More from Namibia
Must Read🇳🇦The Namibian·21 mins ago
Namibia's public debt could reach 70% of GDP without spending reforms, central bank warns
The Bank of Namibia BoN governor, Ebson Uanguta, has warned that Namibia’s public debt could escalate to 70% of gross domestic product GDP by the end of the current financial year if the government fails to implement spending reforms. The country's debt currently stands at 65.2% of GDP, already exceeding the 60% benchmark. Uanguta emphasized that the government can no longer rely on borrowing to fund expenditure and cautioned against borrowing based on future oil revenues. This warning follows Fitch Ratings' projection that Namibia’s government debt would rise to 66% of GDP by the 2026 financial year, with interest payments consuming 18% of government revenue. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare called for stricter spending controls across the government, aiming to reduce the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of GDP this financial year to 3.3% by 2028/29. He stated that the government needs to save approximately N$2.3 billion annually through tighter spending controls and expenditure restraint. Ngurare also announced the introduction of outcome-based budgeting in eight ministries from the second quarter of this year to measure government performance based on results rather than spending levels. He further stressed the importance of investing in job-creating projects, improving service delivery, and encouraging private sector investment, while also calling for reforms in procurement systems, public enterprises, public service operations, and digital government services. Ngurare warned minist
3 min read
🇳🇦The Namibian·8 hours ago
National Arts Council of Namibia chairperson aims to double creative sector's GDP contribution
Lot Ndamanomhata, the newly appointed chairperson of the National Arts Council of Namibia, plans to increase the creative sector's economic contribution to the country from 1.5% to 3% of the national GDP under the sixth National Development Plan. He noted that Namibia's creative landscape is transitioning from uncoordinated operations to a more structured ecosystem. Between 2022 and 2024, 327 local film productions generated an average of N$122.5 million in spending and created over 2,400 jobs. Ndamanomhata acknowledged that policy, infrastructure, and financial deficits restrict the industry's capacity, with funding being the most pressing issue as many creative projects are self-financed due to artists' inability to meet credit requirements. The state's direct financial support is low, with a 2026/27 national budget allocation of approximately N$6.1 million for over 130,000 active creators. Namibian artists also face global digital hurdles, including exclusion from YouTube monetization and inactive PayPal payout functions. Ndamanomhata also highlighted the challenge of local art often only being celebrated after international validation. The new board is shifting its grant distribution strategy to enforce geographic inclusivity, aiming to reach all 121 constituencies. The council is currently running its second funding call for the 2026/27 cycle, with a deadline of July 3. Ndamanomhata called for immediate private sector intervention, stating that the national budget alone
🇳🇦The Namibian·11 hours ago
Namibia Wrestling Federation seeks increased international exposure for athlete development
Anke Erasmus, secretary general of the Namibia Wrestling Federation, highlighted the need for greater international exposure, training camps, and improved logistical support to develop Namibian wrestlers for the Road to LA 28. She emphasized that high-level international competition, including flights, accommodation, and registration fees, must be a priority for elite athletes. Erasmus noted that success at regional events, such as the South Africa Greco-Roman Nationals, builds capacity and dedication for long-term achievement. She explained that coaches adapted the team's training regimen for the SA Greco-Roman tournament by incorporating weekly Greco-Roman specific training and adding extra sessions. Erasmus clarified that wrestling focuses on Olympic styles, including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and beach wrestling. She stated that the additional training days and joint build-up improved the team's general fitness, and while not all wrestlers won medals, they gained invaluable experience. Francois Dames was appointed as the mental and high performance coach to support the wrestlers' mental preparation. Erasmus stressed the importance of early exposure to high-level events and a clear pathway for success, especially since athletes can only compete internationally from age 17. She also mentioned efforts to establish clubs in regions and create a schools wrestling league to foster grassroots development. Wrestling is classified as a priority sport in Namibia, with ongoing develop