NAMIBIA TO FINALISE INVESTMENT PROMOTION BILL BEFORE YEAR-END
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade plans to finalise the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill by the end of 2026 to strengthen policy certainty and investor confidence. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the Bill aims to balance attracting investment with supporting national development goals. It focuses on promoting economic growth, reducing unemployment, and diversifying the economy. Key provisions include reserving sectors for Namibian investors, improving dispute resolution, and enhancing coordination on incentives. The legislation also seeks to advance industrialisation, job creation, technology transfer and value addition, while reducing poverty and inequality through growth in priority sectors.
BANK OF NAMIBIA AND SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK SIGN REVISED COOPERATION PACT
The Governors of the Bank of Namibia and the South African Reserve Bank, Ebson Uanguta and Lesetja Kganyago, signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding in Pretoria to strengthen cooperation between the two central banks. The updated agreement reflects major changes in both countries’ financial sectors, including broader supervisory mandates, enhanced resolution frameworks and increasingly complex cross-border financial institutions. The memorandum establishes structured collaboration on supervision, regulation, crisis preparedness and financial stability, while supporting regional integration and capacity-building. Though not legally binding, it reinforces long-standing cooperation and shared commitment to monetary and financial stability amid evolving global risks.
NAMIBIA TO LAUNCH FIRST GREEN HYDROGEN-POWERED FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVE LATER THIS YEAR
Namibia will launch its first green hydrogen-powered heavy-duty freight locomotive later this year, developed by CMB.TECH Namibia, in partnership with TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The locomotive is being assembled by Traxtion in South Africa and will undergo trials on the Walvis Bay–Windhoek freight corridor, completing 50 return trips along the 414 km route, which climbs from near sea level to 1,601 metres. The steep gradient will test traction, fuel substitution and system reliability. Powered by a 2,250-horsepower BeHydro dual-fuel hydrogen combustion engine, the locomotive will use green hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.TECH’s Walvis Bay plant.
NAMIBIA’S 2026/27 BUDGET BALANCES CAPITAL SPENDING, REVENUE AND DEBT SUSTAINABILITY
Oscar Capelao, Executive Director in the Ministry of Finance, says the 2026/27 national budget is structured to balance fiscal sustainability with realistic expenditure while funding key operational and development needs. Speaking at a Budget in Focus session, he noted total spending of N$89 billion, including N$6 billion for capital projects, which could effectively reach N$10–12 billion with public enterprise financing. Capelao said revenue assumptions were carefully assessed to avoid unrealistic cuts, focusing on debt, interest costs and the primary balance. Operational spending will be tightly managed within ceilings. Despite global and regional risks, he maintains that the fiscal framework is credible and sustainable
MTC TO EQUIP 30 ||KHARAS YOUTH WITH VOCATIONAL SKILLS AND N$5000 SEED CAPITAL
aunch the 2026 MTC 4 Life programme in the ||Kharas Region in April, selecting 30 young Namibians aged 18–35 for vocational training and start-up support aimed at reducing youth unemployment. Participants will receive seven days of practical training in trades such as hairdressing, barbering, baking, leatherwork, sewing and cell phone repair, with each trade limited to five trainees for closer mentorship. Beneficiaries will also receive a starter toolkit and a N$5,000 seed grant to start or expand a micro-business. MTC says the initiative supports youth empowerment and socio-economic development, especially in underserved rural areas.
