AGP Executive Report

Energy Security & Aviation: Namibia’s jet fuel disruption at Hosea Kutako is exposing the risks of a single-supplier model, after a Walvis Bay shipment failed quality checks and flights to Europe were rerouted via Angola, raising costs and travel times. Downstream Fuel Governance: MIME and NSI signed a three-year agreement to strengthen petroleum fuel quality control, testing and inspection, aiming to curb fuel dumping, smuggling and tax evasion. Oil & Gas Local Benefits: At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, government and PETROFUND stressed that discoveries must translate into skills, jobs and local business capacity—moving the focus from “decisions” to “dividend.” Construction Pipeline: Simonis Storm says oil and green hydrogen could drive a multi-decade construction demand far beyond current building approvals, with Hyphen’s hydrogen build-out flagged as a major driver. Green Hydrogen in Practice: CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay is operating an integrated solar-hydrogen-energy storage setup, initially powering industrial uses and hydrogen transport. Water Resilience: Germany-backed efforts in Namibia include modernising sewage treatment and building water treatment capacity in Windhoek to boost drought resilience. Creative & Media Industry: Education and Information ministries signed an MoU to fund a national soap opera, regional short films and equipment access—targeting about 470 jobs. Agriculture Tech Contract Scrapped: Namibia terminated its AI/satellite crop monitoring deal with 6th Grain Corporation over legal and procedural concerns. Marine Phosphate Fight: Walvis Bay residents petition MEFT to reconsider marine phosphate mining approval, warning of threats to fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Transport Infrastructure Management: The Roads Authority launched a project control system to track budgets, schedules and performance across Namibia’s road network. Governance & Youth: The First Gentleman launched the DEN Impact Foundation to tackle youth challenges, with research highlighting boys’ education gaps and higher repetition rates.

Green Hydrogen & Transport Decarbonisation: Namibia’s CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay has powered up Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility, combining solar generation, hydrogen production and energy storage, with early use for dual-fuel trucks, generators and a hydrogen freight locomotive. Roads & Infrastructure Delivery: The Roads Authority launched a Project Control System to track road budgets, schedules, progress and performance across Namibia’s ~50,000km network. Fuel Quality & Aviation Disruption: MIME and NSI signed an agreement to tighten petroleum fuel quality control, while a jet fuel shortage forced Lufthansa-owned Discover Airlines to reroute Europe flights via Angola after a Walvis Bay fuel shipment failed quality tests. Oil & Gas Policy Certainty: Government reassured investors at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, stressing institutional, policy and fiscal certainty alongside a local content push. Local Content & Investor Access: Namibia plans to regulate number plate manufacturers to curb counterfeits, and introduced a new up-to-five-year employment permit for confirmed investors via NIPDB. Energy Security & Health Self-Reliance: WHO urged local vaccine manufacturing as Africa faces declining external funding, with Namibia hosting regional health talks. Community & Labour Pressure: Walvis Bay residents petition against marine phosphate mining approval; a Marco Fishing lockout leaves workers without pay; and Oshana reported a drop in crime but persistent violence and late reporting.

Oil & Gas Policy Push: Namibia’s Cabinet has approved a National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, aiming to boost Namibian participation in upstream oil and gas through local suppliers, jobs, skills and technology transfer—while government also moves to overhaul the regulatory framework to keep pace with offshore discoveries. Angola Offshore Breakthrough: Chevron confirmed an oil and gas condensate discovery in Angola’s Block 0, with a 600m+ condensate column and 90m+ net pay in the Pinda reservoir, with plans to assess tie-back development to existing facilities. Conference to Dividend: The 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference wrapped with a strong focus on turning exploration decisions into “dividend” outcomes for Namibians, including financing, enterprise development and local content. Local Business & Manufacturing: A Pepkor-backed Manufacturing Summit in Windhoek is connecting local manufacturers to retail supply chains, with NaCC support for supplier development and SME market access. Logistics & Trade Routes: TransNamib expects an MSC partnership to lift container volumes on the Walvis Bay–Windhoek rail corridor, while the Trans-Kalahari Railway has entered procurement after feasibility work. Agriculture Exports Under Pressure: EU livestock inspections resumed via a temporary funding arrangement after operational budget gaps threatened certification and export continuity. SME Bankability Angle: Coverage highlights that SME growth isn’t just about finance—businesses must be structured and compliant enough to win contracts and export opportunities. Education Gap Focus: The DEN Impact Foundation was launched to tackle boys’ education shortfalls alongside sport, agriculture and vocational training. Governance & Finance: Trustco’s board survived a shareholder revolt led by US-based Riskowitz, with key removal resolutions rejected.

