In the olden days, First Ladies or companions of presidents were simply regarded as trophy wives.

But nowadays they have become influential in the inner circle of the Presidency. 

A black-and-white picture from before independence shows the image of the couple who would become Namibia's first citizens.

On March 21, 1990, Namibia celebrated its independence, and Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma took an oath as the country's first president.

The declaration of Namibia's independence in 1990 implied that Namibian people would forever live in unity and take pride in their nationhood.

The My Nationhood and National Pride Campaign Program was introduced to ensure that the spirit of unity, peace, stability, and pride will forever live on among Namibians.

With its popular slogan 'My Namibia, My Country, My Pride,' the Nationhood and National Pride Campaign was first launched in May 2011 by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, says there is an urgent need for action on climate change, as Namibia only contributes 0,003% of greenhouse gases globally.

IIpumbu was speaking at the Decarbonizing Namibia Conference in Windhoek, which focused on strategies and policies to reduce greenhouse gases in heating, ventilation, and cooling.

Namibia, like many countries around the world, is grappling with the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, droughts, and floods.

Namibia recorded positive economic growth in 2022, despite the impact of adverse economic conditions.

This, according to Economist Ruusa Nandago, is largely due to a 22% increase in the mining sector.

Many Namibians experienced the devastating impact of income loss due to numerous economic shocks across the world over the past three years.

Meanwhile, Namibia's mining sector saw the commissioning of the biggest diamond vessel yet built, as well as high commodity prices and export earnings.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says Namibia should ensure optimal value for its natural resources such as diamonds to increase revenue, create jobs and reduce poverty.

The Premier said this during her first visit to Namib Desert Diamonds.

The Premiere says as Namibia continues to ensure price discovery for its diamonds, the high returns from the mineral will improve the well-being of citizens as well as create space for individuals outside the sector to benefit.  

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2013. 

The Charter expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth.

The Charter also acknowledges the role of civil society in supporting the goals and values of the Commonwealth.

Namibia's Ambassador to China says Namibia can learn a lot from China's people-centered approach. 

Dr. Elia Kaiyamo attended one of the sessions of the National People's Congress of China.

In an interview with nbc News, Ambassador Kaiyamo says, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which holds its meetings concurrently with the National People's Congress is inclusive of every member of the society including those at the grassroots level.

Namibia is the only African country that exports beef to China. nbc's Reporter Selima Henock engaged Namibia's Ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo, on this and some of his success stories since his posting.

The Minister of Works and Transport says Namibia needs to upgrade its transport infrastructure to attract more investors as well as to be competitive globally.

John Mutorwa emphasized this at the inauguration of the B2 truck port service station at Arandis.

Mutorwa says the Erongo Region contributes immensely to the country's economy because of its large port in Walvis Bay, significant uranium mines, gold, marble, and lithium deposits, tourism, and the fishing sectors.

The World Bank has indicated that although Namibia is an upper-middle-income country, more than half of the population still lives in poverty.

According to the World Bank report released last year in January, over 1,6 million people of the 2,6 million population live in poverty, with the youth being most affected.