Friday, 23 October 2026

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Friday, 23 October 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

Southern African Development Community

Also known as: SADC · Southern Africa Development Community

Regional bloc that launched a child marriage tracking dashboard and is strengthening partnerships on development with the African Development Bank.

2018-08-102026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Southern African Development Community

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

August 2026
29 AugInformanté
Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strengthened regional preparedness for 2026/27 rainfall season
Source
“THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has strengthened regional preparedness for the 2026/27 rainfall season through a review of the previous season and sector-specific planning at the 33rd Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) in Swakopmund.”
SARCOF-33 strengthens regional climate preparedness
27 AugThe Namibian
Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is facing a worrying rainfall season with below-normal rainfall expected
Source
“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is facing a worrying rainfall season, with most countries likely to receive below-normal rainfall between October 2026 and March 2027.”
SADC braces for a dry, hot rainy season
27 AugThe Namibian
The outlook shows Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and parts of South Africa expected to experience below-normal rainfall January-March 2027
Source
“The outlook shows that Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and parts of South Africa are among areas expected to experience below-normal rainfall between January and March 2027.”
SADC braces for a dry, hot rainy season
23 AugThe Namibian
SADC officially terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC in March 2025
Source
“SADC officially terminated the mandate of SAMIDRC in March 2025, leading to a chaotic withdrawal of regional troops.”
SADC Caught in Self-Congratulatory Stagnation
23 AugThe Namibian
SADC neutered its own SADC Tribunal after it ruled against Zimbabwe's land reform
Source
“The bloc famously neutered its own SADC Tribunal the moment it issued a ruling against Zimbabwe's land reform programme.”
SADC Caught in Self-Congratulatory Stagnation
19 AugInformanté
SADC designated the Botswana Vaccine Institute as a regional foot-and-mouth disease antigen and vaccine bank
Source
“SADC also noted regional efforts to control foot-and-mouth disease and designated the Botswana Vaccine Institute as a regional foot-and-mouth disease antigen and vaccine bank.”
SADC Summit backs industrialisation, regional integration and tourism visa
16 AugInformanté
Southern African Development Community (SADC) is holding the 46th Ordinary Summit under the theme of resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation
Source
“The summit will be held under the theme: "Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World."”
Nandi-Ndaitwah departs for SADC Summit in Durban
14 AugInformanté
Southern African Development Community holds 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August 2026
Source
“PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will join regional leaders in Durban, South Africa, on Monday for the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, where leaders are expected to deliberate on regional industrialisation, trade, infrastructure, peace and security.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah to attend SADC Summit in Durban
14 AugThe Namibian
Southern African Development Community is the supreme policymaking body setting priorities for regional cooperation and development
Source
“It says the summit is the supreme policymaking body of SADC and provides strategic direction and sets priorities for regional cooperation and development.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah to attend SADC summit
14 AugThe Namibian
Southern African Development Community presented opportunity to engage with migration matters
Source
“Indeed, this session presents an opportunity to engage with the matter and take it forward.”
Ronald Lamola Outlines South Africa’s Priorities for SADC Chairpersonship

World & Region

South Africa's escalating diplomatic row with United States ambassador

The News

South Africa has issued a third formal diplomatic protest against US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III in nine months over what it characterises as undiplomatic conduct and interference in domestic affairs. The latest row follows Bozell's public statements that Washington has ended dialogue with Pretoria, and South African officials have warned the country to prepare for worsening relations amid what they call US pressure to surrender sovereignty.

19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 19 October

South Africa's escalating diplomatic row with United States ambassador
South Africa has issued a third formal diplomatic protest against US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III in nine months over what it characterises as undiplomatic conduct and interference in domestic affairs. The latest row follows Bozell's public statements that Washington has ended dialogue with Pretoria, and South African officials have warned the country to prepare for worsening relations amid what they call US pressure to surrender sovereignty.
19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 15 October

SADC launches dashboard to track child marriage law implementation
Southern African Development Community lawmakers launched a dashboard in Johannesburg to monitor implementation of the regional Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage. The tool aims to strengthen evidence-based action and accountability across the region through tracking progress, identifying gaps, and informing decisions.
15 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 14 October

