Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future | 36th Anniversary of independence

Happy Independence Day!

Since today is Saturday, March 21, 2026, Namibia is officially celebrating its 36th Anniversary of independence.

On this day in 1990, Namibia ended decades of colonial rule and South African administration, raising its own flag for the first time at Independence Stadium in Windhoek. The 36th anniversary is being observed under the theme “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future.” 

2026 Celebration Highlights

Here is how the nation is marking the milestone today:

  • Decentralized Events: For the first time, official celebrations are being held across all 14 regions simultaneously, rather than at a single national venue.
  • Key Locations:
    • Khomas Region: Main festivities at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
    • Erongo Region: Celebrations are centered at Usab Stadium in Karibib.
    • Hardap Region: Events at the Mariental Sports Grounds.
  • Leadership: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia’s first female president) has called for national unity, emphasizing that while the liberation struggle is won, the new “struggle” is for economic inclusion and addressing youth unemployment.

Watch the Celebrations

Did You Know?

The name “Namibia” was chosen to be ethnically neutral, derived from the Namib Desert, which is considered the oldest desert in the world.

It’s never been easier

TO INVEST IN NAMIBIA

Namibia is ranked amongst the world’s most politically stable countries, with guaranteed safety, security and rule of law.  

Namibia is ambitiously establishing herself as a gateway for industrialisation in Southern Africa, leveraging the strategic location complemented by the world-class port at Walvis Bay, abundant natural resources, and forward-looking policies. With the best road network in Africa, Namibia serves as a logistics hub for road, rail, and sea transportation, connecting neighbouring countries and the Southern African Development Community to the global marketplace.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Key Takeaways from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s First State of the Nation Address

“We are too few to be poor.”

— H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia

On 24 April 2025, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered her Maiden State of the Nation Address under the theme:

“Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”

Here are some of the key highlights:

Seven Priority Sectors for Socio-Economic Transformation:

1. Agriculture

2. Sports

3. Youth Empowerment

4. Quality Education & Training

5. Creative Industries

6. Quality Health & Social Welfare

7. Land, Housing & Sanitation

Eight Critical Economic Enablers:

• Mining

• Energy

• Oil & Gas

• Tourism

• Agriculture

• Water

• Fisheries

• Transport & Logistics

Economic Outlook & Reforms:

• Projected GDP growth of 4.5% in 2025.

• Corporate tax reduction to 30% in 2025, down to 28% in 2026.

• Strengthened Sovereign Wealth Fund, now at N$450 million.

• Continued fiscal prudence with focus on debt stabilization and deficit reduction.

Education & Youth Empowerment:

• 100% subsidized tertiary education at public universities and TVET centres starting 2026.

• Consolidation of youth-focused grants into a single Youth Fund (N$257 million initial allocation).

• Launch of the National Youth Internship and Apprenticeship Programme.

Housing & Social Protection:

• Target of 10,000 low-cost housing units annually (50,000 over five years).

• Continued expansion of social safety nets, including support to orphans, vulnerable children, and persons with disabilities.

Energy & Industrialization:

• Focus on value addition in mining, oil & gas, and critical minerals.

• First oil production targeted within the shortest timeframe.

• Commitment to harness Namibia’s uranium potential as part of the energy mix.

Good Governance & Anti-Corruption:

• Reinforcement of anti-corruption frameworks through the Whistle-Blower Protection Act, Witness Protection Act, and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

• Call for a collective fight against corruption, echoing Julius Nyerere’s words: “Corruption is an act of treason.”

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy:

• Strong advocacy for multilateralism, peace, and security in the SADC region and beyond.

• Reaffirmation of Namibia’s support for the rights of the people of Western Sahara and Palestine.

• Commitment to economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s message was clear:

Namibia stands ready to unlock its full potential through unity of purpose, accountability, and implementation excellence.

On March 21 inauguration of the 1st woman president in Namibia

Namibia’s first woman president-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will take office on March 21 in a ceremony to coincide with the country’s 35th Independence Day.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has been elected president and will be the country’s first female leader.

President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, vice president for Namibia and the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), won the elections in November with 57.31% of the vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah is the first woman to hold the post in a southern African country. SWAPO has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

“It’s not going to be business as usual,” Nandi-Ndaitwah, said of her presidency. “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.”

She did not lay out specific plans, but mentioned a need for land reform and more equitable distribution of wealth.

Netumbo Ndaitwah, a formidable force in Namibia’s struggle for independence, has been a driving force since her teenage years. Joining the SWAPO movement at the tender age of 14, she remained steadfast in her unwavering belief that Namibians deserved freedom.

Her journey to this milestone is a testament to decades of dedication and sacrifice.

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s fiery freedom fighter and first president, dies aged 95

Namibia mourns Founding Father Sam Nujoma

Sam Nujoma, the fiery freedom fighter who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, coming to be known as the father of his nation, has died. Nujoma’s death was announced Sunday by current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, who said “as Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world. In that vein, our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.”

Read More

CABINET 2021-2025

H.E Dr. Nangolo Mbumba is the President of the Republic of Namibia. He was sworn-in on Sunday, 04th February 2024. He succeeded, H.E Dr. Hage G Geingob, the third President of the Republic of Namibia. The Executive Power of the Republic of Namibia shall vest in the President and the Cabinet. Cabinet description

VISA REQUIREMENT FOR NON- RECIPROCATING COUNTRIES

The Cabinet of the Republic of Namibia has granted authorization to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to introduce an entry visa requirement to countries that have not reciprocated the favourable treatment granted to their nationals when visiting Namibia. This strategic decision, aimed at fostering fair and balanced diplomatic relations, will affect a total of 31 countries. Read more at : MEDIA RELEASE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RECIPROCATING COUNTRIES

Tribute to the late President Hage Gottfried Geingob

A beautiful and very touching Ceremony indeed took place today 25th February 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia for the late President HE Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob’s Funeral. Hage Gottfried Geingob …the one who arrived ( Hage) the God’s Friend ( Gottfried) fulfilled his mission on earth serving his country and his fellow Namibians without distinctions. Yet keeps being the Light to Namibia, to Africa and to the Men and Women of Peace, Justice and Solidarity around the World. 

On his death he truly United his people, spreading his unique brotherly Love, calling for forgiveness and inclusivity, and to look at the future with Hope, inspiring Namibians keeping on building a strong Nation with Harmony and Happiness.

As HE used to say, Inclusivity spell Unity, Liberty, Justice and Harmony…Exclusivity spell conflict….. 

As pronounced by the former First Lady Madam Monika Geingos in her very moving speech “ Hage was a old soul with a youthful spirit “….” he was a leader not a follower”!

Proud to be part of the History of this fantastic country!

Proud to be once invited to become the Honorary Consul of Namibia to Portugal!

Long life to Namibia with so strong foundations!

ROGÉRIO TAVARES

Honorary Consul of Namibia | Lisbon – Portugal   

Memories…
Honorary Consul Rogério TAVARES meeting his H.E.. President Hage G. Geingob in Paris at the Embassy of Namibia (also in the photo, Peter Johansen, Honorary Consul to Italy).