… Crucially, its mining and energy sector is a microcosm of global geopolitics, hosting diverse players from China, Iran, Canada, the European Union, and Russia. …
Will Namibia Bow to the ‘America First’ Model?Namibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Place
Russia
Also known as: Russian
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- January 2026
… We should not mourn it,” said Carney, adding that “nostalgia is not strategy.” In this vein, for many Namibians, Russia is not just another foreign partner. …
Business Editorial – “Nostalgia is not strategy”… But none of the other permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, and the UK – have committed to participation so far. …
Trump withdraws Canada's invite to ‘Board of Peace'… Japan is the world’s fifth-largest single-country emitter of carbon dioxide, after China, the United States, India and Russia, and is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. …
Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant… You don’t defend leases.” Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart said in a statement after the meeting between Trump and Rutte: “Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States will go forward aimed at ensuring that Russia and China never gain a foothold – economically or m …
Trump says ‘framework of a future deal' discussed on Greenland as he backs off tariffs threat… She has risen rapidly through the rankings and revealed that she draws inspiration from her father, who is fighting for Ukraine in the country’s war with Russia. …
Keys shakes off nerves to launch Australian Open title defenceInternational relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi’s recent high-level engagements in Russia are expected to translate into stronger trade, new investments and business opportunities that could benefit ordinary Namibians. …
Investment, skills opportunities galore … Nam, Russian ties deepen… Critics have branded Touadera “President Wagner” for his perceived dependence on Moscow and Russian paramilitaries that prop up the nation’s security. …
CAR top court says incumbent re-elected with 78%… Asked if he will follow through on the tariff threat, Mr Trump told NBC News: “I will, 100%.” Trump added: “Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them… That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland.” Denmark has …
Trump says he will ‘100%' carry out Greenland tariffs threat, as EU vows to protect its interests… Any one of the council’s permanent members – France, China, Russia, the UK or US – can currently veto resolutions. …
US believes its power matters more than international law, UN chief tells BBC
Mining & Energy
Oil price spike raises concerns about inflation waves
The News
Following the Israel–US joint attack on Iran in February, oil prices rose above US$100 per barrel, with Namibia's government raising fuel prices in April by N$2.50 for petrol and N$4 for diesel. While temporary levy cuts and National Energy Fund subsidies have cushioned consumer impact—absorbing approximately N$500 million in April alone—further food and logistics inflation is expected as second-wave effects reach Namibia.
Why it matters
Oil price pressures and N$500 million in fuel subsidies underscore inflation risks facing ordinary Namibian consumers and household budgets.
9 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 9 May
Oil price spike raises concerns about inflation waves
Following the Israel–US joint attack on Iran in February, oil prices rose above US$100 per barrel, with Namibia's government raising fuel prices in April by N$2.50 for petrol and N$4 for diesel. While temporary levy cuts and National Energy Fund subsidies have cushioned consumer impact—absorbing approximately N$500 million in April alone—further food and logistics inflation is expected as second-wave effects reach Namibia.
9 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 30 April
Mali's military leader faces questions after rebel offensive in Bamako
Attackers aligned with separatist and al-Qaeda-linked groups staged coordinated assaults across Mali, entering the capital Bamako, assassinating the defence minister, and seizing northern territory including the city of Kidal. The offensive has raised doubts about the stability of the military government led by Col Assimi Goïta, who came to power in a coup in 2020.
30 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 6 April
Trump threatens Iran strikes over Strait of Hormuz blockade
US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran's power plants and bridges if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, after announcing a "miraculous" rescue of a wounded American airman from inside Iran. The escalating conflict has engulfed the Middle East, prompted Iran to largely block the vital oil and gas conduit, and drawn international concern including a papal call for peace.
6 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Sunday 5 April
Middle East conflict pushes up costs for British fish and chips
Rising diesel and energy prices triggered by the Middle East war are hitting British fishermen and fish and chip shop owners, forcing them to absorb higher costs or risk losing customers already facing economic pressures. Industry leaders cite soaring fuel, fish, and fertiliser prices alongside supply disruptions from Ukraine and stricter fishing rules as threats to the sector.
5 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Friday 3 April
Burkina Faso military leader rejects democracy, extends autocratic rule
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a 2021 coup, declared that democracy "kills" and said Burkina Faso must abandon it in favour of an unspecified alternative approach. The junta leader, who broke a pledge to restore elections by July 2024, has dissolved political parties, suppressed dissent, and extended his rule for five additional years.
