
The Namibia Statistics Agency NSA allocated nearly N$130 million for the data collection phase of the 2025/26 Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey, which concluded on April 22. NSA chief executive Alex Shimuafeni stated that N$38.6 million was used for field staff remuneration and training allowances for 237 staff members over 12 months. The survey employed 153 field staff, including 51 team supervisors and 102 interviewers, with 84 on standby. Additionally, N$32 million was spent on purchasing 46 vehicles for the survey. Remaining funds supported office-based project staff, software development, data processing, survey materials, field staff uniforms, printing of survey instruments, vehicle running costs, publicity activities, and IT hardware and software. The survey covered 11,016 households across 918 primary sampling units to account for seasonal variations. A pilot survey was conducted from September 30 to October 20, 2024, in several regions to test systems and methodologies. This survey provides crucial data for measuring poverty and inequality, understanding living conditions, and supporting economic and policy analysis, contributing to national accounts and consumer price index rebasing. Shimuafeni noted that the successful fieldwork completion demonstrates the NSA's capacity for complex statistical operations. The NSA has now moved to data processing, validation, and statistical analysis, with the final report expected by the end of March 2027. The agency
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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

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

Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points, along with eight rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals, to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. This win at Madison Square Garden snapped the Knicks’ 13-game win streak and reduced their series lead to 2-1. Wembanyama emphasized that the job is not yet done, despite the crucial win. The game, the first NBA Finals match at Madison Square Garden since 1999, featured a lively crowd that booed President Donald Trump when he appeared on the arena videoscreen. Trump was the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, and his presence led to increased security measures. Stephon Castle contributed 23 points for the Spurs, and Dylan Harper added 13 points off the bench. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 32 points, and OG Anunoby scored 28. Knicks coach Mike Brown expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly the free throw disparity, but acknowledged the Spurs’ strong performance. The Spurs are aiming for their sixth NBA title, their first since 2014, while the Knicks seek their first championship since 1973. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday in New York.