public policy

New Institute Aims to Maximise Resource Potential

Economists and policy specialists have established the Institute for Economic Policy to tackle policy gaps that limit the impact of natural resources. Rowland Brown, a co-founder, told us that although resources and infrastructure are plentiful, they have so far failed to produce significant human development outcomes.

8 December, 2025

Namibia

Parliament criticised over weak legislative delivery

(Photo credit: New Era Publication) The National Assembly has come under fire from public policy analysts for failing to pass any meaningful legislation in 2025, aside from the national budget, as the legislature ended its session weeks early. Dr. Marius Kudumo, a local public policy analyst, expressed serious concern, noting that “this is the worst legislative performance since independence.” He warns that the early adjournment and lack of bills passed […]

19 November, 2025

Namibia

Fewer Candidates, More Voters Ahead of Election Day

Citizens will head to the polls on 26 November with a smaller field of contenders than in 2020. The Electoral Commission confirmed 456 candidates representing 20 political parties and 68 independents. Despite the decline, voter registration has risen to nearly 1.5 million. Public policy analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo.

13 November, 2025

Namibia

Ithete dismissal raises questions about governance and investor confidence

(Photo by @NamPresidency/X) President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to relieve Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, of his duties continues to attract analysis from policy experts. The Presidency maintains, though, that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination and oversight in the country's energy and industrial sectors. Public Policy Analyst Dr. Marius Kudumo said the reasons for the dismissal remain unclear, but […]

27 October, 2025

Namibia

Funding cuts disrupt Namibia’s sustainable development monitoring

Namibia’s ability to monitor progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is under serious strain following the withdrawal of key international funding. The 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report, compiled by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) and the United Nations, highlights that the termination of critical donor support — including USAID’s long-standing backing of the Demographic and Health Survey — has left significant data gaps in health, gender, poverty, and education. […]

15 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Interview: Erastus Cautions Against Rushed Nationalisation, Urges Strategic Preparation

Economist Gabriel Erastus has urged lawmakers to proceed with caution on proposals to nationalise Namibia’s strategic sectors, warning that such decisions must be guided by strategy, skills, and solid research. Speaking in response to a recent proposal by National Assembly member Mr. Kaaronda on the nationalisation of key sectors and resources, Erastus acknowledged that the call “comes from a good place” — especially in light of limited national benefits […]

23 June, 2025

Namibia

Interview: Kamwanya Urges SWAPO to Move Beyond Symbolism Toward Real Policy Action

By Leonard Witbeen Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanya has added his voice to the growing call for the ruling SWAPO party to shift its focus from rhetoric to implementation, following recent remarks by SWAPO central committee member Hofni Iipinge. Iipinge had urged the party to prioritize concrete action over vague promises, especially in light of its longstanding track record of policy development without meaningful execution. In an interview, Kamwanya said he […]

12 May, 2025

Namibia

Namibia’s economy expands as President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Cabinet and policy plan take shape

Namibia’s economy is on track for continued growth in 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Review from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report, released this month and authored by veteran economist Robin Sherbourne, forecasts a 3.8 percent rise in gross domestic product (GDP), driven by easing inflation, robust foreign reserves, and a cut in the central bank’s repo rate to 6.75 percent—its lowest level in over […]

6 May, 2025

South Africa

South African Court Dismisses ‘White Genocide’ Claims

A South African court has ruled that claims of a white genocide in the country are "clearly imagined" and "not real," contradicting statements by US President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk. BBCAfrica says the court also blocked a $2.1 million donation from Grantland Michael Bray to the white supremacist group Boerelegioen, deeming it invalid and against public policy. Trump and Musk have previously made controversial remarks about racial […]

26 February, 2025