The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the World Health Organisation (WHO) will greatly contribute to Namibia's preparedness in addressing the challenges presented by global pandemics. 

President Hage Geingob praised the agreement during a farewell courtesy call by Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, outgoing Country Representative of the WHO, at the State House.

The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, says the current circulation of COVID-19 in the country has not yet reached levels of concern.

However, despite this assessment, Nangombe advises the public to continue taking precautionary measures in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

During the first week of May, there were 40 reported positive coronavirus cases.

The number increased to 62 in the second week and slightly decreased to 54 in the third week.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is urging a shift away from dependence on imports in Namibia, emphasising the importance of supporting locally made products to stimulate economic growth.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who addressed the attendees at the 10th Jubilee Opuwo Trade Fair, says purchasing local products plays a crucial role in supporting local enterprise development, promoting job creation, and driving economic expansion.

According to the Prime Minister, relying heavily on imports exposes Namibia to potential shocks originating from external factors.

Namibia has failed to meet several targets outlined in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Project.

The country scored a low rating of 4 out of 10, falling below the benchmark of 7.29 set in the Malabo Declaration, which was supposed to be achieved by 2025.

Namibia acceded to the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa and committed to allocate at least 10 percent of its national budget to the agricultural sector to achieve six percent annual growth and attain food security.

New car sales totaled 1,004 units in April 2023, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase but an 18.1% monthly decline.

This information was revealed by Cirrus Capital, a Namibian-owned financial services firm, in its vehicle sales report.

While this is fewer than the 1,226 units sold in March 2023 and the 1,103 units sold in February 2023, it is the third month in a row that new vehicle sales have surpassed 1,000 units, with commercial vehicle sales outnumbering passenger vehicle sales by 68 units.

Namibia has thrown its weight behind Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

Saudi Arabia's Advisor to the Royal Court, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Kattan, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob at State House.

Saudi Arabia was the first of four countries that lobbied for Namibia's support after it submitted its bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.

The Head of Mission from Switzerland, Dr. Nicholas Bruhl, bid farewell to President Hage Geingob at State House following the end of his diplomatic tour of duty.

He was based in Pretoria, South Africa, and concurrently accredited to Namibia.

Namibia and Rwanda will soon sign a formal agreement to establish a Joint Commission of Cooperation, expected to guide bilateral trade between the two countries, among other things.

This was said by Rwanda's High Commissioner to Namibia, Eugene Segore Kayihura after he bid farewell to President Hage Geingob at State House.

The Inspector General of the Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, says drug abuse in Namibia is a growing concern and is responsible for increased criminal activities happening in many communities.

The Inspector General of the Namibian Police says more than 4,000 inmates are awaiting trial for drug-related crimes.

Substance abuse is an enormous social problem in the country. Many young people are introduced to drugs through their peers.

Namibia has welcomed the ceasefire between Egypt and Gaza.

The ceasefire ends a five-day Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed many innocent civilian lives and left countless injured.

In a media statement, Namibia reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Palestine and reiterates its long-standing and unequivocal call for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to independently co-exist with the State of Israel in line with the relevant United Nations Resolutions.