Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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New Era

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Sport

Namibian boxer Ndjolonimus faces Denmark's unbeaten Banks

The News

Paulinus 'John-John' Ndjolonimus is set to fight Denmark's unbeaten champion Jacob Banks this Saturday for the WBO Global Super Middleweight title and a WBC world title eliminator. Ndjolonimus, the WBO Africa Super Middleweight Champion, enters with a 20-1 record while Banks is undefeated at 18-0.

22 hours ago · New Era

Yesterday

  1. Namibian boxer Ndjolonimus faces Denmark's unbeaten Banks

    Paulinus 'John-John' Ndjolonimus is set to fight Denmark's unbeaten champion Jacob Banks this Saturday for the WBO Global Super Middleweight title and a WBC world title eliminator. Ndjolonimus, the WBO Africa Super Middleweight Champion, enters with a 20-1 record while Banks is undefeated at 18-0.

    22 hours ago · New Era

  2. Namibia names beach volleyball teams for CAVB Zone VI qualifier

    The Namibia Volleyball Federation has unveiled two women's and two men's beach volleyball teams to compete at the CAVB Zone VI qualification tournament in Maputo from 30 April to 2 May, a key pathway toward the African Nations Championship and 2028 Olympics.

    22 hours ago · New Era

  3. City of Windhoek funds councillor training for service delivery

    The City of Windhoek is implementing a capacity development programme for councillors, established under Council Resolution 182/08/2021, that includes academic studies, workshops, benchmarking exercises and site visits to strengthen leadership and decision-making. The programme is designed to equip council members with skills to respond to residents' needs and improve accountability and service delivery.

    22 hours ago · New Era

  4. Namibia leads continental efforts addressing youth unemployment

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned a new National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism, with Namibia tasked to spearhead efforts tackling youth unemployment across Africa. The country's approach involves youth development funding, apprenticeships and education support, though Namibia itself faces a youth unemployment rate of around 44.4% according to census-based figures.

    22 hours ago · New Era

  5. Government considers large-scale salmon farming for Namibia

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Namibia Atlantic Salmon Holdings to review plans for Africa's first large-scale salmon farming industry along Namibia's coast, emphasising the need for job creation, local ownership, and sustainable practices. The project would produce up to 51,000 tonnes of salmon under its initial licence, with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency aiming to structure local ownership at 60%.

    22 hours ago · New Era

  6. Government spends N$867m annually on school feeding programmes

    The government spends about N$867 million a year feeding more than 75,000 learners in State-run hostels. At Bunya Combined School in Kavango East, learners depend on soft porridge as their only reliable meal of the day, which teachers say directly impacts concentration and performance, though the school lacks proper dining infrastructure.

    22 hours ago · New Era

Wednesday 22 April

  1. CCFN secures US$63 million for community conservation efforts

    The Community Conservancy Fund of Namibia has raised US$63 million (just over N$1 billion) to support community conservation, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirming the critical importance of environmental protection for rural livelihoods and sustainability. The fund supports wildlife-based income initiatives and addresses human-wildlife conflict through measures such as ranger programs and predator-proof kraals.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Rössing Foundation invests N$14.7m in education and communities

    The Rössing Foundation invested over N$14.7 million in 2025 on education and community projects, including scholarships, school support, solar-powered water systems, and assistive technologies. The funding targets learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and remote communities in Kunene, Omusati and Kavango West regions.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

  3. Namibian cyclist Drikus Coetzee wins inaugural ultra-race

    Ultra-endurance cyclist Drikus Coetzee won the inaugural Race Across South Africa, a 2,000km event, in seven days, 12 hours and 3 minutes, setting a benchmark for the event. Despite the dominant victory in challenging conditions, Coetzee said he did not race at full capacity and plans to pursue the longer Rhino Run in October rather than defend his title.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

  4. African Stars win fourth consecutive Namibia Premier League title

    African Stars have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Namibia Premier League season for a fourth consecutive time, claiming N$850 000 in prize money. NFA acting secretary general Mabos Vries said the league's completion required N$10 million in government funding plus an additional N$7.5 million from the NFA to overcome logistical challenges including stadium unavailability.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

  5. Japan, UN fund health projects targeting emergency preparedness

    Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

  6. Heavy rain and winds destroy 200 tonnes of maize at government farm

    Approximately 200 tonnes of maize at the government's Uvhungu-vhungu irrigation farm in Kavango East were destroyed by heavy rains and strong winds that left about 47 hectares waterlogged. The farm has shifted to manual labour, hiring local workers to salvage what remains, but production losses will make profit impossible this season; elephants also damaged another section of the farm.

