OBSERVER DAILY | From scare Namibia to Air Namibia

When Air Namibia was grounded and liquidated in 2021, the decision was framed as bold fiscal discipline. After all, the airline had swallowed more than N$11 billion in government bailouts over two decades without ever finding sustainable profitability. To many, pulling the plug seemed the only sensible choice. But history has a way of exposing short-term decisions for what they truly are: costly miscalculations. Today, as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah signals her government’s intention to reintroduce a national carrier, we are compelled to ask ourselves: was closing Air Namibia the right move? The answer is an emphatic no. In fact, the…
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DAILY OBSERVER | Prime minister’s kindness: time for a rethink?

Prime minister’s kindness: time for a rethink? When President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took the oath of office, she pledged inclusivity and fairness as guiding principles for her administration. “No special treatment” was her rallying cry, meant to signal a new era in which the government would lead by example, not by exception. Yet, one long-standing tradition continues to sit awkwardly alongside that promise: the so-called prime minister’s kindness. This is the practice of allowing public servants to leave work early, sometimes at 10h00, sometimes at 14h00, on the eve of public holidays. The reasoning has always been straightforward: give workers a…
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Northern economy to benefit from OATF

Northern economy to benefit from OATF

The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) returns for its 24th edition from 22 to 30 August 2025 under the theme “Innovate – Connect – Prosper”. Observer Money chatted to the organisers. The organisers say the theme reflects the fair’s evolving role as a driver of innovation, partnerships and sustainable economic growth in Namibia.  Windhoek Observer (WO): What is the theme for this year’s trade fair and how did you arrive at the theme?  Lonia Nghuulikwa (LN): The 24th Edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is scheduled to take place from 22nd to 30th August 2025 under the theme "Innovate…
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Ongwediva invests over N$53m in infrastructure projects

Ongwediva invests over N$53m in infrastructure projects

Staff Writer During the 2024/2025 financial year, the Ongwediva Town Council implemented a capital budget of N$53 million for infrastructure development and service delivery projects.  The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents and support the town’s growth. Several projects have been completed. These include the planning and replanning of Extensions 13 and Elyambala at N$217 391, the replanning of Extension 2 Township at N$86 957, fire and rescue equipment worth N$173 913, the multipurpose sports field Phase 4 at N$4.3 million, park fixtures at Extension 14, ICT equipment, office furniture, and the installation of Christmas lights.…
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DBN pumps N$978m into Oshana

DBN pumps N$978m into Oshana

Staff Writer The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has strengthened its presence in the Oshana Region, financing projects worth N$978.7 million since its inception.  According to the Oshana Regional Council, the investments have supported a range of sectors with significant impact. The largest share of funding went to the construction industry at N$170.8 million, while housing development received N$152.6 million.  Electricity infrastructure projects in Oshana were supported with N$116.8 million. In the 2024/25 financial year, the health sector received N$22.1 million. DBN also provided N$1.8 million to finance micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. During the 2024/25…
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EU invests in livestock growth in northern Namibia

EU invests in livestock growth in northern Namibia

The European Union (EU) and the Namibian government recently broke ground on the N$78.9 million Etunda Feedlot Project.  The Windhoek Observer’s Chamwe Kaira asked Ian Dupont, EU deputy head of mission in Namibia, about the Etunda project and other EU-funded agricultural projects in northern parts of the country.   Chamwe Kaira (CK): Why did the EU decide to fund the Etunda Feedlot Project, and what is its importance to the northern regions? Ian Dupont (ID): The European Union (EU) is funding the 1000-cattle capacity Etunda Feedlot, valued at N$80 million, as part of a broader N$400 million support package to the…
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Ohangwena governor pushes aquifer development

Ohangwena governor pushes aquifer development

The governor of the Ohangwena region, Kadiva Hamutumwa, has called for the urgent development of the Ohangwena Aquifer to secure water supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. “Additionally, we should work hard at developing earth dams that will serve as strategic catchment areas for both rain and floodwater. This will serve as our water security strategy for the region, as this water is best to use for agricultural purposes,” she said. Hamutumwa also stressed the need for critical road and network infrastructure to enhance business development.  She said economic growth depends on creating industries and businesses that can serve…
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Oshana governor wants Etaka Canal to reach Lake Oponona

Oshana governor wants Etaka Canal to reach Lake Oponona

Oshana governor, Hofni Iipinge, has called for the extension of the Etaka Canal to reach Lake Oponona to support irrigation and livestock farming in the southern parts of the region. He also urged the operationalisation of local abattoirs and support for farmers to boost agricultural productivity and promote value addition to regional produce.  Iipinge stressed the need to accelerate capital projects and development programmes to stimulate economic growth and job creation. He said the region should prioritise the implementation of the revised compensation policy to improve land delivery through adequate funding for compensation and land servicing at the local authority…
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Visitors to see Paratus Fiber, Sky-Fi, LTE and Mobile Voice services 

Visitors to see Paratus Fiber, Sky-Fi, LTE and Mobile Voice services 

Paratus Namibia will be participating in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair from 22 to 30 August 2025 in the Oshana Region. Visitors to the Paratus stand will be able to see the newest connectivity solutions and experience first-hand the impact that technology can have on everyday life. Visitors will have an opportunity to see Paratus Fiber, Sky-Fi, LTE and Mobile Voice services in action. New subscribers who sign up during the fair will get special offers, including free installation or a complimentary first month. Paratus Namibia representatives will be available to assist customers in choosing suitable solutions for their homes…
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New Namcor acting MD appeals for trust in Namcor

New Namcor acting MD appeals for trust in Namcor

Allexer Namundjembo The newly appointed acting managing director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, has appealed for support as she assumes leadership of the troubled state-owned oil company. Namcor announced her appointment over the weekend. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Sunday, Hinda-Mbuenda said her success would depend on collective effort, stressing that the company’s challenges cannot be resolved in isolation. “I am grateful for the appointment. I am ready for the task, and I will need to conduct a thorough analysis to familiarise myself with the institution,” she said.  She added that engaging widely and…
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