Also known as: Dr Tobie Aupindi · Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi
Swapo Member of Parliament who proposes fiscal and economic reforms including commodity-based mining dividends and veterans sovereign funds.
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New Era
Tobie Aupindi proposed a Commodity Dividend Model for resource wealth instead of fiat currency
“In what he terms the 'Commodity Dividend Model', the executive-turned-politician said that instead of the state receiving its dividends in Namibian dollars or US dollars from mining and other natural resources, "we should explore taking those dividends in physical commodities – be it gold, uranium, or the 'new gold', lithium."”
Aupindi agitates for resource-backed economyNew Era
Tobie Aupindi urged more effective taxation of mineral rents to fund Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund
“He also suggested taxing the economic rents of Namibia's minerals more effectively to fund the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund.”
Aupindi agitates for resource-backed economyThe Namibian
Tobie Aupindi proposed government should receive physical commodities like gold or uranium as dividends instead of cash
“Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed that instead of receiving dividends in cash, the government should get physical commodities such as gold or uranium.”
Aupindi proposes gold, uranium as dividends for GovtThe Namibian
Tobie Aupindi made this proposal during his contribution to the national budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday
“Aupindi made this proposal during his contribution to the national budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday.”
Aupindi proposes gold, uranium as dividends for GovtInformanté
Dr Tobie Aupindi said that it is in best interest of Namibia to allow continuation of uranium exploration and mining
“It is in the best interest of Namibia and the Omaheke Region in particular to allow the continuation of both the uranium exploration and for the company to enter into the uranium mining phase, because it is the only way scientific knowledge can be acquired on where the natural contamination is so that the government can apply a mitigating strategy, such as bringing in fresh water.”
Parliamentary committee urges continuation of Russian companies mining near Stampriet aquiferThe Namibian
Tobie Aupindi said uranium resource is estimated at 50,000 metric tonnes, valued at about N$18 billion
“Aupindi said the uranium resource is estimated at 50 000 metric tonnes, valued at about N$18 billion.”
Rosatom uranium project continues to divide opinionNew Era
Tobie Aupindi presented the final report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources
“Chairperson of the committee, Tobie Aupindi, who presented the report, said the committee is guided by its powers and that it must exercise parliamentary oversight on behalf of the constitution in respect of government entities.”
Nida needs over N$500mNew Era
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi described the space as ineffective, lacking current workforce skills
“Aupindi described the space as ineffective, "lacking current workforce skills".”
Parliament: The year aheadPrime Minister Elijah Ngurare told over 600 graduates at Triumphant College's 2026 ceremony to use their qualifications to create opportunities and contribute to Namibia's development amid high youth unemployment. Ngurare emphasized that education drives economic growth and technological advancement, and that graduates' futures depend on how they apply their skills.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told over 600 graduates at Triumphant College's 2026 ceremony to use their qualifications to create opportunities and contribute to Namibia's development amid high youth unemployment. Ngurare emphasized that education drives economic growth and technological advancement, and that graduates' futures depend on how they apply their skills.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi said Namibia's core problem is government institutions failing to act on unemployment, poverty and inequality despite producing reports and analyses. He called for transition from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods, and warned that "we analyse situations until we paralyse them."
20 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Board earnings for chairs and senior members at Namibian banks, listed companies and state-owned enterprises range from N$400,000 to N$1.6 million annually. Opposition chief whip Rodney Cloete argues board work has shifted from part-time public service to a full-time income stream for a politically connected group, often appointed through personal connections rather than merit.
4 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua died in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, along with his 14-year-old son. Parliamentary colleagues and opposition leaders mourned him as a capable legislator, committed servant, and respected figure across political divides.
8 April 2026 · New Era →
Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua has died suddenly and tragically, leaving his wife recovering from injuries and his children grieving. A fellow MP pays tribute to Uerikua as a rare leader of exceptional intellect and humility who was deeply committed to economic renewal and serving Namibia's voiceless.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.
