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Karibu Kwetu Solar has partnered with Women in Renewable Energy (Wire) to promote gender-inclusive leadership and accelerate access to clean energy in Namibia. The collaboration aims at developing gender-inclusive leadership within Namibia’s energy sector and addressing the country’s long-standing energy challenges. Wire is a global organisation that promotes women’s leadership and participation in the renewable energy industry. The Africa South Chapter provides mentorship, education, and policy advocacy to support women along the entire clean energy value chain. Karibu Kwetu Solar, which provides community-focused solar energy solutions, sees this collaboration as a critical step towards achieving a more gender-inclusive energy future. “Our partnership with Wire confirms our commitment to a future where women are not just part of but also leaders in the clean energy transition,” says chief executive Aliela Muyembe. “Access to energy is a root driver of development, and by having...

Namibia’s mining is underperforming due to a decline in diamond production. The sector is one of the largest contributors to gross domestic product (GDP). The latest data from the Chamber of Mines of Namibia shows that the sector’s revenue contribution to the government through corporate taxes, royalties and export levies fell by 23.8%, 11.3%, and 0.28%, respectively. “The downturn in diamond prices, coupled with reduced demand in key markets, led to weaker profitability and constrained sales volumes, thereby diminishing the revenue base from which taxes and royalties are derived,” says Zebra Kasete, chamber president. Kasete says the contraction in Namibia’s mining sector was largely driven by a decline in diamond production, which constitutes a significant portion of the industry. “This decline is being seen globally due to weaker global prices, reduced demand in key markets and deliberate production cuts aimed at stabilising prices and preserving high-quality reserves,” says Kas...

African Stars and Khomas Nampol both collected maximum points in the Debmarine Namibia Premiership over the weekend to open up a bit of a gap on the chasing pack.  On Saturday, Stars beat Cuca Tops 3-1 through goals by Jomo Tjiveta, Vitapi Ngaruka and Godwin Eiseb and followed that up with a comprehensive 4-1 win against Julinho Sporting on Sunday, with Mbakondja Tjahikika scoring a brace, and Charles Hambira and Awilo Stephanus one goal each. That put them at the top of the log on 36 points from 19 matches, but Khomas Nampol are just one point behind after they also collected maximum points over the weekend.  On Saturday, Khomas Nampol made a great comeback to beat FC Ongos 3-1. Simon Elago gave Ongos an early lead from a corner, but Nampol struck back with second half goals by Ngunzu Salazar, Matthias Haufiku and Apollo Hangero to get a valuable win.  On Sunday their striker Ngunzu Salazar scored both goals against Tigers, which put them second on the log, just one ...

President of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (Sadc PF) Justin Tokely on Monday described Namibia as a patriotic nation with a fascinating history. Tokely, who is part of the Sadc PF delegation which is in Windhoek for the forum’s executive meeting, was impressed by the Heroes’ Acre, the burial site for the country’s heroes and heroines. “Today’s visit has allowed us to know something about the history of Namibia. . . We are now aware that Namibia is an extremely patriotic country. It is a country that has an interesting history, and it is also a country that is developing now,” said Tokely, who is the parliament speaker of Madagascar. Tokely, accompanied by Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the Namibian speaker of the National Assembly, laid wreaths at the mausoleums of founding president Sam Nujoma and former president Hage Geingob. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the host, said the delegation, which consists of eight parliamentary speakers, requested to visit the n...

There are enticing matchups to look out for at the 2025 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games following Sunday’s draw in Windhoek. The draw was for the football, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, netball and basketball disciplines of the regional competition which will be hosted in Namibia from 4 to 13 July. Initially set for Mozambique, the event was moved to Namibia due to the political climate and adverse weather conditions in Mozambique. This year’s Games will promote disability sport and will feature renowned ex-Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, a Special Olympics global ambassador, who is expected to participate in an exhibition match and the opening ceremony. In football, which doubles as the Cosafa Under-20 Championship for both men and women, the host nation will face Zimbabwe. The Junior Warriors also take on Angola and Malawi in Group A for men, while the Junior Gladiators battle Mozambique and Botswana in Group A of the women’s section. Group B in the...

