akins station

Windhoek News

World news Affecting Namibia

Namibia has been elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2025-2026, with President Nangolo Mbumba pledging to focus on African peace initiatives. The World Bank approved a $200 million loan for renewable energy projects, including the new Green Hydrogen Plant near Walvis Bay. Germany signed a historic €100 million reparations agreement for colonial-era atrocities, to be invested in education and healthcare infrastructure in Windhoek.

The EU lifted all COVID-era travel restrictions on Namibian beef exports following improved food safety standards. Zambia and Namibia finalized the long-awaited Trans-Zambezi Railway agreement, with construction set to begin in early 2026.

Business and Economic News

• Namibia Dollar (NAD) remains pegged to South African Rand at 1:1
• Inflation drops to 4.2% (lowest since 2016)
• Uranium production increases by 18% amid global energy shifts
• New Windhoek Financial District attracts 12 international banks
• Tourism arrivals up 25% compared to 2024

Political News

• National Assembly passes long-delayed Land Reform Amendment Bill
• Windhoek Mayor Sade Gawanas faces no-confidence vote over sanitation crisis
• Opposition PDM and LPM form coalition ahead of 2026 elections
• Namibia joins African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) customs union

Employment News

• Unemployment falls to 28% (Windhoek at 22%)
• 5,000 new jobs created in renewable energy and construction sectors
• Government launches "Windhoek Digital" skills program for 3,000 youth
• Minimum wage increases to NAD18/hour (≈$1.20)

Entertainment News

• Windhoek Jazz Festival returns (June 20-23) featuring South African star Judith Sephuma
• National Theatre of Namibia premieres "The Herero Bride" historical drama
• New film "Katutura Nights" becomes highest-grossing Namibian production
• Warehouse Theatre hosts weekly comedy nights

Election News

• Electoral Commission begins voter registration for 2026 general elections
• Latest polls show SWAPO at 48%, PDM at 32%, LPM at 15%
• Controversy over proposed electronic voting system
• First televised mayoral debate scheduled for July 10

Legal News

• High Court sentences 6 officials in NAD120 million fishing quota scandal
• Landmark ruling recognizes same-sex partnerships for immigration purposes
• New anti-corruption court hears first cases
• 15 gender-based violence convictions secured in May

Market News

• Single Quarters market vendors protest relocation plans
• Fuel prices decrease to NAD16.50/liter
• New Grove Mall expansion adds 30 stores
• Beef exports to EU reach record levels

Forecast

Friday: Sunny, 22°C/7°C
Saturday: Clear, 23°C/8°C
Sunday: Breezy, 21°C/6°C
Monday: Sunny, 24°C/9°C
Tuesday: Mild, 22°C/8°C
Wednesday: Clear, 23°C/7°C
Thursday: Sunny, 25°C/9°C

Local Events

town:

African Stars vs Orlando Pirates (june 20 at Independence Stadium)
Windhoek City Marathon training runs begin

Concerts:

"Sounds of Namibia" at the National Theatre (June 27)
Jazz brunch at The Stellenbosch (Every Sunday)

Cultural:

Owela Festival celebrating indigenous cultures (June 28-20)
German-Namibian cultural week (June 21-25)

Community:

Windhoek Farmers Market (Every Saturday)
Katutura Community Expo (June 29-21)

about

Windhoek continues its transformation as Namibia's economic and political hub, balancing rapid modernization with persistent inequality. While macroeconomic indicators show improvement, many residents still face housing shortages and high living costs. The city's vibrant cultural scene and upcoming elections promise both continuity and change. With major infrastructure projects underway and regional partnerships strengthening, Windhoek stands at a pivotal moment in its development. The coming year will test whether recent gains can translate into broad-based prosperity for all residents.