National Planning Commission — Government agency that manages fiscal planning, development funding distribution, and participates in democratic governance programs.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
National Planning Commission will be assigned administration of the Atomic Energy and Radiation Act for cross-sectoral coordination
“The strategy also provides for the establishment of a Nuclear Institute of Namibia and the reassignment of the Act's administration to the National Planning Commission for cross-sectoral coordination.”
Nam, India nuclear ties boosted … door opens for supply alliance, technology, value additionInformanté
National Planning Commission employs as Executive Director I-Ben Nashandi
“THE Executive Director of the National Planning Commission, I-Ben Nashandi, has survived with serious wounds a shooting incident in which another person was killed this morning.”
I-Ben Nashandi survives attempted murder, his assistant killedThe Namibian
National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende pointed out government struggles to make decisions based on reliable and coordinated data
“National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende in essence pointed out that the government struggles to make decisions based on reliable and coordinated data.”
Out With the Old for 2026The Namibian
National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende said government has no system to accurately track jobs created since new administration took office
“National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende, speaking during a general meeting with the Namibia Statistics Agency, said the current way of recording employment is fragmented and unreliable.”
NPC director general admits government cannot track jobs createdThe Namibian
Director general of the National Planning Commission contributed technical expertise and insights to the Cabinet retreat discussions and sectoral priorities
“To all ministers, the director general of the National Planning Commission, our deputy ministers, our regional governors, the secretary to the Cabinet and the executive directors, the chief executives of state-owned enterprises, resource persons and our moderators, your contributions have been deeply enriching.”
Closing Statement by Vice President Lucia Witbooi at the First Cabinet RetreatThe Namibian
National Planning Commission can coordinate reporting of government strategies
“The National Planning Commission under director general Kaire Mbuende can coordinate the reporting.”
From Promises to Progress: A Digital Solution for Government Accountability in NamibiaThe Namibian
National Planning Commission must have an abundance of funds never collected by unidentifiable owners
“Financial institutions, such as banks, the Master of the High Court, and the National Planning Commission must have an abundance of funds never collected by unidentifiable owners.”
Finish Unfinished ProjectsThe Namibian
National Planning Commission made exaggerated claims about number of jobs green hydrogen project would create
“Moreover, the National Planning Commission's exaggerated claims about the number of jobs that would be created by this project fails to specify the quality of the jobs or the incomes our working people would earn.”
Electric Capitalism in Namibia?The Namibian
National Planning Commission failed to set up an information office to publicise the plan
“The NPC, which is supposed to oversee development plans and their implementation, failed to set up an information office to publicise the plan and also field questions/suggestions from concerned citizens.”
Enter Another ‘White Elephant’: NDP6The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has launched a new five-year employment permit for investors that functions as work authorisation, replacing the standard two-year permit and offering greater certainty for long-term business planning in Namibia.
4 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has launched a new five-year employment permit for investors that functions as work authorisation, replacing the standard two-year permit and offering greater certainty for long-term business planning in Namibia.
4 hours ago · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibian companies to move beyond symbolic corporate social investment donations and instead create lasting socio-economic benefits for communities, measuring impact through outcomes like improved education, healthcare, and youth empowerment rather than announcement visibility.
5 September 2026 · The Namibian →
National Council Chairperson Lukas Muha opened the 1st Session of the 4th Junior National Council (JNC) on 31 August, which runs until 04 September 2026. The JNC, formalised in 2013 and inaugurated in 2017, serves as a platform for school-going youth to express views and debate issues of community, regional, national and international importance, while nurturing leadership qualities and promoting civic engagement.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia should treat healthcare as a multi-billion-dollar industry to generate revenue for the public system and improve care quality. She suggested senior government officials using public health facilities could help redirect resources to strengthen state healthcare.
21 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has established a National Technical Committee on Institutionalisation of the Informal Economy to design inclusive legal frameworks and budget for social protection and financial inclusion for the informal sector, which accounts for about 57% of Namibian employment according to informal economy advocates.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Honorary Consul in Nigeria, Justin Chuma Anosike, has denied allegations that he charged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote US$1 million for arranging a meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The denial comes amid separate allegations that confidential Cabinet minutes and strategic documents were leaked to Anosike and passed to a Dangote Group executive, which NPC director-general Kaire Mbuende also rejects.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Planning Commission said government will only factor oil income into fiscal planning once oil and gas projects reach a final investment decision, and that borrowing decisions are based on broader economic projections rather than a single sector. The clarification followed criticism from the Independent Patriots for Change, which had accused the NPC director general of proposing that Namibia borrow against future oil revenues despite sector uncertainty.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia commemorated World Population Day 2026 with focus on youth health, opportunities, and teenage pregnancy prevention, launching a UNFPA report that surveyed over 108,000 young adults aged 18 to 39 across 73 countries. The report found that while many young people aspire to marriage and children, financial insecurity, rising living costs, and housing challenges are preventing them from achieving their desired futures.
