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

Ericah Shafudah

Also known as: finance minister Ericah Shafudah · Erica Shafudah · minister of finance Ericah Shafudah · Ericah Shafuda · Minister of finance, Erica Shafudah · finance minister Erica Shafudah · minister Ericah Shafudah

Finance Minister who in June 2026 directed state enterprises to improve resource management and coordinated Namibia's exit from the FATF grey list.

2023-04-242026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced operational budget of N$81.3 billion for 2026/27 financial year

    Source

    “Finance minister Ericah Shafudah last Thursday announced an operational budget of N$81.3 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with spending heavily concentrated in the social sector.”

    What you need to know about Shafudah’s budget

  3. The Namibian

    Ericah Shafudah describes programme as foundational pillar in modernisation of financial system

    Source

    “Shafudah in the statement describes the programme as a foundational pillar in the modernisation of the financial system.”

    Bank Windhoek pilots digital grants

  4. New Era

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled Namibia's N$104 billion national budget on Thursday

    Source

    “Namibia's N$104 billion national budget, tabled on Thursday by Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah, was dominated by operational spending versus a sharp drop in capital expenditure.”

    Operational spending dominates N$104b budget …leaving room for private sector to meet developmental needs

  5. The Namibian

    Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah said fiscal consolidation and financial prudence were necessary given high public debt and interest payments

    Source

    “Presenting the national budget for 2026/27 in the National Assembly on Thursday, minister of finance Ericah Shafudah said fiscal consolidation and financial prudence were necessary in the context of high public debt and high interest payments.”

    Budget 2026/27: Namibia state-owned enterprises face funding cuts as fiscal consolidation hits subsidies

  6. The Namibian

    Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah tabled the 2026/27 financial year national budget on 26 February

    Source

    “On 26 February, minister of finance Ericah Shafudah tabled the 2026/27 financial year (FY) national budget under the theme, 'People, Productivity and Prudence,' amid a sluggish economy.”

    Shafudah Walks Fiscal Tightrope as Growth Slows

  7. The Namibian

    Ericah Shafudah revealed that borrowers are expected to save at least N$314 million annually from rate cuts

    Source

    “Namibian borrowers are expected to save at least N$314 million annually following a 25-basis-point reduction in commercial banks' lending rates implemented by December 2025, minister of finance Ericah Shafudah revealed last week.”

    Rate cuts to save borrowers N$314m annually

  8. The Namibian

    Ericah Shafudah announced income tax adjustments during the tabling of the national budget

    Source

    “This was announced by minister of finance Ericah Shafudah during the tabling of the national budget last week.”

    Tax to be adjusted in April

  9. The Namibian

    Ericah Shafudah said income tax amendment bill will be presented in the second quarter of 2026

    Source

    “"The income tax amendment bill is currently under legal review and is set to be presented in the second quarter of 2026," she said.”

    Tax to be adjusted in April

  10. The Namibian

    Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah said the country's debt portfolio is 88% domestic and 12% foreign as at January

    Source

    “Minister of finance Ericah Shafudah last week said the country's debt portfolio is 88% domestic and 12% foreign as at January.”

    National debt to cross N$200-billion mark

  11. The Namibian

    Shafudah said the currency configuration underscores a prudent external borrowing stance and reduced vulnerability to exchange-rate volatility

    Source

    “"The currency configuration underscores a prudent external borrowing stance and reduced vulnerability to exchange-rate volatility," Shafudah said.”

    National debt to cross N$200-billion mark
Sport

Namibia targets sport's employment contribution to rise to 3.5% by 2030

The News

Namibia aims to increase sport's contribution to employment from approximately 1% to 3.5% by 2030, with the government calling on institutions, sports bodies and the private sector to support this goal. The initiative was highlighted at the Creative Sport Tourism Expo, where officials emphasised the need for quality coaching, safe facilities, regular competitions and professional administration to develop talent and connect athletes to opportunity.

2 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Namibia targets sport's employment contribution to rise to 3.5% by 2030

    Namibia aims to increase sport's contribution to employment from approximately 1% to 3.5% by 2030, with the government calling on institutions, sports bodies and the private sector to support this goal. The initiative was highlighted at the Creative Sport Tourism Expo, where officials emphasised the need for quality coaching, safe facilities, regular competitions and professional administration to develop talent and connect athletes to opportunity.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 30 August

  1. Government efforts to hold SOEs accountable for productive outcomes

    The administration is ramping up efforts to help government and state-owned enterprises realise their potential, with SOEs now required to rigorously account for and deliver productive outcomes after receiving treasury bail-outs and support with little strategic oversight. The government is particularly betting on mining and agriculture sectors to boost state revenue.

