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

Indileni Daniel

Also known as: minister Indileni Daniel · Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel · minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel · Minister Daniel · Environment Minister Indileni Daniel · Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel · environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel · Honourable Indileni Daniel · Hon. Indileni Daniel

Indileni Daniel — Environment and Tourism Minister, advocating for drought resilience and environmental protection at global and national forums.

2025-11-202026-09-06

What’s been said

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

  1. January 2026
  2. Informanté

    The environment minister noted that reactive responses alone are insufficient and focus must shift towards proactive investment

    Source

    She added that while the government continues to invest in early warning systems, drought relief and water security, reactive responses alone are not enough.

    Environment Minister calls for proactive approaches to natural disasters
  3. New Era

    Environment minister Indileni Daniel called for an end to illegal sand and gravel mining across Namibia

    Source

    Auleria Wakudumo Environment minister Indileni Daniel has called for an end to illegal sand and gravel mining across various parts of Namibia.

    Stop illegal sand, gravel mining – Ministry
  4. New Era

    Daniel said that illegal sand and gravel mining poses danger to the environment, people, livestock and wildlife

    Source

    Daniel explained that illegal sand and gravel mining poses danger to the environment, people, livestock and wildlife, such as land degradation, erosion of riverbanks, damage to infrastructure, destruction of wetlands and agricultural land like mahangu fields.

    Stop illegal sand, gravel mining – Ministry
  5. Informanté

    Minister of Environment Indileni Daniel raised alarm over growing incidence of illegal sand and gravel mining nationwide

    Source

    THE Minister of Environment, Indileni Daniel, has raised alarm over the growing incidence of illegal sand and gravel mining nationwide, warning that unregulated activities pose serious risks to both the environment and local communities.

    Environment minister warns against rising illegal sand and gravel mining
  6. Informanté

    Daniel announced the ministry will undertake regional stakeholder engagements on Sand and Gravel Mining Regulations

    Source

    In response to the ongoing challenges, the Ministry will soon be undertaking regional stakeholder engagements on Send and Gravel Mining Regulations.

    Environment minister warns against rising illegal sand and gravel mining
  7. December 2025
  8. The Namibian

    Indileni Daniel launched Tourist Statistical Report for the year 2024

    Source

    It is with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you today to launch our much-anticipated Tourist Statistical Report for the year 2024.

    Statement by Environment and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel at the Launch of Tourist Statistical Report 2024
  9. The Namibian

    Minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel said the surge in arrivals highlights the sector's resilience and its ability to withstand external shocks.

    Source

    Launching the report in Windhoek, minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel said the surge in arrivals highlights the sector's resilience and its ability to withstand external shocks.

    Tourism rebounds as a million visitors arrive
  10. The Namibian

    The minister announced that the ministry is finalising the National Tourism Spatial Development Master Plan.

    Source

    The minister also announced that the ministry is finalising the National Tourism Spatial Development Master Plan, a framework aimed at guiding spatial planning, improving tourism infrastructure and positioning Namibia as a more competitive global destination.

    Tourism rebounds as a million visitors arrive
  11. November 2025
  12. The Namibian

    Indileni Daniel leads Namibia's COP30 delegation

    Source

    The group is led by environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel and Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) chief executive Benedict Libanda.

    Namibia sets out its green concerns

Friday 4 September

  1. Vice President urges youth involvement in sustainable development

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the fifth Sustainable Development Awards ceremony, calling for youth empowerment as a driver of Namibia's sustainable development and emphasizing that sustainable development is a shared national endeavour requiring commitment from all sectors of society.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 3 September

  1. Agriculture minister appeals Sandpiper phosphate environmental clearance

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has appealed against the environmental commissioner's decision to grant an environmental clearance certificate to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper marine phosphate mining project, appealing against the decision in its entirety and all conditions in the certificate.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia urges proactive drought management for economic resilience

    Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel called at a UN desertification conference in Mongolia for drought to be treated as a development priority rather than an emergency, emphasizing that Namibia must invest in preparation and resilience instead of reacting only after disasters strike. As one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia faces rising temperatures, variable rainfall, and prolonged droughts that threaten agricultural production, water security, and affect more than one million people during severe droughts.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Agriculture ministry challenges phosphate mining environmental clearance

