Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
September 2026
Windhoek Observer
International Atomic Energy Agencyprovidedindependent technical review for ISL mining foundation
Source
“Independent technical reviews, including engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, provided the rigorous foundation we needed to know what we are getting ourselves into.”
International Atomic Energy Agencyfoundno compliance issues in planned inspections
Source
“Planned inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency found no compliance issues, while the mine reported no serious environmental or radiation incidents during the year.”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)supportedthe Obninsk NEW'26 Forum in Russia
Source
“The forum, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasised the need to train a new generation of nuclear specialists as global nuclear capacity is projected to triple by 2050.”
International Atomic Energy Agencyconductedintegrated mission of Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy to Namibia
Source
“She revealed this at the integrated mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (imPACT) to Namibia recently.”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)is part ofimPACT Review Mission in Windhoek to assess Namibia's cancer systems
Source
“Speaking at the opening of the World Health Organization (WHO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) imPACT Review Mission in Windhoek on Monday, Luvindao described cancer as one of Namibia's most pressing public health threats.”
International Atomic Energy Agencyconductedan independent expert study of the proposed Stampriet uranium mining project
Source
“the director said that it currently awaits an independent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducted an independent expert study following a technical review of the proposed Stampriet uranium in situ leaching (ISL) test mining project in the Omaheke Region.”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)conducted a technical review missionto evaluate proposed uranium in-situ leach mining in Leonardville area
Source
“Wednesday's briefing followed a recent technical review mission by the IAEA to evaluate the proposed uranium in-situ leach mining opportunities in the Leonardville area.”
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)hosted by government forIndependent Technical Review Mission from 9 to 13 February 2026
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“He revealed that the government has already hosted an Independent Technical Review Mission by the IAEA from 9 to 13 February 2026 to assess the proposed project.”
International Atomic Energy Agencyissued a report statingIran had uranium enriched up to 60% for nine nuclear weapons on 31 May 2025
Source
“On 31 May 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report in which it stated reported that Iran had enough uranium enriched up to 60% for the production of nine nuclear weapons.”
International Atomic Energy Agencyis providing technical assistance to Namibia forassessing environmental impact of proposed uranium mining
Source
“The government has, therefore, requested technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who visited Namibia earlier this month and will provide a report to the government in March.”
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Cabinet engagement on mining policy clarifies the framework for resource extraction, including in sensitive areas, enabling economic benefits for communities while maintaining environmental and safety standards. The author contends that uranium operations have demonstrated responsible mining is achievable and that policy clarity removes investment uncertainty.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's Cabinet engagement on mining policy clarifies the framework for resource extraction, including in sensitive areas, enabling economic benefits for communities while maintaining environmental and safety standards. The author contends that uranium operations have demonstrated responsible mining is achievable and that policy clarity removes investment uncertainty.
Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine's revenue from uranium sales rose 71% to US$304.3 million in the year ended 30 June 2026, with production volumes increasing 61% to 4.82 million pounds of uranium oxide and the average realised price rising to US$70 per pound. The Namibia operation generated US$45.5 million in profit before income tax and finance costs, compared with a loss in the previous year.
Namibia has taken a leading role in advocating for the election of the first-ever woman as the next secretary-general of the United Nations. International relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi made this stance known during a working visit to the Republic of Congo, noting that after 80 years the UN has never had a female secretary-general, though multiple women are contesting to succeed current secretary-general António Guterres, whose second and final term ends on 31 December 2026. Namibia, Brazil, Mexico, Antigua and Barbuda, and over 110 member states have expressed strong support for electing the first female UN secretary-general.
The Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, has described the proposed uranium mining project near Leonardville by Headspring Investment as a significant economic opportunity and urged the community to consider its potential benefits for employment and poverty reduction, while acknowledging concerns about impact on the regional aquifer.
The Obninsk NEW'26 Forum in Russia reinforced international cooperation in nuclear education and training, with agreements signed to expand engineering education and global capacity-building initiatives, including growing engagement with Namibia. The forum, supported by the IAEA, emphasised training a new generation of nuclear specialists as global nuclear capacity is projected to triple by 2050.
The health minister revealed that according to 2022 data, Namibia recorded 3,453 new cancer cases and 1,940 deaths, with projections indicating over 6,300 new cases by 2045. Key diagnoses include over 553 women annually with breast cancer, 350 with cervical cancer, and rising rates of prostate cancer and other malignancies.
ROSATOM has begun construction of the world's first export small modular nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh Region, with the first concrete poured on 4 June 2026. Once completed, the plant is expected to supply up to 14% of Uzbekistan's electricity demand and offers a reference point for other uranium-producing nations, including Namibia, exploring nuclear power options.
Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could record more than 6 300 new cancer cases annually by 2045, an 84% increase over two decades, if urgent action is not taken to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment services. The country recorded approximately 2 200 new cases in 2018 and 3 453 cases by 2022, with 1 940 cancer-related deaths.
Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao warned that Namibia could face an 84% increase in cancer cases by 2045, with projections showing more than 6,300 new cases annually by that year compared to approximately 2,200 in 2018. Experts cited delayed diagnoses, limited rural screening services and barriers to treatment as key challenges, with breast cancer and cervical cancer among the most prevalent forms.
Russian state-owned Rosatom, through subsidiary Headspring Investments, claims groundwater in the Stampriet Basin already contains uranium at levels approximately 300 times higher than WHO drinking water guidelines. The company awaits an independent IAEA report on its proposed in situ leaching uranium mining project in Omaheke Region, which the Namibian government has received and Cabinet is reviewing.
A delegation of Namibian farmers, a journalist, and employees from Headspring Investments visited the Dalur in-situ uranium mine in Russia to learn about its operations and extraction methods. The mine uses in-situ leaching, which dissolves uranium underground and pumps it to the surface, avoiding open-pit mining, tunnelling, and tailings ponds.
Namibia's Atomic Energy Board, chaired by Shitaleni Herman and appointed for a three-year term, will focus on reviewing legislation, strengthening technical capacity, and assessing projects as the country implements its Cabinet-approved Nuclear Industry Strategy. The strategy is now part of the sixth National Development Plan, the first time nuclear development has been included at that level.
The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association has raised concerns that proposed In Situ Leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin could contaminate critical groundwater resources and threaten the basin's agricultural sector, which generates over N$1.1 billion annually and supports over 13,000 jobs. The organisation argues that ISL mining introduces toxic substances including radionuclides and heavy metals into water systems and has called for greater transparency, scientific scrutiny, and adherence to environmental regulations before any mining decisions are made.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has endorsed the continuation of uranium mining by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom, in the Leonardville area despite environmental concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer. The committee chair argues that uranium is a natural resource already present in the area and that In-Situ Recovery technology, refined over 50 years, should be allowed to proceed to acquire scientific knowledge and enable Namibia to develop its nuclear industry.
Former Senegalese president Macky Sall has been nominated as Africa's candidate for the UN secretary general position, which will become vacant on 1 January 2027 when António Guterres's term ends. He is competing against former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi.
A parliamentary standing committee recommended allowing Rosatom to proceed with uranium exploration and mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, arguing the project could help gather scientific data on natural contamination. The recommendation has drawn criticism from former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein and farming groups, who warn the project could permanently damage the aquifer—Namibia's key drinking water source for the arid south—and lack scientific grounding, while supporters cite potential economic benefits and Rosatom's expertise.
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has backed uranium exploration by Russian state-owned Rosatom in the Omaheke region, citing potential for billions in investment and thousands of jobs, though the project faces resistance from environmentalists and farmers concerned about groundwater contamination.
The government is seeking an independent technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before deciding on Headspring Investments' application to conduct four-year test mining using in-situ leaching in the Omaheke region. Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti said the decision will prioritise science-based evaluation of impacts on the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System and community rights, with the IAEA's technical report expected to undergo inter-ministerial review before March.
The Environmental Commissioner confirmed no final decision has been made on the proposed uranium in-situ leach mining project in Leonardville, Omaheke Region. The government is awaiting a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducted an independent review mission in February 2026 to evaluate environmental, groundwater, health and safety impacts before the government decides whether to proceed.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused Namibian fuel prices to rise 83% between April 2021 and February 2022, driving inflation from 3.1% to 4.8% and forcing interest rate increases that burden households and businesses. Current unrest in Iran and tensions in the Middle East pose similar risks to Namibia's oil-dependent economy, with prolonged price spikes potentially damaging growth.
Namibia's environment ministry will base its decision on a proposed uranium mining project in Omaheke on scientific findings, not politics, the government said. The project—an in-situ leach mining operation by Headsprings Investments (under Russian state-owned Rosatom)—has raised concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer, which supplies water to the region and neighbouring countries. The government has requested a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which will deliver its report in March.
Headspring Investments says it will implement recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency following the agency's technical review of its proposed in-situ recovery uranium mining project in the Omaheke Region earlier this month. The company emphasises that the extraction method is water-efficient and widely used globally, and pledges to install observation wells for real-time monitoring of groundwater safety.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao announced that the Ministry of Health will establish oncology services in Oshakati this year, with three specialist oncologists earmarked for the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital as part of efforts to decentralise cancer care and reduce treatment waiting times to a maximum of six weeks. The Ministry also plans to develop radiotherapy capacity, procure new brachytherapy equipment, and ensure availability of essential chemotherapy medicines.
Hungary has begun construction of the Paks II nuclear power plant, marking the first facility in the European Union to feature third-generation VVER-1200 reactors. The project, built with Russian technology through Rosatom, received construction permits in November 2025 and represents a strategic development for Hungary's nuclear energy sector.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao accepted a donation from the Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies to support cancer control efforts at Windhoek Central Hospital on International Cancer Day. The ministry is developing a comprehensive National Cancer Control Programme, expanding oncology services to northern regions, and working to detect cancer at earlier stages when treatment is more effective and cost-efficient.
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia has only one specialist oncologist in the public health sector, with six more in private practice, creating long waiting times and late-stage cancer diagnoses. The government is finalising a national cancer control programme and plans to decentralise services to northern regions, while four oncologists are being trained abroad to strengthen public sector capacity.
Dr Kaire Mbuende, Director-General of Namibia's National Planning Commission, said the country cannot ignore nuclear energy generation given its status as Africa's largest uranium producer. He cited energy insecurity—with less than 60% of the population having electricity access and 60% of supply imported—as justification for pursuing nuclear alongside renewables, oil and gas, and small modular reactors, all under an IAEA-compliant national strategy.
Namibia is advancing plans to develop nuclear power generation through international partnerships and compliance with global benchmarks, with the National Planning Commission director noting the move aims to diversify the mining sector, reduce electricity imports, and capture greater value from uranium production. The government has approved a National Nuclear Industry Strategy that includes establishing a Nuclear Institute of Namibia and transferring atomic energy administration to the National Planning Commission.
An editorial argues that Namibia's recent ministerial visit to Russia marks a pragmatic shift from historical solidarity to practical economic cooperation, with bilateral trade nearly doubling in 2024 and new opportunities in uranium, agriculture, and value-added manufacturing.
Following a Moscow visit by Namibia's International Relations Minister, the two countries are shifting their historic political relationship toward structured economic partnership. Discussions centred on mining, energy, agriculture, and logistics, with particular focus on uranium cooperation through Russia's Rosatom, which plans exploration by 2026 and commercial mining by 2029, while bilateral trade nearly doubled in 2024 to US$11.7 million.