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Justicia Shipena and Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah still sings the song of jobs, promising opportunities even as pressure mounts over unemployment. During her second state of the nation address (SONA) on Wednesday, she said a total of 24 195 jobs are expected to be created once major investment projects currently underway reach full operation.  Nandi-Ndaitwah said 13 operational investment projects valued at N$4.3 billion have already created 1 503 jobs, while 15 additional projects worth N$63.5 billion are in progress, with 1 934 jobs created so far. The projected job creation forms part of the sixth National Development Plan…

Justicia Shipena  All eyes are on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as she delivers her second State of the Nation Address (Sona) in the National Assembly today at 14h30. The address comes as the public looks for clear progress since her first Sona and answers on whether government programmes are producing results. Sona is a constitutional address that outlines government priorities and performance. Political analyst Sam Kauapirura said Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to focus on the seven priority areas announced at the start of her administration. “The president is very performance- and output-driven in terms of her approach. She wants to see the…

Patience Makwele The death of Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua and his son in a car crash has shaken Namibia.  James (43) and his 14-year-old son, Venturo Uerikua, died on Friday over the Easter weekend in a crash on the C22 road between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara. According to the police report from the weekend, the accident occurred around 12h55 when a white Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly lost control after a rear tyre burst and overturned. “It is alleged that the driver lost control over the vehicle after the rear tyre bust and it overturned,” the report states. Police said…

Patience Makwele  The Upstream Petroleum Unit under the office of the President has been allocated N$20 million in the 2026/27 budget.  The unit was established after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took office last year. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah then appointed Kornelia Shilunga as head of the unit with Carlo McLeod as deputy.  But the allocated budget to the unit has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers who say the unit is not yet grounded in law. Debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday had the members of parliament questioning why parliament is being asked to fund an entity before its legal framework is finalised.…

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse has ordered fuel wholesalers to stop withholding supply and to account for any delays in deliveries.  The directive comes after fuel stations experienced long queues and shortages hours before prices went up. Amutse said the ministry launched an investigation after reports of delayed deliveries. Amuste also directed retailers to serve customers without discrimination and not to limit fuel sales to benefit from price increases. He warned that withholding fuel to sell later at higher prices undermines supply and must stop. Wholesalers must now provide written explanations for any reduced supply…

Renthia Kaimbi The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has directed the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to issue an immediate notice to vacate PIS Security Services.  CPBN said the company is occupying the campus without a valid contract. In a letter dated 24 March 2026 to acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo, CPBN chief executive officer Idi Itope said the company has no legal basis to remain on site. “There is no procurement contract between the Board and PIS for the rendering of security services to Nust,” Itope wrote.  He said the continued occupation of the premises by PIS…

Patience Makwele Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse says Namibia has enough fuel and there is no need for panic buying. Amutse said fuel stocks can meet national demand for one to two months, with no expected supply disruptions. “Namibia has enough fuel and there is no need for panic buying,” Amutse said. He said this even when rising global oil prices push local pump costs higher. Fuel prices are set to increase from 1 April 2026. Petrol will rise by N$2.50 per litre, while diesel will increase by N$4.00 per litre. At Walvis Bay, petrol 95 will cost N$22.08…

Chamwe Kaira  The government is moving ahead with plans to launch a new national airline, Namibia Air, before the end of 2026, as concerns grow over transparency and oversight. Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said the process is underway and the airline will not be a revival of Air Namibia but a new entity. She said a technical team is reviewing different operating models, including possible partnerships with international airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines.  The team will submit its findings to the line minister before Cabinet makes a final decision. No exact launch date has been set.…

ARVs, other medicine stocks low  Buys medicine from local pharmaceutical companies Ministry returns N$700m to treasury Renthia Kaimbi  The Ministry of Health and Social Services appears to be back in business with 'middlemen' as medicine shortages deepen and emergency purchases drive up costs. The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has invited bids for the supply of antiretroviral drugs for 12 months, raising questions about a return to intermediaries 'middlemen' after a shift to direct procurement from manufacturers. This follows as Namibia faces shortages of essential medicines.  Sources who spoke to the Windhoek Observer said the ministry returned about N$700…

Renthia Kaimbi  A municipal tender in Tsumeb has drawn scrutiny after it was awarded to a company previously linked to the chairperson of the municipality’s management committee, Sem Nghuulikwa. Sources who spoke to the Windhoek Observer raised concerns over the award to Kweni-Pewa Trading CC, citing Nghuulikwa’s past involvement with the company. A founding statement seen by the Windhoek Observer lists Nghuulikwa as a witness during the company’s registration. In a declaration dated 20 February 2026, Nghuulikwa confirmed his past role.  “I confirm that during the year 2023, I assisted Kweni-Pewa Trading CC with business registration services. My name appears…