BAGHDAD – Iraq’s oil ministry announced on Monday that it had invited US companies to bid on an oil field that had been operated by the now American-sanctioned Russian company Lukoil for years. The oil ministry said in a statement that it had taken “all necessary measures to directly and exclusively invite several major American oil companies… to submit bids”...
OECD raises growth targets
PARIS – The world economy has been “surprisingly resilient” in the face of adversity this year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said yesterday, raising its growth estimates for key economies, notably the US and the eurozone. The OECD is an international organisation of democratic countries with market economies that promotes sustainable economic growth. The gradual implementation of...
Procurement scraps brand specific buying …says it distorts competition, leads to inflated pricing
It is imperative that all public entities desist, with immediate effect, from using specific brand names when advertising bids for any procurement. This Instruction Note was issued on 27 November 2025 by the Public Procurement Unit (PPU) in the finance ministry. “Public entities should note that the use of brand names or particular specifications exclusively inherent to a specific brand...
Mental health a rising health concern
Ali Negumbo Edward Tenete Mental health has increasingly become a public health challenge in Namibia, with rising suicide cases shaking communities and exposing deep social and emotional vulnerabilities, particularly among the youth. With university students among those affected, concerns are mounting over the availability of support systems in higher education and the urgent need to safeguard the wellbeing of the...
Is AI friend or foe? …tracking AI usage in Namibia
Rudolf Gaiseb Is the usuage and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) counter productive and robbing people off their right to be creative? Or is AI the next best thing since the invention of sliced bread? Commonly, AI is understood as computer systems that perform functions requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and recognising speech and images. And not...
Father gets 25-years for killing two-year-old son
Iuze Mukube A father, who admitted that he held his two-year-old son by the legs and proceeded to slam his head on a concrete pillar situated next to a railway line in Otavi in 2023, was sentenced to a period of 25-years imprisonment yesterday. Thomas Muronga (30) was convicted on 18 November 2025 on charges of murder, assault by threat...
Amutse to head mines ministry
Modestus Amutse has been appointed as the new Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, taking the reins at a crucial moment for the country’s economic transformation. The move, announced by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday, comes as Namibia pushes to strengthen its mining sector. “Amutse assumes this critical role at a time when Namibia is accelerating industrialisation, strengthening the mining sector,...
Swearing-in of councillors postponed
RUNDU – The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has cancelled the swearing-in ceremony of all newly elected political office bearers, which was scheduled for today, until further notice. There are therefore no active local and regional councillors in the absence of the swearing in of councils. The regional council and Local Authorities elections took place on 26 November, and...
‘We will march on’ …community activists vow to keep true to cause
Despite disappointing results during the just ended regional and Local elections, social activist Shaun Gariseb has vowed to continue fighting for people’s rights and dignity. During the election last week, Gariseb contested the Katutura Central constituency, where he ran as an independent candidate. The constituency that was won by PDM’s Rodman Katjaimo. However, Gariseb said the results don’t define what...
President urges for responsible driving
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on all Namibians to take road safety seriously, stressing that alert driving and well-maintained vehicles are crucial for reducing accidents and protecting lives. Speaking on Monday at the State House while commissioning three new Task Forces, the President said Namibia is one of the countries with the best roads. “Namibia has the best roads, one...