AGP Executive Report

China-Namibia Business Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah invites Chinese investors to back Namibia’s shift from raw exports to value addition, flagging mining, agriculture, renewable energy, logistics and infrastructure during her Guangzhou state-visit push. Green Hydrogen Pitch: Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions are front and centre at the same forum, with plans for clean manufacturing like green ammonia, SAF and green steel. Cement Deal Shake-up: Mines minister Modestus Amutse overturns a Namibia Competition Commission restriction, clearing the way for a Chinese businessman to take effective control of Namibia’s cement industry. Fuel Supply Stability: Amutse also suspends NaCC merger conditions blocking Nasan Energies from buying fuel from Vitol, citing continuity of supply and consumer protection as Namibia seeks energy security. Water Security Spotlight: Namibia wins the right to host the 2028 INBO World Basin Summit in Windhoek, boosting its profile in potable water reclamation and climate adaptation. Agriculture Under Pressure: Zambezi’s Kalimbeza rice project faces renewed scrutiny as operational bottlenecks keep it from realising food-basket potential. Road Safety in E-hailing: Yango and AA Namibia launch certified driver training in Windhoek, focusing on safe driving, passenger protection and professional conduct. Emergency Care Upgrade: Health minister Luvindao plans Namibia’s first national air ambulance service, alongside more ambulances for remote communities. Tourism Snapshot: South Africa remains Namibia’s top tourism source in 2025, though arrivals dipped. Water Savings in Brewing: Namibia Breweries invests over N$35.6m in water-saving initiatives, cutting water use further and targeting lower consumption by 2030. Youth Skills Link: Nedbank’s graduate training and internship programme aims to turn qualifications into workplace readiness. Research Careers Pathway: A $2.8m NSF grant supports Namibia’s first for-credit research administration curriculum pathway. Marine Conservation: Namibia backs accession to ACAP to protect albatrosses and petrels, citing major bycatch reductions.

Debt Watch: Namibia’s total government debt hit N$178.4bn by end-March 2026—about N$18bn above real GDP—driven mainly by domestic borrowing, raising pressure as growth forecasts remain key. Cement Industry: The minister has cleared the Whale Rock–Ohorongo (Cheetah Cement–Ohorongo Cement) merger, suspending planned retrenchments and reshaping Namibia’s cement market with conditions. Energy & Industry: Namibia is pushing lithium battery manufacturing and “clean manufacturing” via green hydrogen partnerships during President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit, with officials pitching beneficiation, not just exports. Water Security: Windhoek was selected to host the 2028 INBO World Basin Summit, spotlighting water governance and climate resilience. Uranium Build-Out: Etango uranium mine bulk earthworks are 92% complete, with key site works and concrete progress underway. Local Governance: Windhoek’s Brakwater rates framework now applies uniform factors citywide, with a 75% rebate for qualifying farms/small holdings. Mining Activity: Kunene mining rights climbed to 2,438, signalling rising exploration momentum. Health Supply: Government continues medicine restocking, distributing 33 critical medicine line items since mid-June. Trade & Logistics: MTC pledged N$350,000 to the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair as fundraising tops N$2.1m.

Namibia–China Trade Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has begun a week-long state visit to China, starting in Guangzhou with industry benchmarking and a high-level trade and investment conference, as Namibia seeks deeper cooperation on industrialisation, beneficiation, renewable energy and green hydrogen. Engineering Pipeline: Namibia’s Engineering Professions Association has elected a new council tasked with driving the engineering profession bill and continuing professional development, with a focus on boosting young engineers and women in the sector. Energy Fund Watch: Industries minister Modestus Amutse says the National Energy Fund is stable after N$1.3bn was spent to cushion fuel prices, while a bulk fuel import model is planned to cut costs. Green Power Supply: Ultra Special Energy invested N$17m in biomass processing equipment to supply NamPower’s Oshikoto biomass station, aiming to strengthen local fuel supply and renewable generation. Banking Labour Tension: Standard Bank Namibia workers threaten strike action over a pay dispute after wage talks deadlocked, with the union demanding 7% versus the bank’s 5%. Mobile Pricing Update: MTC raised Aweh package prices by 7.6% while running data-bonus promotions, citing higher telecom service costs. Music & IP Boost: NASCAM secured a N$1.5m grant to build a music hub and digital platform for research, copyright reform and better market intelligence. Nuclear Education Links: Namibia’s ties to nuclear skills development were highlighted at Russia’s Obninsk NEW’26 forum, where agreements included expanded training cooperation and Namibia youth participation. Entrepreneur Protection Call: NCCI Oshikuku chair Cecilia Kamati urged stronger legal and institutional protection for entrepreneurs, including a framework to recognise and safeguard businesses. Poultry Breeding Spotlight: Namboer Auctioneers held its third poultry auction in Windhoek, featuring the indigenous “Herero chicken” (Faverolle) alongside multiple breeds.

