources locally is critical for closing the trade gap and creating economic benefits.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
US blockade of Iranian ports threatens global oil supplies
US president Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of an oil shock by threatening supplies particularly to Asia. The blockade follows recent US-Israel military action and threatens to disrupt Iran's crude exports at a time when shipments have been helping ease global market pressure, with oil prices already jumping 8% in response to the announcement.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
China condemns US naval blockade of Iranian ports
China's foreign ministry has called the US naval blockade of Iranian ports "irresponsible and dangerous," saying it undermines a fragile ceasefire and jeopardises safety in the Strait of Hormuz. The move threatens China's oil supply and comes as analysts say the US is attempting to pressure Beijing to encourage Iran to reopen the critical waterway.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia seeks Chinese partnership for resource value addition
Minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi called for stronger collaboration with China to add value to Namibia's natural resources and address the country's trade deficit, noting that Namibia exports mostly raw materials like uranium, copper, and fish while importing high-value finished goods. She highlighted Namibia's opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and tourism, and positioned the country as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub supported by Port of Walvis Bay expansion and enhanced border infrastructure.
15 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 14 April
Livestock sector generates N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange
Namibia's livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and contributed 3.5% to GDP, supporting over 45,000 direct jobs and sustaining approximately 70% of the population's livelihoods. The sector maintains unique concurrent export access to the USA, China, Norway, and the EU.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Sunday 12 April
Namibia's livestock sector generates N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange
Namibia's livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and contributed 3.5% to GDP, supporting over 45,000 direct jobs in primary production and 12,000 technical roles in export and processing, according to Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani. The sector sustains livelihoods for approximately 70% of Namibians and Namibia remains the only African country with concurrent export access to the US, China, Norway, and the EU.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 10 April
Renewable energy reaches nearly 50% of global capacity
Renewable energy accounted for nearly half of global power capacity by the end of 2025, with solar and wind driving a record 15.5% annual increase in renewable capacity. Africa's renewable capacity rose by a record 15.9%, but the continent added only 1.6% of global additions, with growth concentrated in Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 9 April
Djibouti's 27-year leader Guelleh expected to win sixth term
Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has ruled Djibouti since 1999, is poised to extend his control of the strategically important Horn of Africa nation in a presidential election widely dismissed as uncompetitive, with the opposition divided and a human rights monitor calling it a "masquerade."
9 April 2026 · New Era →
Tuesday 7 April
Asian nations negotiate safe passage with Iran through Hormuz
As Trump threatens military action against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, several Asian countries—including the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and China—have already struck agreements with Tehran to ensure safe passage for their vessels through the critical shipping route. The diplomatic arrangements reflect nations' heavy energy dependence on the Gulf and their preference for negotiation over conflict, though the scope and durability of these agreements remain uncertain.
7 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 3 April
Nasa's Artemis II crew leaves Earth orbit towards moon
Nasa's Artemis II spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, fired its engines to break out of Earth's orbit and head towards the moon, the first crewed departure from Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew will circle the moon before returning to Earth, setting a new record for the furthest spaceflight and paving the way for future lunar landings and Mars missions.
3 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 2 April
Namibia prioritizes economic diplomacy with N$952m to foreign missions
Namibia is repositioning its foreign policy to compete in a world where economic strength defines global standing, with 69.5% of the International Relations and Trade Ministry's N$1.37 billion budget allocated to foreign missions. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi warned of emerging "electro state nations" and called for diplomatic missions to act as economic engines protecting national interests amid global instability and competition over critical minerals and technology.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
NATO's cohesion weakens as US shifts priorities to China
According to a Higher School of Economics analysis, NATO is experiencing structural fractures as the US under Trump repositions from European leadership to a demanding hegemon role focused on China containment, while questioning allies' territorial integrity and reducing Ukraine support. European members now doubt the credibility of US nuclear guarantees and seek alternatives, though a unified European defence remains politically unrealistic, suggesting the alliance will persist but with reduced cohesion and interest-driven rather than collective cooperation.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
Wednesday 1 April
Chinese ships transit Hormuz strait with Iranian coordination
China's foreign ministry said three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz following coordination with relevant parties, after shipping through the crucial waterway had slowed dramatically due to Iran's effective blockade during Middle East conflict. Iran considers the strait open to "friendly countries" and maintains diplomatic ties with China.
1 April 2026 · New Era →
China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict
China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 31 March
Australia crush Curacao 5-1 before World Cup in June
Australia's Watford striker Nestory Irankunda scored twice as the Socceroos defeated World Cup qualifier Curacao 5-1 in Melbourne, securing a strong finish before heading to North America for the tournament. Curacao, the smallest nation ever to make a World Cup, face a difficult group including Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Pakistan positions itself as mediator between US and Iran
Pakistan has emerged as an unlikely intermediary in escalating US-Iran tensions, leveraging its relationship with US President Trump, its geographic proximity and cultural ties to Iran, and its lack of involvement in the conflict. However, the role carries significant risks: Pakistan depends on oil through the Strait of Hormuz, faces domestic pro-Iran sentiment, and could be dragged into the conflict through its defence pact with Saudi Arabia while also managing security threats from Afghanistan and India.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 30 March
US considers seizing Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal
US President Trump has suggested the possibility of seizing or blockading Iran's Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, as leverage to pressure Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The US struck military targets on the island in March while deliberately preserving oil infrastructure, though Pentagon preparations for a potential ground operation remain under consideration.
30 March 2026 · The Namibian →