Windhoek Observer

Justicia Shipena Seven years after its introduction, the National Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (Neeef) remains incomplete, leaving Namibia’s ambition to tackle deep-rooted inequality hanging in the balance.  The framework, which has been under development since 2018 and aims to address the country’s persistent socioeconomic disparities and inequalities rooted in past discriminatory laws, has yet to be finalised. Despite being described last week as “at an advanced stage” by the Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC), Neeef has been stuck in development for years.  During a meeting with prime minister Elijah Ngurare, the LRDC said the framework is close to completion.…

Justicia Shipena  Hundreds of mothers are still dying during childbirth in Namibia. The latest data shows 139 deaths for every 100 000 live births.  This is almost twice the global target of fewer than 70 by 2030. The figure was revealed at the launch of the national strategy for reproductive, maternal, newborn, adolescent health and nutrition (2025/2026–2029/2030) in Windhoek on Thursday.  Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said Namibia has made progress in expanding access to healthcare, but maternal and newborn deaths remain a major problem.  “Namibia’s maternal mortality ratio is estimated to be at 139 per 100 000 live births,…

Justicia Shipena Namibia experienced more than one million cyber threats in the first half of 2025. Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus sounded the alarm over the country’s growing exposure to cyber risks, saying the attacks highlight the urgent need to strengthen digital security systems. Presenting a ministerial statement in Parliament on Wednesday, Theofelus said that between January and June 2025, the Namibia Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (Nam-CSIRT), housed at the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), detected 1 103 784 cyber threats and 1 090 342 vulnerabilities across the country’s digital systems. “These statistics should send an alarm…

Renthia Kaimbi A petition from the Sorris Sorris community calling for the coexistence of mining and tourism has been overshadowed by a new internal dispute within the conservancy.  Members of the Sorris Sorris Conservancy management committee have disowned a letter they say was unauthorised and falsely reversed the conservancy’s legal stance overnight. This comes as community members, under the Dâure Daman Traditional Authority, handed over a petition to the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources at Parliament in Windhoek on Thursday. The petition expressed the community’s “deep dismay” at outside entities using the courts without consultation and…

Justicia Shipena Namibian renewable energy startup Kaoko Green Energy Solutions Pty Ltd has been selected to join the pre-acceleration program at 500 Global, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms and startup accelerators. The programme, held in partnership with Timbuktoo Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings together emerging entrepreneurs from across the continent.  The first Pre-Acceleration Academy supports founders at the earliest stage of their journey through an in-person programme that started on Monday and will conclude this weekend. Kaoko is represented by its co-founder, Gerson Hakey Nasau. 500 Global is known for backing more than…

Melisa Poulton has made history by becoming the first Namibian fashion designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week. Her appearance at the global fashion event marks a milestone for both her and the Namibian fashion industry. Poulton, founder of House of Poulton, began her career in 2011 at the Warehouse Theatre in Windhoek. Over the years, she has built a name for herself through designs that fuse Namibian heritage with modern style. Her latest achievement took her to the prestigious Westin Paris Vendôme, where she presented her collection titled La Dolce Vita. The collection drew inspiration from Namibia’s…

October is one month on the calendar that reminds. It is a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t take a break, and neither should we in raising awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (which is October) is a global campaign that highlights the importance of education, early detection and ongoing support for those affected by the cancer. While the pink ribbons and campaigns serve as powerful symbols, the fight against breast cancer requires year-round commitment beyond a month of recognition. The global landscape Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounts…

In a world where our days begin and end with a glowing screen, digital detox has become more than a trendy buzzword and evolved into a survival strategy. We live in an age where our phones tell us when to wake up, social media tells us what to feel, and algorithms decide what we see, buy, or even believe. Technology connects us in ways once unimaginable; however, it’s also quietly rewiring how we think, relate and rest. The truth is, we are the most connected generation in history, yet at the same time, one of the most distracted and emotionally…