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🇳🇦 Curated news and policy updates from Namibia, Southern Africa. Tracking governance, economic shifts, and development trends. Focus on Politics, Data, Human Rights, Economics, Biodiversity and Climate Change.
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AZA SAFE allocates $434K to conservation, including a Namibia-based project using youth soccer to promote rhino protection. The Rhino Cup Champions League engages rural women’s teams to foster pro-rhino behaviour. Other grants support coral, parrot, and sea star recovery efforts.

Germany's restitution of human remains to Namibia highlights political and ethical frictions. Disputes over national vs. ethnic identity and calls for reparations complicate the process. The case reflects broader global debates on colonial legacies, symbolic recognition, and justice.

Farmers across Namibia are optimistic about a strong harvest after weeks of consistent rainfall. Improved conditions are boosting crop growth and livestock health, offering relief after previous droughts. Balanced rainfall remains crucial to avoid flooding and sustain food security.

Namibia can boost digital trade by joining the eWTP, following Rwanda & Ethiopia. Aligning with Alibaba could enhance SME access to global markets, improve customs efficiency & drive economic growth. Establishing digital free trade zones would lower entry barriers & support e-commerce expansion.

Capricorn Group reports a 28.4% rise in profit after tax to N$1.06B for H2 2024, driven by strong subsidiary performance, higher non-interest income, and lower impairments. Namibia’s economic outlook remains positive, supporting continued growth. Interim dividend up 27.1% to 61c per share.

FIC Namibia strengthens tax compliance, freezing N$33.1m in illicit assets (+105% YoY). Efforts recovered N$47.2m in taxes, boosting national revenue. NamRA reports N$45.1bn in tax collections (Apr–Sep 2024), up N$7.1bn YoY. Funds support infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

ReconAfrica's stock surged 30% after a leaked image suggested an oil discovery in Namibia—only for shares to crash when no oil was found. Allegations of stock manipulation and misleading investor forums raise concerns over transparency. Calls grow for regulatory scrutiny.

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and Hardap Regional Council sign Namibia’s first regional green hydrogen skills agreement. The partnership focuses on youth training, capacity building, and SME participation in the sector, unlocking local economic opportunities.

IAE 2025 in Paris (May 13-14) gathers African leaders, investors & energy firms to shape the continent’s energy future. Namibia joins key talks on financing, renewables & hydrocarbons. High-profile networking & media access offer insights into emerging markets & investment trends.

Deep groundwater could be a game-changer for Namibia’s water security. Studies reveal untapped deep aquifers, resilient to drought and contamination. Repurposing oil and gas data can support sustainable management, offering a long-term solution amid rising water demand.

Namibia | A N$1.8 billion nopal cactus farm in Maltahöhe aims to boost carbon sequestration, bioenergy production, and land restoration. The project will generate carbon credits, create thousands of jobs, and position Namibia as a leader in sustainable agriculture and carbon farming.

US funding freeze disrupts HIV services in Namibia, affecting prevention, testing, and treatment. Waivers restored some clinical care, but key programmes for key populations, adolescent girls, and gender equality remain at risk. Health workers face increased strain.

Oshana Lifelong Learning programme in Namibia trains unemployed individuals in Ongwediva on pine gel-making. The free initiative equips out-of-school youth with skills for self-employment. Participants purchase their products to sustain future training sessions.

Namibia faces a severe food crisis, with 1.2 million people at risk due to drought. Household harvests lasted only until August, and food reserves are critically low at 11% capacity. Water shortages worsen the crisis, affecting livestock and communities. Govt plans N$1.6B drought relief.

Novare Holdings and ReElement Technologies invest $100M in Africa’s first high-purity critical minerals refinery. With Namibia rich in rare earths, local beneficiation could boost industrialisation. The facility, using green tech, aligns with AfCFTA and Africa’s role in global supply chains.

Germany's colonial past remains largely unacknowledged, despite its deep impact on Africa. The Berlin Conference (1884-85) accelerated colonisation, including in Namibia, where Germany’s brutal rule led to genocide. Activists call for education, memorialisation, and reparations.