Youth Jobs & Innovation: Namibia’s youth unemployment sits at 44% (overall 36%), with 41% of youth aged 15–34 not in work, education or training—pushing calls for far bigger research and innovation funding to unlock new industries and jobs. China Trade Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah heads to China (5–11 July) to deepen trade and investment, with a clear focus on beneficiation, green energy, agro-processing and skills—after bilateral trade topped N$40bn in 2025. Energy Sector Leadership: Namibia Youth Energy Forum appoints Fanuel Shinedima as CEO, aiming to boost youth skills, local content and entrepreneurship in oil, gas and the energy transition. Education Pathways: A debate is growing over Namibia’s AS level admission rules—whether “any three subjects” truly enables progression into fields like engineering and health. Diamonds & Industrial Strategy: Anglo American’s De Beers spin-off is advancing as diamond demand cools and lab-grown competition bites, while Namibia’s broader resource-to-industrialisation roadmap gains momentum. Construction & Industry: Cheetah Cement halts planned retrenchments after merger approval with Ohorongo Cement, shifting to operational changes instead of job cuts. Music & Copyright Reform: NASCAM secures a N$1.5m grant to build a music hub and digital platform, including copyright licensing guidance. Water & Biosecurity: Ariamsvlei gets a semi-automated vehicle disinfection system to strengthen foot-and-mouth disease controls at the border.

Energy & Fuel Stability: Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse says Namibia’s National Energy Fund is not in crisis after spending N$1.3bn in two months to cushion fuel prices, with a new coordinated bulk fuel import plan expected to remove costly import premiums and help rebuild reserves. Renewables: Ultra Special Energy invested N$17m in biomass processing equipment to supply NamPower’s Oshikoto biomass power station, using encroacher bush for electricity generation. Oil & Gas Progress: Namcor welcomed Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal results, strengthening confidence in Orange Basin oil potential and guiding next evaluation steps for PEL 85. Water Security: Namibia launched the N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination project, framed as “the currency of sovereignty,” to unlock growth and secure long-term water supply. Mining & Jobs: Hope and Gorob Mining broke ground on its copper-gold project near Gobabeb, projecting about 270–280 jobs at full operation. Border Biosecurity: A semi-automated vehicle disinfection system was installed at Ariamsvlei to improve foot-and-mouth disease controls. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a China state visit (5–11 July) aimed at deepening cooperation across mining, manufacturing, green hydrogen, infrastructure and digital innovation. Competition & Industry: Cheetah Cement paused planned retrenchments after merger approval with Ohorongo Cement, with conditions including operational changes and staff relocation. Finance & Credit: Business lending showed further strain in May, with corporate credit growth slowing and overdrafts contracting. Logistics Risk: MP Nelson Kalangula warned that cross-border disruptions for Namibian truck drivers in South Africa could hit supply chains and prices. Corporate Governance: CEOs’ forum urged government to appoint boards on merit to improve performance in public enterprises. Retail & Consumer: Model plans a new Seagulls store in Walvis Bay as part of its second-year expansion and loyalty push.

