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Staff Reporter RESTRICTIONS on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products in certain constituencies in the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions have been lifted with immediate effect. The restrictions were initially imposed in the Oshikunde and Okongo constituencies in the Ohangwena Region, as well as the Mpungu Constituency in the Kavango West Region, following the sighting of a single buffalo in May, which raised concerns about the possible spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). According to the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Kenneth Shoombe, the buffalo was subsequently sighted on 5 June 2026 at Mpora Village in the Mankumpi Constituency of the Kavango West Region and was put down by officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on 7 June 2026. “The samples taken from the buffalo were sent to the central veterinary laboratory on the 8th June 2026 and tested negative for Foot and Mouth Disease. In line with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011, all FMD movement restrictions measures that were imposed as per the Veterinary Public Notification No. 9 of 2026 are therefore lifted. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform would like to thank farmers, the general public and all the stakeholders for their cooperation and support,” Shoombe added. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File The post Movement restrictions on livestock lifted in Ohangwena and Kavango West appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Reporter NAMIBIA’S growing role in global water governance was highlighted this week when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received a courtesy visit from senior leaders of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), following the recent relocation of the organisation’s headquarters and legal seat to Windhoek. The visit reinforced Namibia’s position as an emerging centre for international water diplomacy and cooperation. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted GWPO Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary Alex Simalabwi, alongside Pablo Bereciartua, Argentina’s Minister of Infrastructure for Buenos Aires Province and Chair of the organisation, as well as members of the GWPO Board. The meeting follows the official inauguration of the organisation’s headquarters at the UN House in Windhoek on 23 May 2026, a development regarded as a significant milestone for both Namibia and the global water sector. --- Photos: Namibian Presidency --- The Global Water Partnership Organisation is a multi-stakeholder international network focused on strengthening water governance and promoting climate-resilient investments to support sustainable and equitable development. During the meeting, President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Namibia as the host country of the organisation’s global headquarters. She emphasised that water remains a national priority and a critical driver of sustainable development, while reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to supporting the organisation as it expands its global operations from Windhoek. Bereciartua thanked the Government and people of Namibia for their support, describing the relocation of the headquarters as a historic milestone in the organisation’s 30-year history. He noted that the organisation operates in nearly 180 countries through more than 75 national partnerships and a network of over 3,000 member organisations. According to Bereciartua, the organisation now proudly embraces its identity as both a global and Namibian institution, reflecting its growing connection to the country. He also commended President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership in advancing climate resilience and gender-responsive investment initiatives. Bereciartua further outlined the organisation’s intention to work closely with Namibia on several strategic priorities, including transboundary water cooperation in the Okavango and Zambezi river basins, resource mobilisation for the Kunene Region, the expansion of rural water and sanitation services, and the development of innovative large-scale projects such as desalination linked to energy and food production systems. The visit underscores Namibia’s increasing prominence in international water governance and highlights opportunities for greater collaboration on water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the region. The post President welcomes international water organisation leaders to Windhoek appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Reporter THE City of Windhoek has strengthened its cashless municipal bus payment system through a partnership with Standard Bank’s PayPulse platform, aimed at making it easier for commuters to register, manage, and top up their travel accounts while improving accessibility across the city’s public transport network. The City of Windhoek’s Department of Urban and Transport Planning, in collaboration with Standard Bank (PayPulse), recently hosted an information-sharing session to engage internal stakeholders who interact directly with public transport users. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s public transport services following the introduction of a fully cashless payment system in August 2025. Under the system, all municipal bus passengers are required to use smart cards when travelling on city buses. --- Photos: City of Windhoek --- To further improve convenience for commuters, the PayPulse platform has been integrated into the system, allowing users to manage their bus travel accounts and add funds with greater ease. According to the City, commuters can top up their bus accounts remotely through their mobile phones or at participating Woermann Brock supermarkets, providing greater flexibility and access to transport services. The platform has been designed to cater for both smartphone and non-smartphone users, ensuring that all commuters can safely and efficiently manage their transport funds regardless of the type of mobile device they use. As part of the rollout, the City and its partners will continue conducting public awareness campaigns to educate commuters on how to register and use the platform. The City said the initiative is expected to improve efficiency, accessibility, and the overall user experience of Windhoek’s municipal bus service while supporting the continued transition to digital payment solutions. The post City of Windhoek expands cashless bus payment system through PayPulse partnership appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Reporter THE Chamber of Mines of Namibia has noted that rising fuel prices are increasing cost pressures for the mining sector, highlighting the importance of continued efficiency improvements and the adoption of innovative energy solutions to maintain competitiveness. According to the latest Monthly Mining Update for May 2026, Namibia’s mining sector remains cautiously optimistic, supported by strong uranium and gold prices and the continued development of several mining projects. However, higher fuel prices and broader increases in transport-related costs are contributing to a more challenging operating environment. The latest Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI) report released by the Namibia Statistics Agency shows that headline inflation accelerated to 4.1% in May 2026, up from 3.1% in April 2026, while core inflation stood at 3.1%. Transport inflation rose sharply to 11.5% year-on-year, with monthly transport inflation increasing to 6.3%, largely reflecting higher fuel prices. Diesel and petrol prices increased by N$4.63 and N$1.40 per litre, respectively. Transport was also the largest contributor to overall inflation during the month. Diesel remains an important input for mining operations, particularly for haulage, transport, logistics, and certain on-site energy requirements. Lauren Graham, Chief Economist at the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, said that as a result, higher fuel prices are contributing to increased operating costs across the sector. “Importantly, there are currently no major risks to fuel availability or supply in Namibia, and the issue facing the industry is one of cost rather than access,” Graham said. She added that diamond operations, as well as smaller and more marginal mining operations, may be more exposed to rising costs given their relatively lower ability to absorb higher input prices. “This highlights the importance of maintaining operational efficiency and preserving the competitiveness of the sector. At the same time, the current cost environment is encouraging mining companies to explore alternative energy solutions and efficiency measures. Husab Mine provides a notable example. Its haul trucks are capable of operating on either diesel or electricity, and the recent increase in diesel prices has prompted the mine to switch to electric power for its haulage fleet. This transition has reduced the operation’s exposure to fuel price volatility and demonstrates how electrification and energy innovation can enhance operational resilience. More broadly, it highlights the opportunity for mining companies to increasingly integrate alternative energy solutions where technically and economically feasible,” Graham said. She further noted that maintaining the competitiveness of Namibia’s mining sector will require continued focus on cost management, energy efficiency, water security, supply chain resilience, and a stable policy environment. “These factors will be important in ensuring that existing operations remain sustainable and that Namibia continues to attract investment into new mining projects,” Graham concluded. Also commenting on the impact of rising fuel prices, Chamber of Mines of Namibia CEO Fabian Shaanika said: “The mining sector is highly exposed to fuel price movements because fuel is a critical input across the mining value chain, from exploration and haulage to logistics and transport. While strong uranium and gold prices continue to provide support to the sector, rising fuel and other input costs underscore the importance of ongoing efficiency improvements and cost management, particularly for operations with tighter margins.” Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Mining Weekly The post Rising fuel prices place growing cost pressure on Namibia’s mining sector appeared first on Informanté.