Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
April 2026
The Namibian
Moses Pakotesaidno final decision taken yet regarding property transfer
Source
“Pakote last week said there is an ongoing process aimed at aligning Nida's operations with its core mandate of industrialisation, including the establishment and management of industrial infrastructure. "At this stage, no final decision has been taken regarding the transfer of any property," he said.”
Ministry's executive director Moses Pakotestated the strategic plan wasformulated through a participatory process with stakeholder consultation workshops
Source
“According to the ministry's executive director, Moses Pakote, the strategic plan was formulated through a participatory process which entailed several consultation workshops with diverse stakeholders.”
MIME executive director Moses Pakotehighlightedthe inclusive nature of the strategy's development, noting it was shaped through extensive stakeholder consultations
Source
“MIME executive director Moses Pakote highlighted the inclusive nature of the strategy's development, noting it was shaped through extensive stakeholder consultations.”
Moses Pakotesaysillegal fuel trading is a challenge along the Angolan border
Source
“Executive director Moses Pakote says illegal fuel trading is a challenge, particularly along the Angolan border, and the ministry is working with law enforcement to address the issue.”
Moses Pakotecategorically deniedany fuel shortage in Namibia
Source
“In the statement, Pakote "categorically" denied any shortage, confirming that adequate stocks of both diesel and petrol are available to meet national demand in the short, medium and long term.”
Moses Pakoteissued a statement sayingthere are no fuel shortages in Namibia
Source
“In a statement issued by executive director of industries, mines and energy Moses Pakote on Friday, the ministry says it has noted growing concerns on social media regarding an alleged fuel shortage, but clarifies that these claims are unfounded.”
Moses Pakotewarnedfailure to comply will result in termination of licences
Source
“He warned that failure to comply will result in the termination of existing licences, and new licences will have to be applied for in accordance with the provisions of the Liquor Act.”
Moses Pakoteexplained thatNamibia relies on licensing controls, border enforcement, inspection, sampling, record audits, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure fuel quality
Source
“Moses Pakote (MP), the ministry's executive director, explained to New Era's Head of Business, Edgar Brandt (EB), that Namibia relies on licensing controls, border enforcement, inspection, sampling, record audits, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure fuel quality and prevent smuggled Angolan fuel from entering the retail system.”
Moses Pakotestated thatNamibia relies on licensing controls, border enforcement, inspection and sampling to prevent smuggled Angolan fuel
Source
“"Namibia relies on a combination of licensing controls, border enforcement, inspection and sampling, record audits and inter-agency cooperation to prevent smuggled Angolan fuel from entering the regulated retail fuel system," said Moses Pakote, MIME executive director.”
Executive director Moses Pakotenoted thatincreased VLCC supply and lower bunker fuel prices reduced voyage costs
Source
“According to executive director Moses Pakote, the increased supply of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and lower bunker fuel prices helped reduce voyage costs.”
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency is fighting a government directive to transfer 154 properties worth about N$3 billion to a new Public Asset Management Agency, warning that the assets are central to its funding and operations. The transfer, allegedly mandated by Cabinet as part of state asset restructuring, has raised fears about job losses and the agency's existence.
Why it matters
Nida fights government order to hand over N$3 billion in assets, threatening the agency's operations and jobs.
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency is fighting a government directive to transfer 154 properties worth about N$3 billion to a new Public Asset Management Agency, warning that the assets are central to its funding and operations. The transfer, allegedly mandated by Cabinet as part of state asset restructuring, has raised fears about job losses and the agency's existence.
Motorists queued at service stations across Namibia yesterday to fill up before fuel prices rise by N$2.50 per litre for petrol and N$4 per litre for diesel on 1 April, prompting panic buying, hoarding, and complaints that wholesalers are withholding contracted supplies to profit from higher prices. The government says sufficient stocks exist and has reduced levies by 50%, but restrictions on bulk purchases by retailers like Agra are disrupting farming operations.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a five-year strategic plan targeting local content development, capacity building, and value addition in mining and green industries. The plan aims to reposition the ministry as a driver of industrialisation while supporting sustainable resource management, renewable energy, and investment in micro, small and medium enterprises.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy unveiled a 2025/26–2029/30 strategic plan to transform Namibia from a raw commodity exporter into a value-driven industrial economy, prioritising local content, beneficiation, and capacity-building in mining and green industries. The strategy aims to develop domestic processing capabilities for minerals including uranium, diamonds, and rare earths, supported by an Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme for small enterprises, while balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Global conflict and shipping disruptions threaten fuel supply and prices, prompting analysts and government officials to warn Namibians against panic buying and illegal fuel storage, which could create fire hazards, environmental damage and market distortions. Namibia is particularly vulnerable as it imports all refined petroleum products, and rising fuel costs are expected to increase transport, food and operating costs across the economy.
The Namibian government has reassured the public that domestic fuel supply remains stable and sufficient amid rising global oil prices, citing the National Oil Storage Facility at Walvis Bay (capacity 75 million litres, three months' reserves) and mandatory 30-day reserves held by fuel companies as key buffers against global disruptions.
Namibia's government has dismissed circulating reports of fuel shortages, stating the country has sufficient supplies to meet demand in the short, medium and long term. The ministry notes that global oil prices have risen above US$100 per barrel due to Middle East tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
The Ministry of Industries has announced that all liquor licences must be renewed and fees paid by 31 March 2026, in accordance with the Liquor Act. Failure to comply will result in licence termination, requiring new applications to be submitted.
Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy monitors fuel quality and security through licensing, border enforcement, inspection, sampling, and inter-agency cooperation to prevent smuggled Angolan fuel from entering the retail system. The ministry conducts routine and random sampling at ports, depots, and service stations, and has installed aboveground storage tanks at police stations and arranged waste management with licensed providers to safely handle confiscated illegal fuel.
Former deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete has not received his parliamentary salary for four months following his October dismissal from Cabinet, reportedly because the National Assembly has not received an official directive confirming his removal from the executive. Officials cite administrative delays, while a political commentator attributes the delay to institutional incompetence in reintegrating him into the parliamentary payroll system.
Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy oversees fuel quality through licensing, border enforcement, and inspections, but faces persistent challenges from smuggled Angolan fuel known as 'Ngungula' sold at cheaper prices. The illicit trade has caused fuel retailers in affected northern regions to lose over N$230 million in revenue since 2016 and risks consumer safety through substandard fuel and environmental hazards.
Military escalation between the US, Israel and Iran threatens global oil supplies and raises risks for fuel-importing Namibia, particularly if conflict disrupts the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts urge Namibia to build strategic fuel reserves, diversify suppliers beyond the Gulf region and accelerate renewable energy investment to cushion against price shocks.