    The Minister of Agriculture is challenging an Environmental Clearance Certificate granted to marine phosphate mining company Namibian Marine Phosphate, citing a moratorium placed on phosphate mining in 2013, while the Environment Minister said the Environmental Management Act process will take its course and environmental groups oppose the project citing ecosystem damage risks.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  4. President opens Creative Sport Tourism Expo, emphasizes economic growth

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the Creative Sport Tourism Expo at Hage Geingob Stadium, calling for sport, tourism and creative industries to be connected and leveraged to drive economic growth in Namibia.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Venaani criticises government coordination over phosphate project ECC

    The PDM president McHenry Venaani has accused the government of poor coordination after the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform appealed an environmental clearance certificate granted to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Venaani said the appeal exposed shortcomings in how government ministries communicate and make decisions, noting the agriculture ministry only learned of the Environmental Commissioner's decision through social media two days after it was granted on 5 August 2026.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Saturday 29 August

  1. Minister Daniel urges global drought resilience framework action

    At the UN Convention to Combat Desertification's COP17 in Mongolia, Environment Minister Indileni Daniel called for stronger international action on drought, warning that the failure to establish a robust global drought framework has severe consequences for drought-prone African countries including Namibia, as communities continue to lose livelihoods, livestock, and crops while negotiations continue.

    29 August 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 27 August

  1. Namibia prioritizes drought preparedness over emergency response

    At the UN Convention to Combat Desertification conference in Mongolia, Namibia's environment minister called for greater investment in drought preparedness measures, stating that the country can no longer afford to respond only after disaster strikes. She noted that more than one million people can face food insecurity during severe droughts and that Namibia is strengthening early-warning systems, contingency planning, and water security measures.

    27 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 13 August

  1. Namibia to send delegation to UNCCD COP 17 conference

    Namibia will send a delegation headed by Environment and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel to the 17th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17 to 28 August.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Fishing group challenges phosphate mining environmental clearance

    The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has filed a formal appeal challenging the environmental commissioner's grant of an environmental clearance certificate to Namibia Marine Phosphate, arguing the company's mining licence expired years ago and the commissioner lacked authority to issue the certificate under the Environmental Management Act.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 12 August

  1. President opposes marine phosphate mining approval in Atlantic

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.

    12 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Itula challenges phosphate project's environmental clearance

    Independent Patriots for Change leader Dr Panduleni Itula has filed an appeal and legal objection against the Environmental Clearance Certificate granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate (Pty) Ltd for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, arguing the decision violates Namibia's environmental law and the precautionary principle, particularly given that marine seabed bulk dredging is unprecedented globally.

    12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 9 August

  1. Namibia launches environmental data platform for planning

    Environment Minister Indileni Daniel launched a Multilateral Environmental Agreements Monitoring and Reporting Platform at the University of Namibia to improve access to environmental information and support national planning, research and decision-making. The platform, developed with technical support from UNAM, serves as a central repository for environmental data for government, researchers and development partners.

    9 August 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Ikaba fishing area in Zambezi Region declared fisheries reserve

    The government has declared the Ikaba fishing area in the Kabulabula conservancy a fisheries reserve to protect and sustainably manage inland fish resources in Namibia's Zambezi Region, following an initiative by the Zambezi Regional Council and the Bukalo Traditional Authority.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Plastic bag levy generates N$250 million since 2021/22

    Namibia's plastic bag levy has generated N$249 750 858.91 between the 2021/22 financial year and the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, with the revenue funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. The levy, introduced under the Customs and Excise Act and expanded from 2018–2019, aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and promote environmentally responsible behaviour.

    14 July 2026 · New Era

Sunday 12 July

  1. Namibia strengthens enforcement against illegal lithops plant trafficking

    The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has intensified efforts to curb illegal harvesting and trade of lithops, endemic desert succulents prized by collectors worldwide. Environment minister Indileni Daniel told parliament that Namibia has strengthened monitoring, law enforcement and international cooperation, including regular compliance inspections and border monitoring to prevent unlawful exports of the protected species.

    12 July 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 3 July

  1. Upgraded cattle auction in Okongo generates N$9m for farmers

    An upgraded auction kraal in Okongo, Ohangwena region, has facilitated the sale of more than 1,100 cattle and generated close to N$10 million in turnover, with more than N$8.9 million going directly to communal farmers from five regions. The facility, which received upgraded machinery worth about N$4 million, was officially handed over this week by the environment minister and UNDP representative.

