FDI surges beyond oil and gas, totaling N$56 billion

FDI surges beyond oil and gas, totaling N$56 billion

Allexer Namundjebo  Over N$56 billion of Namibia's recent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have gone beyond oil and gas. This, according to Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jenelly Matundu, highlights a strong interest in sectors like tourism, agribusiness, and digital technology. Matundu was speaking at the launch of Namibia’s first-ever FDI Report, released by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) on Tuesday. Matundu said the report reflects Namibia’s commitment to economic transparency. “This publication is not just a compilation of data. It symbolises our commitment to economic transparency and presents…
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NAVIGATING PROCUREMENT HURDLES: ADDRESSING STOCKOUTS OF ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES IN THE NAMIBIAN HEALTH SECTOR

Lusia Kornelius and Zucky Bauleth-Nashima As the global market experiences major uncertainties, probable recession and unprecedented social dynamics, there is pressure on healthcare systems, and the Namibian health sector is no exception. Namibia is facing significant challenges concerning procurement and availability of essential medical supplies. Recent tariff hikes under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration not only magnify the trade war but also disrupt the global supply chain, impacting the export and import of goods across the globe. The effect is directly felt by pharmaceutical suppliers and distributors, thereby resulting in disrupted or delayed service delivery. This disruption may cause friendshoring…
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Youth credit scheme fails to uplift target beneficiaries

Youth credit scheme fails to uplift target beneficiaries

Allexer Namundjebo Despite continued government support, youth empowerment projects face serious challenges in achieving sustainability. Olivia Hanghuwo, Chairperson of the National Council Standing committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development, revealed this during a report presentation.  The findings follow oversight visits to youth projects in the Erongo, Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, and Otjozondjupa regions between 15 and 28 September 2024. The visits focused on projects under the 121 Constituency Youth Enterprises and the Namibia Youth Credit Scheme, as well as National Youth Service centres.  These efforts assessed the progress, effectiveness, and struggles of youth-focused programmes aimed at tackling unemployment…
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SACU calls on the U.S. to reconsider its trade tariffs

SACU calls on the U.S. to reconsider its trade tariffs

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) has called on the United States to reconsider its planned tariff increases, warning they could harm trade relations and reverse development gains in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The SACU Council of Ministers made the appeal in a joint communique after their recent meeting in Johannesburg.  The council, chaired by finance minister Erica Shafudah, urged the U.S. administration to apply the principle of differential treatment and exempt LDCs and AGOA-eligible countries from the new tariffs set to take effect in July. The U.S.…
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RA migrates to digital reminders for license renewals

RA migrates to digital reminders for license renewals

Niël Terblanché The Roads Authority (RA) has started sending renewal reminders for vehicle licence discs and driving licences via SMS and email. This move replaces the printed notices previously delivered through NamPost. “Going forward, all renewal notices will be sent via cell phone messaging (SMS) and email. Clients are urged to visit their nearest NaTIS office to request renewal notices and provide their updated contact details. The process will be subject to verification and positive identification,” the RA said. The new digital system forms part of the RA’s shift to a paperless process. The goal is to improve communication and…
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Crews clear sand-blocked B2 Road at Walvis Bay

Crews clear sand-blocked B2 Road at Walvis Bay

Niël Terblanché Municipal work crews in Walvis Bay are working to clear large sand drifts that have accumulated on the B2 Road at the town’s eastern entrance, following strong east winds that swept through large parts of the coast since the start of this week. The affected stretch, the lane lined with palm trees, has seen heaps of sand blown across the road, prompting a coordinated response by the Walvis Bay Municipality. Crews manning earth-moving equipment have been deployed to remove the sand, with traffic officers on-site to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure public safety. “Our teams have…
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Government to pay N$283 million for NamPower’s tariff increase

Government to pay N$283 million for NamPower’s tariff increase

Justicia Shipena  Once again, the government will cover millions to support NamPower’s tariff increase.  For the 2025/2026 financial year, it will cost N$283 million to ease the impact on consumers. The Electricity Control Board (ECB) approved a revised tariff increase of 3.8% on Tuesday, raising the average bulk tariff from N$1.98 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to N$2.06 per kWh.  This change will take effect on 1 July 2025 and will remain in place until 30 June 2026. The government’s financial support covers 3.8% of the proposed tariff increase, helping to ease the impact of the initial 17.44% hike. ECB CEO Robert…
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Politicians back independent body to investigate police crimes

Politicians back independent body to investigate police crimes

Allexer Namundjebo and Erasmus Shalihaxwe Politicians have supported the establishment of an independent body to investigate crimes committed by police officers and other law enforcement agencies.  They argue that the police cannot be trusted to investigate the offences of officers. Social activist Michael Amushelelo has reiterated his call for such an institution, emphasising the need for public involvement in selecting its leaders.  "For a very long time, I have called for the immediate establishment of an agency similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): We can call it the Namibia Bureau of Investigations," he said. He added that such…
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Villagers claim officials ignored sewage complaints

Villagers claim officials ignored sewage complaints

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Residents in Iitapa village and surrounding areas in the Okahao Constituency say government officials failed to act after being alerted to sewage being dumped near homes and communal farmland.  According to the Ekwawo Community Foundation, health inspectors confirmed the incident during a site visit, but no steps have since been taken to address the issue. The foundation said it reported the issue to the Waste Water Management office under the Ministry of Health and Social Services in Okahao.  This comes as the foundation has raised concerns over unsafe sewage disposal in villages under the Okahao Constituency.  The foundation…
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Leaders push for innovation and equity in HIV response

Leaders push for innovation and equity in HIV response

Niël Terblanché Policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and development partners from across Africa have converged at Windhoek for the 19th International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research in Resource-Limited Settings (INTEREST 2025).  The weeklong gathering aims to advance HIV treatment and prevention efforts in some of the continent’s most underserved communities. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said during the official opening of the event that Namibia is committed to combatting HIV and strengthening the country’s health systems. Ngurare commended both national and international efforts to curb the spread of HIV and added that the conference is another call to action that…
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