Namibia's FMD outbreak: SAT1 serotype complicates vaccine response
Namibia's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak involves the SAT1 serotype, a virus with an error-prone polymerase that creates mutations challenging vaccine protection. Understanding the distinction between broad serotype labels and finer viral identities is critical to determining transmission chains.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
TransNamib locomotive purchase awaits lender approval process
TransNamib's N$2.6 billion plan to acquire 15 new locomotives and remanufacture 17 existing units depends on approval from its lenders, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Development Bank of Namibia. The procurement will be handled by the Central Procurement Board once lender approvals are secured, after a previous procurement process was cancelled by the Minister of Works and Transport in April 2025.
14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia records N$1.2 billion trade deficit with Africa
Namibia recorded a N$1.2 billion trade deficit with the rest of Africa in August 2026, with exports of N$6 billion and imports of N$7.2 billion. Southern African countries accounted for 96.9% of Namibian exports to Africa and 97.5% of imports from the continent.
14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
SADC and AfDB deepen regional partnership on development
The Southern African Development Community and the African Development Bank have strengthened their strategic partnership to advance regional integration, industrialisation, infrastructure development and sustainable financing, following a Strategic Engagement Mission in Gaborone. SADC's executive secretary emphasised the importance of transforming natural resources into inclusive economic growth through industrialisation and value addition.
14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 12 October

New Exporters' Guide aims to help Namibian businesses access global markets
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board have launched an Exporters' Guide to help local businesses, particularly MSMEs, access regional, continental and international markets by providing practical information on export procedures, regulations, logistics, financing and digital trading platforms. The government aims to increase the share of manufactured goods in total exports from 42% to 60% by 2029, and raise agro-processing's contribution to GDP from 7.5% to 10%.
12 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 8 October

NUST medical laboratory students petition minister over deregistration
More than 120 Namibia University of Science and Technology medical laboratory science students petitioned education minister Sanet Steenkamp for written answers about deregistration, requesting permission to complete examinations, access to academic records, and clarity on credit recognition if they transfer to other institutions. NUST said its 2025 intake of 150 students exceeded available training capacity.
8 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia participates in 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania
Namibia is participating in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October 2026, under the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." National Assembly Member Hon. Dr Peya Mushelenga said the participation reflects Namibia's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the parliament's role in discussions on health, climate change, trade and other global issues.
8 October 2026 · Informanté →
National Assembly resumes fourth session with multiple policy updates
The National Assembly resumed its fourth session of the eighth Parliament on Tuesday, with updates on medical laboratory students receiving psychosocial support and alternative study options through NUST and NSFAF, discussion of judicial reforms including a proposed Constitutional Court, plans for South African experts to visit Namibia to discuss reopening livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and the Speaker raising concerns about a growing backlog of parliamentary questions.
8 October 2026 · New Era →
NUST engages medical lab science students on academic pathways
Namibia University of Science and Technology is addressing challenges in its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme by engaging affected students individually on academic pathways, financial support, and practical training opportunities. The programme has faced concerns over accreditation, laboratory facilities, professional supervision, and capacity for Work-Integrated Learning required for professional registration.
8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NUST intensifies efforts to resolve medical laboratory science crisis
The Namibia University of Science and Technology is engaging affected students individually to address challenges in its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme, including concerns over accreditation, laboratory facilities, professional supervision, and limited capacity for work-integrated learning.
8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 6 October

Kavango West records highest fertility rate at 5.45 children per woman
According to Namibia Statistics Agency's 2023 Population and Housing Census, Kavango West, Ohangwena and Omaheke recorded the highest fertility rates, with women averaging more than five children each, while Namibia's overall total fertility rate stood at 3.897 children per woman, with marked differences between rural areas at 5.027 and urban areas at 3.166.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Savanna Beef shares rise 6.84% as farmers increase stakes
Savanna Beef Processors' share price rose 6.84% in September as local livestock producers increased their investments ahead of the new beef export facility's opening. The OTC market activity was driven by farmers finalizing equity positions, with 898,300 shares traded in 14 deals worth about N$1.12 million.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
OvaHerero, Nama descendants petition Ramaphosa on genocide talks
OvaHerero and Nama descendants in South Africa have petitioned President Cyril Ramaphosa and the German Embassy, seeking inclusion in negotiations over the 1904–1908 genocide and discussions of reparations and historical redress, arguing the genocide's effects extend beyond Namibia's borders.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 5 October

President urges Rundu to become SADC regional economic hub
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for Rundu to position itself as a regional economic hub by harnessing technology, expanding into regional markets and driving local value addition. She highlighted Rundu's strategic location as a gateway to SADC markets and noted that improved connectivity networks could strengthen its position as an economic hub.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 2 October

