The Namibian government plans to use potential income from oil and gas discoveries to purchase a 24% stake in the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy green hydrogen project. Green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe discussed this strategy at the South African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town. Critics like Herbert Jauch from the Economic Social Justice Trust question the decision due to a lack of transparency and the project's unproven status. Cons Karamata of the Economic Association of Namibia and Angelique Bock from Simonis Storm Securities highlighted the need for a balanced approach to investing in new industries while addressing immediate social and economic needs. President Hage Geingob, speaking at the Namibia-EU business summit in Brussels, emphasized Namibia's commitment to becoming a renewable energy hub and partnering with the EU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

President Nangolo Mbumba has urged Namibian law enforcement agencies to increase their efforts to ensure a crime-free Easter weekend. He emphasized the importance of compassion, sacrifice, and care, advising citizens to avoid harmful conduct, drive safely, and respect law enforcement officers. Mbumba extended his wishes for a happy and safe Easter to the Christian community.

A 27-year-old truck driver was arrested in Otjiwarongo on Saturday for being under the influence of alcohol after his lorry collided with a police vehicle. No injuries were reported, but both vehicles were damaged. The driver, who fled the scene but was later apprehended, is facing charges including DUI, reckless or negligent driving, and attempting to defeat the course of justice. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations commended the capture of an Angolan fishing vessel, the MFV Lucimar, by the Namibian Navy and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources for alleged illegal fishing in Namibian waters. The vessel was intercepted 24km within Namibian territory near the Angolan border. The operation is part of efforts to combat illegal fishing, which causes annual losses of over N$1.5 billion. The vessel's captain, chief engineer, and one crew member were arrested and charged, with their case postponed for further investigation. Namibia has been facing illegal fishing since 2015, with foreign trawlers harvesting large quantities of fish under Angolan licenses in the northern waters.

The Namibian government has finalized an agreement to acquire a 24% stake in the country's first large-scale green hydrogen project through the SDG Namibia One fund, with an initial investment of 23 million euros. The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia, Climate Fund Managers (CFM), and Invest International are managing the fund, which aims to raise US$1 billion for green hydrogen initiatives. The Hyphen project, located in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park, is set to become the largest green hydrogen production project in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated annual production of two million tonnes of green ammonia.

Trustco's overall value has declined to N$1,1 billion, with a significant drop in net asset value from N$1,8 billion the previous year. The investment portfolio, which includes various sectors across Africa, experienced a decrease in valuations due to increased discount rates. The real estate portfolio also saw a decline due to LTV restrictions by the Bank of Namibia, although recent revisions are expected to improve future valuations. Meya Mining has reached commercial production, which may positively impact Trustco's investment. The company faces challenges from higher inflation and interest rates, affecting borrower behavior and insurance portfolio values. Trustco's managing director emphasizes the company's focus on long-term value and entrepreneurial spirit.

Slysken Makando, a lawyer seeking to become a High Court judge in Namibia, has addressed a past issue with the Law Society of Namibia (LSN) during his Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview. The LSN, which previously sought his removal, has now nominated him for the position. The issue dates back to 2004 and involves a complaint about the mishandling of trust funds, which was dismissed on technical grounds. The JSC conducted its first public interviews for High Court judge candidates, including Makando, amid calls for transparency in the judiciary. The Namibian Constitution allows the president to appoint judges based on JSC recommendations, and the commission has recently amended its regulations to allow public interviews.

German researcher Karina Theurer has published a research paper arguing that Germany has a legal obligation to negotiate reparations for colonial-era genocides, specifically the atrocities committed against the Nama and Herero communities between 1904 and 1908. Theurer's paper emphasizes that reparations should go beyond financial compensation and include affirmative actions to address the transgenerational impacts of colonial racism and exclusion.

Lawmakers in Namibia are demanding explanations for the misuse of funds from the National Disaster Emergency Fund, with N$30 million being redirected for renovations at the Old State House and another N$260 million unaccounted for. The Popular Democratic Movement's parliamentarians, Nico Smit and Maximalliant Katjimune, are calling for accountability and improved oversight, while Nafimane Hamukoshi from the Economic and Social Justice Trust suggests cash grants as a more efficient relief approach. The Office of the Prime Minister is expected to respond to these concerns.

The European Union has pledged N$20 billion to support Namibia's green hydrogen and raw materials sector, with EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announcing the investment at the EU-Namibia business forum. Namibia's president Hage Geingob recognized the country's renewable energy potential as key to establishing a sustainable green industrial sector. The partnership, which builds on a November 2022 agreement, includes a roadmap for 2023-2025, EU support for a study to expand the Port of Walvis Bay, and the development of a master plan by the Port of Antwerp and Bruges International. EU commissioner Jutta Urpilainen emphasized the project's role in strengthening sustainable value chains and strategic transport corridors in Africa.

