On 13 April, Russia launched an attack on a target in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. All reports – Western, Ukrainian and Russian – agree on some basic facts: The attack consisted of two ballistic missiles; substantial numbers of people were killed (over 60, the Russian defence ministry revealed; over 20 in Western and...
Opinions
Opinion – Livestock production: Strategies for formal vs informal market
Shane Brody Feedlots do not purposefully discriminate against certain breeders. However, the animals may not always produce the carcasses that their market segment wants. I was recently asked by a farmer who reads Farmer’s Weekly about the concept of terminal breeding. To answer him about what this constitutes, I dedicated an article to the concept. ...
Opinion – A leader’s mindset in a less AI receptive world
Gideon Amakali In today’s rapidly-evolving technological landscape, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business operations is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day reality. However, the journey to harnessing AI’s full potential is often met with resistance, especially in environments less receptive to technological change. For leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity...
Opinion – US tariffs will affect Namibia’s export competitiveness
The recent decision by the United States of America to impose sweeping 21% tariff would negatively impact Namibia’s export earnings by disrupting established supply chains, decreasing the competitiveness of goods exported from Namibia to the US, and impairing the ability of Namibian beef and fish exports to compete in the US market. Namibian commodities’ stability...
Opinion – Vetting, screening essential good governance tools
People are vetted or screened to ensure safety in the workplace, to protect its vulnerable employees, safeguard reputations by verifying credentials, detecting potential risks, and help to protect the institution’s reputation. This is to ensure that people working for or on behalf of the institution can be trusted to protect the citizenry, the clientele or...
Uncommon sense – Ha, ha, ha
In the midst of our troubles and dark times, it is often hard to see the light side of life. Not because there is no light or is invisible, but simply because we tend to choose not to see it. Often, this happens because in the darkness, we are likely to get some attention and...
Opinion – Empowering Kunene region: Bridging the gap between abundance and opportunity
In the face of persistent poverty and unemployment, Kunene region stands at a defining crossroads. Despite the region’s wealth in natural resources, fertile lands, and rich cultural heritage, much of its potential remains untapped. It is time to shift from promise to progress. Aligned with the Swapo Party manifesto and the government’s broader commitment to...
Opinion – Using AI to win
In today’s rapidly-evolving technological landscape, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business operations is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day reality. However, the journey to harnessing AI’s full potential is often met with resistance, particularly in environments that are less receptive to technological change. For leaders, this situation presents both a challenge and an...
Opinion – Namibia’s healthcare future amid U.S aid withdrawal
The recent decision by president Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has significant implications for global health, particularly for countries like Namibia which rely on WHO support. The U.S., as WHO’s largest funder, contributes approximately 18% of its overall funding. The withdrawal process, initiated in January 2025, is...
Opinion – Effective ways to execute a business idea
Starting a business is more than just a way to earn an income—it is a journey of resilience, problem-solving and community impact. In Namibia, where entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in job-creation, small businesses hold the power to transform our local economies. From the informal street vendors of Oshakati to the thriving Small and Medium...