Windhoek Observer

Chamwe Kaira The Chamber of Mines of Namibia has released its monthly mining update for October, showing that the mining sector remained stable despite global economic uncertainty, weak industrial activity in key markets, and pressure on diamond and base-metal demand. The update shows that mining continues to play a central role in the national economy, supported by strong performance in gold and uranium. Global conditions in October reflected softer industrial output in China, ongoing trade tensions, and cautious investor sentiment.  Despite this, Namibia’s mining industry held steady, supported by record gold prices and continued growth in uranium production. Gold reached…

Chamwe Kaira Namibia recorded an increase in mobile broadband usage and steady performance across the information and communication technology sector in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran). The total number of active SIM cards rose by 3% during the quarter, reversing the stability recorded in the previous period.  The growth was driven by a 3% increase in prepaid subscriptions, while postpaid subscriptions grew by 1%. “Mobile broadband usage rose by 6%, and dongle and router-based broadband subscriptions increased significantly by 30%, although from a relatively small base indicating renewed interest in fixed…

Chamwe Kaira Angola’s Ministry of Transport has launched a public tender for the concession to operate, manage, and maintain the Namibe Corridor, which includes plans for a future railway connection with Namibia. The tender invites interested bidders to submit proposals by 4 May 2026.  The concession will run for an initial period of 30 years, with the option to extend it to 50 years. The concession covers the Moçâmedes–Menongue railway line and includes rolling stock, railway infrastructure, workshops, and a training centre.  It also allows for the design and construction of new sections, extensions, and branch lines, including a rail…

Staff Writer  Westair Aviation, together with its aviation training subsidiary Signa Aviation, celebrated a historic milestone recently with the graduation of Namibia’s first group of Aviation Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to complete both their trade test preparation and final assessments entirely within Namibia. The ceremony recognized 20 apprentices who completed 18 theory modules, and nine graduates who successfully completed the full skills test process and are now officially qualified AMEs. This marked the first time a Namibian Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) has delivered a complete trade test pathway locally. It is a breakthrough for the country’s aviation training landscape and an…

Staff Writer Artificial Intelligence Service Optimisation for Development (AISOD), a Namibian-registered artificial intelligence innovation and training organisation, has outlined its plans to position Namibia and Africa as leaders in ethical and locally developed AI systems. AISOD was founded in 2023 by Namibian technologist Joel Tiago. The organisation focuses on using artificial intelligence to improve service delivery, develop digital systems, and equip Namibians with technological skills suited to a changing economy.  Its work aligns with Namibia’s National AI and Digital Strategies and responds to the need for African-driven AI solutions. “Artificial intelligence must not be something Africa merely consumes,” said Tiago. …