Oil & Gas Governance: Modestus Amutse says upstream petroleum is being moved under the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit to protect Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector, with accountability to Parliament and a licensing framework review aimed at keeping rules competitive and transparent. Local Content & Jobs: At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, Economic Association of Namibia chair Jason Kasuto warns local firms to get “ready” for international contracting by meeting registration, certification, financial proof and insurance standards—because global timelines won’t wait. New Offshore Investment: Equinor agreed to buy a 17.4% stake in Chevron’s Orange Basin PEL 90, giving Namibia another major operator in a drill-ready 2026 prospect. Mining Value Chains: President Nandi-Ndaitwah links mining management to SADC industrialisation, stressing skills for copper processing and better transport corridors to turn resources into national benefits. Agribusiness Shock: Farmers’ Meat Mariental Abattoir is set to close, threatening jobs and the sheep supply chain for EU-accredited producers and export markets. SME Readiness: A business-focused piece argues SMEs must be “bankable” (structured, documented, compliant) to win supply and export deals—not just funded. Digital Commerce: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded UnionPay e-commerce acceptance to nine African markets including Namibia, adding payment choice for cross-border shoppers. Creative Sector Boost: Namibia’s creative industry gets a N$17.5m local content plan to create 470 jobs, with film and arts participation pushed through government MoUs.

Offshore Oil & Gas: Equinor has entered Namibia’s upstream scene by agreeing to buy a 17.4% stake in Chevron-operated PEL 90 in the Orange Basin, giving it access to a drill-ready prospect with testing planned for 2026. Local Industry & Jobs: Namibia’s NIPDB is hosting a Local Supplier Pitching Session at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, bringing 14 Namibian firms to pitch to oil and gas players and financiers. Critical Minerals: Aldoro Resources says Namibia’s Kameelburg project hosts the world’s largest reported strontium resource, positioning the country for a bigger role in permanent magnet supply chains. Banking & Trade: Standard Bank and UnionPay expanded e-commerce acceptance across nine African markets, including Namibia, to help merchants capture cross-border demand. Competition Watch: Namibia’s competition watchdog (NaCC) is investigating alleged anti-competitive conduct involving Rani Group and major FMCG suppliers, after complaints from small retailers. Small-Scale Mining: Small miners in Erongo have urged urgent government action over licensing delays, limited access, weak infrastructure and poor market conditions. Tourism Impact: Etosha operators warn of job losses after a directive banning empty game-viewing vehicles from entering the park. Agribusiness: Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir is set to permanently close due to sustained losses and tough export conditions.

Oil & Gas Dealmaking: Equinor is buying a 17.4% stake in Chevron’s Orange Basin exploration licence 90 offshore Namibia, giving it access to a drill-ready prospect planned for 2026. Local Content & Jobs: At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, government stressed local content must mean real capability, value and skills in Namibia—not just registration or a local shareholder. Investment Rules: Namibia will introduce a new five-year employment permit for qualifying foreign investors from 1 September, with applications routed via the NIPDB and an annual fee of N$2,600. Housing Pressure: A parliamentary committee says affordable housing is too costly and wants clearer price classes so support targets people who can actually pay. Competition Watch: The Namibian Competition Commission is investigating Rani Group and major consumer brands over alleged anti-competitive supplier practices affecting small retailers. Tourism Risk: Etosha’s ban on empty game-viewing vehicle transit is already costing local operators over N$1m and triggering cancelled bookings. Energy Transition Finance: Morocco is named among priority markets for a proposed $200m African energy transition fund targeting renewables and low-carbon infrastructure, including Namibia. Labour Oversight: Parliament is calling for stronger enforcement of labour laws, better-resourced institutions, and improved working conditions in sectors employing tens of thousands. Creative Sector Push: Namibia’s film and creative industries get N$17.5m for 470 jobs, with NBC urged to platform local talent. Agriculture Support: Government plans to deploy 508 tractors for the 2026/27 planting season, alongside servicing and repairs to boost farmers’ output.