8 April 2026 · The Namibian →
James Unomasa Uerikua, a Swapo member of Parliament and former governor of Otjozondjupa region, died on Friday in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara; his 14-year-old son also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to him as a promising young leader and voice for the voiceless.
7 April 2026 · New Era →
Tobie Aupindi, a Member of Parliament, has paid tribute to his fellow MP James Uerikua, who died in a car accident on the road between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday. Aupindi described Uerikua as a dear friend, brother, and devoted servant to Namibia.
4 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliamentarians from multiple parties criticized the N$109 million allocation to the Anti-Corruption Commission for the 2026/27 fiscal year as inadequate, arguing that underfunding, limited access to modern technology, and outdated legislation prevent the institution from effectively combating corruption. MPs called for increased funding and legislative amendments to enable the ACC to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.
2 April 2026 · New Era →
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed establishing a sovereign fund for veterans to reduce dependence on annual treasury allocations. He argues that investing part of the roughly N$1 billion annual veterans allocation could generate self-sustaining income over time rather than relying solely on government budgets.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Anti-Corruption Commission has allocated N$20 million for capital development to construct a regional office at Oshakati as part of its N$109 million budget allocation for 2026/27. Parliamentarians commended the move but called for broader regional coverage and better funding and staff compensation to strengthen the ACC's capacity to address corruption.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Hundreds of illegal street vendors in Windhoek's CBD face regular evictions by municipal police, but continue trading because formal markets do not generate sufficient income. The city says it is developing structured trading venues as part of a long-term strategy, while vendors and lawmakers call for legal recognition, proper infrastructure, and compensation for confiscated goods.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi has proposed a "Commodity Dividend Model" under which Namibia would receive mining and resource dividends in physical commodities like gold, uranium, and lithium rather than fiat currency, arguing this would protect the country against inflation and currency volatility while building a strategic reserve. Aupindi also called for greater industrialisation, more effective taxation of mineral rents, reform of state-owned enterprises, and a shift from passive SACU reliance toward regional value chains and manufacturing.
12 March 2026 · New Era →
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed that the government should receive dividends in physical commodities such as gold, uranium, or lithium instead of cash, arguing this would provide a hedge against currency volatility and inflation rather than converting mineral wealth into fiat currency.
11 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has endorsed the continuation of uranium mining by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom, in the Leonardville area despite environmental concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer. The committee chair argues that uranium is a natural resource already present in the area and that In-Situ Recovery technology, refined over 50 years, should be allowed to proceed to acquire scientific knowledge and enable Namibia to develop its nuclear industry.
8 March 2026 · Informanté →
A parliamentary standing committee recommended allowing Rosatom to proceed with uranium exploration and mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, arguing the project could help gather scientific data on natural contamination. The recommendation has drawn criticism from former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein and farming groups, who warn the project could permanently damage the aquifer—Namibia's key drinking water source for the arid south—and lack scientific grounding, while supporters cite potential economic benefits and Rosatom's expertise.
7 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's parliament opened its third session in February with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressing the chamber on enhancing parliament's role in inclusive development and participatory democracy, while bills including a land bill await action by lawmakers.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has recommended stronger policies, funding, and inter-ministerial collaboration to unlock the country's resource potential and align sector strategies with national development priorities including Vision 2030. The mining sector contributed 13.3% to GDP in 2024, while the government received N$7.32 billion in mining revenue, but challenges persist in land reform, energy, and conservation funding.
6 February 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency needs at least N$550 million to implement its integrated strategic business plan and N$29.7 million to clear outstanding utility arrears, according to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources report. Nida faces operational challenges including an N$102 million operating loss in 2024, electricity disconnection at 69 industrial parks, and water debt at 89 properties.
5 February 2026 · New Era →
Parliament will debate several key bills in 2026, including amendments to shift petroleum sector powers to the President's office, a Land Bill restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land, and a Mental Health Bill protecting rights for those with mental health conditions. Other anticipated debates include public enterprises governance reform, regional council amendments, and a proposal to lower the voting age to 16.
7 January 2026 · New Era →