    22 April 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Aviation training academy seeks government funding for pilot development

    The Namibia Aviation Training Academy, facing funding shortages and outdated equipment, met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to request government support for capacity-building. The academy warned that without urgent intervention, Namibia risks losing out on developing its own aviation workforce as demand for skilled professionals is expected to grow with the oil and gas sector expansion.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Swapo marks 66 years; leaders warn history cannot secure future

    On Swapo's 66th anniversary, party leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that while the party's liberation struggle history is important, it alone cannot carry the party forward as people now expect tangible improvements in jobs, housing, healthcare, and education. Political analysts noted Swapo's waning electoral support over recent elections due to corruption and declining leadership quality, though the party remains the country's strongest with functional regional structures.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

  3. Government plans N$5 million sports facility for Rehoboth

    Government will build a N$5 million sports facility in Rehoboth with a gravel athletics track, ablution facilities, and a pavilion seating approximately 350 spectators as part of the Basic Constituency Sport Infrastructure Facilities programme allocating N$10 million per region for 28 facilities nationwide. Residents have raised concerns about the location near an oxidation pond and cemetery, and questioned why a new facility is being pursued while an older stadium remains incomplete.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

  4. African Stars win fourth consecutive Namibia Premier League title

    African Stars secured the 2025/26 Namibia Premier Football League title with 58 points and a 2-0 final-match victory over FC Ongos, finishing ahead of runners-up Eeshoke Chula Chula FC on 57 points. Young Brazilians FC returned to the Premier League after winning the Southern Stream First Division.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

  5. Condom shortage reported across Namibian public health facilities

    Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

  6. Former minister criticizes Sossusvlei shuttle restrictions from May 2026

    Former Cabinet minister Calle Schlettwein has opposed the government's decision to restrict access to Deadvlei in Namib-Naukluft Park, saying the closure of Sossusvlei for self-drive visitors and requirement to use a single concessionaire robs Namibians of their right to free access. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced last week that only two categories of operators—Grow Namibia and registered tour guides employed by lodges—will be authorised to provide shuttle services to Deadvlei effective 1 May 2026, with self-driving beyond the 2×4 parking area no longer permitted for tourists.

    21 April 2026 · New Era

Monday 20 April

  1. Nedbank and NamPower launch sustainable financing framework

    Nedbank Namibia and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking have partnered with NamPower to develop a Sustainable Finance Fundraising Framework designed to align future funding with Namibia's energy security, sustainability and socioeconomic development goals. The framework has been independently reviewed by S&P Global and provides a structure for raising green, social and sustainable funding for projects including new generation capacity, transmission infrastructure upgrades and energy storage solutions.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Deputy sport minister criticises Nkurenkuru complex gravel pitch

    Deputy sport minister Dino Ballotti expressed displeasure that the Nkurenkuru Youth Sport Complex remains a gravel field rather than grass, despite sustained engagement. The condition threatens local football progress, including KK United's potential promotion in the First Division, and affects youth development and regional entrepreneurs who must travel to Rundu for games.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  3. Gunners defeat Desert Foxes 7-1 in women's league

    The FNB Women's Super League showcased competitive football this weekend in Windhoek, with NDF Mighty Gunners FC defeating Desert Foxes FC 7-1. Despite the victory, coach Salome Iyambo expressed disappointment with execution, stating the team did not follow game plan and must improve positional discipline and purposeful movement.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  4. Nekundi rejects extension for e-hailing operators' permit deadline

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has ruled out any extension to the end-of-April 2026 deadline for e-hailing operators to obtain regularisation permits and comply with legal requirements. The minister said operators had more than a year to comply and that those who have applied have already received permits, while temporary permits remain underutilised.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  5. Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

    The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  6. Minister blocks funds to Kunene Regional Council over chief officer dispute

    Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has halted government funds to the Kunene Regional Council, demanding removal of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb, whose appointment is being challenged in court. The council's chairperson Western Muharukua describes the fund freeze as unlawful pressure and says it threatens to disrupt salaries, services, and capital projects; the council plans to seek judicial review.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

  7. Former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua buried

    James Unomasa Uerikua, former governor of Otjozondjupa and Swapo MP, died in a car accident on 3 April along with his son Venturo Uaamakuje Uerikua. Vice President Lucia Witbooi led mourners at the burial ceremony in Otjiserandu, where Uerikua was remembered as a farmer, businessman, philanthropist and prominent voice on Namibia-Germany genocide discussions.

    20 April 2026 · New Era

Sunday 19 April

  1. Namibia hosts first regulation polo match near Windhoek

    The La Muela Polo Exhibition took place outside Windhoek this weekend, marking the first full-time polo match played in Namibia on a regulation field. Organisers imported horses from Argentina for the event and breeding with Namibian mares.

    19 April 2026 · New Era

Saturday 18 April

  1. Coach praises opponent after Arrows Ladies victory

    Arrows Ladies FC defeated Mighty Angles FC 3-0 in the FNB Women's Super League at Windhoek Technical High School, with coach Salmon Eto'O Nakale congratulating the opposing team for their performance.

    18 April 2026 · New Era

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