🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
EU and Namibia conclude six-year democracy enhancement program
via The Namibian1 min read
The European Union, the Namibian Parliament, and the National Planning Commission have concluded the six-year Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia program. This initiative, which began in August 2020, invested €6 million approximately N$127 million to bolster democratic governance, parliamentary oversight, and citizen participation. The program aimed to strengthen collaboration among the parliament, government, and civil society organizations, fostering improved oversight, inclusive policymaking, and public engagement. National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila emphasized that democracy flourishes when institutions collaborate and citizens have significant opportunities to partake in public affairs.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia is increasing its efforts to stop the illegal harvesting and trade of lithops, also known as 'living stones' or 'pebble plants'. These desert succulents, endemic to Namibia, are protected under national and international laws and are highly sought after by collectors globally, making them targets for organized wildlife trafficking. Environment minister Indileni Daniel informed parliament that Namibia has enhanced monitoring, law enforcement, and international cooperation to combat this illicit trade. The ministry collaborates with the police, customs officials, and conservation partners to prevent illegal harvesting and exports. Wildlife inspectors conduct compliance inspections and confiscate illegally collected plants, while border posts are monitored to prevent unlawful movement of protected species. Investigations have revealed cases linked to illegal lithops exports. Namibia is also working with research institutions to improve propagation methods and support conservation. Daniel stated that no legal export permits have been issued for wild-harvested lithops, and artificially propagated plants can only be exported under strict permit conditions. Protecting Namibia's unique plant species requires continued enforcement, public awareness, and international cooperation.
Typhoon Bavi, a powerful storm spanning 1,000km, has made landfall in China, prompting the evacuation of nearly two million people. The typhoon first hit Taizhou and then Wenzhou, bringing heavy rainfall after affecting remote Japanese islands and Taiwan. Although it has weakened to a severe tropical storm, its large volume of moisture still poses a risk. The storm is expected to diminish as it moves north-west, reaching Hangzhou City in Zhejiang province, then eastern Anhui, and later the northern Yellow Sea. Over 1.7 million people were evacuated in Zhejiang and thousands more in neighboring provinces. Schools, work, and outdoor activities have been suspended in Zhejiang, with 400 flights and dozens of train services canceled. In Wenzhou, authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents. Beijing also ordered the evacuation of 100,000 people. Bavi originated as a super typhoon, hitting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with 290km/h winds, and later struck Japan's Sakishima islands, injuring five and causing power outages. Taiwan experienced heavy rain and landslide warnings, leading to evacuations and flight cancellations. This comes as parts of southern China are still recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which caused 39 deaths and significant agricultural losses.
Must ReadMetumo Shikongo, a political science scholar and regional coordinator, argues that Namibia's approach to youth inclusion in its energy sector is insufficient. Despite rhetoric of youth empowerment surrounding offshore oil discoveries and green hydrogen ambitions, Shikongo states that young Namibians are largely excluded from meaningful participation. The current model is described as tokenism, where young people are invited to conferences but lack real employment or decision-making power. Shikongo emphasizes that sustainable development goals, particularly strong institutions and partnerships, cannot be achieved if the youth, who represent the largest demographic, are treated as a charity case instead of an asset. Young leaders are already engaged in community projects and development frameworks without state funding, possessing the strategic thinking and digital adaptability needed for effective local content policies. Shikongo calls for a shift from passive mentorship to active institutional governance, advocating for young leaders to be structurally integrated into regulatory bodies, local content steering committees, and regional development boards. The National Youth Council and regional forums are urged to become pipelines for intellect, ensuring opportunities reach all regions and are not monopolized by elite circles. Shikongo concludes that young people are the operational reality of today and must be given structural power, not just symbolic representation, for the n