Windhoek Observer

Justicia Shipena  Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Michael Mulunga warned that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill could drive Namibia into a “resource curse” if adopted in its current form.  A resource curse is when a country has valuable natural resources like oil but ends up worse off economically. He was speaking in parliament when the House resumed debate on the proposed law this week. The bill proposes shifting authority over the oil and gas sector from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the Presidency.  It would give the President powers to grant, renew or revoke oil…

Allexer Namundjembo  The parliamentary standing committee on information and communication technology has called for stronger digital laws, more investment in infrastructure and better protection for citizens online. The call follows two reports tabled in the National Assembly after the committee attended the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and an e-Governance Conference in 2025. The reports aim to align Namibia’s digital policies with global developments. A key concern raised in the IGF report is the rise of misinformation and disinformation online. The committee said false information is shaping public opinion and could affect democratic processes. “The societal impact of online mis-…

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has been elected chair of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR).  Namibia will now take over leadership at the end of the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly, which will conclude today in Swakopmund. Namibia was nominated by Lesotho and elected unopposed. Burkina Faso was elected as vice chair. ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise now assumes the role of AFUR chair.  He said Namibia is ready to lead efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery across Africa’s energy and water sectors. He said the organisation will focus on improving regulatory standards, strengthening…

Patience Makwele Youth in parts of the Zambezi region are turning floodwaters into a source of income as rising water levels continue to disrupt daily life. In areas such as Kabbe South and Linyanti, young people have taken up small-scale fishing to support their households. With limited job opportunities and ongoing economic pressure, both youth and older residents are using the floods to earn a living. Seasonal floods have displaced families, interrupted schooling and cut off access to services. In response, many young people are fishing and selling fresh and dried fish within their communities. “After the drought, we lost…

Patience Makwele  Private colleges are stepping in as many young Namibians struggle to access tertiary education and find work, with institutions like International Training College Lingua offering skills-based training to bridge the gap. As youth unemployment remains high and public institutions cannot absorb growing demand, many school leavers are left without clear pathways into jobs. Some have qualifications but lack practical skills needed in the workplace. Amid this gap, International Training College Lingua has positioned itself as an alternative route. What started as informal lessons in a one-bedroom apartment has grown into an accredited institution that has trained more than…