National News

Allexer Namundjembo Voices in the political space have expressed mixed views on transfers of executive directors across government ministries.  While some see the reshuffles as a way to improve performance and curb corruption, others warn they could disrupt service delivery if not carefully planned. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the movement of executive directors can be useful when guided by clear objectives and proper planning.  Speaking to the Windhoek Observer last week, Kamwanyah said transfers can help share institutional knowledge, bring in new ideas and reduce over-familiarity with long-standing systems. “Moving executive directors can improve performance, particularly in ministries where…

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting following reports that the United States attacked Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.  The Namibian government said the actions constitute a breach of international law and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. On Sunday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all nations must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.  “The respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for the enhancement of global peace and…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged young people to care for the elderly and stand with the vulnerable, emphasising that the youth continue to be the nation's lifeblood and vitality. In her New Year message on Thursday, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged young Namibians to be protectors of those who cannot always protect themselves and to look out for one another in 2026.  She called on the nation to renew its commitment to guarding society against social ills that threaten progress.  She said efforts toward women’s emancipation must address all forms of abuse and discrimination.  Nandi-Ndaitwah urged citizens to reject gender-based violence,…

Renthia Kaimbi Human rights activist Phil ya Nangoloh says the term “war veteran” has no legal standing.  He criticises Namibia’s veteran policy, noting that it hides a gap in national law that leaves many former soldiers without recognition. In a statement issued on Saturday, Ya Nangoloh said the Veterans Act (2 of 2008) only recognises veterans of the liberation struggle and does not make reference to so-called war veterans. “So many former Swapo comrades and especially those who were in exile, call themselves 'war veterans'. But little did they appear to know that there is no such thing as a…

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia has joined a continental drive to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 with the launch of its National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 initiative on Thursday in Windhoek. Mission 300 is an Africa-wide effort aimed at expanding access to electricity, and Namibia’s participation centres on a National Energy Compact that sets out country-specific reforms, targets, and implementation plans aligned with the continental agenda. The Compact commits Namibia to coordinated actions to increase electricity connections, improve supply reliability, and strengthen energy security to support economic transformation. Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse said the…

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia is moving forward with two separate conservation initiatives that could shape how natural landscapes are protected and managed, with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) playing distinct roles in each process. One initiative focuses on a community-driven conservation corridor linking the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Parks. The other initiative focusses on the proposed UNESCO Global Geopark surrounding the Brandberg area. The community corridor initiative follows a contract signed by the NNF in October 2025 to support implementation of the Legacy Landscape Fund (LLF), which is managed by WWF Namibia.  The LLF committed funding of US$1 million per…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has acknowledged the Supreme Court judgement in the long-running Prowealth Asset Managers (PAM) matter.  It said the case arises from events that occurred nearly two decades ago, at a time when the regulatory environment was far less developed. “The PAM matter relates to a period when Namfisa's regulatory and supervisory framework was still evolving. While we acknowledge that there were weaknesses at the time, we respect the findings of the Supreme Court,” said Victoria Raimond, manager for corporate communications and consumer education at Namfisa, in a press statement issued on Thursday.…

Justicia Shipena  The High Court has ordered that N$779 666 held in a bank account linked to the late managing director of the Aquamarine Fishing Company of Namibia, Manfred Uxamb, be frozen, pending the outcome of a civil case brought by the company.  In a recent judgement, the court confirmed part of an earlier interim order that allows Aquamarine to secure funds it claims were misappropriated while Uxamb served as its managing director.  The court rejected broader attempts to freeze additional funds and assets, finding that only one specific amount was supported by evidence. Aquamarine alleges that between 2018 and…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) says its outgoing chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja has built a strong executive team to support institutional change.  Uaandja is preparing to leave office at the end of December. Jessica Hauuanga has been appointed acting chief executive officer with effect from 1 January 2026.  Hauuanga, who has served as Executive: Investor Experience since 2021, assumes the role following Uaandja’s departure when her contract ends on 31 December. In a statement issued on Thursday, the NIPDB board said it has full confidence in Hauuanga’s ability to lead the institution during this…