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Cran clears new telecom tariffs and spectrum amendments

Cran clears new telecom tariffs and spectrum amendments

Allexer Namundjembo The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has approved new telecommunications tariffs and amended spectrum licence regulations. The decisions were published in the government gazette on 27 February.  Cran announced amendments to regulations governing fees for spectrum licences, certificates and examinations.  The changes update provisions contained in the regulations setting out fees for spectrum licences, certificates and examinations first published in 2020 and later amended in 2023. According to a notice signed by Cran board chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti, the amendments include changes to licence validity provisions and the introduction of a new radio frequency band. “The regulations are…
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VP calls for accountability in African parliaments

VP calls for accountability in African parliaments

Allexer Namundjembo Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged African parliaments to strengthen oversight and accountability.She said strong and independent parliaments are key to safeguarding democracy and supporting development across the continent. Witbooi made the remarks on Thursday while officially opening the 90th executive committee meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region in Swakopmund.The meeting brought together speakers of parliament, lawmakers and delegates from across Africa to discuss parliamentary governance and cooperation. Witbooi said parliaments must expand their role beyond passing laws and actively hold governments accountable.“For a country to be stable and grow in a way that lasts, it…
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Regulating the ride: Government must bring order to Namibia’s e-hailing revolution

The rise of e-hailing services in Namibia has exposed a familiar dilemma facing governments across the world: how to regulate innovation without stifling it. Platforms such as Yango, InDrive and LEFA have rapidly become a visible part of the urban transport landscape, particularly in Windhoek. Yet their growth has triggered escalating tensions with traditional taxi operators, raised safety concerns, and highlighted gaps in Namibia’s transport laws. At the heart of the conflict lies a regulatory vacuum. Namibia’s Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 was written long before smartphones and app-based mobility existed. As a result, e-hailing services have expanded…
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A capitalist budget for economic social justice?

A capitalist budget for economic social justice?

Kae Matundu Tjiparuro It is budget time in Namibia. With all eyes and ears and, indeed, attention focussed and fixed on that single persona. With many aspirations, hopes, expectations and anticipations. Rightly or wrongly. Oft with little assurance, as it has come to transpire over the years, let alone realisation of the various hopes, expectations and, if you wish, prayers. Not strange. For how can a whole country place so many expectations on a single individual? As if she/he were Ms and/or Mr Miracles and/or Ms/Mr Everything to all and sundry. Oblivious to the reality in which the country has…
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The motion to preserve the memory and legacy of the founding father of the Namibian nation: The future of institutional memory in Namibia

The motion to preserve the memory and legacy of the founding father of the Namibian nation: The future of institutional memory in Namibia

Paul T. Shipale (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) When a Nation Confers the Title of Founding Father When a nation confers the title of 'Founding Father' by statute, it does more than honour a historical figure. It legislates memory. It transforms history into law. Once history enters the legal order, it demands institutional expression. Namibia now stands at such a constitutional moment. Ten months ago, the Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Hon. McHenry Venaani, submitted a series of parliamentary questions to the Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare, calling for cost-cutting measures by repurposing state offices for…
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Young entrepreneur uses hair skills to help schoolchildren

Young entrepreneur uses hair skills to help schoolchildren

Patience Makwele  A young Windhoek-based hairdresser and founder of Hair by Mulombe, Teressa Mulombe Mupalu, says braiding the hair of 31 children for free before the start of the school term taught her lessons about patience, service and the value of helping others. Mupalu organised an outreach in January to provide free braiding and haircuts to schoolchildren in Goreangab.  She said she wanted to use her hairdressing skills to support children from disadvantaged households before they returned to school. She said the experience changed how she views community work after seeing children arrive early in the morning and wait for…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Ongwediva nurse builds facility to close healthcare gap

YOUNG OBSERVER | Ongwediva nurse builds facility to close healthcare gap

Patience Makwele  Nurse and entrepreneur Lucia Muatale is working to improve access to specialised healthcare services in northern Namibia through the establishment of Knickerbock Sub-Acute & Hospital Care in Ongwediva. At 39, Muatale established the facility to reduce the need for patients to travel to Windhoek for specialised recovery and oncology treatment. Her journey into healthcare entrepreneurship grew from both personal experience and professional observation. Muatale grew up in a single-parent household after losing her father at the age of 12.  She says her mother’s determination shaped her outlook on life. “My mother became my greatest role model. Watching her…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Local chef inspires youth through cooking

YOUNG OBSERVER | Local chef inspires youth through cooking

Patience Makwele  For many teenagers, spending time in the kitchen may feel like a chore. But for Windhoek entrepreneur Oubasen Naris Valery, it marked the start of a journey that would shape her career. The Katutura-born mother of two says her interest in cooking began when she was about 15 years old while watching her mother prepare meals at home. “I used to spend a lot of time in the kitchen with my mother,” Valery recalled. “Watching her cook inspired me to try new things and add my own touch to meals.” What began as a curiosity slowly developed into…
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Bannerman cuts losses while preparing Etango project

Bannerman cuts losses while preparing Etango project

Chamwe Kaira  Bannerman Energy Ltd reported a reduced net loss before tax of US$853 000 for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, compared to a net loss before tax of US$2.7 million recorded in the same period in 2024. The company said the loss was mainly driven by corporate and administrative expenses, non-cash share-based compensation costs and a share of losses from an equity-accounted investment. The share of losses from the equity-accounted investment amounted to US$248 449, compared to US$99 532 in the previous comparable period. Interest income for the six months increased to US$2.42 million from US$2.26 million in…
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Govt assures protection for SEZ investors

Govt assures protection for SEZ investors

Chamwe Kaira  Authorities have assured investors operating in Namibia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that their interests will be protected while the government reviews tax incentives offered under the framework. CDH Namibia noted in its 2026/27 budget review that measures will be introduced to maintain a stable and predictable rules-based environment for businesses already operating within SEZ structures. The planned reforms aim to strengthen the role of SEZs in supporting economic activity, skills transfer and technology development while contributing to national revenue. The government indicated that the design of SEZ incentives will consider global economic conditions and Namibia’s international obligations. It…
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