Blog – Page 225 – Windhoek Observer

26 May

Sugar tax sprinkles back

National News

Justicia Shipena The introduction of a sugar tax in Namibia is back on the table. This follows earlier government statements ruling it out. In July last year, the then Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the government had no plans to introduce a sugar tax, even though it could bring in additional revenue. He said a feasibility study was needed to assess its impact on sugary beverage retailers. At the same time, the then director general of the National Planning Commission, Obeth Kandjoze, also said the government was not planning to introduce a sugar tax. Despite those statements,…

26 May

Minerals must serve Africa-Guterres

National News

Justicia Shipena United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for African nations to fully benefit from their natural resources, especially those key to the renewable energy transition. He also renewed his call for reparatory justice for historic injustices. “We must support Africa’s efforts to expand its clean-energy sector, and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most,” Guterres said in a statement marking Africa Day on Sunday. He said Africa is becoming a global leader in renewable energy and technology, driven by its young and dynamic population. Guterres also highlighted the role…

26 May

Ten-year-olds high at school

National News

Allexer Namundjebo A report adopted by the National Council has revealed growing nicotine addiction among children of schoolgoing age, with some as young as ten saying their bodies “don’t function well” without smoking. Hans Nambodi, Chairperson of the National Council Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs, presented the report last week. It outlines the rising use of vapes and hookah pipes and their side effects. During consultations in the Khomas, Hardap, and Erongo regions, learners admitted to hallucinating and acting abnormally when they don’t smoke. Others said they use these substances to deal with stress and anxiety.…

26 May

LPM, AR demand action after City Police clash with vendors

National News

Allexer Namundjebo The Landless People’s Movement has demanded the urgent finalisation and publication of the reviewed informal trading bylaws with the clear engagement of vendor associations, trade unions, and social movements. The party made the call in a statement issued by its acting deputy spokesperson, William Minnie, following an incident between Windhoek City Police and street vendors last week along Werner List Street. “We call for the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against the officers involved in the act. We further demand a transparent and time-bound investigation into ongoing police misconduct against vendors,” Minnie said. He described the police’s actions…

26 May

MTC, UN sign five-year deal to boost digital growth

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the United Nations have signed a five-year partnership to support Namibia’s development through digital innovation. The agreement was signed in Windhoek on Friday by MTC’s financial director, Thinus Smit and UN resident coordinator for Namibia, Hopolang Phororo. The partnership aims to boost economic recovery, promote digital transformation, and support inclusive growth. It aligns with Vision 2030, NDP6, Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It will focus on four areas: governance and public service delivery, economic recovery and resilience, sustainable development, and human development. “As a digital enabler, it is our duty…

26 May

Free cancer checks reach almost 300 people

National News

Justicia Shipena More than 280 Namibians received free cancer screening on Thursday, the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN). The screening was done through an ongoing partnership between Annabelle Sparkling Wine and CAN. Of the 280 screened, a total of 109 women were screened for breast and cervical cancers, while 45 men underwent prostate cancer screening using the PSA test. This follows an earlier campaign in May that screened 100 women and 27 men. According to CAN, together, the two clinics have provided cancer screenings to over 280 people at no cost. “This community clinic once again illustrates the importance of…

26 May

National Council goes into recess after passing four bills

National News

Staff Writer Members of the National Council passed four bills during the 16th session, which ran from 12 to 22 May 2025. The council announced on Friday that all bills had passed without any amendments. The bills included the appropriation bill, the roads bill, the judiciary amendment bill and the public procurement amendment bill, which were referred to the Council by the National Assembly. The Council also adopted several reports during the session. The Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development presented a report on youth empowerment programmes implemented by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and National Service.…

26 May

Namibia’s rating stable amid high debt

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Fitch Ratings has affirmed Namibia’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating, maintaining a stable outlook. Fitch also recognised Namibia’s BB country ceiling, one notch above the sovereign rating. The international rating agency pointed out the country’s relatively strong institutional framework and governance standards but cautioned that high public debt, fiscal deficits, and declining revenues present challenges to long-term stability. According to Fitch, Namibia’s ratings are supported by its strong governance indicators and institutional framework relative to rating peers, with its large non-banking financial sector offering flexibility in fiscal financing. “However, these strengths are offset by high fiscal deficits…

26 May

African brands lose ground in global rankings

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Despite growing optimism among African consumers, homegrown brands continue to lag in recognition, with the latest Brand Africa 100 rankings revealing that only 11 of the continent’s most admired brands are African, a historic low. The 2025 results, released at a ceremony in Addis Ababa on Friday, reflect a stark mismatch between belief in Africa’s potential and actual support for African-made products. Namibia, like many African countries, stands at a crossroads. While brands such as MTN and Dangote continue to command admiration, broader brand visibility and loyalty remain elusive. The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the…

26 May

N$100 million warehouse to enhance export operations

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH), sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sea salt producer, has officially inaugurated a new 14,000-square-metre warehouse on the premises of the port of Walvis Bay. The facility, constructed at a cost of N$100 million, aims to improve the company's export capabilities and safeguard product quality. At the inauguration event, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre described the new warehouse as “a launchpad for growth.” Andre acknowledged the strategic importance of the new warehouse “It would expand storage capacity and enhance the port's competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market,” he said. The ceremony was attended by key…