Oil & Gas Policy: Namibia is tightening its emerging petroleum rules, including a crackdown on fronting, as the country prepares for oil wealth to translate into real jobs and national value. US–Namibia Energy Links: The US says American firms and oilfield tech will help Namibia develop technically challenging resources, with Walvis Bay and corridor investment key to turning potential into production. Angola Offshore Boost: Chevron confirmed a major oil and gas condensate discovery offshore Angola (Block 0), with a 2,000+ foot hydrocarbon column and 300+ feet of net pay, strengthening regional exploration momentum. Uranium Jobs Push: Bannerman targets a workforce of 80%+ Namibians as it advances the Etango Uranium Project toward future operations. Mining Finance: Andrada secured N$98m for Uis mine ore-sorting expansion, aiming to lift tin concentrate output by 50–70%. Food & Livestock Industry: Curtains close on Mariental abattoir after N$26m losses, affecting 102 workers. Creative Sector Jobs: A N$17.5m local content plan will fund TV and film production and create about 470 jobs. Health Warning: Namibia’s medicines regulator warns against unregistered weight-loss injections sold online, citing safety and quality risks. Charcoal Debate: MEFT rejects claims that charcoal threatens biodiversity, arguing sustainable bush control can restore rangelands—while the policy fight continues. SADC Integration: Ramaphosa says SADC integration is moving too slowly and must deliver borders-to-bridges industrialisation, including energy and trade.

Oil & Gas Localisation: Namibia’s Oil and Gas Conference 2026 is pushing the question of how the country turns discoveries into real local ownership, not just “local content” services. Energy Security & Power: A new regional take argues Southern Africa’s real bottleneck is transmission, not generation—critical for mining, irrigation, industry and digital growth. Mining Finance: Andrada Mining secured N$98m for Uis ore-sorting expansion, aiming to lift tin concentrate output and speed execution. Critical Minerals Push: SADC leaders renewed calls to process critical minerals domestically and build regional industrialisation, not export raw ore. Agriculture Resilience: Zimbabwe’s seed firm Zadzamatura highlights drought-tolerant germplasm and climate-smart agronomy to handle El Niño shocks across SADC. Livestock Market Shock: Katima Mulilo abattoir remains closed under ZamCo rules, prompting farmers to demand Meatco’s return and a workable operating model. Monetary Policy Debate: Business groups again question the cost of Namibia’s peg to the rand, as the central bank prioritises price stability. Trade Talks: India and SACU signed ToR to restart preferential trade agreement negotiations, with Namibia’s trade officials welcoming a structured framework. SADC Summit Momentum: Ramaphosa opened the 46th SADC summit, urging faster integration and value addition to cut dependence on imported processed goods.

Mining Finance: Unicorn Minerals signed a £1.25m unsecured loan to fund Namibia’s Klein Aub copper acquisition and next-stage work. Tin Processing Upgrade: Andrada’s Uis Tin Mining secured N$98m in 10-year loans (Bank Windhoek and DBN) to build an ore-sorting circuit, targeting a 50%–70% jump in tin concentrate output. Energy & Capital: Genser Energy locked in EUR 456m financing via RMB, Absa and Standard Bank to push critical energy infrastructure and EPC projects across West Africa. Uranium Market Watch: Paladin Energy’s Namibia restart ramp is complete, shifting investor focus to steady-state operating costs. Competition & Property: NaCC approved Oryx Properties’ N$251.2m warehouse acquisition, while it also opened an investigation into alleged anti-competitive tourism concessions and joint ventures. Resource Wealth Governance: Bank of Namibia and UNAM discussed turning oil, renewables and green hydrogen into broader prosperity, alongside the Welwitschia Fund’s growth and Namibia’s sovereign wealth direction. Local Industry Readiness: Agriculture began preparing the 2026/27 rain-fed season, repairing 508 tractors with an N$8m budget. Urban Services: Windhoek relocated 309 households to Havana Extensions to improve emergency access and settlement planning. Policy Reminder: Parliament Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila warned that ratification only starts obligations—implementation must follow.

Public Assets Shake-up at Nida: Namibia’s Industrial Development Agency (Nida) has earmarked 56 properties worth over N$277m for transfer to the new Public Assets Management Agency, sparking staff concerns about what it means for their future. Labour Oversight Push: Trade unions are demanding a bigger role in parliamentary workplace oversight visits, arguing unions are being sidelined even as labour law violations are uncovered. Small-Scale Mining Reform: A parliamentary committee says Namibia’s small-scale mining sector needs urgent legal and institutional overhaul, including clearer rules around EPL holders versus local right holders. EU Livestock Export Pressure: EU farm inspections for Namibia’s livestock exports were suspended due to funding gaps, but a temporary arrangement is being used to keep certifications from lapsing. Health Regulator Crackdown: Namibia’s medicine council warns of rising sales of unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss medicines via social media and informal markets, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies. Digital Learning for Youth: The Namibia Learning Passport was launched to expand digital and offline education access for young people beyond the classroom. Namibia-Germany Supplier Links: A Namibia-Germany enterprise mission opened doors for local suppliers and TVET training partnerships, including renewable energy and industrial skills support. Phosphate Debate: Editorial and political commentary renewed calls for clarity and opposition to seabed phosphate mining, warning Namibia shouldn’t be a testing ground.