Water Security & Infrastructure: Namibia launched the Erongo SUNAM desalination project, a N$2.1b push to secure long-term water supply and support investment and growth. Water Stress at Community Level: In Neu Samarou (Kombat area), rising population has overwhelmed two boreholes, forcing residents to fund diesel to keep water flowing and raising calls for a pipeline solution. Energy & Fuel Costs: Fuel prices dropped from midnight (petrol -N$1/litre; diesel -N$4), alongside a July–September procurement overhaul to reduce import premiums and ease pressure on the National Energy Fund after a N$1.3b fuel bailout. Oil & Gas Progress: Namcor-backed updates show Capricornus-1A confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to Capricornus-1X, strengthening Orange Basin appraisal confidence. Mining & Metals: Hope and Gorob broke ground on a copper-gold project near Gobabeb, targeting roughly 270–280 jobs; Namdeb reported broadly stable diamond reserves with shifting classifications. Uranium Exploration: Noronex confirmed a broad uranium-bearing system at Etango North after maiden drilling returned multiple >100 ppm U3O8 intersections. Business & Finance: Business lending showed further strain in May, with corporate credit growth slowing and overdraft borrowing easing. Governance & Delivery: A CEOs’ forum urged merit-based board appointments, while government warned of poor implementation and unfinished projects. Transport & Safety: A court dismissed an urgent bid to remove speed humps on Windhoek’s Western Bypass, with the applicant signalling an appeal. Industry Skills: Namibia’s engineering profession remains promising, with oil, green hydrogen and infrastructure projects seen as openings for young engineers. Digital & Creative Industries: MTC transferred Namibian Annual Music Awards IP to the education ministry, supporting local creative industry sustainability.

Fuel & Energy Relief: Namibia cut petrol by N$1 and diesel by N$4 per litre from midnight 3 July, after a N$1.3bn fuel-bailout; the National Energy Fund is now nearly drained (about N$200m–N$300m left) while officials also unveiled a July–September import overhaul to remove import premiums. Oil & Gas Appraisal: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal well offshore confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to Capricornus-1X, strengthening Namibia’s Orange Basin appraisal case. Uranium Exploration: Noronex confirmed a broad uranium system at Etango North after maiden reverse-circulation drilling intersected uranium-bearing intrusions across a multi-kilometre corridor. Mining Expansion: Rosh Pinah Zinc commissioned a new SAG mill as part of RP2.0, aiming to double throughput to 1.4m tpy and lift zinc/lead concentrate output. Agriculture & Water Security: Okorukurure farmers in Otjinene are using underground water to run household gardens for food and income, while Okongo’s UNDP-backed auction kraal is already boosting transparent livestock sales. Digital & Cyber: NAM-CSIRT reported a 47% drop in cyber threat events in Q1, and Echo Namibia is moving ahead with OneWeb LEO VSAT services for schools, government and remote operations. Finance & Consumer Credit: Namfisa data shows microlending loan books down but average loan sizes up, and non-banking financial institutions paid N$1.7m in compensation after 98 consumer complaints. Trade & Industry Links: Namibia and Poland agreed to deepen cooperation across green industrialisation, renewables, mining, aviation and agriculture.

Fuel & Energy: Namibia’s National Energy Fund is nearly drained after a N$1.3bn fuel bailout, leaving just N$200m–N$300m, as government keeps prices stable while costs rise. Oil & Gas: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal offshore confirms reservoir continuity in PEL 85, strengthening Namibia’s offshore prospects. Mining & Processing: Rosh Pinah Zinc commissioned a new SAG mill to double throughput under RP2.0, aiming for a major step-up in zinc and lead concentrate output. Digital & Cyber: NAM-CSIRT reports a 47% drop in cyber threat events and a 31.3% fall in vulnerabilities in Q1 2026, though remote management and legacy services remain risky. Agriculture & Water: Okorukurure farmers are using groundwater to grow crops for food security and income, while Hardap beneficiaries say drought-resilience support is improving climate-smart farming. Food Industry: Meatco received Woolworths’ Blue Rating after a food safety audit, clearing the way for expanded supply. Finance & Investment: Namibia’s international reserves fell to N$55.4bn in May, but remain enough for about 3.5 months of imports; microlending shows fewer loans but higher average amounts. Policy & Trade: SACU leaders were urged to accelerate reforms and push regional value chains, while Namibia targets N$168bn exports by 2030. Local Industry Support: A N$18m grant fund will back youth and women-led SMEs to formalise and grow, with the first application round closing 24 July.

