The newly launched National Youth Development Fund is a much-welcome initiative in the fight against youth unemployment. The fund will go a long way to empower young entrepreneurs through collateral-free loans and grants, with the aim of creating jobs and fostering economic growth. The N$500 million fund is capitalised with N$257 million for the 2025/26...
The wave of Independent Candidates (IC) participating in elections has once again gripped Namibia. From retired teachers and former civil servants to community leaders – all are vying for a piece of the political pie. It is therefore vital for one to pause as ask; why the high interest in people running as independents? Historically,...
Windhoek’s Western Bypass has become notorious for claiming at least one life every two months if recent reports of fatalities along this stretch of road are anything to go by. Just this week, a young man lost his life as he attempted to cross the road. He was on his way to work to eke...
The individual taxpayer is under severe strain, with some paying up to a third of their income to tax. Those lucky enough to still be gainfully employed are so heavily taxed that the little they have left is further eroded by increasing payments for mortgages and car loan repayments, as well as food and other...
The discovery of oil offshore Namibia has highlighted the potential of transforming the nation’s economy and bringing home unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. As excitement builds around the prospects of tapping into these newfound resources, it is crucial for Namibia and Namibians to carefully position themselves to maximise the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls...
The loss of lives during the tragic Mariental accident is regrettable. The officers had given their all; dedication to the job at hand and a commitment to serve and protect Namibians to the end. They paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. With them were two civilians whose lives were also cut abruptly short. It...
This week, we carried a story on residents of Omitara calling for the reintroduction of the Basic Income Grant (BIG) to rescue their community from worsening poverty, unemployment and social decay. They argue that, since the BIG pilot project ended more than a decade ago, life in the settlement has deteriorated, with young people increasingly...
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made no secret of her ambition to empower the youth. Most pressing is the rising number of youth unemployment, which the President admits is worrying and requires immediate intervention. She has elevated the approach to calls for tangible programmes and projects to realise objectives associated with youth empowerment. This sets a...
At the time you are reading this week’s editorial, there are fewer than five days before the ongoing Supplementary Voters’ Registration (SRV) ends. The exercise, which kicked off on 4 August, ends on 19 August, or next Tuesday, to be more precise. Eligible Namibians will head to the polls on 26 November 2025 to elect...
The merging of the ministries of fisheries and agriculture underscored the government’s commitment to growing the primary industries. Added to this is another vital ministry – that of land reform. Combined, the ‘merger’ places agriculture at the centre of focus as a formidable industry. This is because the Namibian agricultural sector directly and indirectly impacts...