National News

Renthia Kaimbi   Namibia has ranked among Africa’s top five countries for global mobility in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. It joins Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, and Botswana in offering citizens greater travel access. The latest index places Namibia 62nd globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 81 destinations.  The government attributes this progress to strong foreign policy and targeted diplomatic engagement that has improved the country’s global reputation. While Namibia’s access remains below Seychelles with 156 destinations and Mauritius with 151, its steady climb is notable.  The improvement reflects growing international confidence in Namibia’s political stability and regional cooperation. The…

Chamwe Kaira  Presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first year in office has been about action with purpose. He said four areas stand out most in her first year: youth empowerment, health reform, infrastructure and agriculture, and international relations. “The first is youth empowerment. Through the establishment of the National Youth Empowerment Fund, she has created real opportunities for young Namibians to access finance and turn their ideas into something tangible,” Mbambo said. “In its first phase, 42 youth-led projects received about N$14 million in funding, and that’s just the beginning of a N$500 million initiative that…

Staff Writer  MultiChoice Namibia has premiered a documentary titled Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics, capturing the life and leadership of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the fifth and current President of Namibia. The premiere brought together Namibian and African dignitaries, including President of Botswana advocate Duma Boko and former president lieutenant general Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, along with high-level diplomats and invited guests. “As a brand that is built on premium entertainment and creativity, this documentary is a testament to our commitment to truthful, dignified, and locally rooted storytelling,” said David Mignot, Canal+ Africa CEO. “Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics will…

Chamwe Kaira  Political analyst Henning Melber says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s performance since taking office in March shows a mixed record so far. “Many innovations, such as the reduction of the cabinet, made sense. Others, such as the incorporation of mining, hydro energy, and nuclear power, lack sufficient transparency to understand the motives. Accountability has not been among the outstanding performances,” he said. Melber, who served as director of the Namibian Economic Policy Research Unit from 1992 to 2000, is a resident associate at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden, and an extraordinary professor at the University of Pretoria and…

On 9 October, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the premiere of the documentary Netumbo: A Leader Beyond Politics at Ster-Kinekor, The Grove Mall in Windhoek. She was joined by President Duma Boko of Botswana, friends, family, and Namibians from all walks of life. Produced by Joe Vision Production House in collaboration with MultiChoice, the film tells the story of President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey from Onamutai Village to the frontlines of the liberation struggle and her lifelong commitment to Namibia’s freedom. According to the Namibian Presidency, during the Q&A session, the President spoke about the importance of the creative industry and shared her…

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has slammed the Katima Mulilo town, calling it “a total mess” after a fire gutted the council’s town planning and land management building and revealed deeper governance problems within the institution. The fire broke out shortly after midnight last Friday and severely damaged the building.  The Katima Mulilo Fire Brigade managed to contain the fire but when council officials tried to report the incident, they faced resistance from the police. Sankwasa said the fire was deliberate, adding that police officers refused to open a case until the intervention of…

Justicia Shipena The government has engaged with the United States to explore the possibility of a new trade agreement following the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on 30 September 2025. The executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that Namibia took part in the Public Oral Hearing for the annual review of AGOA country eligibility for 2026.  The hearing was held on 18 July 2025 at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington, DC. She said the session focused on AGOA eligibility criteria…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namdia Foundation has invested N$5.9 million to improve learning conditions in the Kavango West region through the construction of three new classroom blocks and the installation of two water tanks at rural schools. The official handover took place on Friday at Hamweyi Primary School in the Ncuncuni Circuit and was attended by regional leaders, education officials and community members. Speaking on behalf of former deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, National Council chairperson Lucas Sinimbo Muha said the initiative showed how Namibia’s natural resources could deliver real benefits to communities. “This…

Allexer Namundjembo After years of illness and hardship, 23-year-old Johanna Kamati is preparing to start a new chapter in her life as she pursues a career in tourism.  She will enrol for level 4 studies next year at the African Hospitality and Tourism Vocational Training Centre in Windhoek, moving closer to her dream of working in the tourism industry. Johanna’s journey has not been easy. Born in Letu-Letu village in the Mangetti Dune area of the Otjozondjupa region, she grew up as the only girl among five brothers. Her parents, originally from Okongo in the Ohangwena region, moved in search…

Allexer Namundjembo  The growing participation of young people in politics is bringing energy, ideas, and accountability into the country's political space. Analysts say this trend signals a positive step toward a more inclusive and participatory democracy. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah told the Windhoek Observer that the increasing interest among the youth reflects their determination to influence change in systems that have failed to address their needs.  “Many youths are stepping forward because they are the largest group affected by unemployment and poverty, which leaves them socially and economically frustrated,” he said.  Kamwanyah said young people’s involvement strengthens Namibia’s democratic values…