President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the second day of fishing industry consultations in Walvis Bay, emphasising the need to protect and sustainably utilise Namibia's marine resources through collective action. She stressed that the engagement process aims to resolve systemic challenges in the sector through accountability, compliance, and strengthened governance rather than targeting individuals.
Why it matters
President's fishing sector reforms directly address a major worker crisis and systemic governance challenges affecting a crucial economic sector.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the second day of fishing industry consultations in Walvis Bay, emphasising the need to protect and sustainably utilise Namibia's marine resources through collective action. She stressed that the engagement process aims to resolve systemic challenges in the sector through accountability, compliance, and strengthened governance rather than targeting individuals.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has officially inaugurated the National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee to regulate Namibia's food safety, animal and plant health measures and ensure compliance with international standards. The three-year committee will coordinate science-based measures, facilitate safe trade in agricultural and food products, and strengthen Namibia's participation in regional and multilateral trade systems.
The Second Namibia–European Union Business Forum will take place in Windhoek from 11 to 13 May 2026, bringing together approximately 400 high-level participants to discuss trade and investment opportunities. The forum will focus on five priority sectors—green hydrogen and renewable energy, critical raw materials, agribusiness, cultural and creative industries, and the automotive industry—and will feature presentations of 30 bankable Namibian projects to prospective investors.
Namibia has sent a nine-member wrestling team, supported by two coaches and one referee, to compete at the African Continental Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, scheduled for 25 April to 5 May 2026. The championship will feature Greco-Roman, freestyle, and women's wrestling across multiple age categories and is expected to draw around 500 athletes and officials from 27 African countries.
Namibian police in Omusati Region arrested a 59-year-old male suspect on Wednesday for allegedly raping a 20-year-old Angolan girl three weeks prior. According to police, the suspect entered the victim's bedroom in Okapuku village, threatened her with a knife, and raped her; the suspect is the victim's neighbour.
Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairperson Pohamba Shifeta has endorsed the Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Bill, arguing it will address structural inefficiencies and strengthen accountability in Namibia's state entities by clarifying roles between boards, ministers, and executives, and introducing mandatory performance agreements with measurable targets.
An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped on Tuesday afternoon in Olwani village, Elim Constituency, Omusati Region, by a 51-year-old male neighbour. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday.
Petrus Shikwaya, 21, one of six accused in the murder of Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda, claims he was in Windhoek on the date of the attack in October 2025 and had no knowledge of any plan to kill her. Shikwaya admitted sending N$1,200 from his account but said it was on his uncle's instruction and he did not know it would be used for the corrosive acid used in the attack; the state opposes bail, citing a strong prima facie case and concerns about witness interference.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has allocated N$42.1 million under Phase 2 of the Universal Service Fund to MTC and Telecom Namibia to expand mobile and internet infrastructure into rural and underserved regions, including nine strategic RAN tower locations across five regions and connectivity to 15 public institutions. The project, 39% complete as of March 2026, supports Namibia's national development target of increasing internet penetration from 53% to 90% by 2030.
Namibian Police in Omusati arrested a 26-year-old Angolan woman for allegedly kidnapping a 16-month-old boy on Tuesday at Okahao. The child was found and the suspect arrested on Wednesday following an intensive search; the child's mother had asked the suspect to hold the infant while retrieving a missing shoe, but the suspect and child were gone upon her return.
Stagnant water and low indoor residual spraying coverage, driven by community resistance to malaria spraying, have been identified as main factors behind high malaria cases in Omusati Region. From January to 12 April, 7,510 cases were recorded in the region, including 586 hospital admissions and 12 deaths.
SWAPO Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the postponement of the party's 66th anniversary celebrations and the official inauguration of its national headquarters in Windhoek from 19 April to 26 April 2026, deferring the events out of respect for the passing of SWAPO Member of Parliament James Uerikua and his son following a recent road accident.
The Hospitality Association of Namibia has warned that the Competition Commission's questioning of exclusivity clauses in the country's joint-venture tourism model could undermine investment, conservation, and rural livelihoods. The association argues that exclusivity is essential to securing long-term private-sector funding for over 50 community-based tourism lodges and campsites operating under the framework.
The Central Procurement Board of Namibia has introduced strengthened procedures for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee members, requiring applicants to possess accredited qualifications, valid certificates of conduct, compulsory training, and competency assessment. The enhanced process aims to promote integrity, transparency, and efficiency in public procurement.
A 33-year-old man died when struck by a tipper truck on the Oshakati–Ongwediva main road on Monday afternoon. The truck driver, aged 30, holds a valid licence and tested negative for alcohol; the pedestrian reportedly ran into the road.
A 54-year-old Angolan national employed as a cattle herder in Otamanzi, Omusati Region, died by suicide after hanging himself from a tree on Monday. Fellow herders found his body after he failed to return to the camp.
Kornelia Shilunga, Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, urged Namibia's oil and gas sector to identify new trade corridors, invest in resilient infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships amid global geopolitical tension. She called on stakeholders to remain alert to commodity markets, trade dynamics, and shipping security while investing in Namibia's oil and gas development.
Heavy rainfall in the north-eastern town of Rundu has severely flooded several houses in Rainbow Village, Kehemu, and the Safari residential area, and left multiple roads flooded and impassable. The public is advised to exercise caution and avoid travelling through flooded areas as rainfall continues in the region.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held discussions with fishing industry stakeholders in Walvis Bay to explore how the sector can be strengthened, emphasizing the need to address worker welfare concerns, fish stock sustainability, and identify practical solutions through collective action.
Richard Masule Milinga and Grant Charmon Cloete, accused of fraud and using office for gratification in connection with the alleged theft of a Roads Authority weighbridge in Walvis Bay valued over N$2 million, have had their case postponed to 20 August 2026 pending the Prosecutor General's decision on whether to proceed to trial. Both men, released on N$30,000 bail each, also face charges of fraud or theft relating to fraudulent certification of a suspicious invoice valued over N$3 million.
Petrofund, Namibia's Petroleum Training and Education Fund, has commenced a two-day workshop to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises understand opportunities and global standards required by International Oil Companies in the oil and gas sector. Minister Modestus Amutse emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government's strategy to increase MSME contribution to the national economy from 16% and noted that local capacity development is critical as Namibia approaches its first Final Investment Decision.
SWAPO Party's Ohangwena regional coordinator Fillemon Joshua said the Namibian people chose armed liberation struggle in the 1960s as a last resort after South Africa refused to grant independence and intensified repression of unarmed Namibians. Joshua spoke at a foundation-laying ceremony in Okongo on Monday, a day after SWAPO's 66th anniversary, describing the 23-year armed conflict that ended with independence in March 1990.
Farms in Kunene Region's Kamanjab Constituency have sustained significant damage from wildlife, particularly elephants, which have destroyed water infrastructure, tanks, crops, and fencing. The Regional Councillor confirmed complaints from multiple farms and welcomed Ministry of Environment interventions to address elephant-related challenges in the region.
The Kunene River recorded a flow rate of 1,197.80 cubic metres per second on Tuesday morning, an increase from 1,058.80 m³/s a week earlier, though down from Monday's 1,386.10 m³/s. The Kavango and Zambezi rivers have seen slight declines, and the Hydrological Services of Namibia has issued a flood alert for the eastern Zambezi floodplains, urging communities to remain vigilant and activate flood preparedness measures.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services held a strategic meeting with over 50 clinical specialists from Windhoek's main public hospitals, led by Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao, to discuss service delivery improvements and patient care. The engagement focused on preparations for the upcoming financial year and provided a platform for healthcare professionals to share challenges and propose solutions, with a follow-up meeting planned for June 2026.
Omusati Regional Governor Immanuel Shikongo praised Kuzam Investment CC for donating school uniforms worth N$40,000 and tinned fish worth N$10,000 to IK Tjimuhiva Combined School at Omakange, describing it as an investment rather than charity and calling for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in education.
The Namibia Water Corporation has postponed a planned water supply interruption for Opuwo and surrounding areas, initially scheduled for 23 April 2026, to avoid disrupting the Opuwo Town Council's Annual Trade Fair (20 April–02 May 2026). The upgrade works will now take place in May 2026, with new dates to be announced later.
The Office of the Prime Minister has dismissed claims that recent amendments to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme require members to reapply, stating the changes—including increased contribution rates, removal of the 5% co-payment, and benefit structure review—do not affect current membership status and were automatically implemented through payroll systems.
SWAPO Party members in Okongo are fundraising to build a N$1.5 million hall and office block by December, with General Epafras Denga Ndaitwah overseeing the project. Two fundraising events have so far collected N$92,914 in cash and pledges, plus livestock.
Twenty accused persons including former Namcor executives and businessmen appeared in Windhoek Magistrate's Court and pleaded not guilty to fraud, corruption, and money laundering charges ranging from one to 75 counts. The matter was postponed to 28 October 2026 pending the Prosecutor General's decision on whether to proceed to trial; the accused were arrested in July 2025 following allegations they defrauded Namcor of over N$400 million.
Following high-level talks between Namibian Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in April 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism, infrastructure, and human resource development. Namibia emphasised the importance of adding value to natural resources including critical minerals through local processing, while both sides committed to enhancing cultural and youth exchanges.
The Kunene River at Ruacana recorded 1,386.10 m³/s on Monday, 20 April, declining slightly from 1,561.20 m³/s on Sunday but remaining significantly higher than the previous week. Heavy rainfall in southern Angola has prompted NamPower to open floodgates, and communities downstream are warned to remain vigilant for potential localised flooding.