Fuel & Energy Costs: Namibia cuts petrol by N$1/l and diesel by N$4/l from 3 July as international oil and shipping costs ease and the Namibian dollar strengthens. Oil & Gas Appraisal: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal well offshore Namibia confirms oil-bearing reservoir continuity in PEL 85, strengthening the case for future appraisal and development. Offshore Deals & Stakes: Eco Atlantic gets final approval to transfer its 85% interest in Namibia’s PEL 98 to Lamda Energy, while Celsius agrees to sell its Opuwo cobalt-copper project interest to Chinalco (Xiong’an) for US$15m. Local Content & Jobs: President Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed to deliver the keynote at the 3rd Youth in Oil & Gas Summit in Walvis Bay (23–25 July), focused on talent, capital and local content. SME Financing: A new N$18m grant fund targets youth and women-led businesses to help formalise, expand and create jobs (applications close 24 July). Governance & Finance: FIMA reshapes retirement fund oversight by redefining the Principal Officer’s role as a central governance and compliance position. Telecoms & Consumer Trust: CRAN launches independent technical testing into MTC complaints over “disappearing” data and billing issues. Trade & Industrialisation: Namibia targets N$168bn in exports by 2030, pitching value addition and industrialisation to Polish investors. Media & Creative Industry: NBC commits over N$7m to commission original local productions under the Mukurob Film Project Phase 2. Agriculture Resilience: Hardap farmers benefit from a climate-smart drought resilience project supported by Japan via FAO. Mining & Production: Andrada reports record tin output at Uis and secures strategic funding for ore-sorting expansion.

Trade & Investment Push: Namibia is aiming to lift exports from N$102bn to N$168bn by 2030, pitching value addition in oil and gas, green hydrogen, manufacturing and tourism to Polish investors. Local Media & Creative Industry: NBC has committed over N$7m to commission original local productions under the Mukurob Film Project Phase 2, with more planned for Phase 3. Telecom Accountability: CRAN is launching independent technical testing into complaints about “disappearing” mobile data and billing issues, after MTC met the regulator. Energy & Oil Progress: Namibia’s Capricornus-1A appraisal well in the Orange Basin has confirmed oil-bearing rock, while Eco Atlantic’s offshore stake transfer to Lamda Energy has received final approval. Mining Deal Watch: Chinalco (Xiong’an) is set to buy Celsius’s 95% Opuwo cobalt-copper interest for US$15m, and Andrada reports record Uis tin output plus funding for expansion. Water & Social Services: Namibia admits some children were missed in polio vaccination campaigns despite 90%+ coverage, and more than 500 education projects are underway to tackle overcrowding. Brand & Consumer Staples: Namibia Dairies’ Nammilk wins Most Admired Namibian Brand in non-alcoholic beverages at Brand Africa.

Offshore Oil Update: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal well in Namibia’s Orange Basin confirmed an oil-bearing sandstone reservoir in pressure communication with the earlier Capricornus-1X discovery, advancing appraisal confidence for Block 2914. Mining & Critical Minerals: Northern Graphite completed relocation of its processing plant equipment to the Okanjande mine site, setting up a planned late-2027 restart and a mine-to-battery supply push. Cobalt/Copper Deal: Chinalco Mining agreed to buy Celsius Resources’ 95% Opuwo stake for US$15m, with exploration and metallurgical commitments while approvals are pending. Telecom Consumer Pressure: CRAN met MTC after complaints about rapid data depletion and billing issues, agreeing on a technical testing and verification exercise with affected customers. Agriculture & Water Diplomacy: Namibia is looking to deepen ties with the Netherlands on agriculture, water management, trade and investment to support food security. Education & Infrastructure: Government decongestion plans include 500 new schools in the pipeline, with classroom expansions underway. Fisheries Sustainability Clash: Namibia’s fishing industry warned that a proposed bycatch levy hike from 15% to 50% could force vessel shutdowns and job losses.

