Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

Emmanuel Macron

Also known as: Macron · President Emmanuel Macron · French President Emmanuel Macron · French president · The French leader

French president announced strategic nuclear expansion, social media restrictions for minors, and called for increased European investment in strategic sectors.

Mining & Energy

French energy delegation explores Namibia's oil and gas sector

The News

A delegation of 20 French companies and energy firms completed a business mission across Namibia, signalling France's intent to centre energy at the core of its economic partnership with the country. The mission, organised by Evolen (a French professional association representing 250 energy companies), was accompanied by French ambassador statements emphasizing French interest in Namibia's energy sector.

20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

  1. French energy delegation explores Namibia's oil and gas sector

    A delegation of 20 French companies and energy firms completed a business mission across Namibia, signalling France's intent to centre energy at the core of its economic partnership with the country. The mission, organised by Evolen (a French professional association representing 250 energy companies), was accompanied by French ambassador statements emphasizing French interest in Namibia's energy sector.

    20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Hungarian voters oust Orban, elect pro-Europe newcomer Magyar

    Peter Magyar's Tisza party won a decisive parliamentary majority with record turnout, ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Magyar, a political newcomer promising to restore democratic checks and balance, pledged to put Hungary "back on track" with Europe after Orban's clash with the EU over rule-of-law and Ukraine.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. France and UK plan separate peacekeeping mission for Hormuz

    France and Britain will organize a "peaceful multinational mission" to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, separate from the warring parties, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. The UK confirmed it will not join the US naval blockade of the strait announced by Trump.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 March

  1. G7 considers strategic oil reserve release amid Middle East tensions

    French President Emmanuel Macron said the G7 will discuss releasing strategic oil reserves as finance ministers prepare crisis talks on the Middle East war; three G7 countries, including the US, have already backed the proposal, which aims to stabilize soaring oil prices amid supply concerns.

    11 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. France expands nuclear arsenal, extends deterrence to eight European allies

    President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will increase its nuclear warheads from around 300, launch a new nuclear-armed submarine in 2036, and extend its "advanced deterrence" strategy to eight European countries including Germany, Poland, and the UK, allowing them to participate in nuclear exercises and host French air bases. The move, described as the most significant change in French strategic thinking since 1960, aims to complicate adversaries' calculations across the European continent while retaining sole decision-making power over nuclear weapons use with the French president.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

  1. Nvidia and Indian firms announce AI infrastructure partnerships

    US chipmaker Nvidia unveiled partnerships with Indian computing companies including L&T and Yotta at an AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, with commitments to build large-scale data centre capacity to support India's development as a global AI hub. India expects over US$200 billion in AI investments over the next two years, with major players including Microsoft, Adani Group, and others pledging substantial commitments alongside discussions by world leaders on AI governance and regulation.

    19 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Macron calls Europe to invest in strategic sectors amid US competition

    French president Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to boost investment in strategic sectors—including green and digital technologies, defence, and security—or risk being "swept aside" by competition from the United States and China. He warned against complacency over US "threats" and "intimidation," advocated for simplifying the EU single market and diversifying trade partnerships, and renewed calls for common European borrowing capacity through Eurobonds, estimating the EU needs around 1.2 trillion euros annually in public and private investment.

    11 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 27 January

  1. France's parliament backs bill banning social media for under-15s

    France's lower house voted 116-23 in favour of legislation that would ban under-15s from accessing platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, with President Macron calling it a "major step" toward protecting children's mental health. The bill now goes to the Senate for approval, and similar restrictions are being considered in other European countries including Denmark, Greece, Spain and Ireland.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 22 January

  1. Trump backs off tariff threat after NATO talks on Greenland

    President Trump said the US has formed a "framework" for a potential deal on Greenland and the Arctic region after talks with NATO, abandoning threats to impose tariffs on European allies. Diplomatic sources indicated there was no agreement for American control of the autonomous Danish territory, though talks on mineral rights and military cooperation could continue.

    22 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 21 January

  1. Trump doubles down on Greenland acquisition, threatens tariffs on Europe

    US president Donald Trump has reiterated his intent to acquire Greenland, warning "there is no going back" and threatening 10% tariffs on eight European countries and 200% tariffs on French wine if they oppose the takeover. European leaders including French president Macron and EU Commission president Von der Leyen have rejected the proposal as a violation of Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty, with Macron calling for "respect to bullies" and the "rule of law to brutality."

    21 January 2026 · The Namibian →

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