3 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 2 April
NATO's cohesion weakens as US shifts priorities to China
According to a Higher School of Economics analysis, NATO is experiencing structural fractures as the US under Trump repositions from European leadership to a demanding hegemon role focused on China containment, while questioning allies' territorial integrity and reducing Ukraine support. European members now doubt the credibility of US nuclear guarantees and seek alternatives, though a unified European defence remains politically unrealistic, suggesting the alliance will persist but with reduced cohesion and interest-driven rather than collective cooperation.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
Wednesday 1 April
China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict
China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 31 March
Russia delivers oil to Cuba as US blockade persists
Russia's sanctioned tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carrying 730,000 barrels of crude has reached Cuba, the first oil shipment since January when the US removed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, depriving Cuba of its main energy supplier and triggering fuel shortages and blackouts on the island.
31 March 2026 · New Era →
Friday 27 March
Zimbabwe reports 15 nationals killed recruiting to fight Russia
Zimbabwe's government has confirmed that 15 of its citizens were killed after being recruited through deceptive schemes on social media to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with more than 60 still trapped on the frontlines. The government is negotiating with Russian authorities for body repatriation and safe return of survivors, warning citizens about fraudulent overseas job offers that exploit vulnerable job-seekers across Africa.
27 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Thursday 26 March
Gattuso calls Italy's World Cup play-off match career-defining
Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso said Wednesday that the team's World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday is the most important match of his coaching career, as Italy looks to end a 12-year absence from the World Cup finals after failing to qualify for the last two editions.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 23 March
Kenya grants amnesty to nationals illegally fighting for Russia
Kenya's foreign minister announced that Kenyans conscripted illegally to fight for Russia in Ukraine will receive amnesty upon return home. The government estimates 252 Kenyans have been unlawfully recruited, with 44 repatriated so far, 11 killed or missing, and 160 still actively fighting; Russia has agreed to place Kenya on a "stop list" to prevent further recruitment.
23 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Wednesday 18 March
Namibia and Russia seek deeper private sector business ties
President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Russia's deputy prime minister Yury Trutnev, who led a delegation of about 30 Russian companies to explore partnerships in energy, mining, and agriculture. Despite long-standing diplomatic ties, current trade between the two countries is estimated at only about US$17 million, and the intergovernmental commission agreed to establish intermediary structures to facilitate business engagement and expand cooperation into joint ventures and technology transfer.
18 March 2026 · New Era →
President reaffirms Namibia-Russia cooperation with visiting delegation
President Nandi-Ndaitwah met a high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss outcomes of the 11th Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission session. The President said government remains committed to deepening cooperation in energy, agriculture, defence, education and people-to-people relations, while Trutnev noted the visit includes Russian business representatives expected to open opportunities for expanded economic cooperation.
18 March 2026 · Informanté →
Tuesday 17 March
Namibia and Russia strengthen economic ties amid global uncertainty
At the 11th Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Windhoek, both nations discussed deepening economic cooperation, including proposals for a fertiliser manufacturing plant and expanded collaboration in mining, nuclear energy, and fisheries. Trade between the countries grew 56% in 2025 to reach 18.4 billion rubles, though officials said this remains below its full potential.
17 March 2026 · New Era →
Russia agrees to stop recruiting Kenyans for Ukraine war
Kenya's foreign minister says Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine after talks in Moscow, and that Kenyans will no longer be eligible for enlistment through Russia's defence ministry. Kenya is also seeking the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home, with 27 having been repatriated so far, and has closed over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of duping citizens with false job promises.
17 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 16 March
Namibia and Russia seek to deepen economic cooperation ties
Namibia and Russia held a business forum to strengthen economic cooperation and create trade and investment opportunities, with discussions focused on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology. Minister Ashipala-Musavyi noted that while political relations are strong, trade has remained limited, with Namibia exporting US$13 million and importing US$39.5 million from Russia in 2024.
16 March 2026 · New Era →
Sunday 15 March
Namibia seeks to boost Russian exports amid trade imbalance
Namibia exported USD 13 million in goods to Russia in 2024 while importing USD 39.5 million, prompting the government to launch a business forum aimed at expanding Namibian exports and deepening economic partnerships in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other priority sectors.
