Windhoek Observer

13492 Posts
Namdia heist investigation remains classified

Namdia heist investigation remains classified

Patience Makwele  The minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Lucia Iipumbu, says the investigation into the diamond that took place at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) in January last year will remain classified. The armed robbery at Namdia’s headquarters in Windhoek resulted in the theft of diamonds estimated at N$315 million. She said details of the case cannot be made public while investigations continue. “Details surrounding the case remain classified and will only be made public once investigations are concluded,” she said, adding that early disclosure could affect operations. She said the case is still active and that the…
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PDM moves to fix internal problems 

PDM moves to fix internal problems 

Allexer Namundjembo Internal divisions, communication gaps and inefficiencies have weakened the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe said. He made the remarks at a press conference in Windhoek on Tuesday after a three-day leadership indaba held in Otjiwarongo. “We used the Indaba as a moment of reflection, honesty and strategic repositioning,” Ngaringombe said. He stated that the meeting represented a pivotal moment for the party, during which leaders directly addressed internal challenges. “A strong opposition must first be united and disciplined,” he said. PDM experienced a massive resignation of its members, especially those in leadership positions. Ngaringombe said…
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Germany pledges N$1.5m into GBV fight in Namibia

Germany pledges N$1.5m into GBV fight in Namibia

Renthia Kaimbi Germany has committed €84 432.35 (about N$1.59 million) to support efforts to fight gender-based violence in Namibia. The funding will support the “Speak Up” campaign led by the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO).  The project will run from 1 April to 31 December 2026 and target the Hardap, Erongo and Omusati regions. The agreement was signed on 30 March 2026 by German ambassador to Namibia Thorsten Hutter and OYO founder and director Philippe Talavera. The campaign will focus on schools and communities. It aims to promote dialogue on mental health and positive masculinity as ways to prevent violence. “We…
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OBSERVER COASTAL | Seafarer shortage threatens stability of crab sector 

OBSERVER COASTAL | Seafarer shortage threatens stability of crab sector 

Renthia Kaimbi  Fishing industry stakeholders say a shortage of Namibian seafarers in the crab sector is putting operations at risk. The issue was raised during a meeting with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay. Industry representatives said there is a growing gap in qualified local officers and engineers on crab vessels.  They said many trained Namibians are moving to jobs in oil and gas and cargo shipping. To address the shortage, stakeholders proposed closer coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. …
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OBSERVER COASTAL | Fishing industry urges Govt not to limit freezer vessels

OBSERVER COASTAL | Fishing industry urges Govt not to limit freezer vessels

Renthia Kaimbi  Fishing industry stakeholders have urged the government not to restrict freezer vessel operations, warning that such a move could affect exports, jobs and competitiveness. The concerns were raised during an engagement with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, where industry players met with the government to discuss the future of the sector under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).  Stakeholders said freezer operations are key to maintaining Namibia’s position in regional and international markets.  They said demand in Africa remains focused on whole round frozen horse mackerel. “Restricting freezer operations would have immediate consequences for Namibia’s export…
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OBSERVER COASTAL | Businesses taught how to handle trade disputes 

OBSERVER COASTAL | Businesses taught how to handle trade disputes 

Renthia Kaimbi A three-day workshop on the dispute settlement mechanism under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ended in Swakopmund, with organisers saying it will help Namibian businesses handle trade disputes and take part in continental trade. The workshop was hosted by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade with the AfCFTA Secretariat. It brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers and private sector representatives. Discussions focused on how the dispute settlement system works in practice.  The mechanism provides a process to resolve trade disputes between member countries through rules and procedures. It is meant to ensure fairness and predictability in cross-border…
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Govt commits to upgrading airport infrastructure 

Govt commits to upgrading airport infrastructure 

Chamwe Kaira  Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi says the government plans to build a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure. He made the remarks at the opening of Aviation Week Africa 2026, where he said aviation is a key part of Namibia’s development plans. Nekundi said the government is also working on reviving the national airline, Namibia Air, to improve connectivity. He said Namibia is investing in aviation systems, including radar, air traffic management and navigation infrastructure to support safer and more efficient operations. The minister said the government…
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NamRA registers over 1 million taxpayers

NamRA registers over 1 million taxpayers

Staff Writer  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has registered more than one million taxpayers for the 2024/25 financial year. By 31 March 2025, NamRA had registered 1 009 926 taxpayers.  Of these, 575 136 were active e-filers on the ITAS platform. The total number of active tax accounts stood at 1 048 918 during the period. Revenue collection also increased. By the end of March 2025, NamRA recorded net revenue collections of N$88.6 billion, exceeding its target of N$85.3 billion.  After tax refunds of N$10.4 billion, total net revenue reached about N$98.9 billion. This reflects a 15% increase compared to…
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Drugs worth N$27m seized at borders

Drugs worth N$27m seized at borders

Chamwe Kaira  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) intercepted illicit drugs worth about N$26.9 million during the 2024/25 financial year. Cannabis made up the largest share of seizures. Authorities confiscated 345 015 kg of pure cannabis valued at about N$17.25 million.  They also seized 20 965 kg of cannabis (skunk) worth N$1.05 million and 10 910 kg of cannabis, known as “Majat”, valued at N$109 100. Authorities also recovered 8 830 kg of cocaine valued at about N$4.42 million. Methamphetamine seizures totalled 2 635 kg, with an estimated value of over N$1.32 million. Tablet-based drugs were also seized. Authorities confiscated 2…
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Namibia strengthens continental aviation role

Namibia strengthens continental aviation role

Chamwe Kaira  Namibia is hosting Aviation Week Africa 2026 this week. The conference is expected to strengthen its role in the continent’s aviation sector. The chief executive officer and founder of Aviation Week Africa Network, Hellen Ngwira Mwamba, said hosting the event places Namibia at an important point in advancing Africa’s air connectivity. She said the event gives Namibia a platform to showcase its aviation infrastructure, policies and the wider aviation system. “This integrated approach reflects the reality that aviation development is not driven by one segment alone, but by coordinated collaboration across the full value chain,” she said. The…
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