Windhoek Observer – Page 56 – Windhoek Observer

24 Jul

Namibia tops Africa in Tax-to-GDP ratio for second year

Observer Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has recorded the highest tax-to-GDP ratio on the continent for the second year in a row, according to data from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). This was revealed by Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner and ATAF vice chairperson Sam Shivute during a panel discussion at the ATAF Heads of Tax Administrations Leadership Masterclass, which is taking place this week in Rabat, Morocco. Shivute said the country's performance results from a series of domestic reforms and strategic interventions undertaken in recent years. During the panel session titled 'Embracing Collaboration and Enhanced Transparency for Domestic Resource Mobilisation', he…

24 Jul

The role of traditional authorities in agriculture

Observer Money

Hanks Saisai Namibia is home to many communal areas under the administration of Traditional Authorities. The country's aspirations of achieving food security and the crucial role of land in this endeavour, emphasise the influence of Traditional Authorities in overseeing land for Agricultural Production. For instance, during a recent potato harvest, King Omukwanilwa Fillemon Nangolo and the leadership of the Ondonga Traditional Authority demonstrated the vital role these authorities play in agriculture. Land is considered a crucial factor of production in any agricultural business. To this end, Traditional Authorities that oversee communal land are essential stakeholders that can help transform communal…

24 Jul

NNOC appoints Parker as CEO

SportsAnri Parker

Erasmus Shaliahxwe The Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) and Commonwealth Games Association has appointed Anri Parker as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 September 2025. NNOC president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa announced the appointment on Wednesday. He said Parker has experience in sports administration and has worked on organising sporting events, athlete development, and international partnerships. "As a respected figure in Namibian sports, Parker has a proven track record of fostering athlete development and promoting the Olympic and Commonwealth Games values," Hamutumwa said. He added that her background in organising high-profile sporting events has shown strong leadership in governance, community engagement,…

24 Jul

Nedbank Citi Dash returns with new routes

SportsNedbank Citi Dash

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Nedbank Citi Dash is back for its fifth edition, with this year’s race set for 6 and 7 September 2025 at a new venue, the Vegkop Stadium at Windhoek High School. Speaking at the official launch on Wednesday at the Nedbank Campus in Windhoek, Nedbank Namibia chief commercial officer JG van Graan said the event has been upgraded to match international standards. “We continue to innovate and have upgraded the race to keep up with international running trends. These include the new venue at WHS Vegkop Stadium, revamped 5km and 10km routes through the heart of Windhoek,…

23 Jul

Govt targets 70 000 manufacturing jobs in five years

Main

Justicia Shipena The government plans to create 70,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2030, according to the just-launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah launched the plan on Monday in Windhoek, setting out a broad economic vision that includes structural reforms and employment creation. The 70,000 manufacturing jobs represent an increase from 53,491 jobs recorded in 2024. This means, the plan represents approximately a 30.87% increase in manufacturing jobs in five years. Under the plan’s economic growth pillar, the government aims to shift from reliance on primary industries to developing the secondary and tertiary sectors. Targets include…

23 Jul

Ex-Nored staff stole over N$2.6m

National NewsNorthern Electricity Distributor (Nored)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has found that four former Northern Electricity Distributor (Nored) employees defrauded the company of over N$2.6 million between 2013 and 2015. The court ruled they abused their positions of trust to carry out the scheme. Judge Eileen Rakow delivered the judgement last week, finding that the employees exploited Nored’s electricity top-up system. The court found that the quartet loaded electricity credits without receiving payments, deleted legitimate receipts, and collected cash from vendors without handing it over to the company. Nored told the court that the accused manipulated vendor accounts by entering credits without payment, removing…

23 Jul

Cross border hydrogen pipeline deal almost finalised

National NewsNamibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P)

Justicia Shipena The governments of South Africa's Western Cape and Namibia's Erongo Region are finalising a twinning agreement on the green hydrogen pipeline between the two countries. This is part of broader efforts under the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), as outlined in its mid-year review for 2025. The collaboration follows an agreement signed between Namibia and South Africa during the World Hydrogen Summit in May 2024 to explore the feasibility of a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline. The N$5 million (€250,000) pre-feasibility study, completed in December 2024, assessed the technical, commercial, environmental, and social viability of linking hydrogen hubs in…

23 Jul

Elindi’s wife denies knowledge of N$3.8m in fraud case

National NewsLydia Elindi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Lydia Elindi, the wife of former Enercon Namibia owner Malakia Elindi, was on Tuesday cross-examined in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, where she distanced herself from a N$3.8 million payment made to Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC, a company in which she holds a 50% interest. She was testifying during her bail application hearing, where state prosecutor Menencia Hinda confronted her with details linking her to the allegedly fraudulent transaction. Hinda told the court that state investigators would testify that Lydia was informed during her arrest that she was a member and beneficial owner of Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding…

23 Jul

Cran targets August for new sharing policy

National NewsCommunications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)

Allexer Namundjembo The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) plans to finalise the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report by August. The report would incorporate feedback from a validation workshop held in Windhoek last week. The workshop brought together mobile operators, service providers, policymakers, and the media to discuss improving Namibia's telecommunications infrastructure sharing framework. The RIA, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), forms part of the country's broader strategy to advance inclusive digital development. It draws on global examples from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius and recommends reducing infrastructure duplication, boosting competition, and expanding access to affordable broadband. Emilia…

23 Jul

Legal loophole clears man jailed for stealing plates

National NewsMalonga Nghilukwa

Justicia Shipena The High Court at Oshakati on Monday overturned the conviction and 32-month prison sentence of a man who stole 32 dining plates in March this year. This followed the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court’s decision to convict Malonga Nghilukwa of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft after he admitted to stealing the plates. Nghilukwa, a first-time offender, pleaded guilty in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court after he was charged with stealing plates valued at N$3,965. However, High Court Judges Duard Kesslau and Johanna Salionga ruled that the magistrate failed to properly establish Nghilukwa’s intent at the time of the break-in,…