Offshore Oil Update: Rhino Resources confirmed the Capricornus-1A appraisal well in Namibia’s Orange Basin hit a 46m oil-bearing sandstone interval and showed pressure communication with the Capricornus-1X discovery, strengthening the case for further appraisal. Local Energy & Jobs: Namibia approved a long-delayed Walvis Basin farm-out deal on PEL 96, clearing the way for Tower Resources’ partner to move forward after an 18-month wait. Mining & Finance: Celsius Resources concluded the sale of its 95% Opuwo cobalt/copper interest to Chinalco for US$15m, with Chinalco committing exploration and metallurgical work while approvals are pending. SME Lending: NSX-listed ABC’s credit fund says it expanded SME lending, lifting credit exposure to N$363m and assets under management to N$512m. Consumer & Telecom Oversight: CRAN met MTC over complaints on rapid data depletion and billing, agreeing on a technical testing and verification exercise with affected customers. Water & Health Access: The health ministry said transport shortages are limiting some districts’ ability to reach mobile clinics, while Namibia also reported it has interrupted cVDPV2 transmission after reaching 90% polio vaccination coverage. Agriculture Policy: Government launched the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033), shifting land reform toward productivity, support services, and pathways from leasehold to freehold for successful beneficiaries.

Revised Land Reform: Namibia has launched the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033), shifting resettlement from farm allocation to agricultural production, jobs and rural development, with training, extension, infrastructure, finance and a pathway from leasehold to freehold for successful beneficiaries. Copper Deal Watch: Celsius Resources will sell its 95% Opuwo cobalt-copper interest to Chinalco for US$15m, a move aimed at refocusing on its Philippines copper-gold portfolio. SACU Funding Push: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with N$5bn initial capital to back development projects across member states, with governance and access criteria now being worked out. Grey List Exit: Namibia’s FATF Grey List exit is being framed as a major boost for investment confidence, correspondent banking and trade finance. Telecom Consumer Pressure: CRAN has engaged MTC over data depletion, billing transparency and service quality, with a testing and verification initiative planned. Transport Disruption Risk: Namibian truck drivers are withdrawing from South Africa ahead of June 30 xenophobic violence fears, threatening cross-border supply chains. Agriculture & Fisheries Signals: Livestock auctions rose 32% in Q1, while hake landings more than halved in Q4 2025, even as fish export earnings increased. Mining Performance: Rössing Uranium reported its highest uranium oxide output in over a decade, delivering more than N$1bn profit in 2025. Water Security Project: Namibia’s N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination project was launched to strengthen water security.

Agribusiness Pulse: Namibia’s livestock trade got a boost in Q1 2026, with livestock auctions up 32.1% to 118,175 head, led by cattle (68,155) and goats (26,685), while goat and cattle prices edged higher and sheep prices fell. Fishing & Food Security: Hake landings dropped by more than half in Q4 2025 (40,005t to 18,436t), even as fish export earnings rose to N$2.9bn, showing a shift toward higher-value outcomes. Regional Trade & Industry: SACU leaders approved a R5bn regional development fund to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, alongside calls for a 15-year AGOA extension. Energy & Power Reliability: Erongo’s electricity distributor Erongored invested nearly N$800m over a decade and earmarked more network expansion plus a 20MW solar project; NamPower also commissioned the N$394m Sekelduin substation near Swakopmund to strengthen supply. Mining & Processing: Rössing hit a 10-year high with over N$1bn profit on record uranium oxide output, while RPZ commissioned a new SAG mill to double throughput and lift zinc/lead concentrate production. Competitiveness Watch: Namibia slipped to 69th of 70 in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, with firms citing fiscal pressure, high borrowing costs and weak SME financing.