Observer

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Namibia gains global recognition and strategic partnerships in green hydrogen

Namibia gains global recognition and strategic partnerships in green hydrogen

Niël Terblanché Namibia's journey towards becoming a green hydrogen powerhouse is gaining momentum, thanks to its strategic global partnerships, policy support, and technological collaborations. In a significant leap towards establishing itself as a leader in the green hydrogen sector, Namibia has been officially invited to join the prestigious International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF). According to James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, this membership enables the country to play an influential role in the annual Ministerial Meeting and Ministerial-CEO Roundtable, marking a pivotal step in its efforts to contribute to the global green hydrogen ecosystem. Mnyupe hailed this development as a…
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Siemens Energy interested in assembling electrolysers in Namibia

Siemens Energy interested in assembling electrolysers in Namibia

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Siemens Energy's keen interest in exploring opportunities to assemble electrolyzers in Namibia signals a monumental stride towards catapulting the country’s green hydrogen sector into prominence. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, recently embarked on a tour of Siemens Energy's gigawatt factory in Berlin, where cutting-edge electrolyzer production technologies were showcased, setting the stage for a partnership. Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe, said the visionary move by Siemens Energy aligns seamlessly with Namibia's burgeoning green hydrogen sector. “Siemens Energy expressed interest in exploring opportunities to assemble electrolysers in Namibia, aligning with the nation's rapidly growing green hydrogen…
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Swakopmund quells public concern over hazardous material storage

Swakopmund quells public concern over hazardous material storage

Niël Terblanché The Chief Executive Officer of the Swakopmund Municipality, Alfeus Benjamin, announced that it is yet to approve a controversial rezoning request by Namaquanum Investments CC. The company aims to utilize Erf 3954 along Einstein Street in the coastal town's Industrial Area for the storage of radioactive materials. The proposal has sparked a wave of discontent among the residents of Swakopmund. This development came to light following a February advertisement by the property owners, which indicated their intention to store harmful materials on the premises, leaving the Swakopmund community unsettled. Erf 3954, located in Swakopmund Extension 10 (Industrial Area),…
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Focus FM collaborates with Yango for local artist support

Focus FM collaborates with Yango for local artist support

Martin Endjala This week, Focus FM, a leading Namibian radio station, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hannes and Eve Rides, a Yango partner, to bolster support for "The Vault," a Namibian music countdown show hosted by local artist Don Kamati. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Hannes and Eve Rides as they celebrate one year of association with the global ride-hailing service, Yango, in Namibia. The partnership aims to enhance Hannes and Eve Rides' visibility in the Namibian market by supporting "The Vault" on Focus FM 89.0. At the partnership announcement event in Windhoek, Evelina Shangheta, an…
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Unlocking clean energy via Fothermo PV

Unlocking clean energy via Fothermo PV

Martin Endjala In an ongoing quest for sustainable energy solutions, Fothermo Photovoltaic (PV) water boilers (also referred to as PV boilers) have emerged as a beacon of innovation and environmental responsibility. This is the opinion of a Mechanical Engineer and a Renewable Energy Consultant at FurnTech Agency, a consumer electronics distribution company based in Windhoek that specialises in photovoltaic systems in Windhoek, Lilongeni Unoovene. He said the PV boilers offer a myriad of benefits that not only address the pressing need for clean energy but also revolutionise the way people think about residential PV solar water heating solutions. From reducing…
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AU empowers women in peace and security across Africa

AU empowers women in peace and security across Africa

Niël Terblanché As the current Chair of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) for March 2024, Namibia is set to host a crucial High-Level Ministerial Seminar on Women in Peace and Security (WPS) in Swakopmund. This seminar is a significant step in advancing the role of women in peace processes across the continent, aiming to evaluate and enhance their participation and leadership. Scheduled to be attended by the Foreign Ministers of all fifteen member states of the Peace and Security Council, along with distinguished guests including the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the Special…
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Man dies after elephant attack

Man dies after elephant attack

Niël Terblanché An Angolan man met his untimely death after an elephant attack in northern Namibia, a stark reminder of the ever-present danger of human-wildlife conflicts in the region. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Romeo Muyunda, confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday night at Otjorute Village, inside the Uukolonkadhi Conservancy in the Ruacana area. Muyunda said that the victim was part of a group of villagers attempting to drive the elephant away from their field when the tragedy struck. He said that in response to the incident, the Ministry has initiated efforts to locate…
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Building plans valued at N$190 million approved for February

Building plans valued at N$190 million approved for February

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek has approved 192 building plans for February 2024 This marks a significant increase from 76 building plans approved in January 2024. The plans approved in February translate into a total value of N$190.7 million which is substantially more than the N$53.8 million recorded in January. It also translates to a monthly growth rate of 152.6 percent and an 8.5 percent increase compared to February 2023. According to Simonis Storm Securities Economist, Halleluya Ndimulunde, the CoW, in February, recorded the receipt of 186 building plans, representing an uptick from the 122 plans submitted in January.…
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Hundreds of Oshakati families benefit from land allocation initiative

Hundreds of Oshakati families benefit from land allocation initiative

Niël Terblanché The Oshakati Town Council took another giant stride towards addressing housing by availing more residential land to people in dire need. This initiative has culminated in the handover of 291 serviced plots to ultra-low-income earners at the Onawa proper residential area, marking a significant milestone in the community's journey towards accessible homeownership and enhanced social stability. The recent allocation event also saw 31 beneficiaries, who had fulfilled their financial obligations to the local authority, receive plots ranging in size from 300 to 400 square meters, each priced at a modest N$14,730. According to the local authority, by recognizing…
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USA reaffirms commitment to Namibia’s prosperity

USA reaffirms commitment to Namibia’s prosperity

Niël Terblanché Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, has reaffirmed the United States of America's unwavering commitment to supporting Namibia. Blinken's message of solidarity came as Namibia celebrated its 34th year of independence on March 21, highlighting a relationship built on democratic values, human rights, and good governance. The American Secretary of State’s reaffirmation aligns with the United States' broader engagement with Namibia, characterized by a shared commitment to improving the well-being of Namibian people and fostering economic growth. The US has been an essential partner in Namibia's journey since its independence in 1990, contributing significantly to sectors…
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