Namibia Minute.
Friday, 23 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hourWork with us
Friday, 23 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
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
Share on WhatsApp

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.

Order a news report

Tell us where to reach you and we’ll be in touch to agree the period and format.

What’s been said

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

  1. July 2026

  2. Informanté

    Southern African Development Community directed to provide technical assistance for Digital Balance Scorecard system

    Source

    “To improve accountability, the summit directed both countries to explore the use of a Digital Balance Scorecard system to monitor implementation of BNC decisions, with technical assistance from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.”

    Orange River boundary remains unresolved despite Namibia-SA BNC progress

  3. Informanté

    Southern African Development Community (SADC) is meeting to finalise key policy documents and regional initiatives ahead of Joint Meeting of Ministers

    Source

    “SENIOR officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, to finalise key policy documents and regional initiatives ahead of the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water on 17 July.”

    SADC officials prepare agenda for regional energy and water ministers

  4. Informanté

    Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting in Salima, Malawi ahead of 28th Ministerial Committee

    Source

    “SENIOR officials from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are meeting in Salima, Malawi, ahead of SADC's 28th Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, scheduled for Thursday and Friday.”

    SADC senior officials convene in Malawi to finalise peace and security agenda

  5. The Namibian

    Southern African Development Community is described as a strategic gateway to regional markets

    Source

    “She also highlighted opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, digital infrastructure, health and skills development, describing Namibia as a strategic gateway to regional markets through the Southern African Development Community, the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

    Namibia tells China to add value, not just extract

  6. Informanté

    Southern African Development Community has market of more than 300 million consumers

    Source

    “She further assured investors that Namibia's infrastructure, including modern ports such as Walvis Bay, highways and fibre-optic connectivity, positions the country as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market of more than 300 million consumers.”

    Namibia courts Chinese investment in mining, energy and infrastructure – President Nandi-Ndaitwah

  7. The Namibian

    Southern African Development Community has market of over 300 million consumers

    Source

    “You are investing in a market of over 300 million consumers across the Southern African Development Community region, and 1.2 billion in the larger African market.”

    Namibia a gateway to southern Africa for Chinese investment – minister

  8. Informanté

    SADC has achieved 26% reduction in TB incidence since 2016

    Source

    “THE 2025 SADC Annual TB Progress Report reveals that while Southern Africa has achieved a 26% reduction in tuberculosis (TB) incidence since 2016, the region remains the global epicentre of the disease, accounting for 55% of all notifications in the WHO Africa Region.”

    SADC Report: Progress in TB fight marred by funding cuts and regional crisis

  9. Informanté

    SADC has revamped its Cross-Border Digital Referral System

    Source

    “To address the mobile nature of this workforce, SADC has revamped its Cross-Border Digital Referral System (CBRS).”

    SADC Report: Progress in TB fight marred by funding cuts and regional crisis

  10. Windhoek Observer

    Southern African Development Community set a benchmark of 60% of GDP for government debt

    Source

    “Government debt amounted to 65% of GDP at the end of March 2026, slightly higher than a year earlier and remaining above the Southern African Development Community benchmark of 60%of GDP.”

    Current account deficit narrows to N$9.9 billion in Q1
  11. June 2026

  12. Informanté

    Southern African Development Community will convene extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government on Monday

    Source

    “THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene an extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government on Monday to deliberate on the political and security situation in Madagascar.”

    SADC to hold extraordinary virtual summit on Madagascar crisis
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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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 →

  4. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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 →

  4. 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 →

  5. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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

  1. 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 →

Southern African Development Community — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute