Windhoek Observer

Justicia Shipena  In the next five years, the government plans to increase carried participation from 10% to 15%. This goal is outlined in the recently launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which sets 2030 as the deadline. The goal is to empower citizens and local corporations to actively participate in the petroleum sector.  The plan also includes goals to produce 150 million barrels of oil equivalent, increase gas production to 130 million standard cubic feet per day, and create 22,800 jobs by 2030.  Recent reports show that Namibia collected N$5.96 billion ($309 million) in royalties from mining activities over the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja An audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) flagged questionable financial practices at Namcor.  It highlighted irregular payment arrangements with Enercon Namibia (Pty) Ltd, the company at the centre of a N$53 million fuel supply deal. The audit was presented during the ongoing bail application of former Namcor managing director Immanuel Mulunga and eight others in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. State prosecutor Basson Lilungwe told the court that the PWC audit uncovered accounts exceeding credit limits, unusual balances, and questionable payment terms.  The state revealed that Enercon was allowed to accumulate a fuel debt of N$108 million, despite having a formal…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger alliances and collective strategies to resist economic exploitation and foreign-backed calls for regime change.  Speaking at the Liberation Movements Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, she urged sister parties to stand united against external interference targeting Africa's political stability. "We must share with each other strategies on confronting the evil calls for regime change in our respective countries by some foreign forces through opposition parties and civil society," Nandi-Ndaitwah said. The summit, held under the theme "Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa," brought together…

Allexer Namundjembo  Namibia's ICT Development Index (IDI) score rose from 68% in 2023 to 73.2% in 2025, according to the latest IDI report, released by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).  The 6% rise reflects an increase  in the country's digital connectivity.The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) said this growth highlights progress in connectivity levels. The IDI measures Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) across 164 member states using 2023 data. UMC includes access, affordability, digital literacy, and network qualitym                                           …

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has received  support from public figures after he shared that he once considered suicide during a period of financial hardship. Ngurare made the revelation last week on social media, saying that between 2015 and 2019, he was under severe financial stress and nearly lost both his house and car due to nonpayment.  During that time, he said the thought of suicide crossed his mind in the hope that his life cover would settle his debt and support his family. “Thanks to the support of family, friends and comrades, I managed to thwart those thoughts.…

Justicia Shipena  Mineworkers will soon benefit from a new Retirement Incentive Benefit, set to take effect on 1 August 2025.  The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) announced the initiative during its second regional roundtable discussion in Oranjemund, ǁKaras Region. The benefit will be available to members who are at least 60 years old and have been with MUN for a minimum of five years. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the initiative fulfils a resolution passed at the 2010 Congress and is part of the union’s efforts to recognise long-serving members. The roundtable brought together union leaders, members, and experts…

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek ( CoW) has extended essential services to Farm 508, where over 300 households were relocated earlier this year following floods that destroyed homes in parts of Otjomuise.  The relocation aimed to provide a safer environment after flash floods damaged residents' previous homes. In an update issued on Friday, the city stated , "The emergency relocation was a necessary intervention to safeguard the lives and dignity of displaced residents." Since the relocation, the municipality, working with the Khomas Regional Council and other partners, has made progress in bringing infrastructure and services to the area.  Two…