Statistics provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) indicate that 31% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are already smoking, while about 50% are exposed to secondhand smoking.

The Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) has recommitted itself to continue imparting skills to Namibians, especially youth and women.

COSDEF is the umbrella body, managing at least eight centres in the country.

Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula says his ministry is ready to extend its services to those in need, as suicide statistics over the past year paint a grim picture of depression in Namibia.

The number of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts is on the rise.

The BRICS grouping can be used as a platform to counter ideas that try to downplay Africa's voice, Namibia included, in international matters.

BRICS held its 15th summit between August 22 and August 24 in South Africa, where new members were admitted.

Youth in the two Kavango regions attended a one-day workshop on transforming education in Namibia at Rundu.

The aim was to form a youth-led movement to transform education.

The National Literary Festival of Namibia kicked off in Windhoek on Friday.

The two-day event aims to empower authors, publishers, and bookstores and enhance their understanding of publication standards and the challenges they may face in their journey.

The South African Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says Africa's transport sector needs to redouble its intra-trade efforts to optimise the Trans Kalahari Corridor.

She was speaking at the Trans-Kalahari Corridor ministerial council meeting in Windhoek.

The Otjiwarongo Municipality will be holding a stakeholder engagement launch to drive publicity for the hosting of the largest biomass plant on the continent.

Otjiwarongo is the first town in Namibia to be selected to host the plant and the second in Southern Africa.

The private and public sectors are urged to play their roles if Namibia is to reach the Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce carbon emissions by 89% to 91% by 2030.

The Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) will continue to serve as a guiding framework for the execution of United Nations' development initiatives in Namibia.

This was said by Rachel Odede, UNICEF Country Representative in Namibia, when she bade farewell to President Hage Geingob at State House.