
Commercial illegal fishing in the Zambezi River is threatening the tilapia fish species, known locally as Zambezi bream. Tjirongo Kauaria, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, stated that these activities affect the entire river system, including Chobe, Kwando, Kavango, and Cuvelai. Residents are reportedly using banned monofilament gill nets and other unregulated methods, leading to overfishing. This practice also extends into national parks where fishing is prohibited, causing Zambezi bream to become scarce in local markets. During the previous financial year, fisheries inspectors in the Zambezi region confiscated 1,143 illegal fishing gear items during 429 daily patrols. Between January and May this year, 358 illegal fishing nets were seized, with an increase in confiscations during April and May attributed to the flood season. Authorities also confiscated 448.7kg of mixed dried and salted fish during this period. Kauaria noted that a limited number of inspectors and the remote locations targeted by illegal fishers make control difficult. To address the issue, 19 community-managed fisheries reserves covering over 2,500 hectares were established between 2016 and 2022, with seven more planned for this year, expanding the managed area to 32,500 hectares. However, challenges arise when community members circumvent regulations. Impalila Island community activist Papiro Sikanda stated that fishermen use banned nets because legally acce
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that the government might introduce legislation to compel investors to contribute to community development if they do not do so voluntarily. Speaking at the inauguration of the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Science Exhibition Hall at Rössing Uranium Ondangwa Centre, she urged investors to build clinics, roads, and sports facilities as part of their corporate social responsibility. The President emphasized the importance of tangible contributions to communities where investments are made, highlighting Namibia's unemployment challenges and the need to invest in young people. She questioned why a law would be necessary to ensure such contributions, stating, "If you want, I will make it." Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged existing corporate social responsibility efforts and commended Rössing Uranium Limited for its N$37.1 million investment in the Ondangwa Centre. She stressed that peace and stability in the country depend on all citizens benefiting from economic development. Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu commented that while the proposal is not inherently bad, investors are primarily driven by profit and might seek loopholes in such legislation.

Namibia experienced a decrease in German and European tourist arrivals in 2025, a trend that may be linked to a new visa policy implemented in April of the previous year, which ended visa-free travel for European nations. Gitta Paetzold, chief executive of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, suggested that visa policies could be diminishing the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination. A report from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism indicated fewer German tourists visited Namibia in 2025 compared to 2024, alongside a general decline in European visitors. While the hospitality industry itself has not observed a similar decline in its own visitor numbers, the overall international visitor count to Namibia dropped by 6.5% and tourist arrivals by 3.2% compared to 2024. Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel described this decrease as a "wake-up call" to enhance the country's competitiveness. German tourists, who constitute the largest group from non-African countries, saw a 27.4% reduction in numbers in 2025, and European tourists overall decreased by 21%. Daniel also cited safety concerns reported in international media and crimes against tourists as contributing factors to the decline.

Disney Andreas, a Namibian communication professional, discusses the growing excitement in Namibia about its renewable energy potential, particularly in green hydrogen. The country aims to leverage its abundant sunshine and strong coastal winds to become a leader in green energy, promising jobs, economic growth, and energy independence. Projects like Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, HyIron Oshivela Facility, and Daures Green Hydrogen Village are highlighted as examples of this momentum, attracting international investment and technology. However, Andreas cautions against "greenwashing," where optimistic promises overshadow practical challenges. She emphasizes the need for honest conversations about the impact of large projects on land and nature, especially in sensitive areas and regarding water usage in an arid country. Concerns are raised about whether jobs and benefits will genuinely reach Namibians, and the adequacy of public participation, particularly for indigenous groups. Andreas points out red flags such as vague promises without clear timelines, a focus on positive aspects while downplaying trade-offs like water consumption or limited local benefits, and narratives that ignore on-the-ground realities. She cites the ReconAfrica oil exploration in the Kavango regions as a cautionary tale regarding weak public participation and insufficient engagement. Andreas concludes by stressing the importance of learning from past experiences and insisting on genuine free, prior, and infor