29 July 2026 · Informanté →
The United Nations Population Fund reports that 19% of women aged 15–19 in Namibia have begun childbearing, with teenage pregnancy responsible for 12% of female school dropouts. Stakeholders warn that addressing the issue requires coordinated action from government, families, schools, communities and development partners to prevent Namibia from losing its youth dividend.
27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Facing drought and climate uncertainty, Namibia is moving away from traditional surface water sources toward desalination, water reclamation, groundwater management, and renewable energy-powered systems. The country's Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security, established in 2016, has expanded its mandate from securing Windhoek's supply to addressing water challenges across coastal regions and the broader country.
25 July 2026 · Informanté →
National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende says slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reduced funding available for development projects across Namibia. He told local authority heads at an Oshakati engagement that revenue fell short due to weaker economic performance and delayed oil and gas projects, and that ministries—not the NPC—decide how to distribute allocated funds to regions and towns.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed a seven-day state visit to China aimed at persuading the country to help Namibia build manufacturing and processing industries rather than exporting raw minerals. The visit culminated in nine cooperation instruments and elevation of bilateral ties to a Namibia-China Community with a shared future, focusing on long-term development and strategic cooperation.
21 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibia is falling behind on the sixth Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all by 2030. According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, about 40% of households lack adequate sanitation, with the situation worse in marginalised communities where nearly seven out of every ten households do not have a toilet.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia has joined an initiative with seven other southern African countries to use cost-benefit analysis to help governments achieve better outcomes with limited budgets. The tool translates economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits into present-day dollars, allowing policymakers to compare policy alternatives and prioritise spending.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Brazil's ambassador announced a N$1.9 million contribution to the World Food Programme and plans to expand a programme from supporting 300 families to 3 000 families, emphasizing building stronger food systems and helping communities become self-reliant instead of dependent on food aid.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The parliament, the National Planning Commission and the European Union have concluded a six-year Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia programme, which invested €6 million (about N$127 million) in strengthening democratic governance, parliamentary oversight and citizen participation since August 2020.
12 July 2026 · The Namibian →
A consultant hired to advise on renovating Windhoek's Independence Stadium is set to earn about N$337 million – more than three times the government's budgeted amount – through a 17.5% fee on the estimated N$2 billion project cost, which industry experts say is unusually high.
2 July 2026 · The Namibian →
An N$18 million grant fund from the Pro-SME Project, a joint Namibian-German initiative, is available to young entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them formalise, expand and create jobs, with the first application round closing on 24 July.
1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The third edition of the Omuthiya Business Expo received pledges totalling N$626,026 at a gala dinner on Saturday. The funds will support the expo scheduled for October, themed "Local by Design; Crafting Competitive SMEs for Tomorrow," aimed at strengthening local economic development and supporting small and medium enterprises.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and China have signed a grant agreement worth RMB 200 million (approximately N$486 million) to support key national development priorities including school infrastructure, healthcare services, and water supply, aligned with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →
The government launched a multilateral development bank mission to finalise a Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan to access up to US$250 million in concessional climate financing under the Climate Investment Funds' Industry Decarbonisation Programme, aiming to support the transition of high-emitting sectors and scale up green industries.
23 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Japan has contributed N$80 billion in development assistance to Namibia over the past two decades, including technical assistance, grants and scholarships, with close to half—N$47 billion—provided as grants and development assistance, according to the National Planning Commission executive director.
22 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Simonis Storm analysis shows Namibia could unlock approximately N$14.5 billion in new manufacturing and value-addition activities, citing a trade deficit of N$4.4 billion and identifying 353 products across 23 sectors that the country could potentially manufacture using existing capabilities.
11 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 →
The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Chamber of Mines of Namibia says its relationship with government came under pressure in 2025 over disagreements on proposed local ownership requirements for mining, with engagement with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy becoming difficult.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The finance ministry's executive director clarified that the government does not accept unsolicited funding bids from private entities or agents for infrastructure projects. Instead, all government funding and development projects must follow established procedures under the National Planning Commission Act and State Finance Act.
20 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Finance says infrastructure funding must comply with existing procurement and borrowing laws and cannot be sourced through unsolicited proposals from private entities or their agents, despite acknowledging that such proposals could support national infrastructure development.
20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Cabinet has officially approved the establishment of the Green Industries Council to guide development of the green industries sector, with a focus on industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation. The Council will be chaired by the Director-General of the National Planning Commission and include ministers from finance, industries, agriculture, environment, trade, urban development, the Attorney-General, and the Bank of Namibia Governor.
17 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Cabinet has approved a new Green Industries Council, replacing the Green Hydrogen Council after it ended in February 2025. The council will oversee Namibia's broader green industrialisation agenda, focusing on policy coordination, institutional alignment and investment priorities to accelerate industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.
11 May 2026 · The Namibian →