Editorial

The coming into force of Namibia’s Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) has ushered in one of the most significant reforms to the country’s financial sector in decades. While much attention has rightly focused on its broader regulatory impact, one provision in particular has quietly altered the relationship between employers, employees and retirement savings. Under the previous Pension Funds Act, employers who suffered losses through theft, fraud or dishonesty by employees could, under specific conditions, recover those losses from pension benefits. Such recoveries required either an acknowledgement of debt by the employee or a court judgment confirming liability. The principle…

The City of Windhoek’s unveiling of its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 represents one of the most ambitious urban development visions ever presented for Namibia’s capital. From the commercialisation of municipal fibre infrastructure and digital governance systems to integrated public transport and even a proposed commuter rail link between Windhoek, Katutura and Rehoboth, the blueprint demonstrates a willingness to think boldly about the city’s future. Such long-term thinking deserves recognition. For many years, local authorities across the country have often been criticised for being reactive rather than strategic. In contrast, Windhoek’s new smart city strategy attempts to anticipate the pressures…

The recent debate surrounding Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare’s engagement with Namibia’s growing community of “Order With Me” entrepreneurs has exposed a broader and more important conversation about the future direction of our economy. The criticism levelled at the meeting is understandable. Namibia cannot import its way to prosperity. A country that seeks sustainable growth must ultimately manufacture, process and add value to its own resources. It must encourage domestic industries, create productive jobs and reduce dependency on foreign goods. Yet dismissing the thousands of young Namibians who have built livelihoods through small-scale import businesses would be equally short-sighted. The emergence…

For years, public discourse in Namibia has rightly focused on empowering women and girls, correcting historical injustices and creating opportunities where barriers once existed. Those efforts have yielded remarkable gains. Today, women are excelling in schools, universities and many professional fields. This progress deserves recognition and celebration. Yet, while the nation applauds these achievements, another reality is emerging quietly but alarmingly: Namibia’s boys are falling behind. The warning delivered this week by First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah during a community engagement in Katima Mulilo should not be dismissed as an isolated concern. It should be viewed as a national wake-up call.…

The process of appointing Namibia’s next Prosecutor-General represents far more than the filling of a vacant office. It is a test of the country’s commitment to transparency, institutional integrity and the rule of law. With Advocate Martha Imalwa expected to leave office at the end of the year after more than two decades at the helm of the Prosecutor-General’s Office, Namibia finds itself at an important crossroads. The nation now has an opportunity to demonstrate that key constitutional appointments are conducted openly, professionally and within a reasonable timeframe. The Prosecutor-General occupies one of the most consequential positions in the country’s…

The controversy surrounding the role of Uhuru Dempers at the National Youth Council (NYC) is no longer simply about one individual. It has evolved into a broader question about transparency, accountability and respect for public procedures within the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture. At the centre of the matter lies a contradiction that the ministry itself has failed to adequately address. For months, Mr Dempers has reportedly attended meetings with and on behalf of Minister Sanet Steenkamp. Attendance records confirm his presence at numerous NYC engagements. Sources inside the youth sector describe him as having exercised…

The recent installation of speed humps along sections of Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and A1 highway has once again exposed an unfortunate tendency within government decision-making: responding to tragedies with knee-jerk solutions rather than evidence-based interventions. No one disputes that pedestrian fatalities on these roads are a serious concern. Every life lost is one too many, and authorities have a duty to act decisively to prevent further deaths. However, acting decisively is not the same as acting wisely. The speed humps introduced by the Ministry of Works and Transport and implemented by the Roads Authority appear to be a reaction…

The launch of a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the ministry of works and transport headquarters in Windhoek marks a modest but significant milestone in Namibia’s journey towards modern and sustainable transport. Announced by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi in the National Assembly on Thursday, the initiative represents more than simply installing a charging point. It signals a recognition by the government that the global transport landscape is changing and that Namibia must begin positioning itself for that future. Electric vehicles are no longer a distant concept reserved for wealthy nations. Across Europe, Asia, North America and…

The launch of the Seventh African Media Barometer (AMB) Report on Namibia this week provides an important opportunity for reflection on the state of media freedom, regulation and the broader information environment in the country. Presented by Namibia Media Trust (NMT) Executive Director Zoé Titus, the report serves as both a progress assessment and a reminder that media freedom is never a permanent achievement but rather a principle that requires continuous protection and improvement. Namibia has long enjoyed a reputation as one of Africa’s strongest performers in media freedom rankings. The country consistently scores highly in continental and international assessments,…

The decision by Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa to direct municipalities to disconnect water and electricity services to government ministries, state-owned enterprises and large private companies that fail to settle outstanding municipal debts has ignited intense debate across the country. On the surface, the directive appears both logical and overdue. Municipalities cannot continue to provide services indefinitely while carrying billions of dollars in unpaid debt. Local authorities rely heavily on revenue from rates, taxes, electricity and water payments to maintain roads, sanitation systems, waste management, public facilities and essential infrastructure. When major consumers fail to pay their bills,…