Namibia

Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa denied rumors of a plot to remove party president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The speculation about unseating Nandi-Ndaitwah was dismissed by Shaningwa.

The article discusses Africa's significant economic moment, highlighting Namibia's rise and South Africa's energy-related debates as pivotal for the continent's future.

Japan's state metals agency has committed up to $33.9 million to a Toyota Tsusho venture at Lofdal in Namibia, potentially becoming the country's first rare earth mine development in Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with leaders from Slovakia, Namibia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Kazakhstan in July 2026, including discussions in Beijing and Shanghai during the World AI Conference. He also hosted North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing after a June meeting with Kim Jong-un. Xi has met 26 national leaders this year, including US President Donald Trump, with three more anticipated.

Namibia avoided a 12.5% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump on seven other African countries, allowing the country to survive a significant economic shock.

Namibia increased access to safe drinking water to 91.4% and expanded sanitation infrastructure during the 2025/26 financial year. However, significant gaps remain in rural and peri-urban areas, prompting calls for faster service delivery and stronger community participation.

The article argues that Nigeria should adopt a 'step aside' policy for public officials facing allegations of wrongdoing, similar to Namibia's approach. It also calls for stricter vetting of candidates for high-profile jobs pending investigation outcomes.

Pakistan is set to tour England in May 2027 for a five-match ODI series, with matches scheduled in Southampton, Manchester, Leeds, Chester-le-Street, and Cardiff. The series aims to prepare both teams for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 and follows Pakistan’s upcoming Test series in England in August 2027. Pakistan currently ranks fifth in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings, while England is seventh.

Nasan Energies, a Namibian fuel retailer that acquired stations from Vitol Group, plans to expand its operations to support Namibia’s offshore oil industry, which includes companies like TotalEnergies SE and Shell Plc.

Windhoek residents face a 4% average increase in municipal tariffs, which could strain household and business budgets, reduce consumer spending, and hinder economic growth. The rise is expected to disproportionately affect unemployed Namibians and young families.

Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has obtained a Prevention of Organised Crime Act property restraint order in respect of assets of fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk valued at up to N$75.3 million.

Anglo American selected the Global Diamond Consortium, led by Gareth Penny, as its preferred bidder for an 85% stake in De Beers. Botswana, which holds the remaining 15% stake and pre-emptive rights, is evaluating its participation options, with potential involvement from Angola and Namibia. De Beers announced a two-year production halt at its Venetia mine amid declining rough diamond demand due to lab-grown competition.

Amazon’s satellite venture, Amazon Leo, is entering South Africa’s market through a partnership with local internet firm Herotel, bypassing regulations requiring 30% Black ownership in license holders. This move contrasts with Starlink’s struggles to meet the same ownership threshold, which has delayed its entry into the region.

The Namibian government will evaluate future assistance requests for repatriated citizens on a case-by-case basis. Repatriated Namibians hope to return to South Africa.

Ghana, Namibia, and the DRC are driving Africa's economic growth through increased trade and resource production. China-Africa trade reached $295.6 billion in 2024, while Africa's lithium production share rose to 10.6% in 2025. The DRC is projected to become sub-Saharan Africa's fifth-largest economy by 2026.

Elephants can close their ear canals to enhance their ability to detect seismic vibrations from over six miles away, according to a study in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology. Researchers found elephant middle ear bones and eardrums are significantly larger than humans', enabling superior low-frequency hearing through bone conduction. This adaptation aids in long-distance communication, mate-finding, and detecting threats like predators or vehicles.

The Namibian government, through the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, is intensifying efforts to stop the illegal harvesting and trade of lithops plants, which are being targeted by organized wildlife trafficking networks.

More than 1,000 former Namibian fisheries workers have requested Icelandic prosecutors to recognize them as victims in the Fishrot corruption scandal.

UNIDO project manager Sven Schuppener emphasizes that Namibia's green hydrogen development should prioritize creating local industries, skilled jobs, and value addition rather than focusing solely on exports.

Namibia is expected to be removed from the European Union's list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing by the end of this year.

The Namibian Presidency confirmed that the business delegation of over 200 members accompanying President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China was not funded by taxpayers.

Pension savings contributed to a rise in assets managed by Namibia's investment firms to N$342.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

The Zambezi Communal Land Board in Namibia has provided the public seven days to object to 25 applications for customary land rights, occupational land rights, and leasehold rights in the Zambezi region.

Namibia's VIP protection chief, commissioner Michael Abraham, was removed after a security breach at State House involving an unauthorized intruder.

Four individuals accused in the Fishrot corruption and fraud case have filed an application to stop the government from prosecuting them. The application has been described as unprecedented.

The National Energy Fund in Namibia has nearly been depleted after the government spent N$1.3 billion over two months to protect motorists from rising fuel prices.

The Namibian government has rejected plans to introduce toll gates on roads nationwide. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the decision.

The Namibian government auctioned quotas for horse mackerel and hake fish, raising N$68.4 million.

Justine Madugu, as head coach of Nigeria's Super Falcons, won the 2024 WAFCON, marking his first victory in the tournament after serving in various coaching roles in previous editions. The win capped years of dedication and experience across multiple WAFCON campaigns.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds in Namibia's //Kharas region have stripped three homes at Farm Blouwes of their roofs, compelling affected families to rebuild. The storm has caused significant disruption, leaving households without shelter.

A violent election in Namibia's National Youth Council (NYC) led to its collapse, with critics demanding reforms. The incident raised concerns over safety during the election process.

Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded a three-day State Visit to Tanzania. The visit is highlighted as potentially significant for economic relations between the two countries.

Ovaherero and Nama genocide descendants in Namibia are demanding N$17 trillion in reparations, rejecting ongoing negotiations with Germany as insufficient and exclusionary. They argue the current discussions do not adequately address their historical grievances.

Namibia President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for strengthened bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Namibia to advance 'economic liberation' for the two SADC member states and the wider African continent.

Namibia has set a target to increase its protected marine areas from 1.7% to 11% by 2030.

Namibian police accuse Petrus Shikwaya of financing the acid murder of prosecutor Justine Shiweda. Detective Chief Inspector Antonius Gabriel described Shikwaya as the 'lubricant machinery' behind the killing.

140 pupils from six schools in Windhoek, Namibia, visited the United Nations House and were encouraged to actively shape the country's future. The event aimed to inspire youth engagement in driving positive change.

Uruguay will drill its first deepwater exploration well in a decade this year to test for offshore oil reserves similar to Namibia's. The test marks a significant step in assessing the country's potential oil riches.

Andimba Toivo ya Toivo was a celebrated Namibian liberation leader who played a significant role in his country's development. He is noted for prioritizing justice over power, though his international recognition remains limited.

Giordano states that further US investments in Namibia are expected. The statement highlights anticipated economic engagement between the US and Namibia.