EU Livestock Exports: Namibia’s EU-certified livestock supply chain is under pressure after state veterinary inspections were suspended over budget limits, but a temporary arrangement has been reached to keep exports moving. Community & Mining Social Impact: Swakop Uranium donated N$70,000 to support Ovahimba women- and youth-owned businesses and education needs near Uis. Health Regulation: Namibia’s Medicines Regulatory Council warns of rising sales of unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines on social media, urging buyers to use licensed pharmacies only. Youth, Skills & Digital Learning: The Namibia Learning Passport was launched to expand digital and offline education access for rural youth, while youth leaders pushed tech and innovation participation beyond big cities. Creative Economy Push: The Creative Industry Institute Africa launched a mapping and registration drive for the 2026/27 Creative Industry Guide, aiming to turn creatives into visible businesses and job creators. Resource Wealth & Diversification: Bank of Namibia and Botswana officials stressed saving, local value addition and stronger supply chains to build wealth beyond natural resources. SADC Integration Debate: As SADC leaders meet in Durban, experts and Ramaphosa argue summits must deliver practical outcomes, especially on migration and trade.

U.S.-Cuba Embargo Push: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah renewed calls for the complete and unconditional lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, linking sanctions to shortages of medicine, fuel and basic services as citizens mobilise humanitarian support. Health Regulation: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warned of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines being sold and promoted via social media and informal markets, urging buyers to use licensed pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Digital Education: The Namibia Learning Passport was launched to expand digital and offline learning access for rural youth, with UNICEF support, as Namibia targets skills for education, jobs and entrepreneurship. Creative Economy: The Creative Industry Institute Africa kicked off a mapping campaign for the 2026/27 Creative Industry Guide, adding a digital directory to help creatives register and be seen by buyers and institutions. Energy & Infrastructure Policy: Pressure is mounting for Namibia to build stronger digital infrastructure and local cloud capacity, echoing Nigeria’s push for sovereign cloud to cut costs and create jobs. Mining & Food Security Tension: Swapo Youth League again demanded the review and setting aside of an ECC for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project, warning of risks to fishing livelihoods and marine ecosystems. Local Business Support: Swakop Uranium donated N$70,000 to support Ovahimba women’s businesses and education needs near Uis through marathon proceeds. Housing Finance Gap: Namibia needs about N$45 billion over 10 years to tackle the housing backlog, with experts pointing to mortgage securitisation and liquidity facilities as possible ways to unlock capital.

Cuba Solidarity & Sanctions: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah renewed Namibia’s call for the complete and unconditional lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, while a Namibia-Cuba humanitarian drive has already raised over N$700,000 for medical supplies and solar kits. Green Industry & Local Suppliers: A Namibia–Germany enterprise mission in Hamburg and Stuttgart linked local firms and TVET institutions with German partners, with MoUs and renewable-energy and industrial-skills programmes in the pipeline. Housing Finance Pressure: Namibia’s housing backlog needs about N$45bn over 10 years, with experts urging system reforms and smarter financing tools to support the government’s 50,000-houses target. Creative Economy Push: The Creative Industry Institute Africa launched a mapping and registration drive for creatives, aiming to grow the sector’s business and jobs role beyond culture. Digital Independence: Namibia faces rising pressure to build stronger digital infrastructure, including local cloud capacity and a national data centre plan. Mining & Environment Clash: The Swapo Youth League wants the environmental clearance for Namibian Marine Phosphate reviewed and set aside, citing risks to fishing and marine ecosystems. Copper Project Update: Koryx Copper reported further drill results at the Haib copper project, with studies targeting a PFS by end-2026. Regional Integration: Ahead of the SADC summit, Ramaphosa warned against exclusion of foreign nationals, stressing integration must match actions on the ground. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: The US Consulate in Lagos welcomed new Consul General Brandon Hudspeth, signalling renewed focus on trade, innovation and tech/creative industry ties.

