National News

Niël Terblanché By investing in a comprehensive statistical framework, Namibia is setting a precedent for how data can be leveraged to enhance agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, ensuring the sector's resilience and competitiveness on both a regional and global scale. In an ambitious move to revolutionize its agricultural sector, Namibia has placed a solid emphasis on the role of accurate statistics to empower farming communities and ensure sustainable growth. A recent workshop, jointly hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), stressed the critical importance of comprehensive data…

Martin Endjala In a significant boost to higher education support in Namibia, the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), the country's leading mobile telecommunications operator, has announced a commitment of N$1.5 million towards student bursaries. This initiative is set to alleviate the financial challenges faced by 12 deserving students, who were awarded these bursaries in Windhoek yesterday. The bursary recipients include a mix of six external students and six internal MTC ambassadors, all pursuing their higher education at local institutions. Among the external beneficiaries are Anna Mary Ashipala, a 3rd-year law student at the University of Namibia (UNAM); Erkki Shilumbu and Willryna…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) is intensifying its efforts to engage with both new and existing stakeholders in a move that emphasizes its commitment to fostering economic growth and development in Namibia. As part of its strategic initiative, the NCCI Secretariat is actively exploring potential areas of collaboration that promise mutual benefits and enhanced partnerships across various sectors. In a significant step towards realizing this goal, the NCCI recently convened a meeting with Sepo Haihambo, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First National Bank’s Commercial Banking. This engagement, held at the NCCI Head…

Kaipaherue Kandjii The country’s anti-graft watchdog is probing a raft of corruption, nepotism and abuse of power allegations against Namibia University of Science and Technology’s (NUST) vice-chancellor Erold Naomab. Naomab faces a myriad of alleged crimes during his stint which amongst others include, nepotism, corruption and abuse of credit cards entrusted to him by his employer, NUST. The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Josephina Nghituwamata, confirmed that an investigation into Naomab’s conduct is underway, but refused to shed light on its status. “The ACC is investigating Erold Naomab, vice chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and…

Stefanus Nashama As the Namibian nation continues mourning the passing of its former President Hage Geingob, Jan Van Wyk, the Leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), has also joined the nation in the same spirit, describing the late Geingob, as a stalwart politician who shaped Namibian politics. “President Geingob will be remembered as a stalwart politician and someone who helped shape Namibian politics as it is today,” he said. Van Wyk said that as the nation stands united in profound sorrow. The UPM also remembered his remarkable life and enduring contributions to the Namibian Nation. He recognised that death…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Engel Nawatiseb, who was also a member of Swapo has officially joined the Landless People's Movement (LPM). This decision follows his call, nearly two years ago, for a new generation of leadership within the ruling Swapo party. Nawatiseb emphasised the importance of youthful, capable leaders during his earlier statement. Nawatiseb, a seasoned political figure who served as Deputy Minister, expressed his confidence in LPM's potential to bring about robust and unique change in Namibia. “The Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology has expressed that there is an importance…

Martin Endjala During December 2023, the country’s trade balance stood at a deficit of N$299 million, which is an improvement compared to N$4 billion and N$1.4 billion recorded in November 2023 and December 2022, respectively. This was revealed yesterday by Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer Alex Shimuafeni. According to the report, Namibia’s trade composition showed that Botswana emerged as Namibia’s largest market for exports, while South Africa maintained its position as the country’s main supplier. The composition of the export basket for December 2023 mainly comprised minerals such as Precious stones (diamonds), Non-monetary gold, and Uranium.…