    30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 28 August

  1. NASRIA injects N$25 million into all 14 regions

    The Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association has handed over N$25 million to regional governors to support productive initiatives across all 14 regions, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare emphasising that the funds must deliver tangible economic benefits including job creation and infrastructure improvements.

    28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 27 August

  1. 16-year-old honoured for rescuing twins from pond

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah awarded Kornelius Tulotokela Shimuafeni, a 16-year-old Grade 7 learner, the Most Distinguished Order of Namibia, Third Class, and N$200,000 after he risked his life to rescue nine-month-old twins from a pond in the Omusati region despite not knowing how to swim.

    27 August 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 23 August

  1. IMF warns Namibia on debt and fiscal adjustment post-pandemic

    The IMF advised Namibia in August to tighten fiscal policy, cut the public wage bill, and pursue structural reforms to address rising public debt and borrowing costs. The article notes that Namibia had repaid its pandemic-era IMF loan in April and retired a major Eurobond in October, with 88% of its debt now domestic.

    23 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 9 August

  1. Finance minister urges state enterprises to manage resources better

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah told state-owned enterprises to stop relying on increased state funding and instead make effective use of already-allocated resources, saying some SOEs receive funding running into more than N$1 billion. She urged them to end narratives of limited funding and focus on improving management of public financial resources, with the Namibia Ports Authority chief executive also recommending SOEs explore private-sector partnerships for financial sustainability.

    9 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Businessman says young ministers asserting authority over parastatal CEOs

    Businessman Leake Hangala told public enterprise chief executives that Namibia's new Cabinet ministers, while young and well-educated, often remind board chairpersons and parastatal leaders of their ministerial authority. Hangala said personality clashes between officials have hindered constructive discussions and called for institutional approaches that do not depend on personalities.

    9 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 7 August

  1. President gives state enterprises 24 months to deliver results

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told parastatals she will not accept long-term plans or bureaucratic delays, demanding instead tangible outcomes within 24 months and threatening personal intervention to remove obstacles to economic development.

    7 August 2026 · New Era →

  2. President sets 24-month deadline for SOE investment projects

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed state-owned enterprises to identify strategic investment projects ready for implementation within 24 months and specific reforms to unlock growth, saying she will "disrupt" government systems where necessary to remove barriers to delivery.

    7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Government payroll system ends, Entrépo microlender freezes new loans

    Entrépo Finance, a microlender that relied on government payroll deductions for civil servants, has stopped granting new loans after the Ministry of Finance ended its payroll deduction management system in November. The company, 55.5% owned by Capricorn Group, has retrenched close to 20 employees and has not approved a new loan in more than six months, according to sources.

    6 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 July

  1. PM meets DBN and university on regional manufacturing

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah met with the Development Bank of Namibia and the University of Namibia on Friday to discuss regional manufacturing efforts.

    27 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 9 July

  1. IPC demands accountability for stalled TransNamib fraud referral

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of inaction on a March 2022 Ernst & Young investigation that found prima facie evidence of fraud and theft at TransNamib, after the report was referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission in March 2022 with no subsequent prosecution or recovery of funds. The party says TransNamib fell over N$23 million behind on employee contributions during the investigation period.

    9 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 July

  1. President tours NDF brigade, emphasises discipline and professionalism

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek and emphasised discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism, while calling for coordinated response to substance abuse within the Namibian Defence Force. She reminded troops of their responsibility to protect the Central Region, including the capital city and key institutions.

    8 July 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Task force review of SOE salaries risks failure without implementation

    Former finance minister Calle Schlettwein has warned that a new 11-member task force appointed to review state-owned enterprise salaries over three months will fail without strict implementation and broader structural reforms. He cited previous attempts that failed because SOEs regraded themselves to higher categories and a commission recommendation that was approved but never implemented.

    1 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Fishing industry warns of 50% bycatch levy hike

    Namibia's fishing industry has cautioned that the government's proposal to increase the bycatch levy from 15% to 50% could threaten company viability and lead to job losses and vessel shutdowns. The Namibian Hake Association warns the measure, combined with stricter bycatch thresholds and forfeiture provisions, would be punitive rather than corrective, and says the industry was not meaningfully consulted before the proposal reached Cabinet.

