Hydrogen train coming next year

Hydrogen train coming next year

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia will see the introduction of the first hydrogen powered train next year, a first for Africa. The National Planning Commission announced this week that after extensive negotiations, the contract has been finalized on the HyRail project. The project is spearheaded by TransNamib, Hyphen Technical and CMB Tech. and includes the University of Namibia (UNAM) as an academic partner. The project is expected to demonstrate the ‘use case’ of hydrogen in the rail transportation sector, in the form of dual fuel converted train. “The locomotive conversion is anticipated to commence in the latter part of the year, and…
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Mamuno one-stop border post to streamline trade and travel

Mamuno one-stop border post to streamline trade and travel

Niël Terblanché A development aimed at facilitating trade and easing the movement of people between Namibia and Botswana, the construction of the Mamuno one-stop border post on the TransKalahari corridor is on track for completion in May. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements executive at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the initiative promises to revolutionize border control operations, significantly reducing congestion and waiting times. He said the project, rooted in a bilateral agreement between Namibia and Botswana, demonstrates the two nations' collaborative spirit and shared vision. The agreement was finalized during the first Bi-National…
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Namibia and the US to continue cooperation in health and economics

Namibia and the US to continue cooperation in health and economics

Niël Terblanché The enduring relationship between Namibia and the United States of America is poised for further expansion and deepening, heralding a promising future for both nations. Following a courtesy visit to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House, US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry reiterated the United States' commitment to continuing its long-standing programs and partnerships with Namibia, which span over three decades. According to Ambassador Berry, the cornerstone of this bilateral relationship has been the health sector, with the United States playing a pivotal role in Namibia's fight against HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades, the partnership between the US…
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NCCI urge SMEs to work as a consortium

NCCI urge SMEs to work as a consortium

Martin Endjala The Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer, Charity Mwiya urged all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to start collaborating to form consortiums. She said by doing this, many SMEs stand a chance to compete within various markets both locally and internationally while cautioning that those who choose to operate individually will miss out on many opportunities. “SMEs need to start forming consortiums to leverage the benefits of partnerships. The NCCI is here to expose you to various markets and partnerships will assist you along the way”. Mwiya said this during a business connect engagement…
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Controversy prompts a restart of recruitment for Outjo Municipal CEO

Controversy prompts a restart of recruitment for Outjo Municipal CEO

Niël Terblanché The search for a new Chief Executive Officer for the Outjo Municipality is set to start afresh following directives from Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. The minister’s decision comes in the wake of serious allegations pointing to irregularities and a purportedly flawed interview process that marred last year’s recruitment efforts. The controversy unfolded after Mahne Kruger, a candidate for the CEO position, raised concerns with the Ombudsman over what was described as unfair recruitment practices at the municipality. These allegations prompted a closer examination of the selection process, culminating in the minister's intervention. Outjo…
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MP demands that NYC and NYS merge following infighting

MP demands that NYC and NYS merge following infighting

Stefanus Nashama Maximalliant Katjimune, a Member of Parliament of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has announced that he will be presenting a motion to merge the National Youth Council (NYC) with the National Youth Service (NYS) to the National Assembly next month. He has also declared that on the same day, he will ask the assembly to refer the motion to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny and report its results back to the National Assembly. Katjimune expressed his reasons for re-tabling the motion, stating that the recent developments and infighting at the NYC have caused him to…
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Parliament pays over N$600 000 to telecom company for 13 years despite an expired contract

Parliament pays over N$600 000 to telecom company for 13 years despite an expired contract

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Assembly's (NA) financial records have revealed the continuous payments to Dynamic Mobile Solution, a telecommunication company, for services rendered over a staggering 13-year period despite the expiration of their contract. According to an audited financial report of NA, for the financial year ended 31 March 2023, conducted by Auditor–General, Junias Kanjeke, unauthorised payments amounting to N$618 654.11 for the financial year under review. The report shows that the contract was initially signed in 2009 to provide short message services (SMS) and maintain an agreement with the mobile service provider. However, the contract expired on 30 April…
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Namibia embarks on major ICT enhancements

Namibia embarks on major ICT enhancements

Niël Terblanché Namibia is setting a new course in its information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with substantial investments aimed at advancing digital connectivity and enhancing cybersecurity. In a key move, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced a series of initiatives designed to bridge the digital divide and bolster the nation’s defences against cyber threats. Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, during the 23rd ICT Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Windhoek, outlined the ministry's commitment to rolling out 30 Radio Access Network towers, an initiative costing N$110 million over three years. She said the project is…
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Nedbank champions women’s empowerment in finance and society

Nedbank champions women’s empowerment in finance and society

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In celebration of International Women’s Month, Nedbank Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, particularly within the banking and finance sector. Under the theme of 'inspiring inclusion', the bank's Executive for Human Capital, Bianca Muller, emphasised the importance of embracing women's participation across all levels of society. Muller highlighted the historical gender disparities within the banking sector, where women often face barriers to career advancement. However, she noted a growing recognition of the benefits of gender diversity and inclusion, both for businesses and society as a whole. Stressing the importance of genuine commitment to gender…
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New investment plan set to transform agriculture

New investment plan set to transform agriculture

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform held a National Validation Workshop on March 26, 2024, to discuss the final draft of the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) and its Implementation Action Plan (IAP), alongside the Revised Drought Management Policy and StrategyIn in an effort to revitalize Namibia’s agricultural sector. The workshop saw the gathering of a broad spectrum of agriculture stakeholders such as government officials, farmers' representatives, industry leaders, and development partners. All stakeholders converged to enrich the proposed investment plan with their insights. The Executive Director of the Ministry, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, opened the workshop with…
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