15 March 2026 · Informanté →
Thursday 12 March
Congo-Brazzaville's long-ruling president faces weakened opposition in vote
Denis Sassou Nguesso, 82 and in power for over 40 years, is heavily favored to win Sunday's presidential election in Congo-Brazzaville as the opposition remains divided and sidelined. Observers expect record-low voter turnout in the oil-rich but impoverished nation, where many citizens express frustration over unemployment despite economic growth.
12 March 2026 · New Era →
German defence firm Rheinmetall forecasts 45% sales surge
German defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has forecast a 45% jump in 2026 sales to a maximum of 14.5 billion euros, driven by European countries increasing military spending in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and uncertainty over US security commitments. The firm's core profit jumped by a third to a record 1.8 billion euros in 2025, and it is rapidly expanding production capacity across Europe.
12 March 2026 · New Era →
Oil prices surge despite major reserve release due to Middle East tensions
Brent crude rose over 9% to top $100 per barrel despite the International Energy Agency releasing a record 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, as Iran's threats and attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz drive supply concerns. The price spike has pushed fuel costs globally, with Asian countries particularly affected and some implementing energy conservation measures.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
IEA members release record 400 million oil barrels
The 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency have agreed to release a record 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to address global oil supply shortages and soaring prices caused by conflict disrupting exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say the move offers only short-term relief, amounting to roughly three or four days of global oil supply.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuesday 10 March
Iran strikes Gulf energy sites as oil prices climb sharply
Iran launched fresh attacks on energy installations across the Gulf, hitting Bahrain's Al Ma'ameer refinery complex and prompting major producers in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait to declare force majeure, warning of possible export disruptions. Oil prices surged to their highest levels since 2022 as regional conflict sparked market volatility and US embassy staff evacuations from Saudi Arabia.
10 March 2026 · New Era →
FIFA and IOC accused of double standards on war bans
Four years after expelling Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and the International Olympic Committee have taken a muted stance toward the recent US-led attack on Iran, prompting experts to accuse them of applying inconsistent standards and prioritizing powerful nations over principle.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Zelenskyy: 11 countries seek Ukraine aid against Iranian drones
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 11 countries—including neighbours of Iran, European states, and the United States—have requested Kyiv's help countering Iranian drones, citing Ukraine's experience defending against similar Russian attacks.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 9 March
Iran vows months-long fight after Israeli-US strikes
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they can sustain aerial drone and missile attacks for up to six months after US-Israeli air strikes hit fuel depots in Tehran and targeted locations in Beirut. The conflict has extended into its ninth day with no clear path to resolution, as analysts warn it could last a month or longer.
9 March 2026 · New Era →
Iran names new supreme leader as war continues
Iran's Assembly of Experts has voted to choose a new supreme leader following Ayatollah Khamenei's death in recent strikes, though the name has not yet been announced. Israeli forces have continued air strikes on Iranian fuel facilities and targets across the region, with the conflict now in its ninth day and no clear path to resolution.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Saturday 7 March
Namibia to hold bilateral forum with Russia on minerals, energy
Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade announced that an Intergovernmental Commission and Business Forum with Russia will be held in Windhoek on 16–17 March 2026, focusing on Russian expertise in geological exploration, agriculture, and energy infrastructure to support local value-addition in Namibia's mineral sector. The minister also outlined Namibia's broader diplomatic engagement with countries including South Africa, Angola, Brazil, Cuba, and Venezuela, as well as efforts to strengthen regional trade cooperation.
7 March 2026 · Informanté →
Thursday 5 March
Swapo condemns US-Israeli strikes, Namibia expresses grave concern
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia and condemned the US-backed Israeli military operation against Iran. Namibia's government also issued a statement expressing grave concern about the escalation in the Middle East, citing risks to international peace and security.
5 March 2026 · New Era →
Tuesday 3 March
Nearly 400 foreigners depart Namibia under immigration amnesty
Namibia's immigration amnesty programme, extended to 27 February, has facilitated the voluntary departure of at least 379 foreign nationals, with Zimbabweans accounting for 55% of those who left. The government extended the amnesty—originally set to end 16 January—to allow individuals who had overstayed permits or breached immigration laws to depart without arrest or prosecution, and has now resumed normal enforcement operations.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Monday 2 March
Iran tensions threaten Namibia's fuel imports and economy
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.
2 March 2026 · New Era →