Namibia

31.1% of young Namibians between the ages of 13 and 15 are consuming tobacco products according to data from the World Health Organisation, and alcohol abuse is also on the rise with an alarming rate

16 Namibian companies have expressed interest in contributing to establish a new national airline, announced for December 2026; a dedicated technical committee has been set up to guide the process of setting up the new national carrier

For reasons of diplomatic reciprocity and sovereignty, Namibia now requires visas for citizens of 33 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, UK, and France; the move follows the implementation of the new e-visa system last month

Agnes Kafula, Swapo Member of Parliament, is promoting a motion to grant hawkers more social protection and welfare, reducing tensions with the police and countering the criminalisation of the informal trade

The National Arts Council of Namibia, under the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, presented its new branding in Windhoek; the rebranding, which includes a new logo and website, aims at reaffirming Namibia's creative sector

The African Seismological Commission held their General Assembly for the first time in Namibia; the 4th event of its kind, brought together seismologists from all over Africa to discuss, collaborate and improve regional seismic monitoring

Exports to the European Union have more than doubled over the past two decades, from around N$9 billion (€467.000) in 2004 to over N$20 billion in 2023, according to the EU-Namibia Trade Statistics Bulletin

Sam Nujoma, who has been the first president of Namibia after the independence from South Africa, has died at the age of 95; President for 15 years, was considered a father of the fatherland who led the country towards democracy

Unemployment rate rose to 36,9% in 2023 from 33,4% in 2018, according to latest data from the country's Bureau of Statistics

The heavy rains that have hit the country in recent weeks are bringing benefits to the water reserves; Namibia Water Corporation confirmed that the main dams have seen a significant increase of water levels

NamPost and Telecom Namibia will become independent government-owned companies by February, as the complete transfer of all properties of the Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Limited to other stakeholders will be finalised by this month of January 2025

At least 16 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are experiencing outbreaks, with over 2000 cases reported in the weeks of December in the northern regions; cases are bound to surge until April 2025 due to the rainy season

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leader of the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation party SWAPO, was elected as president of Namibia, garnering 57% of the vote and becoming the country's first female head of state