Repo rate cut by 25bps aims to boost Namibia’s economy while maintaining the NAD-ZAR peg. Growth faces risks from USAID withdrawal, SA economic instability, and investment inefficiencies. Strategic execution of Green Hydrogen & industrial projects is key for Vision 2030.

BIPA warns that 145,000 Namibian entities risk blacklisting for non-compliance with beneficial ownership laws. With only a 37% compliance rate, penalties of up to N$50,000 will be reinstated. Compliance is crucial for Namibia’s removal from the FATF greylist.

NCCI met with Swakopmund Mayor Blassius Goraseb to discuss economic growth, collaboration, and data-driven policy-making. Goraseb announced the Swakopmund Economic Forum to enhance informed decisions. Both parties committed to fostering a business-friendly environment for sustainable development.

Authorities in Namibia warn of rising violations in national parks. Issues include illegal drone use, raw meat transport, plastic bag bans, off-road driving, and vandalism. Tour operators aiding rule-breaking risk blacklisting. Visitors urged to comply to protect ecosystems.

Namibia advances its green hydrogen sector with FIDs set for 2025. Key projects include green ammonia, hydrogen-based electricity, and export pipelines. With vast renewable resources, Namibia is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s energy transition and a global supplier of green hydrogen.

Trust in Namibia’s courts is fragile—52% express trust, while 44% do not. Yet, 61% remain confident in their ability to deliver justice. This gap matters: low trust fuels political interference, weakens the rule of law, and risks democracy itself. Strengthening judicial integrity is critical.

Namibia joins the SpoGomi World Cup, a global trash-picking competition, for the first time. The qualifier event takes place on 5 March in Windhoek. Teams compete to collect and sort waste, promoting environmental responsibility. Winners will represent Namibia in Japan for the finals.

Kunene recorded 2,683 criminal cases in 2024, up from 1,758 in 2023. Outjo remains the hotspot, accounting for 38% of cases. Police cite poverty and alcohol abuse as key drivers. Manpower shortages and poor infrastructure hamper efforts, while community partnerships aim to curb crime.

Namibia’s dams see positive inflows after recent rainfall. Omatako Dam reaches 24.8%, Neckartal 81.2%, and Naute 33.7%. Improved water security benefits agriculture, industry, and domestic use. NamWater urges continued conservation to sustain resources.

Namibia and Botswana reaffirm commitment to the Trans-Kalahari Rail Corridor. The 1500km railway aims to boost regional trade, economic integration, and job creation. Ministers stress urgency, with a pre-feasibility study completed and a roadmap set for implementation.

Namibia’s ambassador to France, Albertus Aochamub, stresses that African nations seek trade, not charity. He highlighted Namibia’s role in renewable energy and called for leveraging Africa’s vast resources to reduce import dependency.

UNESCO Windhoek seeks a Programme Assistant (Culture) to support cultural heritage, creative economy, and policy implementation in Namibia. 1-year contract, extension possible. Requires a relevant degree, 2+ years experience, and strong communication skills. Apply by 11 March 2025.

Trust in Namibia’s judiciary is divided—52% express trust, while 44% do not. Confidence in the courts' ability to deliver justice is higher at 61%. Public scepticism and political interference threaten judicial independence, highlighting the need to strengthen trust for democratic stability.

The Okavango Research Institute hosted a symposium on "Advancing Climate Change and Health Security in Botswana," addressing health threats like heatwaves and malaria. Strengthening health systems through multi-sectoral research is crucial for regional resilience.

SADC | Namibia leads Africa’s green hydrogen push with FID decisions on five major projects by 2025. Investments in green hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels aim to drive economic growth, job creation, and energy transition, positioning the region as a key player in global green energy markets.

Nominations are open for the 2025 UN Nelson Mandela Prize, honouring individuals dedicated to humanity. Namibia’s Dr. Helena Ndume was a past laureate. Two winners (one male, one female) will be announced in May 2025. Submissions close 28 Feb 2025. #Namibia #MandelaPrize

Germany’s new government is unlikely to finalise Nama-Herero genocide talks, activist Turk Hansen warns. Development aid cuts and a shift in focus to EU industry may weaken ties with Namibia, including green hydrogen cooperation. Civil society pressure remains crucial.

Namibia’s first oil & gas training centre opens in Walvis Bay. The N$58m facility by Absalom Fillipus & Angolan partners aims to equip locals with critical rigging & maritime skills, reducing reliance on South African training. OPITO accreditation & national syllabus in progress.

The UN commemorated Namibia’s Founding President Sam Nujoma, honouring his role in securing independence and advocating for global peace. Diplomats highlighted his resilience, leadership, and legacy of unity, self-determination, and African solidarity.

NIDA unveils its first annual report in six years, highlighting a 30% asset growth to N$1.37B and a 20% income rise to N$165M. Despite a N$102M operating loss in 2024, the agency focuses on industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification to drive Namibia’s development.

Namibia addresses its severe housing shortage and environmental challenges by converting invasive bushes and mushroom waste into sustainable building materials. This innovative approach not only provides affordable housing but also reduces COâ‚‚ emissions and restores local ecosystems.

Namibia ranks 143rd out of 152 in internet speed, with just 15% of households having fixed connectivity. Limited competition, regulatory barriers, and stalled broadband expansion hinder progress. Experts warn that restrictive policies on Starlink further slow digital development.

Paratus Namibia confirms a cyberattack compromising 84GB of data but assures customer data remains encrypted and secure. The breach follows recent hacks at Telecom Namibia and Standard Bank. Authorities, including Nam-CSIRT, are investigating as calls for stricter cybersecurity regulations grow.

UK-based Appian Capital acquires majority stake in Emesco Energy’s Rosh Pinah solar plant, expanding capacity from 5.4MW to 16.3MW. The project will cut CO2 emissions by 14,000 tonnes annually and supply 30% of the mine’s power needs, supporting Namibia’s renewable energy transition.

NIDA reports a high cost-to-income ratio but sees 30% asset growth since 2019. Independent valuation raises asset base to N$3 billion. Plans include leveraging assets, supporting SMEs, and expanding agribusiness. Board commits to industrialisation, transparency, and strategic positioning.

Artists in Namibia protest unpaid performances at the Sam Nujoma tribute concert, citing financial struggles and exploitation. The education ministry defends the request, highlighting budget constraints. Debate grows over fair compensation and respect for creative professionals.

Namibia | NamPower plans to add 428MW of solar PV to the grid by 2028, alongside wind, battery storage, and biomass projects, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and coal.

Namibia | Drought-hit farmers struggle to repay Agribank loans, risking land loss. Climate change worsens financial strain, with cattle prices volatile. Govt relief measures delayed, while Agribank warns of legal action. Calls grow for policy shifts to support emerging farmers.

Namibia | USAID funding freeze leaves NGO workers facing job losses. Health ministry cannot absorb them due to budget limits. Experts urge reducing reliance on foreign aid by securing fair deals for Namibia’s resources. Despite cuts, health programmes will remain operational.

Namibia hosts the 4th African Seismological Commission General Assembly in Windhoek. Experts highlight seismology's role in understanding earth processes, mitigating hazards, and addressing climate change. Collaboration aims to strengthen seismic research and monitoring in Africa.

Uis residents demand fair benefit from Namibia’s critical minerals. Community alleges environmental harm, job exclusion, and irregularities in mining licences. Parliamentary report on illegal lithium mining and governance concerns to be presented on 25 Feb.

OPM clarifies the distribution of 27,200 bags of Chinese-donated rice to Oshikoto, citing prior lack of aid and high malnutrition rates. Food allocations follow needs-based assessments. Namibia continues drought relief with support from global partners, distributing aid nationwide.

Namibia | Ghana honours Namibia’s first President, Sam Nujoma, for his role in Namibia’s liberation and Africa’s unity. Leaders praised his resilience, anti-colonial stance, and advocacy for resource sovereignty. Memorial services continue across Namibia ahead of his state funeral on 1 March.

Namibia honours its founding president, Sam Nujoma, with nationwide memorials. Thousands gather as his body is transported through seven regions. Leaders highlight his role in independence, while mourners reflect on his lasting legacy. Burial set for 1 March at Heroes’ Acre.