Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Organization

National Planning Commission

National Planning Commission — government agency overseeing nuclear strategy and atomic energy administration, led by an Executive Director.

Mining & Energy

UN trade chief highlights Namibia's mineral beneficiation opportunities

The News

A UNCTAD assessment launched by UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan in Windhoek estimates that Namibia could unlock over N$14 billion in new economic activity and create around 26,000 jobs by moving beyond raw mineral exports into processing and manufacturing. The report identifies 353 products across 23 sectors that Namibia could realistically develop to add value to its mineral wealth and energy transition mineral resources.

17 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. UN trade chief highlights Namibia's mineral beneficiation opportunities

    A UNCTAD assessment launched by UN Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan in Windhoek estimates that Namibia could unlock over N$14 billion in new economic activity and create around 26,000 jobs by moving beyond raw mineral exports into processing and manufacturing. The report identifies 353 products across 23 sectors that Namibia could realistically develop to add value to its mineral wealth and energy transition mineral resources.

    17 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. Attacks on judicial officers escalate from 2007 firebombing

    A 2007 petrol-bombing of a magistrate's house in Oshakati was the first in a pattern of intimidation and violence against judicial officers in Namibia. Recent incidents include the death of state prosecutor Justine Shiweda following an October attack, shootings of village headmen over land disputes, and threats against a Grootfontein prosecutor.

    11 February 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 7 February

  1. Opinion: Educational qualifications needed for local leaders

    A political science student argues that elected councillors and regional representatives lack sufficient educational qualifications to effectively manage budgets, interpret legislation, and drive development, citing examples like Katima Mulilo's land mismanagement and calling for a national dialogue on minimum leadership standards.

    7 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 6 February

  1. Minister defends placing oil powers under presidency

    Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has defended the decision to vest new upstream petroleum powers in the Office of the President, arguing the model follows international practice and strengthens governance of Namibia's oil and gas sector. Amutse said parliamentary oversight will remain in place, with the new unit reporting annually to the National Assembly on revenue, taxes and performance.

    6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 24 January

  1. Namibia pursues nuclear power through global partnerships and 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.

    24 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 21 January

  1. Traditional leaders serve rural areas from Windhoek despite legal residency rules

    Several Namibian traditional leaders, including chiefs and headmen, are governing their rural communities while residing in Windhoek, contrary to the Traditional Authorities Act No. 25 of 2000, which requires them to live within their communal areas. They justify this practice by citing the effectiveness of deputies and local committees, though legal scholars note such violations may warrant removal from office.

    21 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 20 January

  1. National Planning Commission director discharged after shooting injury

    I-Ben Nashandi, executive director of the National Planning Commission, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home after being shot on 2 January during a land dispute meeting in Oshikoto. His assistant, Sam Pendapala Nepando, was killed in the same incident; the accused remains in custody pending trial on 18 June.

    20 January 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 15 January

  1. Police report fewer accidents, crime but 11 festive murders

    Namibia's police chief said the 2025/26 festive season saw reduced road accidents and robberies following widespread law enforcement deployment, but acknowledged 11 murder cases between November and 9 January, including killings of a woman and toddler allegedly by a 13-year-old, noting all suspects have been arrested and are before the courts.

    15 January 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 11 January

  1. Oshikoto village headman buried after fatal shooting

    Sam Pendapala Nepando, headman of Onelago village, was shot and killed on 2 January while attempting to resolve a land dispute with another village headman. He was laid to rest on Saturday, survived by his wife and five children, while the other headman remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    11 January 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 7 January

  1. India's new nuclear law creates opportunity for Namibian uranium partnership

    India's modernised SHANTI Bill (2025) aligns with Namibia's Nuclear Industrial Strategy, opening avenues for collaboration on uranium supply, fuel cycle services, and nuclear technology applications. The Indian High Commissioner noted that both nations share goals around regulatory strength, human capital development, and value addition in nuclear energy and non-power applications.

    7 January 2026 · New Era →

Namibia Minute