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Tourism boosted by expanded Visa on Arrival program

Tourism boosted by expanded Visa on Arrival program

Niël Terblanché Dr Albert Kawana, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, officially announced the expansion of the Visa on Arrival program at five entry points on the main road corridors that connect Namibia to neighbouring countries. The five border posts are Oshikango, Mohembo, Ariamsvlei, Oranjemund, and Noordoewer. Previously Visa on Arrival was only available at the country’s main international airports in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Kawana made the announcement at a briefing at the Ministerial headquarters in Windhoek earlier today where he said that the initiative is aimed at enhancing Namibia's attractiveness as a prime tourism and…
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Namibia Prepares to Host CAVB Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour 2024

Namibia Prepares to Host CAVB Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour 2024

The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 season, with Namibia set to host the inaugural leg of the tournament. Scheduled to take place at the DTS beach volleyball courts in Windhoek from April 4th to April 7th, 2024, the event promises to kick off the season in style. This follows Namibia’s successful hosting of the same event last year, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting beach volleyball in the region. Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Angola have confirmed their participation, ensuring a diverse and competitive field. Namibia itself will…
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Excitement Builds as Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup Approaches

Excitement Builds as Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup Approaches

With less than 48 hours remaining until the kick-off of the highly anticipated Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, excitement is palpable among football and netball enthusiasts across the nation. Scheduled to take place from March 29th to April 1st, 2024, at the Legare Sport Stadium in Gobabis, this youth sporting extravaganza promises four days of thrilling competition. Over 10,000 spectators are expected to converge on the capital of the Omaheke region, eagerly anticipating the showcase of young talent in both football and netball. Teams have been gearing up for months, and anticipation is particularly high among defending champions and eager challengers…
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Namibia agrees to self-correct FATF deficiencies

Namibia agrees to self-correct FATF deficiencies

Bryan Eiseb, Director of the Financial Intelligence Centre tells Observer Money about the next step of action Namibia will take following the greylisting of the country by the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF). Observer Money (OM): What does ‘increasing monitoring’ under Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF)’ mean for Namibia in practical terms? Bryan Eiseb (BE): Increase monitoring by the FATF (The Financial Action Task Force) is known as a public statement, which is generic to all and any jurisdictions that the FATF requires to take certain actions to address deficiencies it has identified during a mutual evaluation process. It simply…
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Renewable energy projects stand at 990 MW

Renewable energy projects stand at 990 MW

CHAMWE KAIRA The country will have 990 MW of electricity added to the national grid if various renewable energy projects proposed before the Electricity Control Board for licensing come to fruition. Southern Africa Renewable Energy (Pty) Ltd has applied for four solar licences with a total of 600 MW at Aus, Mariental, Keetmanshoop and Naruchas. PMP Energy (Pty) Ltd has also applied for a solar generation at Ondangwa with a capacity of 12 MW while Omukwa Renewable Energy (Pty) Ltd has applied for a solar generation plant with a capacity 12 MW at Katima Mulilo. More projects include Sino Energy…
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Hydrogen train coming next year

Hydrogen train coming next year

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia will see the introduction of the first hydrogen powered train next year, a first for Africa. The National Planning Commission announced this week that after extensive negotiations, the contract has been finalized on the HyRail project. The project is spearheaded by TransNamib, Hyphen Technical and CMB Tech. and includes the University of Namibia (UNAM) as an academic partner. The project is expected to demonstrate the ‘use case’ of hydrogen in the rail transportation sector, in the form of dual fuel converted train. “The locomotive conversion is anticipated to commence in the latter part of the year, and…
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Mamuno one-stop border post to streamline trade and travel

Mamuno one-stop border post to streamline trade and travel

Niël Terblanché A development aimed at facilitating trade and easing the movement of people between Namibia and Botswana, the construction of the Mamuno one-stop border post on the TransKalahari corridor is on track for completion in May. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements executive at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the initiative promises to revolutionize border control operations, significantly reducing congestion and waiting times. He said the project, rooted in a bilateral agreement between Namibia and Botswana, demonstrates the two nations' collaborative spirit and shared vision. The agreement was finalized during the first Bi-National…
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Namibia and the US to continue cooperation in health and economics

Namibia and the US to continue cooperation in health and economics

Niël Terblanché The enduring relationship between Namibia and the United States of America is poised for further expansion and deepening, heralding a promising future for both nations. Following a courtesy visit to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House, US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry reiterated the United States' commitment to continuing its long-standing programs and partnerships with Namibia, which span over three decades. According to Ambassador Berry, the cornerstone of this bilateral relationship has been the health sector, with the United States playing a pivotal role in Namibia's fight against HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades, the partnership between the US…
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NCCI urge SMEs to work as a consortium

NCCI urge SMEs to work as a consortium

Martin Endjala The Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer, Charity Mwiya urged all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to start collaborating to form consortiums. She said by doing this, many SMEs stand a chance to compete within various markets both locally and internationally while cautioning that those who choose to operate individually will miss out on many opportunities. “SMEs need to start forming consortiums to leverage the benefits of partnerships. The NCCI is here to expose you to various markets and partnerships will assist you along the way”. Mwiya said this during a business connect engagement…
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Controversy prompts a restart of recruitment for Outjo Municipal CEO

Controversy prompts a restart of recruitment for Outjo Municipal CEO

Niël Terblanché The search for a new Chief Executive Officer for the Outjo Municipality is set to start afresh following directives from Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. The minister’s decision comes in the wake of serious allegations pointing to irregularities and a purportedly flawed interview process that marred last year’s recruitment efforts. The controversy unfolded after Mahne Kruger, a candidate for the CEO position, raised concerns with the Ombudsman over what was described as unfair recruitment practices at the municipality. These allegations prompted a closer examination of the selection process, culminating in the minister's intervention. Outjo…
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