Debmarine Namibia is grappling with unprecedented challenges as a surge of cheap rough diamonds and the rapid rise of lab-grown synthetics significantly erode its market share and profitability. 
The company’s struggles highlight the impact of these disruptive forces on the natural diamond industry. Willy Martens, Chief Executive Officer of Debmarine Namibia, delivered a stark assessment at the company’s annual engagement event this week, detailing declining revenues, production cuts, and an uncertain future for Namibia’s crucial economic sector.

The government has allocated N$77 million to Agribank to support farmers whose operations have been severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions. This funding is part of a broader drought assistance initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The government has allocated N$77 million to Agribank to support farmers whose operations have been severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions. This funding is part of a broader drought assistance initiative aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula’s strategy to operate as the leader of the official opposition from outside the Parliament chambers has sparked a debate among political analysts. 
Speaking to Confidente recently, Political scientist Rui Tyitende expressed concern that the lack of intellectual diversity among IPC parliamentarians could result in a lack of meaningful challenge to Itula’s policies. 

Namibia Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is set to undergo major transformations, if a piece of legislation being pushed by the line minister, and gaining traction in the National Assembly is anything to go by.  
Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, has tabled the Namibia Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) Amendment Bill in Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to formally reintegrate NSFAF into the Ministry of Higher Education, aligning with a 2021 Cabinet decision

Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has called for the reintegration of several state agencies into the main structures of ministries to curb unnecessary expenses and better allocate government funds.
In contrast, however, political analyst Sakaria Johannes, is arguing that this move will make the agencies susceptible to political interference, resulting in them becoming corruptible.    
Nekundi made the statement while contributing to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) Amendment Bill during a parliamentary session last week.

In his final address to Parliament, outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba urged the current and future generations of lawmakers to use their platform to continue advancing the ideals enshrined in the Namibian Constitution—unity, liberty, equality, and justice.
Mbumba took over as the head of state after the passing of former President Hage Geingob in February of last year.
On Tuesday, in his valedictory speech, Mbumba emphasized the importance of Parliament as a space where the nation’s highest ideals can be realized and protected.

Former Member of Parliament and independent presidential candidate, Rosa Namises, has pledged her support to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressing willingness to serve in her administration.
Namises affirmed her readiness “to serve the president and abide by her laws,” despite differing views. She was one of three female candidates in the recent presidential election, alongside Ally Angula and Lydia Kandetu.

The unprocedural suspension of recently reinstated Director of the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC), Calista Schwartz-Gowases, resulted in emotional, physical, and social strain, and further financial implications and operational mix-ups.
Confidente has learned that Schwartz-Gowases’ suspension cost the entity over N$2.3 million, spent on salaries, legal fees, and performance bonuses, of which she was a beneficiary despite her absence. She was suspended in March 2024.

Leaders and members of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) has been urged to reignite, amongst the youth, the same fire that propelled leaders like Namibia’s late founding president Dr. Sam Nujoma during the liberation struggle, resulting in young people becoming key players towards the attainment of Namibia’s independence.