    30 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 29 June

  1. Fisheries minister raises bycatch penalty levy to 50%

    Namibia's agriculture minister has implemented a Cabinet decision to increase the penalty levy on bycatch from 15% to 50%, citing alarming increases in bycatch volumes and threats to marine biodiversity. The ministry convened stakeholder consultations in response to some fisheries recording increases of more than 200% in bycatch over the past decades.

    29 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Motor industry divided over relaxing Namibia's vehicle import age limit

    The government is reconsidering restrictions on importing vehicles older than 12 years, saying the policy has increased costs without achieving its intended purpose. Motor industry stakeholders are split, with some calling for consumer protections to accompany any relaxation, citing concerns about vehicle suitability to local conditions and after-sales support.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia exits FATF grey list after major financial reforms

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as of 19 June 2026, following the amendment of nine laws and enactment of four new pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. The government hailed the removal as a turning point for investor confidence and integration into the global financial system.

    24 June 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibia exits FATF grey list, strengthening financial system confidence

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, effective 19 June 2026. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah said the exit reflects political commitment and institutional coordination on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing reforms, while cautioning against complacency.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 21 June

  1. Parliament disrupted again as opposition challenges speaker authority

    The national assembly adjourned Wednesday after opposition parliamentarians clashed with speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila over her authorisation of the finance minister to speak on behalf of the prime minister. The editorial argues that repeated parliamentary disruptions reflect a failure of political leadership across parties and have prevented debate on critical legislation, including the petroleum bill.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 20 June

  1. Namibia removed from FATF grey list following reforms

    Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list after successfully implementing reforms to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. The country was initially grey-listed in February 2024 with 13 identified deficiencies, which it addressed ahead of a May 2026 deadline.

    20 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 19 June

  1. Namibia removed from Financial Action Task Force greylist

    The Financial Action Task Force has removed Namibia from its greylist after successfully addressing all 13 strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, two years after being greylisted in February 2024.

    19 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. National Assembly passes Income Tax Amendment Bill 2025

    The National Assembly has passed the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2025, which replaces the current "special court" with a dedicated tax court operating as a division of the High Court to resolve income tax and VAT disputes. The tax court will provide taxpayers and the Namibia Revenue Agency with a more structured and efficient mechanism for resolving tax disputes.

    19 June 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Draft law tightens regulation of accounting and auditing

    Namibia's Finance Minister tabled a bill to replace the 1951 Public Accountants and Auditors Act and establish a new Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority to oversee accountants, auditors, and accounting technicians while aligning the profession with international standards.

    18 June 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government tables bill to establish independent Tax Court

    The government has tabled the Income Tax Amendment Bill of 2026 to establish an independent Tax Court within the High Court system, replacing the defunct Special Tax Court following a 2021 High Court ruling that found key provisions of the existing system unconstitutional due to a conflict of interest involving the minister of finance.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Tax Court reform strengthens separation of powers

    The government's proposal to establish an independent Tax Court addresses a constitutional gap following a 2021 High Court ruling that declared aspects of the old Special Tax Court unconstitutional, with the new framework placing the court within the High Court structure and assigning judicial independence over judge appointments.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Namibia to overhaul accounting and auditing regulatory framework

    Finance Minister Erica Shafudah has tabled the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill in Parliament, proposing to replace the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Act of 1951 with new legislation that establishes the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority to regulate auditors, accountants, accounting technicians, and firms, aligning Namibia's standards with international best practice.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. National Assembly descends into disorder over speaker's rulings

    Opposition parliamentarians from the PDM, AR, and IPC challenged speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday over the manner in which she was conducting proceedings, with members arguing she was dismissing points of order without allowing them to be heard. The confrontation erupted after finance minister Ericah Shafudah was authorised to table and read a debate speech on behalf of prime minister Elijah Ngurare, a move strongly opposed by opposition parties.

    17 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government tables amendments to establish independent tax court

    Finance Minister Erica Shafudah has introduced amendments to the Income Tax Act in the National Assembly aimed at establishing an independent tax court to hear income tax and value-added tax appeals. The new court, to function within the High Court structure, responds to a 2021 High Court ruling that found the former special tax court unconstitutional due to the minister's conflicting powers over tax administration and court appointments.

    17 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 15 June

  1. Finance minister says old car import ban may be ineffective

    Namibia's finance minister said the government is reconsidering its ban on importing vehicles older than 12 years, acknowledging that the policy may have only increased costs for consumers without stopping the vehicles from entering the market. The minister noted that import policies were developed before online shopping and small-scale import businesses became common.

    15 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Ericah Shafudah — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute