President Geingob says efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake are ongoing. This is in light of the vaccination rate, which still remains low.

Dr. Geingob says so far, more than 980,000 doses have been administered in all 14 regions since the COVID-19 vaccination campaign was launched in 2021.

He says although the vaccination rate remains low, Namibia has sustained a low positivity rate in the past year compared to an average of 31.1% during the Delta wave.

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) announced on Wednesday that some of the COVID-19 relief measures will remain in place to support economic recovery.

In a media statement issued on Wednesday, BoN’s Strategic Communications and International Relations Director, Kazembire Zemburuka, said BoN has decided to continue with some of the measures instituted to cushion households and businesses from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions on economic activities.

President Hage Geingob says he was impressed by the US First Lady Jill Biden for highlighting Namibia's commitment to democracy and with respect to the country's position on certain issues.

Dr. Geingob conveyed his appreciation during a courtesy visit by US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry at the State House.

US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Namibia on the invitation of First Lady Monica Geingos, from the 22-25th February.

The Chairperson of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum, Nrupesh Soni, has advised the government to increase its budget allocation to the tourism sector this year for the industry's speedy recovery.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council report of 2022, the travel and tourism industry contributed more than N$19.4 million to Namibia's GDP in 2021.

According to the report, the travel and tourism industry contributed more than N$29 million in 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Namibia Tourism Expo for 2023 was launched in Windhoek today (Friday).

The Tourism Expo aims to showcase the country's diverse tourism activities, and it will be held on April 26–28, at the Windhoek Country Club. 

At the event, Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta called for stakeholder participation to ensure the successful holding of the Expo.

Shifeta appealed to exhibitors to diversify their products to attract a wide range of visitors.

Tourism is gradually recovering at the Naukluftpark, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two years after the outbreak of COVID-19, lodge owners and tour operators are starting to receive more tourists at their establishments in the Sesriem area of the Namib Desert in the Hardap Region.

The Namibia Wildlife Resort, which is also responsible for supervising shuttle tours for five kilometers into Sossusvlei has seen a significant rise in the number of self-drives, adventure tourists and large group travellers. 

The Education Inspector in Omaheke, Eliakim Katunovandu Kavari, has called on stakeholders in education to get involved in the children's education, as this is the only way the region will improve on its performance.

Addressing a media conference at Gobabis, Kavari says 26,000 learners in the region have been enrolled at schools this year, expressing confidence that learning will begin on schedule and without hindrance.

Kavari reminded residents of COVID-19, which has had an impact on education over the past two years.

Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, says his ministry will continue to work to improve healthcare services in both urban and rural areas.

Dr. Shangula told nbc News at his homestead in Etilyasa village in the Omusati Region that expanding services is critical to the ministry in order to ensure inclusive health services.

However, Dr. Shangula was quick to point out that the government's efforts alone will not achieve a healthy society and require a collective undertaking with other stakeholders.

The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, says factors such as resource shortages and COVID-19 disruptions have affected the finalization of the curriculum reform process, ultimately contributing to the outcome of last year's examination results.

Despite the shortcomings noted, she says successes were recorded.

The minister spoke ahead of the launch of the academic school year, which is tomorrow.

Swakopmund is regarded as Namibia's premier holiday destination during December, with hundreds flocking to the coast.

Last year, the coastal towns of Swakop and Walvis attracted a good number of visitors after a period of COVID-19 restrictions. 

This year, the status quo is expected to remain, if not improve.

nbc News coastal reporter Stefan |Uirab spoke with Anett Kottin, a member of the Swakopmund Hospitality Association.