Namibia

Helicopters and hundreds of soldiers have been sent to curb a fire ravaging a third of Etosha National Park, a key nature reserve and top tourist attraction home to endangered black rhinos; fire broke out at a charcoal production plant outside the park

The unemployment rate in the Kavango East region has increased from 48% in 2011 to 52% in 2023 according to data just released by the Namibia Statistics Agency from the recent Population and Housing Census; youth unemployment, at 60,4%, is even higher

Communal farmers in northern Namibia are reporting an increase in stock theft, blaming police inaction and negligence as cases surge along the Angolan border; villagers say cattle is being herded into the neighbouring country, never to be seen again

Music industry is mourning the loss of veteran reggae artist Ras Sheehama, a pioneer whose work shaped Namibia’s sound and inspired generations; known for his lyrics and style, he rose to success in the 1990s one of the country’s most recognisable voices

From tomorrow 18 August Windhoek will phase out cash and outdated cards used for its bus service; passengers have been able to verify and transfer balances from their old smartcards to the new cashless system until yesterday

A petroleum sector rooted in integrity, inclusion and bold leadership to make oil and gas resources a benefit for all is what Kornelia Shilunga, Head of the upstream petroleum unit, called for at the opening of 2025 Youth in Oil&Gas Summit at Walvis Bay

45.000 tonnes of salt shipped to Nigeria is the first consignment under African Continental Free Trade Area agreement; as only the Walvis Bay Salt Company took part in the program, Namibia Trade Forum said more work is needed to fully benefit from ACFTA

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

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's new president and the country's first female head of state, was sworn in to lead a country facing high rates of unemployment, inequality and poverty; 72 years old, she won November 2024 election with 58% of the votes

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