    3 July 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Minister inaugurates Ndevahoma Auction Kraal for Ohangwena livestock marketing

    Minister of Environment Indileni Daniel inaugurated the Ndevahoma Auction Kraal in Okongo Constituency, Ohangwena Region, to provide farmers competitive livestock marketing closer to home and reduce travel costs. Since becoming operational, the kraal has facilitated the sale of more than 1,100 cattle, generating close to N$10 million in turnover, with more than N$8.9 million going directly to farmers.

    1 July 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Namibia's international tourist arrivals decline by 3.2%

    International tourist arrivals to Namibia fell 3.2% to 1,217,108 in 2025 from 1,257,093 in 2024, with the Environment Minister attributing the decline partly to safety concerns and crimes against tourists, particularly a 27.4% drop from Germany.

    30 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 29 June

  1. Namibia records 3.2% decline in international tourist arrivals

    Namibia welcomed 1,217,108 tourists in 2025, down from 1,257,093 in 2024, a decline the tourism minister attributed to global economic conditions, shifting traveller preferences, intensifying competition from other destinations, and concerns about visitor safety and security.

    29 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Sunday 28 June

  1. New visa policy linked to drop in German tourism

    German tourist arrivals to Namibia in 2025 fell compared to the previous year, potentially due to a visa policy introduced last April that ended visa-free travel for European countries. The number of European visitors dropped from 266,000 in 2024 to 210,000 in 2025, though the Hospitality Association of Namibia notes the industry has not seen a similar decline in source markets.

    28 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 25 June

  1. SUNAM desalination project launched with government and Chinese backing

    Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 5 June

  1. Deputy commissioner: Nature offers solutions to climate change

    Namibia's deputy environmental commissioner Caroline Garus-Oas says protecting natural ecosystems such as forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands is critical in addressing climate change, noting that trees and algae absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain environmental balance. She also advocates for sustainable cities incorporating climate-smart buildings, solar energy and green spaces as nature-based solutions.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 21 May

  1. Namibia launches luxury tourism expo to drive economy

    Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel has launched the Namibia Luxury Travel Market Expo, scheduled for November or December, to position the country's tourism sector as a premium niche. The minister emphasized tourism's role in generating foreign exchange, employment, and socio-economic transformation as part of Namibia's Vision 2030 and sixth National Development Plan.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 17 May

  1. Namibia and WWF sign over N$1 billion conservation funding agreement

    Namibia's government and the World Wildlife Fund will sign a funding agreement worth over N$1 billion to support long-term conservation efforts under the Namibia for Life initiative, using the Project Finance for Permanence model. The agreement will be signed on 20 May 2026 at Droombos, with attendance from the Prime Minister, Environment Minister, community conservancy leaders, civil society, donors, and the private sector.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 14 May

  1. Namibia promotes sustainability-focused tourism at Africa's Travel Indaba

    Namibia's Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel told Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban that the country's tourism contribution is rooted in sustainability, policy alignment, innovation and market positioning, and called for African nations to work together to strengthen storytelling around the continent's tourism offerings.

    14 May 2026 · Informanté

  2. Margaret Gustavo appointed NWR acting managing director for two years

    Cabinet has approved the appointment of Margaret Gustavo as acting managing director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts for a two-year period ending April 2028, as government moves to stabilise the state-owned tourism entity. Cabinet has also directed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the parastatal over the next 24 months.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 7 May

  1. Namibia announces 2026 hunting season rules and limits

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has set the 2026 hunting season for game animals and birds, with some activities allowed until the end of August. Hunting periods vary by farm type—from 1 May to 31 August on game-proof fenced farms and conservancies, and from 1 June to 31 July on adequately fenced farms—with species-specific and daily limits; hunting generates about N$400 million annually for Namibia.

    7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 3 May

  1. Namibia launches Sustainable Wildlife Management Legal Hub

    The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has launched the Namibia Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme Legal Hub, a website providing public access to statutory and legal instruments relating to natural resource management. The hub was funded by the French Government through the French Development Agency, with co-funding from the German Government through GIZ.

    3 May 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 5 April

  1. President to appoint eight deputy ministers and new minister

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian

Indileni Daniel — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute