News reports
Order a long-term news report on Middle East
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
New Era
Heather Erdmann Yesterday, parts of Windhoek experienced a sharp surge in fuel demand as residents rushed to fill up their vehicles ahead of a price increase that took effect today, driven by growing tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. …
Oil fuels desperate timesNew Era
BEIJING – 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 straitThe Namibian
As 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?New Era
One month into the United States and Israel’s war on Iran, the Middle East is beginning to feel significantly different, with its whole effects being felt across the world. …
Fought in Middle East, felt in NamibiaNew Era
TEHRAN – Iran’s parliament speaker yesterday accused the United States of plotting a ground attack despite talking about diplomacy, after a US warship with around 3 500 military personnel arrived in the Middle East. …
Iran parliament speaker says US planning ground attackThe Namibian
Australia will halve a fuel tax to help motorists experiencing soaring petrol prices due to war in the Middle East, prime minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday. …
Australia to halve fuel tax in response to Middle East warThe Namibian
… Adding to that speculation, US Central Command said on Saturday that a further 3,500 US sailors and marines arrived in the Middle East as part of a unit led by the warship USS Tripoli. …
Why does the US have Iran's Kharg Island in its sights?The Namibian
Iran’s parliament speaker has warned that his country’s forces were “waiting for American soldiers” as a further 3,500 US troops arrived in the Middle East. …
Iran says its forces ‘waiting' as US troops arrive in regionThe Namibian
… This media conference has been convened to provide a timely and transparent update to the Namibian nation on the current status of supply, in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and to outline the key factors influencing supply as well as the measures b …
Minister Modestus Amutse briefs on fuel supply and price review in WindhoekThe Namibian
… He noted that global oil prices remain sensitive to developments in the Middle East, particularly shipping routes and production levels, which may affect local fuel prices but not availability. …
Fuel supply stable, says AmutseThe IMF projects Sub-Saharan Africa's economy will grow 4.5% in both 2026 and 2027, supported by commodity receipts and global supply-chain adjustments, but rising inflation, costly borrowing, and declining foreign aid pose risks to the region's outlook.
20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The IMF projects Sub-Saharan Africa's economy will grow 4.5% in both 2026 and 2027, supported by commodity receipts and global supply-chain adjustments, but rising inflation, costly borrowing, and declining foreign aid pose risks to the region's outlook.
20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened Vedanta Zinc International's Gamsberg Phase II expansion in the Northern Cape, which will double the mine's zinc-in-concentrate capacity to approximately 500,000 tonnes annually and create 800 to 1,000 jobs during operations.
19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia received special recognition at the 31st World Assembly of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations in Germany for its work representing aircraft owners and pilots, promoting proportionate aviation regulation, and supporting general aviation development in Namibia and the wider region.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
International commodity prices for gold, uranium, copper, tin and zinc are helping cushion Namibia's mining sector against weaker production and rising operating costs. Gold, diamonds and uranium generated approximately N$3.9 billion in export earnings in July, accounting for about 62% of Namibia's domestic exports, though diamonds faced pressure from weak demand and lab-grown competition.
7 October 2026 · Informanté →
President Trump said the US moved its bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK because of threats to the base, with the Pentagon confirming about a dozen B-1s were removed to American home stations. Trump indicated the US knew who made the threat but did not identify them.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's diesel prices will remain unchanged for October while petrol 95 increases by N$1.50 per litre from 7 October, providing relief to the industrial economy dependent on diesel for transport, mining, construction, agriculture and power generation.
5 October 2026 · New Era →
Petrol prices will increase by N$1.50 per litre on Wednesday while diesel prices remain unchanged for October, energy minister Modestus Amutse announced Friday. The minister cited volatile international oil markets, geopolitical tensions, increased shipping costs, and a weaker Namibia dollar as drivers of the petrol price rise.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The UK is in talks with US authorities over a potential diesel export ban and preparing contingencies as prices rise amid supply pressures from the US-Israel conflict with Iran and Russia's war with Ukraine. UK Chancellor John Healey stated the government is discussing the matter with the Americans and has diesel stocks available, while noting that the UK depends on the US for around a third of its diesel imports.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
G7 foreign ministers have jointly called for Iran to end its support for the Houthis in Yemen, condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and warning that regional fighting threatens energy security. The statement was issued ahead of the UN General Assembly, as thousands of refugees have fled Yemen following Houthi seizure of Red Sea territory including the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's annual inflation rate reached 5% in August, the highest since February 2024, driven largely by transport costs including a 17.1% rise in vehicle operating costs and 25.1% higher fuel prices. A Financial Inclusion Survey revealed that 546,000 working Namibians have no disposable income and rely on debt for basic needs, with 51.3% borrowing for food.
20 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Chinese double-cab bakkies have traditionally had lower towing ratings than Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger models, but this is beginning to change. The article examines why towing capacity matters even when unused, noting that over-engineered components for towing benefit overall vehicle performance.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Headline inflation rose to 5% year-on-year in August 2026 from 4.4% in July, driven primarily by transport inflation reaching 13.2% as petrol prices surged to 25.1%. With oil prices rising globally, fuel subsidies withdrawn, and El Niño-related risks mounting, inflation risks are tilting upward over the medium term, according to Standard Bank Group Economist Helena Mboti.
15 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
US President Donald Trump said he does not think the Iran war will end until after November's midterm elections, adding that oil prices will not come down until then. Trump told reporters that "right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downward," and claimed Iran is "desperate to try and affect the election."
10 September 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa exported agricultural products worth US$1.2 billion to Zimbabwe in 2025, representing about 8% of South Africa's agricultural exports and making Zimbabwe the country's second-largest agricultural export market after the Netherlands, according to World Bank data and discussions at the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission Business Forum.
7 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibian fuel prices are set to increase effective 2 September 2026, with ULP95 rising 60 cents per litre and both diesel grades rising N$1.60 per litre, driven by geopolitical volatility and disruptions in global oil markets stemming from Middle East tensions.
31 August 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's energy ministry will increase petrol prices by 60 cents per litre to N$25.08 and diesel by N$1.60 per litre effective September 2, citing volatile international oil markets and a 30-cent increase in road user charge levies to fund feeder road projects.
28 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has announced fuel price increases effective from midnight 2 September 2026: ULP95 will increase by 60 cents per litre, while Diesel 50ppm and Diesel 10ppm will each increase by 160 cents per litre. The revised pump prices at Walvis Bay will be N$25.08 per litre for Petrol 95, N$27.86 per litre for Diesel 50ppm, and N$27.96 per litre for Diesel 10ppm.
28 August 2026 · Informanté →
Global air cargo demand increased 8.5% year-on-year in June 2026, outpacing a 4.4% rise in available capacity, according to the International Air Transport Association. Growth was driven by high-value technology shipments and urgent freight across all regions, though IATA cautioned that Middle East conflict and potential US tariff measures pose risks for the second half of 2026.
30 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia imports approximately 96% of the fruit consumed within its borders, almost entirely from South Africa, representing lost jobs, taxes, and processing opportunities that could benefit the domestic economy rather than neighbouring nations.
27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
US ambassador Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night to give diplomacy more space, following nearly two weeks of daily strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. An Iranian army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, though Waltz said the president is keeping all options on the table.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Yemen's Houthi fighters have attacked shipping in the Red Sea, forcing vessels to divert from the narrow Bab El Mandeb strait that connects Europe to Asia. The attacks occur amid ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a broader regional conflict, with two Saudi vessels hit by missiles this week and the Houthis claiming to have turned back ten others.
24 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The World Bank Group has appointed Stefano Mocci as its country manager for Namibia effective 1 July, overseeing the bank group's operations across three institutions and working to support projects aimed at boosting economic growth, creating jobs and improving resilience. Mocci brings more than 20 years of World Bank experience and previously served as country manager for Fiji and the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The government spent N$1.3 billion in two months to keep fuel prices low, draining the National Energy Fund to between N$200 million and N$300 million. Heavy spending began in April when international fuel costs rose, with the government paying N$805 million in April and N$490 million in May.
2 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has reduced fuel prices for July after spending N$1.3 billion in relief; petrol drops by N$1.00 per litre and diesel by N$4.00 per litre effective 3 July, attributed to lower international crude oil prices and a stronger Namibian dollar. A coordinated fuel supply arrangement running through September 2026 will eliminate import premiums previously charged above the Basic Fuel Price.
2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's fuel prices will decrease effective 3 July 2026: petrol 95 by N$1.00 per litre to N$22.48, and all diesel grades by N$4.00 per litre (diesel 50 ppm to N$24.26, diesel 10 ppm to N$24.36 at Walvis Bay). The Minister of Mines attributed the reductions to softer international oil prices, improved supply chains, and NAD appreciation against the USD.
1 July 2026 · Informanté →
African carriers recorded an 8.9% year-on-year increase in passenger demand in May 2026, with capacity rising 8.3% and load factor improving to 73.4%, according to International Air Transport Association data. Global demand contracted by 2.2% over the same period, though the decline was less severe than in previous months.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Bank of Namibia's governor reports that the Monetary Policy Committee increased the repo rate by 25 basis points in response to rising inflationary pressures driven by oil infrastructure damage and shipping disruptions from Middle Eastern conflict. As a small open economy, Namibia remains vulnerable to external shocks transmitted through global markets.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Petroleum oils, including diesel and petrol, accounted for 18.1% of Namibia's goods imports in April, the highest share of any product. The country imported goods worth N$14.2 billion but exported only N$9.8 billion, creating a N$4.4 billion trade deficit, with petroleum mainly sourced from Nigeria, Oman and Sweden.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare warns that geopolitical tensions, particularly the Middle East conflict, are exerting pressure on Namibia's economy through higher imported inflation, rising shipping costs, and weaker external demand. Achieving the proposed N$87.9 billion budget outcome will require significant improvements in operational efficiency across government offices, ministries, and agencies.
9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Ministry of Finance officially launched a budget reform rollout workshop as the government seeks to create outcome-based budget programmes amid growing public debt and narrowing fiscal space. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare stated that the 2026/27 National Budget of N$87.9 billion was tabled against recovering global conditions, but the global environment has since changed due to the ongoing Middle East war; he added that public debt stands at N$174.6 billion (65.2% of GDP) and the government has committed to reducing the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of GDP in 2026/27 to 3.3% by 2028/29.
9 June 2026 · Informanté →