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A smart city vision must never lose sight of basic service delivery

A smart city vision must never lose sight of basic service delivery

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…
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Tsumeb councillor denies soliciting N$80 000 to award housing tender

Tsumeb councillor denies soliciting N$80 000 to award housing tender

…Amupanda claims the screenshot is “fake” …Tsumeb acting CEO says allegations are politically motivated  Renthia Kaimbi Tsumeb councillor Sem Nghuulikwa has denied soliciting N$80 000 from an unidentified tenderer, allegedly in exchange for a N$800 000 contract to build 10 houses at the town. Nghuulikwa, who chairs the municipality's management committee, said the allegations are baseless, calling the leaked screenshot “AI-generated” and a politically motivated smear campaign designed to destroy his reputation. The WhatsApp conversation, first posted online by businessman Nico Kaiyamo, appears to show an exchange where a user allegedly identified as Nghuulikwa writes: “You will get 10 houses…
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Namcor leadership vacuum under spotlight in Vitol fuel deal

Namcor leadership vacuum under spotlight in Vitol fuel deal

Patience Makwele The government’s decision to award a three-month fuel supply arrangement worth an estimated N$7.2 billion to international energy trader Vitol has intensified scrutiny of governance at state-owned oil company Namcor, which remains without a substantive managing director months after applications for the top position closed. The arrangement has reignited questions over whether prolonged leadership uncertainty at Namibia’s national oil company may have affected perceptions of its ability to defend its strategic position in the country’s fuel supply chain. The concerns emerge amid claims that Namcor submitted a cheaper proposal than Vitol, with critics arguing that the decision to…
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‘LPM must fix internal structures after Keetmanshoop meeting disruption’ – Analysts

‘LPM must fix internal structures after Keetmanshoop meeting disruption’ – Analysts

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say the Landless People's Movement (LPM) needs stronger grassroots structures after its community meeting in Keetmanshoop was disrupted on Saturday. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah described the incident as “unfortunate and disappointing”. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, he said political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and internal democratic processes, not through actions that create division and instability. “What is even more concerning is that leaders and supporters appear to be spending more time fighting each other than building the party and advancing the interests of the landless people whom the party was created to…
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⁠⁠Namibian-brokered deal sets global standard for digital labour rights

⁠⁠Namibian-brokered deal sets global standard for digital labour rights

Renthia Kaimbi The International Labour Organization on Friday adopted a landmark Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, establishing a global framework to protect digital platform workers while ensuring fair wages, social protection, and respect for fundamental labour rights. On the same day, Namibia cemented its role as a continental leader by signing the Host Country Agreement for the 15th African Regional Meeting. The convention, passed at the 114th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland represents the first binding international treaty specifically addressing the rapidly growing platform economy, including ride-hailing, delivery, and freelance digital work. In…
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Environmental health practitioners petition govt for grade structure review

Environmental health practitioners petition govt for grade structure review

Allexer Namundjembo Environmental health practitioners and assistants across Namibia have petitioned the ministry of health and social services (MoHSS) to review and upgrade the profession's grading structure, arguing that their qualifications and responsibilities are not adequately reflected in the current public service framework. The petition, addressed to the health minister and copied to the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Prime Minister's human resources management division, and the Namibia Public Workers Union, calls for a comprehensive review of environmental health positions within the public service. According to the petitioners, environmental health practitioners, who hold honours degrees in Environmental Health…
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CoW eyes digital makeover with rail, fibre and smart city push

CoW eyes digital makeover with rail, fibre and smart city push

Patience Makwele The City of Windhoek on Monday unveiled an ambitious 10-year blueprint seeking to reshape the capital through digital transformation, modern public transport systems, and technology-driven service delivery. The newly launched People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 aims to commercialise the city's fibre-optic network, modernise public transport, and pursue a proposed commuter rail service linking Windhoek, Katutura, and Rehoboth. Municipal leaders describe it as a people-first approach to urban development. Speaking during the unveiling, the council's mayor, Sakarias Uunona, officially accepted the strategy, stating that the initiative represents a commitment to ensure technology and innovation improve residents' lives while creating…
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Car sales contract by 11.3% in May

Car sales contract by 11.3% in May

CHAMWE KAIRA Vehicle sales dropped by 11.3% in May to a total unit sale of 1,171 from April’s 1,320 units while still advancing 14.8% year-on-year from 1,020 units in May 2025.  The result was the strongest May print since 2016 and comfortably above the 951-unit trailing five-year mean for the month. The pullback from April was expected and constructive. April itself was recovering from March’s exceptional 1,662-unit surge, and May’s print reflects the natural settling of that sequence rather than any deterioration in the underlying demand impulse, Simonis Storm said.  On a cumulative basis, the first five months of 2026…
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Beverage imports peaked at N$677m in October 2025

Beverage imports peaked at N$677m in October 2025

CHAMWE KAIRA  Imports of beverages into Namibia remained well above exports between April 2025 and April 2026, averaging N$327 million per month compared to average monthly exports of N$90 million, according to the latest trade data. The figures show that beverage imports peaked at N$677 million in October 2025, marking the highest monthly value during the 13-month period under review. Imports remained above N$300 million for much of the period, highlighting the country's continued reliance on imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Exports, by contrast, reached their highest level in November 2025 at N$179 million. The lowest monthly export value was…
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NamPower to officially inaugurate N$394 million substation

NamPower to officially inaugurate N$394 million substation

Staff Writer  State power utility NamPower will officially inaugurate its Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund on 22 June, marking the completion of what the utility says is Africa's first fully digital electricity substation. The 132/66/33kV indoor substation, located about eight kilometres east of Swakopmund, was successfully commissioned and energised on 24 September 2025 following a total investment of N$394 million. According to NamPower, the Sekelduin Substation has been designed to accommodate growing electricity demand along Namibia's coast while modernising grid operations and improving the reliability of power supply. The utility says the facility represents a significant milestone in the country's energy…
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