National News

Justicia Shipena The government has engaged with the United States to explore the possibility of a new trade agreement following the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on 30 September 2025. The executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that Namibia took part in the Public Oral Hearing for the annual review of AGOA country eligibility for 2026.  The hearing was held on 18 July 2025 at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington, DC. She said the session focused on AGOA eligibility criteria…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namdia Foundation has invested N$5.9 million to improve learning conditions in the Kavango West region through the construction of three new classroom blocks and the installation of two water tanks at rural schools. The official handover took place on Friday at Hamweyi Primary School in the Ncuncuni Circuit and was attended by regional leaders, education officials and community members. Speaking on behalf of former deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, National Council chairperson Lucas Sinimbo Muha said the initiative showed how Namibia’s natural resources could deliver real benefits to communities. “This…

Allexer Namundjembo After years of illness and hardship, 23-year-old Johanna Kamati is preparing to start a new chapter in her life as she pursues a career in tourism.  She will enrol for level 4 studies next year at the African Hospitality and Tourism Vocational Training Centre in Windhoek, moving closer to her dream of working in the tourism industry. Johanna’s journey has not been easy. Born in Letu-Letu village in the Mangetti Dune area of the Otjozondjupa region, she grew up as the only girl among five brothers. Her parents, originally from Okongo in the Ohangwena region, moved in search…

Allexer Namundjembo  The growing participation of young people in politics is bringing energy, ideas, and accountability into the country's political space. Analysts say this trend signals a positive step toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah told the Windhoek Observer that the increasing interest among the youth reflects their determination to influence change in systems that have failed to address their needs.  “Many youths are stepping forward because they are the largest group affected by unemployment and poverty, which leaves them socially and economically frustrated,” he said.  Kamwanyah said young people’s involvement strengthens Namibia’s democratic values…

Justicia Shipena Former Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) employee and convicted double murderer Ernst Lichtenstrasser has died in custody.  Lichtenstrasser (64) was found dead on Sunday morning at the Windhoek Correctional Facility. The deputy commissioner general of Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), Sam Shalulange, told the Windhoek Observer that Lichtenstrasser had been ill before his death. Shalulange said Lichtenstrasser had been receiving medical attention at the facility’s clinic.  “Mr Lichtenstrasser was a patient. He was even at the sick bay when he died. The sick bay is the clinic in the facilities. So, he has been a patient,” he…

Allexer Namundjembo The United Democratic Front's (UDF) Youth League has criticised former deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines, and energy, Natangue Ithete, for making comments they believe were divisive and irresponsible during his visit to Khorixas. Ithete allegedly said he only wants to work with members of his own political party and suggested that if another political party were to win, the people of Khorixas would have “brought poverty upon themselves.” In a video clip seen by the Windhoek Observer, Ithete is heard saying there are different candidates from different political parties contesting in this year’s regional and…

Justicia Shipena The government will spend N$22 million more on office rentals this year.In total, it will pay N$364 million to rent offices, up from N$342 million last year.This was revealed by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi in Parliament on Thursday.  He stated that renting gives the government the flexibility to allocate resources, enabling it to focus on sectors such as education, health and social welfare. Nekundi explained that building new offices would be too costly.  “To construct office space for about 300 employees would cost between N$600 million and N$700 million. Given that most ministries in Windhoek accommodate…

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) has lodged a formal complaint with urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, accusing the Walvis Bay Municipal Council of interfering in the recruitment process for a senior position. In a letter dated 24 October 2025, Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga alleged serious irregularities in the hiring process for the general manager of human resources and corporate communication services.  The union claims the council unlawfully altered an approved shortlist and made improper financial payments to candidates. Documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that a shortlisting committee met on 25 July 2025…

Renthia Kaimbi Human rights advocate Phil ya Nangoloh questioned whether opposition parties can bring real political change. He said they have failed to address an important constitutional issue that impacts governance. Ya Nangoloh, the founder and executive director of NamRights, said he has long raised concerns about how the ruling Swapo governs the country.  He believes the party has not fully upheld democracy, the rule of law, or justice since independence. He said this has created a misleading public perception that Swapo alone is to blame for the country’s failures in protecting civil, economic and social rights. He argued that…

Allexer Namundjembo  The parliamentary standing committee on economy and industry, public administration and planning visited informal traders and SME centres in Okahandja on Friday.  The visit aimed to assess how the town is implementing the International Labour Organisation’s Recommendation 204, which supports the transition from the informal to the formal economy. The visit, led by chairperson Iipumbu Shiimi and deputy chairperson Hilma Iita, aimed to understand the daily challenges faced by small business owners and informal traders. During the engagement, traders raised concerns about limited access to credit, lack of business training and the need for startup capital, which many…