Blog – Windhoek Observer

27 Apr

TURNING POINT | Land is not enough: Why Namibia must rethink food self-sufficiency

Featured, Opinions

As a Namibian entrepreneur, I have heard the same question repeated in boardrooms, farms, and informal markets: how can a country with so much land and so few people still struggle to feed itself? It is a fair question, but also a dangerously simplistic one. Land alone does not produce food. Water, technology, logistics, policy, and human capital do. And it is precisely in these areas where Namibia must confront uncomfortable truths. A recent global analysis, published in Nature Food, revealed that only Guyana can produce all seven essential food groups domestically, starchy staples, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, and…

27 Apr

Swapo’s HQ swells to N$900m

Main, National News

Justicia Shipena Delays in the construction of the Swapo's new headquarters have pushed the project cost beyond initial estimates, ballooning to over N$900 million. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed the revised figure during the party’s 66th anniversary celebrations, which coincided with the official opening of the building. “As it stands now, it is over N$900,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that the project was delayed by two years, moving it beyond the earlier estimate of between N$600 million and N$700 million. The headquarters project has faced scrutiny over the years, especially on financing the project. In 2023, contractor Unik Construction Engineering halted work…

27 Apr

‘We can’t police away unemployment’ …youth question police recruitment

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Youth leaders and activists have warned that large-scale recruitment in the security sector does not address unemployment. This comes as the Namibian Police Force (Nampol) is recruiting 1 750 cadet constables for the 2026/2027 financial year. Applications close on 13 May 2026. Affirmative Repositioning (AR) member of parliament Tuhafeni Kalola said youth unemployment remains a major challenge. According to data from the Namibia Statistics Agency, young people aged 15 to 35 make up 71% of the country's three million population. “Most of our young people try by all means to acquire degrees in different sectors; therefore, they are…

27 Apr

NNN sounds alarm on Swapo misinformation

National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned of what she described as a wave of misinformation targeting Swapo and called on party members to remain united. She made the remarks on Saturday during the 11th meeting of the party’s central committee at the Gateway Centre. The meeting included members of the central committee, politburo and senior leadership, including former president Nangolo Mbumba. Nandi-Ndaitwah said false information is being used to create division within the party. “There are those who present falsehoods as facts to sow confusion, mistrust and disunity among our rank and file,” she said. She urged members to…

27 Apr

New science hub to open in Katutura

National News

Patience Makwele The City of Windhoek has signed an agreement with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) to establish a science, technology and innovation centre in Katutura. The agreement was signed on Friday and sets out plans to build the centre at the UN Plaza Community Complex. Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the project aims to link science with community needs. “This is not merely about signing a document. It is about forging a future where science and society intersect and where young people are empowered to innovate solutions to real challenges facing their communities," Uunona said. …

27 Apr

Legal platform to strengthen wildlife laws

National News

Staff Writer The newly launched Sustainable Wildlife Management Legal Hub will help identify gaps in laws and strengthen natural resource governance. Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel said this while launching the hub on Friday. “This Legal Hub will serve as a dedicated platform to display laws and policies that protect our biodiversity and the people who live alongside it,” he said. Immanuel said the platform is designed to go beyond storing laws and will help link policy with implementation. “It is not merely a library of statutes but a dynamic platform designed to bridge the gap between…

27 Apr

A harvest of opportunity: Turning rainfall gains into lasting food security

Editorial

Namibia’s agronomy sector has delivered a rare and welcome piece of good news: a projected maize harvest of 111 447 tonnes. After seasons often defined by uncertainty, this year’s strong rainfall has translated into tangible productivity, offering both relief and a glimpse of what is possible when climatic conditions align with preparedness. While minor pest and weed challenges have been reported, they are not expected to significantly dent yields, a testament to improved farm management practices and resilience within the sector. This moment deserves recognition, not only as a seasonal success but also as a strategic opportunity. Namibia must resist…

27 Apr

Mobile launch to weigh on Paratus’ earnings

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Telecommunications company Paratus Namibia Holdings Limited says its earnings are expected to fall sharply as it absorbs the cost of its new mobile network. In a trading statement, the company said headline earnings per share and basic earnings per share are expected to decline by more than 30% for the six months ended 31 December 2025. The company linked the decline to costs from the rollout of its mobile business, which launched on 2 September 2025. Paratus said operating expenses increased due to the new network. Finance costs also rose as the company took on additional borrowing to…

27 Apr

SADC airlines warn of looming jet fuel

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has raised concern over jet fuel availability in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region beyond May 2026. The association warned that a lack of clear contingency plans could disrupt airline schedules, increase fares and affect regional economies. AASA said airlines need at least six weeks’ visibility on fuel supply to plan operations and meet obligations to passengers and cargo customers. AASA chief executive Aaron Munetsi called on fuel suppliers, depot operators, airports and SADC governments to share fuel allocation and distribution plans. He said concerns are linked to disruptions in…

27 Apr

Maize harvest expected to reach 100 000 tonnes

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Agronomy producers expect a harvest of about 111 447 tonnes. Producers shared this outlook during a meeting of the Agronomy Producers’ Association, where they said crop conditions are strong following good rainfall across most regions. About 23 390 hectares of maize were planted under dryland and irrigation. If conditions hold, output could exceed last season’s harvest. Producers said rainfall was timely across most maize-growing areas and supported crop growth. Some eastern regions received less rain, but overall conditions remain favourable. They reported minor challenges such as weeds and limited pests. These are not expected to affect yields. Groundnut…