The top four teams in the Namibia Rugby Premier League opened up a sizable gap on the rest of field after the fifth round of matches on Saturday. FNB Wanderers maintained their unbeaten status with a 29-0 win away to FNB Rehoboth to move up to 28 points at the top of the log, while FNB Kudus thumped FNB Western Suburbs 50-15 at Walvis Bay to go second on 19 points.  Trustco United overcame a spirited FNB Reho Falcon 45-31 to go third on 16 points, while FNB Grootfontein are fourth on 15 points after beating FNB Unam 37-20 at home.  Unam and Suburbs now trail eight points behind Grootfontein on seven points each, while Rehoboth (6), Reho Falcon (5) and FNB Dolphins (0) make up the rear.  At the United field, Falcons pushed United all the way, with the result in the balance till the closing stages.  United took an early lead through a try by Christo Gresse, converted by Ricardo Swartz, and went 12-0 ahead when Zander Bronkhorst went over from a maul.  Falcon...

Namibian hockey reached new heights after both the men and women’s u21 teams qualified for the Junior Hockey World Cup for the first time.  Following the ground-breaking performances of the senior men and women’s teams at the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia in February when they both reached the quarterfinals for the first time, Namibia’s junior teams have now also reached a new milestone by qualifying for an outdoor world cup for the first time.  On Friday, South Africa dominated the finals of the Junior Africa Cup, with their men and women beating Namibia 5-0 in both finals, but as the losing finalists, Namibia can now pack their bags for the Junior World Cup towards the end of the year. Namibia’s men will compete in Chennai, India in November, while Namibia’s women will compete in Santiago, Chile in December.  In Friday’s women’s final, Namibia managed to hold SA at bay till midway through the second quarter when SA captain Caylin Maree opened the scoring with a...

An alarming increase in violent crime has left many Namibians feeling vulnerable and fearful in their own homes. The recent brutal murder of a family of six at Usakos has intensified this fear and ignited an outcry for effective leadership to address crime and drug abuse affecting communities countrywide. It happened over a weekend, a time typically reserved for family. Instead, it brought heartbreak and panic. Unfortunately, the Usakos tragedy is not isolated. It is part of a troubling trend, with increasingly frequent reports of violent crimes resulting in a loss of life and property at the hands of criminals affected by drug addiction. Just weeks earlier, a male pupil was brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight along the John Mutorwa Road at Rundu – triggered by petty theft, a mere cellphone. Such incidents force us to ponder how individuals can commit such heinous acts without fear and basic morality? Many in our society are increasingly connecting the dots between the ri...

Kavango East health director Idah Mendai says there’s a significant increase in malaria cases in the region, with 13 185 cases and 16 deaths reported in the first 16 weeks of this year. Mendai said this at a World Malaria Day event at Rundu on Friday. “Andara recorded the highest number of cases with 7 787, Nyangana 2 925 cases, and Rundu 2 461 cases,” she said. Mendai said the region is experiencing a significant malaria outbreak, increasing sharply since week 45 of 2024. “A major contributing factor is the community’s delay in seeking medical attention,” she said. Mendai called on stakeholders to fight malaria together, saying ‘the fight is not for us alone, it’s for everyone”. Kavanho East governor Julius Hambyuka said ending would require collective action and determination. “People should sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, and stay indoors during peak mosquito hours whenever possible,” Hambyuka said. He urged t...

Paris Saint-Germain saw their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 this season finally ended in a 3-1 home defeat against Nice on Friday, just ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown against Arsenal. PSG had been hoping to become the first team ever to complete a French top-flight season without losing a game, but Morgan Sanson scored twice for Nice as the visitors claimed all three points against the run of play. Fabian Ruiz had brought PSG level late in the first half, cancelling out Sanson’s opener. However, Sanson scored again just 22 seconds into the second half, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye later headed in to make it 3-1. “For me the result is not fair but that’s football, you have to accept it,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique, who saw his side dominate the game with 76 percent possession and over 30 shots on goal. PSG had been unbeaten in 30 Ligue 1 matches this season, and had not lost any of their last 41 games against French opposition since a 3-1 home loss against Toulouse o...

With the Rugby Premier League at about the halfway stage before the knockout stages begin, the battle is on for a place in the semifinals. FNB Wanderers are way ahead of the pack on 23 points and certain to reach the knockout stages, but the battle for the other three semifinal spots is still wide open. FNB Kudus are second on 13 points, followed by Trustco United (11), FNB Grootfontein (10), FNB Unam and FNB Western Suburbs on seven points each, FNB Rehoboth (6) and FNB Reho Falcons (5). Only bottom-of-the-log FNB Dolphins (0) seem to be out of the running, although they still have a mathematical chance to make the top four. The Wanderers machine travels south to take on Rehoboth tomorrow and will start as firm favourites to make it five wins in a row. They have accumulated 257 points and conceded 65 so far, at an aggregate of 66-16 per game, and with their powerful pack and hard running backs will provide a huge challenge for the home side. Rehoboth coach Jackey Bock however said...

