National News – Page 166 – Windhoek Observer

06 Mar

Three decades of naval collaboration celebrated

ObserverNational NewsThree decades of naval collaboration celebrated

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Brazil have marked the 30th anniversary of a naval cooperation agreement that has over the decades, strengthened relations and fostered mutual commitment to safeguarding ocean resources. The agreement hailed as Brazil’s most substantial naval cooperation in Africa, emphasizes the deep-seated collaboration aimed at ensuring sustainable maritime environments and regional stability. Brazil’s Ambassador to Namibia, Vivian SanMartin, reiterated the importance of the naval partnership. “Both countries share a commitment to preserve ocean resources for sustainable maritime environments,” she said. SanMartin pointed to the instrumental role of the agreement that strengthened maritime capabilities, and enhanced maritime safety that…

06 Mar

USAID grant significantly boosts Namibia’s Green Hydrogen initiative

ObserverEnergy, National NewsUSAID grant significantly boosts Namibia’s Green Hydrogen initiative

Niël Terblanché The United States government, through its USAID Mobilizing Investment project, has announced a generous grant of N$19 million to Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers (Pty) Limited. This critical financial injection is aimed at supporting the ambitious N$22 billion Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Namibia One Fund, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s journey towards sustainable development and green energy. The SDG Namibia One Fund unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-27 in November 2022, stands as Namibia’s premier finance vehicle dedicated to the burgeoning green hydrogen industry. It is set to play a critical role in managing a…

05 Mar

CoW calls for frugality amid growing water crisis

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Windhoek faces a formidable water challenge and residents are urged to adopt frugal water use amidst a dire drought that threatens the central region's water supply. With the city's population on the rise, the pressure on water resources has intensified, leading to a sharp increase in consumption noted between February 19 and 26. Lydia Amutenya, the Public Relations Officer at the City of Windhoek said the situation has prompted urgent measures from both the local and national government to ensure sustainability and secure the future water supply for the capital and surrounding areas. Amutenya stated that there is…

05 Mar

N$3.8 billion worth of uranium exported in January 2024

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Uranium exports for January 2024 stood at N$3.8 billion, which is the highest value ever recorded Uranium prices it is expected to boom given its increased global demand. According to a Namibia Statistics Agency report, uranium was Namibia’s largest exported commodity in January 2024, accounting for 31.7 percent of the total export of goods, and was predominantly destined for China and Canada. Precious stones (diamonds) came second on the list accounting for 13.0 percent of the total exports of which 1.4 percent were re-exports, mainly destined for Botswana. Economist and Independent Bank Researcher Josef Sheehama, said the strong…

05 Mar

Etosha Fuel shortage resolved

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala A fuel shortage reported at Namibia’s premier tourist attraction, the Etosha National Park, has been resolved and both the service stations at Halali and Terrace Bay are back to full operational capacity Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala, has confirmed that the crisis occurred and said the state-owned company only became aware of the issue when customers took to social media platforms to complain about the unacceptable lack of fuel. “It is such a disappointment, such a farce. Get your house in order NWR and you are the main attraction in Namibia and you simply don’t care.…

05 Mar

NTA appoints new CEO

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The National Training Authority (NTA), has yesterday announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Erick Fundua Nenghwanya with effect from 1 April 2024. Nenghwanya will serve in the position for five years. His appointment comes after a protracted recruitment process was undertaken by the board with the assistance of an independent recruitment agency. Commenting on the appointment, NTA Board Chairperson, Jerome Mutumba, expressed confidence in Nenghwanya’s ability and relevant time-tested experience to render stewardship at a time when the board and shareholders approved the NTA’s five-year Integrated Strategic Business Plan, which comes into effect from…

05 Mar

MTC launches eSIM for international travellers

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Mobile Telecommunication Limited (MTC), on Tuesday launched the Electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) solution for its customers who travel internationally. MTC is the first to bring an exciting innovative service to Namibia. For now, the MTC eSIM technology solution will only be available as a data-only service, offering data-centric connectivity enabling online browsing, WhatsApp and other Application calls, and any other data-driven usage to its outbound customers, for example, customers travelling outside the country. MTC’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer Elton Katangolo explained that when people travel the world, without eSIM, they are required to buy a second physical…

05 Mar

MPs concerned about N$1.9 billion budget allocation for agriculture

ObserverNational NewsMPs concerned about N$1.9 billion budget allocation for agriculture

Martin Endjala Food production concerns have been sparked by the N$1.9 billion budget allocated to the agriculture sector by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi. During the tabling of the National Budget for the 2024/25 financial year in parliament last week, the finance minister said a total of N$1.9 billion has been availed to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. This includes N$50 million dedicated for land purchase to address the plight of generational farm workers as well as N$87 million for the improvement of animal health and marketing in communal areas. Members of parliament…

05 Mar

Namibia invests in vocational training to tackle unemployment

ObserverNational NewsNamibia invests in vocational training to tackle unemployment

Niël Terblanché Namibia is focusing on enhancing its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in an ambitious move to combat the high unemployment rate in the country and modernize the national economy. The Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, highlighted the critical role of a responsive and industry-relevant TVET sector during the inauguration of new workshops at the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre. She stated that addressing the unemployment and under-employment challenges in the highly segmented labour market is vital for economic growth. According to the minister, Namibia is on the brink of a significant…

04 Mar

Study permit application period for foreign students extended

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, has announced the extension of the study permit application period for foreign students. Executive Director at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Etienne Maritz, announced the extension in a statement, last week in which he stated that the deadline for submitting study permit applications for foreign students has been extended to Friday, 8 March 2024. The extension has been granted to provide students with another opportunity to submit their applications and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed on time, he stated. At the same time,…