Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The finance ministry is reviewing the list of zero-rated and exempt goods and services under the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act, including healthcare items.  This comes as calls grow from health advocates and the public for the removal of VAT and import duties on life-saving medication, especially for those who rely on private pharmacies due to stockouts in public hospitals. “The Ministry is currently reviewing the list of zero-rated and exempt goods and services under the VAT Act, including those related to healthcare. Any policy changes resulting from this review will be announced in accordance with the Fiscal Calendar,…

Niël Terblaché Namibia has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable and inclusive tourism development during the 123rd Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, held in Segovia, Spain, from 29 to 30 May 2025. The two-day council meeting brought together ministers and senior tourism officials from across the globe to deliberate on strategies to promote innovation, resilience and inclusive recovery in the sector. Delivering Namibia’s statement at the session, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, said the country is steadfast in its advocacy for sustainable tourism across Africa. She also expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Spain…

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu has called for the elevation of the Oshakati Totem Expo to a national and international platform, saying the annual event holds the potential to drive economic growth and preserve cultural heritage. Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Oshakati Totem Expo on Saturday at the Oshakati Independence Stadium, Iipumbu described the event as more than just a celebration of tradition. She referred to the tenth edition of the expo as a platform for economic activity, cultural exchange, and social unity. Iipumbu commended the Oshakati Town Council…

Niël Terblanché Stakeholders in Namibia’s water sector have agreed on measures to guide water supply planning for the Central Area of Namibia (CAN) following a workshop hosted by NamWater. Participants were briefed on the current status of the region’s primary water sources, including the Swakoppoort, Von Bach, and Omatako dams, as well as the operations of the Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company (WINGOC). The workshop concluded with an agreement to maintain potable water reclamation from WINGOC at 5.84 million cubic metres per year and continue abstraction of groundwater from the City of Windhoek at 0.5 million cubic metres annually. A Managed…

Justicia Shipena  The Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministers of finance will meet in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, this month for discussions on financial market development and regional economic integration.  The high-level meetings, scheduled for 12–13 June 2025, will bring together the Committee of Ministers of Finance and Investment and the Peer Review Panel. The ministers will review progress on regional financial initiatives, including updates on macroeconomic convergence targets that are central to SADC’s strategy for maintaining macroeconomic stability across member states. Key agenda items include strengthening the integrity and resilience of financial systems within SADC and developing strategies to sustainably…