The Catholic Church in Namibia is in mourning following Roman Catholic archbishop Liborius Nashenda announcing the death of Pope Francis. The pope died on Monday at the age of 88 and will be buried on Saturday. Pope Francis served as Pontiff since 2013. In a statement released on Tuesday, Nashenda expressed shock and sadness at the news, while emphasising the importance of continued prayer. “We are all shocked and saddened by his passing, but nevertheless, as people of faith, we should continue to pray for the repose of his soul unceasingly,” he said. Nashenda has directed all priests within the parishes to celebrate mass daily, or incorporate the intention into the divine office where applicable, for Pope Francis until his burial. He also encouraged the faithful to participate in these daily services. A memorial mass, presided over by Nashenda, will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Windhoek on Wednesday at 18h00. “All are welcome to attend,” he added. The statement further s...

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says her administration will focus on ensuring Namibia produces its first oil “within the shortest timeframe”. She said this during her first state of the nation address (Sona) in the National Assembly on Thursday. The president said her administration will accelerate strategic partnerships, streamline regulatory processes, and invest in critical infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s hydrocarbon resources. “This milestone will not only fuel our energy security, but also drive rural and peri-urban electrification, job creation, local capacity development and sustainable growth for generations to come,” she said. Namibia, she noted, is the third-highest producer of uranium in the world, and as part of value addition. “While I’m not in a position to tell you when we will have a nuclear energy power plant in Namibia, I can assure you that the discussions will certainly begin this financial year,” she said. The president also reveale...

China has sent back planes it ordered from the US in its latest retaliation over Trump tariffs, the boss of aircraft maker Boeing has said. Kelly Ortberg said two planes had already been returned and another would follow after trade tensions between the two countries escalated. Boeing’s chief executive told CNBC that 50 more planes were due to go to China this year but their customers had indicated they will not take delivery of them. The US put 145% tariffs on imports from China and it hit back with a 125% tax on US products. A Boeing 737 MAX 8, the second jet intended for use by a Chinese airline to be returned to its manufacturer, flies mid-air before landing at Boeing Field. Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he was optimistic about improving trade relations with China , saying the level of tariffs he had imposed would “come down substantially, but it won’t be zero”. However, Mr Ortberg said China “have in fact stopped taking delivery of aircraft because of ...

The Mwatile sisters Wilka (24) and Mekelaye (19) have become leading members of the Namibian Capricorn Eagles squad, while both excelled in their recent International T20 series against Uganda. In a thrilling series, Uganda won the first two matches but Namibia struck back to tie the series at 2-2. Namibia then edged 3-2 ahead after winning the fifth match by one run, but Uganda remarkably won the final match by the same margin to tie the series. Wilka and Meke were both in great form with bat and ball, with Wilka winning the Player of the Series award with a total of 316 points, while Meke finished second overall with 307 points. Both sisters were among the top bowlers of the series with six wickets each, while Wilka was the fifth best batter with 102 runs at an average of 20.40 and a highest score of 27. Meke finished seventh amongst the batters with 87 runs at an average of 43.50 and a top score of 60 not out, which came off only 49 balls and included six fours and two sixes. I...

Who will be the next pope? The decision could have a profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world’s 1.4 billion baptised Roman Catholics. It also promises to be a highly unpredictable and open process for a host of reasons. The College of Cardinals will meet in conclave in the Sistine Chapel to debate and then vote for their preferred candidates until a single name prevails. With 80% of the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis himself, they are not only electing a pope for the first time, but will offer a broad global perspective. For the first time in history, fewer than half of those given a vote will be European. And although the college may be dominated by his appointments, they were not exclusively “progressive” or “traditionalist”. For those reasons, it is harder than ever to predict who will be elected the next Pope. Could the cardinals elect an African or an Asian Pope, or might they favour one of the old hands of the Vatican administration? Here is a selection o...

US President Donald Trump says he has “no intention of firing” Jerome Powell after repeatedly criticising the head of the Federal Reserve. But he added that he would like Powell to be “a little more active” when it comes to cutting interest rates. Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump also said he is optimistic about improving trade relations with China. Last week, the president intensified his criticism of the Fed chief, calling him “a major loser”. The comments sparked a selloff of stocks, bonds and the US dollar, but financial markets have since been recovering from those losses. The latest remarks came after the director of the National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Friday that Trump was looking into whether it would be possible to sack Powell. During his first term in the White House, Trump nominated Powell to lead the central bank in 2017. Then-President Joe Biden nominated him for a second four-year term at the end of 2021. The Fed has not cut rat...