Algeria has committed to fully fund the construction of a medical polyclinic in Namibia, as confirmed during a State House meeting between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Algeria's Ambassador Abdelkrim Diaf. The initiative strengthens bilateral ties and follows past health cooperation agreements dating to 2008.
Lucia Petrus, a wheelchair-bound resident of Oshandi-1 village in Ohangwena, received a newly built one-bedroom house through the Government's Cash for Work Programme after her home was destroyed by a storm three years ago. The disability-friendly house was constructed by nine youth from the village and completed within two months.
Two suspects aged 35 and 46 were arrested near Tsumeb after police found illegally hunted game meat and unlawfully transported firewood in their vehicle. The confiscated items included warthog meat, four guinea fowl, and firewood valued at N$12,846.00.
Police are investigating a livestock theft case in which four cattle were slaughtered at Olupumbu la Shinyemba village in the Oshana Region on Friday. The animals, valued at N$40,000, have not been recovered and no arrests have been made.
Namibian financial institutions are using artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraud in electronic fund transfers by monitoring transaction velocity, spending patterns, device fingerprints, and cross-account activity in near real time, enabling banks and law enforcement to be proactive rather than reactive to cybercrime.
Namibia has vaccinated over 124,000 dogs in 2025 and more than 157,000 in 2024, achieving approximately 61% coverage nationally, according to the Chief Veterinary Officer. While the country has not yet reached its 70% vaccination target, national rabies positivity rates have dropped below 10%, with awareness campaigns reaching about 82% of schools in the Northern Communal Areas.
Telecom Namibia CEO Dr Stanley Shanapinda apologized for extended fixed and mobile internet service outages on 15–16 April 2026, caused by failure of two high-capacity international links to South Africa. He attributed the extended recovery time to structural vulnerabilities where legacy and modern network systems intersect, and announced plans to accelerate modernization programmes and upgrade border routing infrastructure.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially inaugurated the Third National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Namibia, reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening governance systems and aligning with national development priorities. The council will oversee key governance areas and lead Namibia's second-generation country review process.
Germany has funded the "Speak Up" project addressing gender-based violence in Hardap, Erongo and Omusati regions with 84,432.35 euros (N$1.59 million). The project, running from April to December 2026, will use music, dance, play, and intergenerational dialogues to promote positive masculinity and mental health awareness, particularly among young people.
Jaythen Orange, a Namibian-born rugby player in the lock position, has been selected for the South African Under-20 Springbok squad for the SANZAAR U/20 Rugby Championship starting 27 April 2026. Orange, who plays for the University of Johannesburg, has earned congratulations from his former schools in Windhoek for his rapid progression in the sport.
High Court Judge Claudia Claasen has found Mecthilde Karomo (33) guilty on two counts of murder with direct intent for killing her late boyfriend Leonard Haupindi (36) and his new lover Annastasia Matende (31) by setting the shack in which they were sleeping on fire on 26 December 2022 in Okahandja Park. Karomo was also found guilty on a charge of arson.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed allegations that it plans to recruit 39 truck drivers from Zimbabwe as "entirely false, unfounded, and without any official basis," stating it has no intention to recruit foreign nationals for such positions. The Executive Director warned the public against spreading unverified information and reiterated that Namibian citizens receive priority for employment under the Immigration Control Act.
Namibia will access 100% duty-free entry into the Chinese market from 1 May 2026 under a "Pre-Early Harvest" arrangement. The government says the zero-tariff measure will boost industrialisation, strengthen export growth, and enhance Walvis Bay's role as a regional trade hub.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, partnering with Enertrag and GIZ, will sign a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme to strengthen Namibian supplier capacity in the green hydrogen sector. The initiative, funded by EUR 300,000 from H2UPPP and EUR 300,000 from Hyphen, will implement an Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme to build capability and competitiveness of Namibian enterprises.
Police recorded multiple housebreaking incidents across Windhoek, Katutura, Outjo, Katima Mulilo and Outapi over the weekend, resulting in significant financial losses with no arrests made so far. Police urged residents and business owners to secure their properties and remain vigilant.
The 6th edition of Oshakati's Mayoral Cup will take place at Independence Stadium from 1 to 4 May, with N$100,000 in prize money across Youth and Legends Soccer categories. Registration closes on 30 April.
Namibia Power Corporation has successfully listed a N$5 billion Domestic Medium-Term Note Programme on the Namibia Securities Exchange, enabling the utility to raise funding through various debt instruments aligned with strategic projects and sustainability goals. The listing follows a two-year preparation process and provides NamPower with flexible, cost-effective access to capital markets while supporting Namibia's energy sector expansion.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated SWAPO's 66th anniversary on 19 April 2026, calling for renewed commitment to service delivery, economic transformation, and unity, while paying tribute to liberation heroes. She announced that planned anniversary celebrations and the party's national headquarters inauguration have been postponed to 26 April following the death of MP James Uerikua and his son.
