Namibia plans to submit a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free zone bid by year end and could take up to two years to eliminate the disease from a proposed containment zone, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board executive. Areas outside the affected zone would be able to regain their FMD-free status while authorities continue fighting the disease within the containment zone.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Angolan president João Lourenço has invited Namibia to take an equity stake in the Lobito oil refinery, which is under construction and intended to process 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Namibian presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo cautioned that the invitation does not constitute a formal proposal and that any investment would require careful consideration of feasibility and national interests.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Finance minister Ericah Shafudah tables the mid-term budget review as Namibia faces revenue shortfalls and new spending pressures from foot-and-mouth disease and drought. Economists expect the government will need to revise financial projections, with one analyst forecasting the budget deficit could widen to 6.5% of GDP from the budgeted 5.5%.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Bigamy — intentionally entering a civil marriage while already lawfully married — is a common-law crime in Namibia inherited from Roman-Dutch law. A subsequent marriage is void from inception and may deprive the second spouse of inheritance and property claims, though parental rights toward children from such a union remain.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of finance is reviewing the value-added tax zero-rating on sugar, citing health effects of sugar consumption as a reason to reconsider the measure. The government is also considering introducing VAT zero-rating on imported agricultural inputs and equipment to reduce domestic food production costs.
22 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
As of September, the government had spent N$47 billion of the N$87 billion appropriated, representing a 53.5% execution rate, Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah told parliament during the mid-term budget review. She noted that while the economy continues to expand, growth remains slower than expected amid global tensions.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Ultimate.earth has invested almost N$100,000 in a fence for Otjizeka Primary School to protect pupils from desert lions, addressing increased lion activity and human-wildlife conflict in the area. The initiative was coordinated by Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and supported by the Lion Recovery Fund and Desert Lion Conservation.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Protection measures including anti-poaching patrols and a global pause on commercial whaling have allowed humpback whale populations to recover to over 100,000, with a record 299 individuals spotted together off South Africa. Tanzania's 2024/2025 census counted 66,714 elephants, up over 20,000 from 2014, making it Africa's third-largest elephant holder.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's uranium exports jumped 438% to N$3.36 billion in August following Husab Mine's resumption of full production, pushing minerals to 72% of domestic exports. However, overall mining output declined as a 12% drop in diamond production outweighed gains in uranium, zinc, and gold.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Chinese-made vehicles are moving from the margins towards the mainstream of Namibia's motor market, with their market share doubling from 8% to 16% over the past two years. The shift is most visible in the new sedan market, driven largely by buyers prioritising price and added features, and may be accelerated further by rising fuel prices.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's luxury house prices jumped 21% in Q2 2026 to average N$9.25 million, with only six sales recorded. Nationally, house prices increased 7.4% year-on-year to N$1.46 million, but the market shows a divergence between rising prices and transaction activity.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Aldoro Resources, an Australian-listed mineral exploration company, has started its first diamond drilling programme at the Avondschaduw prospect near Kalkfeld in Namibia, targeting copper and gold deposits. The company plans to drill two holes in the Damara Belt to test whether underground features identified through earlier surveys contain copper-gold mineralisation.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Cuba's ambassador to Namibia discussed the impact of American sanctions and blockade on Cuba, thanked Namibia for a donation of medical supplies expected to arrive in about a month and a half, and drew attention to an upcoming UN General Assembly vote on lifting the American blockade.
22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The City of Windhoek has closed the Olympia Swimming Pool on Friday and Saturday for an event, with the facility reopening on Sunday. The closure coincides with a heatwave expected to bring temperatures between 36°C and 42°C across the country, particularly affecting the Khomas region by Friday and southern Namibia over the weekend.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters defended its decision to support the petroleum exploration and production amendment bill, the only opposition party to vote with Swapo, saying Namibia's political independence must be matched by economic control of its petroleum resources. The party acknowledged concerns about concentration of authority and political interference but rejected claims its support amounted to surrendering resources to the political elite.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Coach Ronnie Kanalelo left African Stars for Marumo Gallants in South Africa's Betway Premiership, citing differences between professional structures in the two countries. Kanalelo said Namibian clubs operate at less professional levels and that the move aligns better with his coaching methodology.
22 October 2026 · The Namibian →