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Namibia Regional Water Symposium set to confront lack of water security

Namibia Regional Water Symposium set to confront lack of water security

Niël Terblanché Keetmanshoop is hosting the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), a critical platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to address the country’s pressing water security challenges. The three-day event, convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, on Tuesday, will focus on the theme, “Water Security: A Generational Human Right for Sustainable Economic Development.” The governor of the Omaheke region, Pijoo Nganate, opened the symposium by stressing the urgent need for collaboration and commitment in securing Namibia’s water future. “Water is the single most powerful resource that…
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Export earnings reach N$12.6 billion in December 2024

Export earnings reach N$12.6 billion in December 2024

Stefanus Nashama  The country’s export earnings in December 2024 rose to N$12.6 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous month. This is according to the latest Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday. The bulletin highlighted that the country's import bill for the same month was N$12.7 billion, which reflects a notable decrease of 28% from the N$17.6 billion recorded in November 2024.  This shift contributed to a significant reduction in the country’s trade deficit, which stood at N$119 million in December 2024, compared to a trade deficit of N$5.5 billion the previous…
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Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab launched

Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab launched

Mallex Shipanga  The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has launched the country’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab in collaboration with Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA). Set to open in February at NUST’s High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select, the lab will be equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals—computer software systems that provide real-time analytics, data, and news. It will offer both undergraduate and graduate students the skills necessary for a career in finance. Through this lab, students will have the opportunity to earn globally recognised certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. “The Bloomberg…
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MTC launch Runners Connect Marathon to serve as Two Oceans qualifier

MTC launch Runners Connect Marathon to serve as Two Oceans qualifier

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Mobile Telecommunication (MTC) launched the MTC Runners Connect Marathon on Tuesday, which will serve as a qualifier for the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa. MTC announced that all the proceeds from the marathon event will be donated to the Namibia National Children's Hearts Trust. MTC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, John Ekongo, said a healthy lifestyle is vital to productivity, whether at a personal or corporate level. “Wellness is very important, whether in a company or an individual’s life; it is key to productivity. There is no business continuity when the health of employees is compromised. Hence, we call…
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The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

Josef Kefas Sheehama President Trump's executive orders serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, demanding that they put public service and economic development ahead of foreign aid and begging. The time has come for them to learn from these directives. To make sure that everyone feels appreciated and respected, every sovereign country should put in place an inclusive and equitable system. Trumponomics and Double-Edged Sword President Trump must be credible and relevant in his actions against world leaders. It is true that America has been feeding African nations for a long time despite the fact that they have rich…
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No value chain for crocodile products

No value chain for crocodile products

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is struggling to find markets for crocodile by-products due to the absence of a well-established value chain.  This was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week. “What do you do with them?” he asked. Several communities, particularly along the Okavango River, have on several occasions requested quotas for crocodile consumption.  Muyunda explained that the ministry is only interested in working with those who intend to farm crocodiles, not those seeking to consume them. Regarding crocodile population management, he said that continuous monitoring…
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Swapo not planning a remembrance event for Geingob

Swapo not planning a remembrance event for Geingob

Allexer Namundjembo The Swapo Party has no plans to host a remembrance ceremony for its former president, Hage Geingob, who passed away on 4 February last year. This was confirmed by Swapo Youth League Secretary, Ephraim Nekongo to the Windhoek Observer on Monday.  “No formal communication was issued, but those who will be hosting remembrance ceremonies are welcome to do so,” Nekongo said. Swapo’s spokesperson, Hilma Nikanor, also confirmed that she does not know about any planned events. “All I am aware of is the wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes Acre, where the gates are open to the public,” Nikanor said.…
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Fire incident forces closure of Mondesa Clinic

Fire incident forces closure of Mondesa Clinic

Niël Terblanché The Mondesa Clinic in Swakopmund has been temporarily closed after a fire broke out in the early hours of Monday morning. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, head of the Namibian Police’s Community Affairs Division in the Erongo region, the cause of the fire remains unknown and an investigation has been launched to determine what started the blaze. Shapumba said that a security guard from Six Thousand Security Company, who was on duty at the clinic, reported hearing multiple explosions before a resident alerted her that the clinic was on fire. He added that it is suspected that…
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Namibia and Sweden discuss stronger bilateral ties

Namibia and Sweden discuss stronger bilateral ties

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Sweden convened the tenth Session of the Namibia-Sweden Bilateral Working Group on Monday to strengthen their longstanding partnership. Jennely Matundu, Namibia's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Verna Sinimbo, Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade; and Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary of the Swedish Ministry for International Development Cooperation and foreign trade, co-chaired the meeting in Windhoek. The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of bilateral, regional, and international issues. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the robust and amicable relations nurtured over the years, rooted in shared historical, political, economic, social, and cultural ties. They acknowledged the…
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Headspring Investments assists with food security at schools

Headspring Investments assists with food security at schools

Niël Terblanché In an effort to promote food sustainability, Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Rosatom, has supported schools in Leonardville, by establishing garden projects recently. These gardens aim to provide students with direct access to fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables, thereby improving their nutritional intake. At the official handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, spoke about the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing educational challenges. "The learners here will have access to homegrown fruits and vegetables directly from their own garden, meaning you will enjoy fresh meals from your garden. This is particularly important in…
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