Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Place

Walvis Bay

Also known as: Walvis-Bay

Society

Rapid urbanisation strains Namibian municipalities' service delivery capacity

The News

Over half of Namibia's 1.5 million urban residents are straining municipal capacity to deliver housing, infrastructure, and services, with informal settlements housing over 40% of residents in some towns. Officials have called for improved governance, accountability, and collaboration between councils and municipal staff to manage urbanisation effectively.

17 April 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 17 April

  1. Rapid urbanisation strains Namibian municipalities' service delivery capacity

    Over half of Namibia's 1.5 million urban residents are straining municipal capacity to deliver housing, infrastructure, and services, with informal settlements housing over 40% of residents in some towns. Officials have called for improved governance, accountability, and collaboration between councils and municipal staff to manage urbanisation effectively.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Savanna Beef Processors to export to Europe in April

    Savanna Beef Processors, recently granted an export certificate, will send its first beef consignment to the United Kingdom, EU, and EFTA countries through Walvis Bay at the end of April, exporting matured deboned chilled/frozen beef cuts. The producer-owned facility aims to add value to Namibian livestock production and retain weaners domestically rather than see them exported live to South African feedlots.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 16 April

  1. Driving instructor offers free lessons to unemployed coastal youth

    Adolf Kaure Hilaria Erastus, owner of Hilaria's Driving Academy, has partnered with Serenity and Nashville Investments to provide free driving training to young people along the Namibian coast, particularly in Walvis Bay, helping them gain practical skills and confidence to pass learners' tests and improve employment prospects.

    16 April 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Namibia urges Chinese investors to process minerals locally

    International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has called on Chinese investors to move beyond buying raw materials and instead invest in local industries such as minerals processing, agriculture, and manufacturing to help reduce Namibia's persistent trade deficit and create jobs. The minister noted that Namibia exports minerals including uranium and copper to China while importing manufactured goods, and stressed that adding value to resources locally is critical for closing the trade gap and creating economic benefits.

    15 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Dolphins dominate opening NRU Premier League match

    Coastal rugby outfit Dolphin defeated Western Suburbs 45-21 in Swakopmund on Saturday, scoring seven tries in an impressive start to their 2026 NRU Premier League campaign despite discipline concerns. The victory sees Dolphin move into second place on the log level on six points with Kudus, who lead on goal difference.

    15 April 2026 · New Era

  3. Walvis Bay boxer Errikie wins WBC youth title

    Twenty-one-year-old Errikie Errikie from Walvis Bay has claimed the vacant WBC Silver Youth Junior Lightweight title by defeating Lonwabo Sizana in the fourth round in Gqeberha, South Africa. He credited the victory to careful analysis of his opponent's style, disciplined training, and the support of his father, coach Jose Kambinda, and family.

    15 April 2026 · New Era

Monday 13 April

  1. Namibia Airports Company achieves carbon accreditation milestone

    The Namibia Airports Company has achieved level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation for its Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay international airports, marking the company's measured carbon footprint and foundation for long-term carbon management strategies. The certification positions NAC to pursue higher levels of accreditation with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Walvis Bay runner combines fitness with charity and awareness work

    Moesta Maiziveyi, a 21-year-old from Walvis Bay, has combined running and cycling with fundraising for cancer awareness and fitness promotion among young people, collecting money and food for local organisations and children's homes. She is planning further initiatives including a 5km walk for bullied Grade 8 pupils and seeking corporate support to expand the project.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. ErongoRED raises regional electrification rate to 79 percent

    Electricity distributor ErongoRED says it has expanded electrification access across the Erongo region, with a combined urban and rural rate now at about 79%, reflecting steady infrastructure rollouts and projects underway in areas including Harambe, DRC, Karibib and Usakos. The utility is working to align with national development priorities under Vision 2030 while facing challenges including copper theft, which costs about N$5 million annually.

    13 April 2026 · New Era

  4. Walvis Bay housing shortage drives soaring electricity consumption

    Rapid population growth and proliferation of informal backyard housing in Walvis Bay have driven electricity consumption to record levels, with the suburb of Kuisebmond alone consuming 54% of Swakopmund's total power use. The municipality faces increasing pressure to provide affordable housing and land, with approximately 23 000 backyard shacks housing 42 000 people and thousands more on waiting lists.

    13 April 2026 · New Era

Namibia Minute