The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform last week embarked on two significant water projects to bolster the country’s water infrastructure and ensure a sustainable water supply. One of the key projects is the expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant in the Omusati Region. This project will be executed through a collaboration between Namibia water utility, NamWater, China Jiangxi International, and Homefin Properties Joint Venture. The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, in his keynote address, emphasized the significance of water security for Namibia’s development. He highlighted that the Outapi plant while serving the region for many years, has reached its capacity limits due to population growth and urbanization. The expansion project will significantly increase the plant’s capacity, enabling it to deliver up to 438 cubic meters of water per hour, he said. “By addressing the water challenges in Outapi,...

The City of Windhoek has invited residents to the second edition of the Windhoek Christmas Market, under the theme ‘Christmas under the Stars’, taking place from 6 to 7 December. The Market will coincide with the annual switching on of the City’s Christmas Street Lights happening on Friday evening. The City said this annual market will take place in the CBD along Independence Avenue between Daniel Munamava and Fidel Castro Streets. “The Market will feature a wide range of local vendors showcasing handmade products, unique holiday gifts, delicious food, cold drinks, and live entertainment, all while promoting a spirit of the festive season in the City,” they added. They said over the two days, the event will feature a variety of activities, alongside opportunities for companies to showcase their products and services, while small businesses network and connect with the community, residents, and visitors alike “The annual switching on of...

Justice Gervasius Nate Katjitinge Ndauendapo has been appointed as acting Deputy Judge President of the High Court of Namibia by President Nangolo Mbumba, the Judicial Services Commission announced. Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Commissioner, Elias Shikongo this week said the appointment was made upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and is effective from 1 December to 31 March 2025. “Justice Ndauendapo obtained a Bachelor of Laws in 1992 and a Master of Laws in Maritime Law in 1996, both from the University of Cape Town, and has served as a Judge of the High Court of Namibia since 1 May 2008,” he added. The Judicial Service Commission congratulates Justice Ndauendapo on his appointment and wishes him well in the execution of his duties. Source link

Patrick Kohlstädt is the new Director of Operation at Namibia largest logistics company, Manica Group Namibia. His appointment rests on his 24 years experience in external logistics of which 17 years were spent at Manica. He obtained his qualifications in logistics at the Fachhochschule in Germany, eventually receiving a Masters equivalent in the form of a post graduate diploma as Business Engineer in Logistics. Announcing the appointment, Manica said Patrick’s professional ethos is defined by straightforwardness and integrity, embodying a “tell-it-like-it-is” approach. As a self-described “honest truth-seeker,” he is known for his direct, responsive, and commercially driven leadership style. During his career he has overseen major projects like the Caprivi Link Interconnector Powerline which included logistics for substations and insulators. He has managed logistics for the construction of the Ohorongo Cement Plant and the Tsumeb Smelter Gas Cleaning Plant. He has also handled onshore logistics for many offshore drilling outfits....

By Ockert Jansen, Executive Marketing, Corporate Communications and Client Management Service at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA). The Namibian business landscape, like many other jurisdictions globally, is increasingly becoming more complex and regulated. This complexity has led to a heightened focus on compliance, with businesses facing an array of regulatory obligations. From tax and financial reporting to anti-money laundering, businesses must navigate a maze of laws and regulations to ensure their operations are compliant. Financial institutions and government offices and ministries are increasingly becoming more aware of such compliance matters when dealing with financing or public tender processes, thereby holding such businesses to account. The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is one such regulator that has over the last year, required enhanced compliance from business entities registered with the Authority. The Evolving Regulatory Landscape: In recent years, regulatory authorities in Namibia have intensified their efforts to enforce...

By Michel Haoses. South African Independent Power Producer, Sturdee Energy has partnered with the Frans Indongo Group to raise a project finance facility of N$500 million from RMB Namibia as the lead arranger on two operational solar projects situated in Mariental and Kokerboom, each with a capacity of 10 MW. According to a joint statement issued by Sturdee Energy, the Frans Indongo Group and RMB Namibia, the rising demand for renewable energy aligns with the region’s growing need for sustainable energy solutions. Furthermore, the ability to provide low-cost energy is set to stimulate other industries to enhance economic growth. Together with Sturdee’s existing projects, the long-term power purchase agreement with NamPower allows for a clean energy estimated generation of 59,320 MWh annually while achieving carbon emission savings of 56,354 tCO2e. This transaction secures additional operational capacity for Sturdee, accelerating its operations in the country and complementing its existing investment in...

By Michel Haoses. The local livestock sector experienced a downturn in October, with a decline in exports of beef, lamb, and mutton products According to a recent report by the Livestock and Livestock Product Board, the cattle sector saw a 1.2% year-on-year decrease in marketing, with 19,657 cattle marketed compared to 19,906 in the same period last year. The sheep sector similarly recorded a drop in overall marketing activities by 24.6 %. Meanwhile, the goat sector experienced a 20.3% decline during the reporting month, while year-to-date, a total of 11,438 goats were marketed during October, compared to 14,355 during the same period in 2023. She attributed the decline to a decrease in live exports and reduced slaughtering at local abattoirs. Year-on-year, 4,386 pigs were marketed at Livestock and Livestock Product Board-approved abattoirs during October 2024 compared to 3,979 pigs marketed during the reporting period last year. On the meat trading...

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) and the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) have formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to strengthen the regulation of the telecommunications and financial sectors in the country. The newly signed MoU, replacing the 2016 version between the regulators, outlines the areas of cooperation and the establishment of a joint working committee. The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, covering areas such as telecommunications operators, mobile money services, SIM registration, cybersecurity, consumer protection, electronic transactions, open banking, and information sharing. By working together, the two regulatory bodies seek to address emerging challenges, promote innovation, and ensure the integrity of both sectors. Through the MoU, CRAN and BoN aim to enhance regulatory oversight, streamline processes, and foster innovation and growth in their respective sectors. By establishing clear protocols for cooperation, the MoU ensures the independence of both regulators while...

By Michel Haoses. The City of Windhoek and Gondwana Collection Namibia this week launched the ‘Hearts Across Windhoek’ initiative which celebrates love, unity, and reconciliation this holiday season. Gondwana Collection, in the statement issued, said that heart-shaped frames will temporarily be installed at key locations across Windhoek at the City of Windhoek tourism offices; Robert Mugabe Avenue, across the City Museum; in front of the Parliament building overlooking the gardens and the UN Plaza, adjacent to the canal between the Independence Museum and the Christuskirche. They also said that one of the frames occupies the historic pedestal on Independence Avenue, where the Curt van François statue once stood and tied to the country’s colonial past, has been transformed into a symbol of hope and unity. This initiative, launched as part of Gondwana’s broader ‘Hearts Across Horizons’ campaign, highlights the transformative work of the Gondwana Care Trust, dedicated to social responsibility,...

The President H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba extended his heartfelt congratulations to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has been declared Namibia’s President-elect following a landmark victory in the country’s presidential and national assembly elections. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officially announced the results on Tuesday, confirming that Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 57.3% of the vote. Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, trailed with 25.5%. This decisive win not only reaffirms Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership but also highlights a significant moment in Namibia’s political history as the nation continues to uphold its democratic traditions. In the national assembly elections, the ruling SWAPO Party claimed a majority with 51 seats, while the Independent Patriots for Change secured 20 seats. In a message to the President-elect, Mbumba praised the Namibian people for their decision, describing the result as a momentous milestone for the country’s democracy. “The Namibian people have spoken. Namibians in their majority wrote a new chapter in the...