Housing Finance Crunch: Namibia needs about N$45bn over 10 years to clear the housing backlog, with economists pointing to options like mortgage securitisation and liquidity facilities to revamp the system. Creative Economy Push: The Creative Industry Institute Africa has launched a mapping campaign to register creatives and build data for a 2026/27 guide, arguing the sector could be worth billions if its economic footprint is measurable. Digital Sovereignty: Namibia faces rising pressure to build local digital infrastructure as countries like Nigeria move toward sovereign cloud capacity; Namibia’s strategy also flags data centres and cybersecurity. Green Hydrogen & Industry: VP Lucia Witbooi says Namibia must use green hydrogen to build an industrial economy, backed by science, research and innovation. Mining & Jobs Tensions: SPYL wants the ECC for the Sandpiper marine phosphate project reviewed, warning of risks to fishing and marine livelihoods. Road Safety for Industry: Mining firms on the C28 corridor back a road safety charter to cut accidents as traffic rises. Policy & Rates: Bank of Namibia keeps the repo rate at 6.75% despite inflation edging up. Mining Pipeline: Koryx Copper reports further wide drill results at the Haib Copper Project, with technical work toward a PFS by end-2026. Finance Sector Trust: Old Mutual Namibia wins a “Most Trusted” wealth management award as Namibia’s savings and investment pool grows.

Mining & Investment Pipeline: NamXplor shortlisted 10 early-stage projects to pitch to investors at the Namibia Mining Expo, aiming to turn promising prospects into investment-ready deals. Energy & Power Policy: The Electricity Control Board is working on a regulatory framework for independent transmission companies, as debate grows over how to expand and connect Namibia’s grid. Court-Backed Aviation Fueling: Namibia’s High Court ordered NAC to let PUMA Energy resume aviation fuelling at Eros and Andimba Toivo ya Toivo airports, clarifying that possession and operations are linked. Education Infrastructure: CPBN signed a N$268.7m contract to elevate and embank flood-hit Muzii Combined School in Zambezi, protecting teaching and learning from recurring floods. Tech & Skills: UNAM and Huawei signed an MoU to set up an AI laboratory and expand training in AI, data science, cloud, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Trade & Critical Minerals: Namibia and India agreed to deepen cooperation on value addition and the critical minerals value chain, with bilateral trade rising to US$592.94m in 2025/26. Agriculture & Local Markets: The Okatumba Gate Agricultural Show returns this weekend, spotlighting young farmers, livestock, and SME participation. Medicines Safety: NMRC quarantined two Azithromycin suspension batches, while another cough syrup was voluntarily recalled after crystallisation concerns. Competition & Retail Local Content: NaCC conditions Pepkor’s merger approval on N$40m local procurement over three years and a supplier development programme for clothing, footwear and homeware makers. Inflation Watch: July inflation held at 4.4%, with transport costs driving the biggest pressure. Green Hydrogen Research: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched the REALTEST green hydrogen research project, positioning it as a science-and-innovation push for future industry.

Trade & Exports: Namibia is eyeing China’s zero-tariff access to lock in a longer-term market presence for beef, goat meat, seafood and horticulture, with officials urging exporters to fix bottlenecks beyond tariffs. Mining & Projects: Bezant Resources has completed its first blast at the Hope openpit at the Hope & Gorob copper/gold project, moving toward ore stockpiling and plant commissioning; meanwhile, Erongo’s Katora community is pushing for a 5% stake in the Kokoseb gold project and stronger benefit-sharing. Infrastructure & Construction: Flood recovery is getting a major boost as CPBN signs a N$268.7m contract to elevate the Muzii Combined School grounds in Zambezi; in Walvis Bay, Nekundi handed over a N$132m road rehabilitation covering six roads. Energy & Tech: MTC expands its Huawei partnership to strengthen enterprise and digital solutions for sectors including mining and oil & gas; Sungrow also claims top global rankings in battery storage and solar inverter performance. Policy & Regulation: India and SACU signed terms of reference to restart preferential trade talks, with Namibia expecting a balanced deal; fishing groups are also challenging Namibia Marine Phosphate’s environmental clearance in a long-running dispute. Industry & Jobs: Namibia’s growth outlook is cut to 2.1% for 2026 as mining, manufacturing, electricity generation and transport underperform, while the central bank keeps the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%. Community & Business: A new Erongo-focused newspaper, The Current, launches to give coast and interior communities a dedicated platform; and a fire destroyed the under-construction Andara Lodge in Kavango East, with losses estimated at N$1.6m.