A technical delegation comprising representatives from the Namibia Power Corporation, Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy is in China to study advanced renewable energy technologies, including wind energy, solar solutions, and battery storage, with engagements centered on scaling Namibia's infrastructure and supporting the country's goal to increase renewable energy's share in the national energy mix from 54% to 70% by 2040.
Pope Leo XIV, on a four-country African tour, called Africa a "reserve of joy and hope" and urged leaders to abandon corruption and wasteful war spending while respecting human rights. During his Angola visit, he met President João Lourenço, prayed for victims of recent flooding, and reiterated his message of interfaith dialogue and youth engagement.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has welcomed a N$18.4 million support package from Japan aimed at strengthening health systems, improving diagnostic capacity, and enhancing public health emergency preparedness. The assistance includes medical equipment for cancer diagnosis and outbreak response, and is expected to benefit over 118,000 people across eight hospitals while improving water, sanitation, and hygiene access for more than 14,000 people.
The Bank of Namibia's Deputy Governor told the Cirrus Investor Conference that Namibia's economy is expected to strengthen over the medium term, supported by construction and public investment, but structural constraints and regional risks like Foot-and-Mouth Disease require economic diversification and transformation. The central bank is advancing strategic reforms including an Instant Payments Solution to improve financial inclusion and modernize the financial system.
The Police Women Network in Oshana Region marked its 16th year as the Namibian Police Force continues efforts to promote gender equality and women's advancement in its ranks. Oshana has 625 female police officers and now includes two female deputy commissioners in strategic roles, alongside numerous female chief inspectors and station commanders.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is rolling out Round 3 of a polio vaccination campaign from 27 to 30 April, targeting all children aged 10 years and below, following detection of poliovirus type 2 in environmental samples in Rundu, Windhoek, and Gobabis. Although no active cases have been reported, health authorities emphasise vaccination is safe and essential to prevent potential outbreaks.
Telecom Namibia confirmed that recent network disruptions were caused by a technical fault on external international connectivity routes, leading to slower speeds and intermittent access. The company's teams responded immediately and implemented corrective measures including traffic redirection and equipment upgrades to restore and stabilize services.
Namibia's oil and gas industry has shifted from early-stage exploration toward appraisal and development planning, with major international operators like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp positioning the country as an emerging regional energy hub. The sector is projected to contribute up to 5.8% to GDP annually during production, with first oil and gas expected between 2029 and 2030, provided governance and local content policies are strengthened.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced that effective 1 May 2026, self-driving access to Deadvlei from the Sossusvlei 2×4 parking area will be restricted; only two categories of operators—Grow Namibia (trading as About Adelt Sossusvlei Management) and registered lodge tour guides—will be permitted to provide shuttle services.
The Namibia Deposit Guarantee Authority has raised maximum deposit guarantee coverage from N$25,000 to N$50,000 per depositor, broadening protection in the event of commercial bank failure. The move comes as the NDGA Fund grew 32% to N$40 million and amid rising concerns over banking fraud, with Namibians losing N$53 million to fraud in 2025 compared to N$29 million in 2024.
The Bank of Namibia's latest Economic Outlook forecasts domestic GDP growth of 2.6% in 2026 and 2.9% in 2027, moderate expansion supported primarily by construction, electricity, water, retail trade, and financial services, though projections were revised downward due to weaker primary industries performance, particularly metal ores and diamond mining.
A meeting of the Ombadja Traditional Authority in Omusati ended in disarray on Friday after opposing factions disagreed over how to proceed with a contentious constitutional amendment process. At issue is a draft constitution that would make Chief Mathias Walaula subordinate to an executive committee, which Walaula has disputed.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union, value in Namibia's meat sector is primarily created on farms through animal health, genetics, and resource management, not after slaughter. The sector has retained 84% of livestock weight at local or export abattoirs in 2025 compared to 52% a decade ago, demonstrating that value addition is already happening at scale within the country.
The Kunene River's flow rate jumped from 785.90 cubic metres per second on 13 April to 1,442.6 m³/s on 16 April, according to Namibia's Hydrological Services. Communities downstream of Ruacana are advised to avoid flooded areas and remain on high alert for potential localised flooding.
U.S. Ambassador John Giordano highlighted Namibia's strategic role in a proposed Southern African Energy Corridor, emphasizing its potential as an oil and gas producer and leading uranium exporter, while noting that success requires clear regulatory frameworks and strong government-industry alignment. The remarks were made during a high-level engagement at the U.S. Embassy with global energy leaders ahead of the Namibia International Energy Conference.