National News

Justicia Shipena  Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Michael Mulunga warned that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill could drive Namibia into a “resource curse” if adopted in its current form.  A resource curse is when a country has valuable natural resources like oil but ends up worse off economically. He was speaking in parliament when the House resumed debate on the proposed law this week. The bill proposes shifting authority over the oil and gas sector from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the Presidency.  It would give the President powers to grant, renew or revoke oil…

Allexer Namundjembo  The parliamentary standing committee on information and communication technology has called for stronger digital laws, more investment in infrastructure and better protection for citizens online. The call follows two reports tabled in the National Assembly after the committee attended the 20th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and an e-Governance Conference in 2025. The reports aim to align Namibia’s digital policies with global developments. A key concern raised in the IGF report is the rise of misinformation and disinformation online. The committee said false information is shaping public opinion and could affect democratic processes. “The societal impact of online mis-…

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has been elected chair of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR).  Namibia will now take over leadership at the end of the 22nd Annual Conference and General Assembly, which will conclude today in Swakopmund. Namibia was nominated by Lesotho and elected unopposed. Burkina Faso was elected as vice chair. ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise now assumes the role of AFUR chair.  He said Namibia is ready to lead efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery across Africa’s energy and water sectors. He said the organisation will focus on improving regulatory standards, strengthening…

Patience Makwele Youth in parts of the Zambezi region are turning floodwaters into a source of income as rising water levels continue to disrupt daily life. In areas such as Kabbe South and Linyanti, young people have taken up small-scale fishing to support their households. With limited job opportunities and ongoing economic pressure, both youth and older residents are using the floods to earn a living. Seasonal floods have displaced families, interrupted schooling and cut off access to services. In response, many young people are fishing and selling fresh and dried fish within their communities. “After the drought, we lost…

Patience Makwele  Private colleges are stepping in as many young Namibians struggle to access tertiary education and find work, with institutions like International Training College Lingua offering skills-based training to bridge the gap. As youth unemployment remains high and public institutions cannot absorb growing demand, many school leavers are left without clear pathways into jobs. Some have qualifications but lack practical skills needed in the workplace. Amid this gap, International Training College Lingua has positioned itself as an alternative route. What started as informal lessons in a one-bedroom apartment has grown into an accredited institution that has trained more than…

Allexer Namundjembo Former swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni has issued an apology to Swapo, its leadership and members.  The apology follows a High Court judgement delivered in Windhoek on March 20, which dismissed an application by Shipwikineni and four others. The group had challenged the party’s decision not to hold an extraordinary congress within three months after a leadership vacancy following the death of President Hage Geingob. The court ruled the matter had become moot, as the congress had already taken place and the vacancy had been filled.  “The relief sought by the applicants has since become moot,” the judgement reads.…

Patience Makwele  The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has called for a parliamentary probe into the country’s diamond cutting and polishing industry. MUN submitted a petition to the National Assembly this week.  The union said the industry faces reduced production, scaled-down operations and growing uncertainty among workers. “The current trajectory of the sector is unsustainable and requires immediate intervention to prevent further job losses,” the union said. The union said hundreds of jobs are at risk if no action is taken.  It urged parliament to investigate the challenges affecting the sector, which has been central to Namibia’s plan to add…

Allexer Namundjembo  The office of the speaker of the National Assembly has rejected claims that the speaker frustrates members of parliament.  Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s office said all actions in the chamber follow established rules and that the speaker’s conduct is guided by parliamentary procedures.  “The office stated that the speaker is always governed by the standing rules, orders, and internal arrangements of the National Assembly, rather than by personal discretion or preference,” in response to questions by the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday.  It said rule 90 protects members’ right to speak without interruption, and any intervention by the Speaker is meant…