Page 55 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jul

Govt targets 70 000 manufacturing jobs in five years

Main

Justicia Shipena The government plans to create 70,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2030, according to the just-launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah launched the plan on Monday in Windhoek, setting out a broad economic vision that includes structural reforms and employment creation. The 70,000 manufacturing jobs represent an increase from 53,491 jobs recorded in 2024. This means, the plan represents approximately a 30.87% increase in manufacturing jobs in five years. Under the plan’s economic growth pillar, the government aims to shift from reliance on primary industries to developing the secondary and tertiary sectors. Targets include…

23 Jul

Ex-Nored staff stole over N$2.6m

National NewsNorthern Electricity Distributor (Nored)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has found that four former Northern Electricity Distributor (Nored) employees defrauded the company of over N$2.6 million between 2013 and 2015. The court ruled they abused their positions of trust to carry out the scheme. Judge Eileen Rakow delivered the judgement last week, finding that the employees exploited Nored’s electricity top-up system. The court found that the quartet loaded electricity credits without receiving payments, deleted legitimate receipts, and collected cash from vendors without handing it over to the company. Nored told the court that the accused manipulated vendor accounts by entering credits without payment, removing…

23 Jul

Cross border hydrogen pipeline deal almost finalised

National NewsNamibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P)

Justicia Shipena The governments of South Africa's Western Cape and Namibia's Erongo Region are finalising a twinning agreement on the green hydrogen pipeline between the two countries. This is part of broader efforts under the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), as outlined in its mid-year review for 2025. The collaboration follows an agreement signed between Namibia and South Africa during the World Hydrogen Summit in May 2024 to explore the feasibility of a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline. The N$5 million (€250,000) pre-feasibility study, completed in December 2024, assessed the technical, commercial, environmental, and social viability of linking hydrogen hubs in…

23 Jul

Elindi’s wife denies knowledge of N$3.8m in fraud case

National NewsLydia Elindi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Lydia Elindi, the wife of former Enercon Namibia owner Malakia Elindi, was on Tuesday cross-examined in the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, where she distanced herself from a N$3.8 million payment made to Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding CC, a company in which she holds a 50% interest. She was testifying during her bail application hearing, where state prosecutor Menencia Hinda confronted her with details linking her to the allegedly fraudulent transaction. Hinda told the court that state investigators would testify that Lydia was informed during her arrest that she was a member and beneficial owner of Onyeka Clearing and Forwarding…

23 Jul

Cran targets August for new sharing policy

National NewsCommunications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)

Allexer Namundjembo The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) plans to finalise the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report by August. The report would incorporate feedback from a validation workshop held in Windhoek last week. The workshop brought together mobile operators, service providers, policymakers, and the media to discuss improving Namibia's telecommunications infrastructure sharing framework. The RIA, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), forms part of the country's broader strategy to advance inclusive digital development. It draws on global examples from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius and recommends reducing infrastructure duplication, boosting competition, and expanding access to affordable broadband. Emilia…

23 Jul

Legal loophole clears man jailed for stealing plates

National NewsMalonga Nghilukwa

Justicia Shipena The High Court at Oshakati on Monday overturned the conviction and 32-month prison sentence of a man who stole 32 dining plates in March this year. This followed the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court’s decision to convict Malonga Nghilukwa of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft after he admitted to stealing the plates. Nghilukwa, a first-time offender, pleaded guilty in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court after he was charged with stealing plates valued at N$3,965. However, High Court Judges Duard Kesslau and Johanna Salionga ruled that the magistrate failed to properly establish Nghilukwa’s intent at the time of the break-in,…

23 Jul

New cybersecurity measures unveiled

National Newscybersecurity

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus has announced new national efforts to address rising cybersecurity threats. She spoke during a cybersecurity conference and exhibition held in Windhoek last week, which brought together cybersecurity experts, government officials, industry leaders, and civil society. Theofelus said the country must take a united approach to tackle cybercrime, scams, digital fraud, and cyberbullying. “The evolving nature of cyber threats demands vigilance, innovation, and collaboration across all parts of society,” she said. “It is crucial that the public and private sectors, academia, and young innovators come together not only to discuss problems…

22 Jul

Youth wrap up EU advisory role

National News

Staff Writer The first cohort of the EU-Namibia Youth Sounding Board (YSB) has completed its two-year term. To mark the end of their service, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Namibia held a farewell event over the weekend at the EU residence in Windhoek. Launched in July 2023, the EU-Namibia YSB was created to give young Namibians a platform to influence EU development work in the country. The board brought together 25 youths between the ages of 18 and 30 from diverse regions and backgrounds to advise on EU policies and programmes in Namibia. The initiative forms part…

22 Jul

Alliance calls for binding legislation on food rights in SADC

Africa / World

Moses Magadza and Angel Alessandri The inaugural meeting of the SADC Parliamentary Alliance on Agrifood Systems, Food Security and Nutrition, began in Johannesburg on 22 July 2025, with the SADC Parliamentary Forum and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) calling for stronger parliamentary action to combat hunger, malnutrition, and build resilient agrifood systems across Southern Africa. Speaking to lawmakers from different SADC Member States, development partners, and technical experts, SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma noted that the meeting came at a time of global food crises exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and inequality. "As…

22 Jul

Ngaringombe warns of make or break moment for PDM

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says the upcoming local and regional elections in November will be a test of the party’s credibility and cohesion. He was addressing delegates on Tuesday during a leadership training at the PDM Central Committee leadership training, part of the party’s preparation for the elections. Ngaringombe told party leaders that winning back public trust will depend on showing unity through shared purpose, not slogans. He urged them to build strong teams and communities that cross regional and ideological lines. “If they want to win back the trust of the people, they…