Civil society organizations in Namibia, including the Institute of Public Policy Research and the Landless People’s Movement, are demanding transparency from the government regarding its partnership with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy for a green hydrogen project. Concerns have been raised about the secrecy of the feasibility and implementation agreement, potential corruption, and the impact on indigenous heritage and land rights. The environmental implications of the project in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park and the former Sperrgebiet area are also under scrutiny, with fears that it may exacerbate land conflicts and negatively affect tourism and biodiversity. Critics argue for a more sustainable and equitable approach to Namibia's green hydrogen strategy to avoid repeating exploitative patterns of the past.

Namibia has introduced a modified single buyer market, allowing regional electricity distributors, local authorities, mines, and large customers to purchase electricity directly from local independent power producers. This model promotes investment, competition, and private sector involvement, aiming to lower tariffs and reduce government funding burdens. NamPower remains a key player, while the Electricity Control Board oversees the market's opening. The European Union is committing funds to support Namibia's sustainable energy initiatives, including green hydrogen projects and rural electrification.

The Green Hydrogen Implementation Authority Office in Namibia, led by James Mnyupe, is recruiting eight executives to fill key roles in programme management, strategic planning, transaction oversight, technical expertise, project execution, contract administration, environmental and social impact evaluation, governance, legal proficiency, and financial and corporate services. The office is also seeking an executive assistant for Mnyupe. These positions are offered on a five-year contract, with Potentia handling the application process. The green hydrogen programme aims to position Namibia as a leader in green energy production.

Food prices in Namibia have risen sharply, with significant increases in the costs of vegetables, bread, cereals, fruit, fish, sugar, meat, dairy, coffee, and tea. Economic researcher Angelique Bock from Simonis Storm Securities suggests that reducing VAT could alleviate inflationary pressures and financial strain on consumers. She attributes the price hikes to factors such as the depreciation of the rand and the potential impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, both key wheat suppliers, has also disrupted the global wheat market. Financial analyst Arney Tjaronda from High Economic Intelligence points to the threat of El Niño to agriculture and the importance of South Africa's agricultural performance to Namibia. Despite a recent slowdown in inflation, consumer spending patterns may continue to be affected if current global events persist.

Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo stated that there is no need to amend the Namibian Constitution to grant official status to indigenous languages, as English is already the sole official language. Ekandjo, who is pushing for bills to ban same-sex marriage and redefine 'spouse', believes in adhering to the Constitution's current provisions. His stance was criticized by sociology lecturer Ellison Tjirera during a conversation with Desert Radio, who emphasized the importance of indigenous languages in development and identity. Tjirera also pointed out the problematic association of English with intelligence and the need for government policies to be translated into indigenous languages for better community understanding. The discussion comes in the context of South Africa recently recognizing Sign Language as its 12th official language.

The Bank of Namibia reaffirms that cryptocurrencies remain unauthorized as legal tender for transactions, despite a parliament-approved law to regulate them. The Ministry of Finance aims to protect consumers and prevent financial crimes with the new bill. The central bank recognizes the potential benefits of virtual assets but also notes the associated risks. Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi highlighted the bill's importance for consumer protection and anti-money laundering efforts. Investment consultant Jesaya Hano-Oshike welcomed the bill but warned against over-regulation. The bill awaits President Hage Geingob's signature and the appointment of a regulatory authority.

The Bank of Namibia reaffirms that cryptocurrencies remain unauthorized as legal tender in the country, despite new regulations approved by parliament. The central bank emphasizes that public members use cryptocurrencies at their own risk. The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises aims to regulate virtual asset service providers to protect consumers and prevent financial crimes. The legislation has been praised internationally and is supported by investment consultant Jesaya Hano-Oshike, who stresses the importance of not hindering innovation. The bill awaits the president's signature and the designation of a regulatory authority.

The article discusses the recovery of daily liquidity in commercial banks in Namibia since April 9, 2020. It highlights the challenges faced by the banking sector with liquidity often falling below N$1 billion and even going negative for the first time in over two years in January. The situation began to improve in March, with liquidity turning positive for both Namibian and South African assets. By April, liquidity levels saw a significant increase, exceeding N$2 billion and reaching over N$3.6 billion after the Easter weekend. The article also mentions the daily liquid asset ratio, which indicates that Namibian banks are well-capitalized at 17.91%, surpassing international standards.

Danene van der Westhuyzen, President of the Namibia Professional Hunters’ Association and a prominent figure in conservation and professional hunting, has been appointed to the Conservation Advisory Board of the Dallas Safari Club. In an interview with Namibia Economist, she discusses the significance of her role as the only female on the board, the relationship between hunting and conservation, and the impact of her appointment on Namibia's wildlife. Van der Westhuyzen emphasizes the importance of sustainable use and habitat preservation for wildlife conservation. She also addresses concerns about declining wildlife numbers in Namibia, attributing them to drought and emphasizing the success of conservation efforts in increasing wildlife populations on both private and communal lands. She argues that hunting plays a crucial role in conservation by providing economic incentives to preserve natural habitats and by targeting older animals past their reproductive prime.