Government activates regulations for number-plate manufacturer registration
Number-plate manufacturers have been operating in Namibia without mandatory registration despite existing regulations, but Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi announced in Parliament that the government has activated Part 5 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations to require manufacturers to register. The activation follows technical challenges including lack of harmonised standards across SADC.
2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia and South Africa complete first joint sea patrol
Namibia and South Africa have completed their first bilateral sea-based fisheries patrol to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The 25-day operation concluded in Walvis Bay and saw officials from both countries work together across their shared Exclusive Economic Zones.
2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 1 October

NUST admits 150 medical lab students, strains practical training capacity
The education minister acknowledged administrative oversight in NUST's 2025 admission of 150 students to the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme, the largest intake since 2008, which exceeded available practical training capacity. Of the 150 students, 50 have been selected for placement based on available capacity, while 55 cannot currently proceed to practical placement due to capacity constraints.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 30 September

Nust explores SADC placements for 55 deregistered students
The Namibia University of Science and Technology is exploring opportunities to place 55 medical laboratory sciences students at SADC universities following constraints on professional training capacity. The move follows concerns from more than 120 students about limited work-integrated learning placements after a record 2025 intake of 150 students into the programme.
30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 28 September

President calls for youth skills in green and digital economies
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for young people to be equipped with skills while ensuring viable markets and opportunities to participate in emerging sectors, including green and digital economies. She emphasised Namibia's approach to just transition toward green growth, highlighting green hydrogen, agriculture, natural resources and energy as creating new pathways for youth employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
28 September 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 27 September

Minister challenges perception of rural Namibia as poor
Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has questioned the widespread characterisation of rural Namibia as poor, arguing that rural communities play a critical role in feeding urban areas and should be recognised for their economic contribution. He said Namibia needs to rethink its perception of poverty, education and development.
27 September 2026 · The Namibian →
KAZA launches regenerative nature-based tourism across five countries
The Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at strengthening conservation and supporting local tourism businesses across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The initiative, launched with European Union and German Government partnership, will support micro, small and medium enterprises with a focus on women, youth and communities near protected areas, providing capacity building, finance access and business development.
27 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 24 September

ANIREP-led joint venture selected for Okatope solar project
An ANIREP-led joint venture with TotalEnergies and Sinco has been selected for award of the 20MWac Okatope Solar Photovoltaic Power Project. The project, expected to generate approximately 64GWh in its first full year, will be located near the Okatope Substation in the Oshikoto Region and is one of six renewable energy projects being procured by NamPower.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 23 September

Nandi-Ndaitwah pitches Namibia investment to US business leaders
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for increased US investment in Namibia during a roundtable with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, highlighting opportunities in energy, critical minerals, mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and other sectors, and emphasizing Namibia's strategic position as a logistics and trade gateway to the SADC region.
23 September 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 22 September

President urges education-employment links for youth
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called at a UN forum in New York for stronger connections between education, skills development and employment to help young people access emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, agriculture and energy. She emphasized that government must create opportunities and markets for young people to prevent frustration and support regional collaboration through SADC value chains.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

Southern Africa, China to deepen pharmaceutical manufacturing cooperation
SADC, UNAIDS, China and the Global Health Innovation Institute are collaborating to expand local production of medicines, vaccines and health technologies in Southern Africa, with partners identifying priority areas to increase domestic production, reduce import reliance and strengthen regional health security.
21 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 18 September

National Assembly speaker urges women MPs to implement gender commitments
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on women parliamentarians to leverage their legislative and oversight powers to translate regional and international gender commitments into national laws and policies. She noted that women make up 42.3% of the National Assembly but only 16.6% of the National Council as of January, describing this disparity as a signal that gender-equal representation remains an unfinished journey.
18 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia urges regional green hydrogen partnership with South Africa
Namibia's interim green hydrogen programme head emphasised at the African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town that Namibia and South Africa should collaborate to advance green industrialisation, build regional value chains, and position Southern Africa as a competitive global producer of green products.
18 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 17 September

Grindrod's Walvis Bay terminal drybulk volumes surge 162%
Grindrod Limited's Walvis Bay terminal handled 43,515 tonnes of drybulk cargo in the first half of 2026, up 162% from 16,604 tonnes in the same period of 2025, making it the group's fastest-growing terminal by percentage. The terminal remains well below its stated capacity of 550,000 tonnes.
17 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →