Author: Edgar Brandt (Edgar Brandt )

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Regulator stops Starlink’s illegal operations
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Regulator stops Starlink’s illegal operations

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) earlier this week issued a cease-and-desist letter to Elon Musk’s low-earth orbiting satellite communications company Starlink to immediately cease all operations in Namibia.  The directive was issued on Tuesday after a Cran investigation confirmed that Starlink is operating a network within Namibia without the required telecommunications licence.  Cran has,...

Daures attacks prophets of doom … intensifies hydrogen production push
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Daures attacks prophets of doom … intensifies hydrogen production push

The Daures Green Hydrogen Consortium has hit back at detractors of the massive project.  The consortium is constructing a green hydrogen village on the fringes of the desolate Dorob National Park in the heart of an isolated Namibian landscape.  Project leaders  said, completion of the development has been severely hampered by supply chain constraints, specifically...

NCAA restricts airspace during elections
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NCAA restricts airspace during elections

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has established restricted airspaces within the Windhoek Flight Information Region (FYWF) to ensure safety and security during the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly Elections.Taking the lead from Namibia’s Civil Aviation Regulations, executive director in the NCAA Toska Sem issued a directive restricting certain activities in the Windhoek Flight Information...

ECB’s hands tied as local authorities challenge law
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ECB’s hands tied as local authorities challenge law

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) of Namibia cannot currently take any action against local authorities who block pre-paid electricity meters for arrears of non-electrical services.  Although this practice is against the law, it is being challenged in court by local authorities drowning in debt, and the practice continues unabated.  It is estimated that NamPower, the...

Mahindra mining bakkie makes for an easy choice
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Mahindra mining bakkie makes for an easy choice

SWAKOPMUND – Mahindra single- cab bakkies are becoming increasingly popular at the Namibian coastline, particularly where heavy industry and mining companies operate.  These sturdy and reliable workhorses are preferred in both single and double-cab configurations for these labour-intensive industries, where reliability is not an option, but a necessity.  Speaking to Woema at M&Z Motors Swakopmund,...

Research association attacks NSA over unemployment data
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Research association attacks NSA over unemployment data

The Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA) has expressed dismay with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for the omission of domestic unemployment figures from the latest census results.  In a statement issued yesterday, the EPRA stated that since 2018, the NSA has failed to conduct a labour force survey, leaving a significant gap in the understanding...

DBN annual report showcases transformative impact…as new strategic business plan aims for 25 000 jobs
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DBN annual report showcases transformative impact…as new strategic business plan aims for 25 000 jobs

The Development Bank of Namibia’s 2023/24 annual report shows the institution facilitated the creation of 3 525 jobs through various projects, with a substantial focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  The report, launched last Thursday, shows DBN supported 74 SME projects with funding of N$95.9 million.  Meanwhile, the bank’s ambitious 2024-2029 Integrated Strategic...

Ensure fair compensation for natural resources – Sinimbo
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Ensure fair compensation for natural resources – Sinimbo

Through Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), indigenous people and local communities can secure fair monetary compensation from business partners, utilising valuable resources like marula oil, mangetti, devil’s claw, and many others.  This was the message from Verna Sinimbo, industrialisation and trade deputy minister who emphasised that Africa, and Namibia in particular, is a land of...

Shiimi frees up N$3.6 billion 
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Shiimi frees up N$3.6 billion 

• drought relief prolonged to June 2025 • tax amnesty extended Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi finally tabled the Appropriation Amendment Bill yesterday, against the background of persistent and devastating droughts.  As such, the mid-term budget provides for additional spending of N$3.6 billion.  Additional expenditure requests of N$8.3 billion were received for consideration.  When tabling the main...