Cleanergy to build green ammonia jetty at Walvis Bay

Cleanergy to build green ammonia jetty at Walvis Bay

Justicia Shipena  Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will establish an ammonia jetty and storage facility at Walvis Bay before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the European Union (EU), an investment estimated at €3 billion (approximately N$65 billion).  On Thursday Cleanergy opened the country's first large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen plant.  The project is a joint venture between Belgium’s CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.  It will begin by producing ammonia for maritime shipping and supplying a hydrogen refuelling station at Walvis Bay.  The station will serve trucks, port equipment, railway applications, and small vessels. …
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Govt to monitor oil companies on local content

Govt to monitor oil companies on local content

Justicia Shipena  Companies will be monitored to ensure local content promises translate into real benefits, according to the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit.  The deputy head of the unit, Carlo McLeod, said all commitments must give Namibians a fair chance to participate. This commitment comes as the government concluded nationwide consultations on the draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy.  The consultations, held from 1 to 17 September, engaged leaders and communities across all 14 regions.  Governors, councillors, traditional leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, and youth shared views in meetings from Lüderitz to Katima Mulilo. Communities called for the petroleum industry to empower…
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Namibia’s focus at UNGA80 may drift from Pact of the Future agenda

Namibia’s focus at UNGA80 may drift from Pact of the Future agenda

Justicia Shipena  Political analyst Henning Melber says Namibia has little to offer as a follow-up to the Pact for the Future in the wake of the post-government transition.  Last year, Namibia, together with Germany, co-hosted the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, which led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future during the 79th UN General Assembly.  The pact seeks to build a safer, more peaceful, and sustainable world. The summit also adopted the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Melber noted that Namibia’s focus at this year's assembly may shift toward its unique…
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Indigenous Knowledge Fair showcases cultural exchange

Indigenous Knowledge Fair showcases cultural exchange

Allexer Namundjembo Two community representatives from South Africa, Jakob Makai of the !Kung people and Lukas Poemuru of the Khwe community, took part in the Indigenous People’s Knowledge Fair hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).  Their participation was supported by the organisation Palms For Life. The fair ran from 5 to 18 September at Nhoma village, Epupa village and Khorixas.  It brought together 12 indigenous communities from different countries for 12 days of cultural exchange, dialogue and learning. Vice President Lucia Witbooi welcomed the participants at Naankuse on Thursday.  “Indigenous people bring ecological and economic contributions,…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | #Unmuted

YOUNG OBSERVER | #Unmuted

On the 16 September 2025, prime minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare announced through social media that “ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture and the ministry of health and social services entered a memorandum of understanding with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) to facilitate TVET trainees repairing schools, clinics, construction of sanitation facilities, classrooms, etc. Other OMAs will follow suit.”  In 2024, the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) launched a programme called Fix My School, which also aimed at partnering with technical and vocational training trainees to improve the dilapidated state of schools, which is a reality they discovered…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | Should Namibia consider mandatory paternity testing? 

YOUNG OBSERVER | Should Namibia consider mandatory paternity testing? 

It has been a dark and long week here in our beautiful Republic. From news of horrendous child murders in the growing battles for paternity to the ever-present gender-based violence cases, the question that has begged for response is whether it is time for Namibia to introduce mandatory paternity testing.  This has become a clarion call that is viewed as a redeeming act to prevent crimes often termed as passionate and also to safeguard men from the emotional trauma that comes with caring for children who are not theirs biologically.  In terms of benchmarking, it is important to highlight that…
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OBSERVER DAILY | Balancing experience and renewal in Namibia’s diplomatic corps

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s latest round of ambassadorial appointments has ignited a lively national debate. All of the new envoys are seasoned diplomats, many of them retired, and their average age is noticeably high. For some Namibians, their appointment looks like a closed circle of trusted allies, an old guard rewarding loyalty and preserving networks built during the President’s long tenure as Minister of International Relations. For others, it is simply a pragmatic decision to deploy experienced professionals at a critical time for the country’s foreign policy. Both perspectives hold validity and underscore the intricate balance the President currently needs to…
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YOUNG OBSERVER | How young Namibians are making money online 

YOUNG OBSERVER | How young Namibians are making money online 

Online boutiques  From bags to shoes and clothes, young Namibians have taken on the fashion industry through the popular “order with me”. Below are some boutiques you can check out: @sassy_styles @ester_s_closet  Content creation  Whether it is a wedding, proposal or birthday party, you no longer have to hire a professional videographer to capture moments on your special day because you can simply have a content creator who is well equipped with the latest iPhone and a ring light. Not only do you get content in real time, but online SBWL’ers can also watch your day unfold on Instagram. Here…
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Capricorn profit inches to N$2 billion

Capricorn profit inches to N$2 billion

Chamwe Kaira  Capricorn Group Limited, with operations in Namibia and Botswana, posted a profit after tax of N$1.99 billion for the year ended 30 June, up from N$1.74 billion in 2024. Return on equity rose to 18.2% from 17.9% in the previous year. Group CEO David Nuyoma said the results reflect the strength of its business and the resilience of its teams. He credited prudent capital allocation, disciplined strategic execution, and investment in digital and data capabilities for the improved earnings and returns to shareholders. The group created a value of N$5.7 billion, an increase of 11.7% from the prior…
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Debmarine crawler weighs as much as 60 elephants

Debmarine crawler weighs as much as 60 elephants

Chamwe Kaira   Debmarine Namibia has unveiled its Next Generation Crawlers after investing close to N$1 billion in their development.  Head of projects and technology development, Danie van Aswegen, said the new crawlers are designed to be more robust and extend their lifespan. The mining vessel Benguela Gem is serviced every three years, while its crawler is replaced every 18 months.  “It needs to be changed out because it is under so much load at the seabed. It’s not the best environment for equipment to operate. With the heavy load of moving material, it cannot last for long periods, so it…
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