Desert FM 95.3

por Desert FM 95.3

Economist weighs budget priorities under Nandi-Ndaitwah administration

Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget will be tabled on Thursday, marking a key moment for economic direction under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose administration has advanced reforms such as fully subsidised tertiary education from 2026 and changes to the Psemas-linked public healthcare system. Speaking to Desert FM, economist Robert McGregor says the upcoming budget must balance expanded public services with fiscal sustainability and urgent job creation.

Elifas Dingara resigns from parliament, reflects on controversial N$1 million proposal

After 16 years in the National Assembly, Elifas Dingara has resigned from parliament and announced his transition into agriculture. He reflected on his political journey during an interview on Desert FM, revisiting his controversial 2023 proposal to allocate N$1 million to every Namibian. He argued that the country should convert natural resource wealth into citizen-held assets, which, although later withdrawn, ignited national debate on economic justice and wealth distribution.

All eyes on 2026/27 budget as Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first full fiscal plan looms

Namibia’s 2026/27 national budget, the first full fiscal cycle under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will be tabled this Thursday. This comes amid high expectations as the government pushes economic revival, youth empowerment and public-private partnerships while grappling with unemployment, inequality, rising living costs and a growing wage bill. Speaking to Desert FM, social justice activist and labour expert Herbert Jauch shares what Namibians can expect from the upcoming budget.

Uncertainty grows over Namibia’s diamond industry as De Beers valuation falls

Namibia’s diamond industry is facing renewed uncertainty after parent company Anglo American cut the valuation of De Beers to US$2.3 billion amid weakening global demand, competition from lab-grown diamonds and broader economic pressures, raising concerns for joint ventures Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia under Namdeb Holdings. Speaking to Desert FM, former finance minister Calle Schlettwein says speculation that Namibia could increase its stake as Anglo moves to divest has significant implications for the national fiscus.

Civil servants’ 5% salary hike sparks confusion amid conflicting statements

Government has reportedly approved a 5% salary increase for civil servants for 2026/27 and a further 5% for 2027/28, according to a leaked document circulating among union structures. The public wage bill standing at N$35.4 billion in 2024/25, covering about 107 000 employees. Speaking to Desert FM, policy analyst Johan Coetzee says conflicting statements from conflicting statements from the Namibia National Teachers' Union and government have created uncertainty over the status of the agreement.

Namibian youth leader honoured at Africa summit in Zimbabwe

Namibian entrepreneur, economic diplomat and youth advocate Ndahafa Hapulile has been named an African youth ambassador and received the Patrice Lumumba Leadership Excellence and Integrity Award at the Africa Summit and Honours 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Speaking to Desert FM, Ndahafa Hapulile reflects on the milestone and what it means not only for her, but for Namibia’s presence on the continental stage.

Senior officials to use public healthcare from April, unionists raise concerns

Senior government officials will begin using public healthcare facilities from 1 April. This follows a directive by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah under the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas), as part of Swapo’s N$85.7 billion plan to upgrade hospitals and clinics. Speaking to Desert FM, unionist Mahongora Kavihuha raises concerns over overcrowding, medicine shortages and whether the public health system is prepared for the transition.

Illegal FMD vaccinations could lead to culling, warns DVS

The Directorate of Veterinary Services has warned that cattle illegally vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) south of the redline will be culled to protect Namibia’s FMD-free status. Speaking to Desert FM, Jane Kuhanga, chairperson of the Previously Disadvantaged Namibian Commercial Farmers Union, discusses the potential implications for farmers.

N$152 Million spent on former presidents’ homes sparks public outcry

Debate has intensified after it emerged that the government paid N$38 million for former president Nangolo Mbumba’s Windhoek residence, bringing total spending over the past decade on retirement homes for Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Hage Geingob and Mbumba to N$152 million. Speaking on Desert FM, Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula weighs in as reports suggest president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah may consider reviewing or scrapping the retirement benefits.

IPPR report calls for stronger political finance oversight in Namibia

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has launched a report titled ‘Closing the Gaps: Strengthening Political Finance Transparency and Oversight in Namibia’, examining how political parties are funded and whether current laws adequately safeguard accountability and public trust. Speaking on Desert FM, IPPR research associate Frederico Links outlines the report’s key findings and recommendations aimed at tightening oversight and improving transparency in Namibia’s political finance system.

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