馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia's economy grows to N$70.9 billion in Q1 2026 despite mining decline
via The Namibian2 min read
Namibia's economy reached N$70.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase from N$66.2 billion in the same period last year. The Namibia Statistics Agency NSA reported a real growth of 2.0%, which is slower than the 2.8% growth recorded in Q1 2025. Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni noted that service industries, particularly wholesale and retail trade 9.3%, financial services 7.2%, health 6.4%, and education 4.6%, were the primary drivers of this growth, expanding by 5.1%. However, the mining and manufacturing sectors faced challenges, with primary industries declining by 5.7% and mining and quarrying falling by 12.2% due to reduced diamond and gold production. Manufacturing also saw a 5.9% decline. Household consumption growth slowed to 1.4% from 8.4% last year, while government spending increased by 4.5% due to more public servants. Gross fixed capital formation rose by 3.4%, attributed to increased investment in machinery, transport equipment, and construction. Exports of goods and services grew by 4.1%, and imports increased by 4.6%.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Laliq Adams secured a gold medal in the girls under-14 shotput event at the World Youth Games in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday. Her winning throw measured 13.58 meters. This marks Namibia's first gold medal at this year's event, with Adams following Mathew Coetzee, who won gold last year in the 80m dash. Adams is a student at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, which congratulated her, stating that her hard work, dedication, and determination have borne fruit, and that she represented both the school and Namibia with pride. The school also extended congratulations to her coaches, parents, and supporters, acknowledging their contribution to her historic achievement.
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