AGP Executive Report

Offshore Oil & Gas: ReconAfrica has started production tests at its Kavango West-1 well in PEL 73, with results targeted for late July and an appraisal well (Kavango West-2A) potentially before September. Critical Minerals: Namibia Critical Metals kicked off an infill and expansion drilling programme at Lofdal, aiming to build a maiden resource and test deeper underground potential at Area 4. Rare Earths/Mining Deals: Aldoro reported “compelling” assay results from Kameelburg, reinforcing high-grade, multi-commodity REE/strontium/niobium mineralisation ahead of an updated resource estimate. Copper Project Push: African Pioneer signed a nonbinding term sheet with Hong Kong Xinhai for financing and technical services to fast-track Ongombo and Ongeama toward commercial copper production. Fuel & Energy Security: Namcor defended its three-month fuel supply deal with Vitol as “commercially beneficial,” amid parliamentary scrutiny over whether the state oil firm was sidelined. Cost Pressure on Mining: The Chamber of Mines says high fuel prices are lifting production costs and leaving diamond operators exposed, while some mines are switching haulage from diesel to electricity where feasible. Trade & Inflation: Namibia’s inflation rose to 4.1% in May, and the trade deficit widened to N$4.4bn in April as mineral exports fell. Water Diplomacy: Global Water Partnership is moving its offices to Namibia and says it wants to turn the country into a global water diplomacy hub, with a US$15bn investment facility by 2030. Connectivity: Telecom Namibia will test Angola’s Angosat-2 satellite to extend services to remote areas, including mining, schools, farms and tourism. Procurement Oversight: Namibia warned against abuse of procurement price exemptions that bypass the National Standard Price List, undermining value-for-money. Road Safety Court Fight: A Windhoek High Court ruling on Western Bypass speed humps is set for 30 June, after a challenge to their legality and compliance. Education & Community Support: Debmarine donated furniture to Blouwes Primary School’s community hostel, while Kavango East honoured top performers in the 2025 assessment. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings in Cape Town next week will include Namibia, focusing on customs and trade cooperation.

Digital & Connectivity: Namibia is pushing deeper digital cooperation with Angola at ANGOTIC 2026, with Telecom Namibia pointing to undersea-cable redundancy and new partnerships to expand access. Water & Agriculture: Namibia launched a drought-resilient farming support programme (solar irrigation, shade-nets, hydroponics) and also reaffirmed its role in global water governance, while Kavango West residents fear the Kavango-Grootfontein water link could disrupt local development. Industrial Policy & Trade: Namibia became the first AfCFTA/AIDA pilot country to launch its country impact assessment, flagging big unrealised export potential in mining, fisheries and agro-processing. Mining & Investment: Bezant secured financing and offtake for the Hope and Gorob copper-gold project, targeting first concentrate production in Q3 2026, while Namibia Critical Metals started drilling at Lofdal to expand heavy rare earth resources. Energy Finance: Standard Bank says power-project financing across Africa is shifting beyond state-backed contracts toward more flexible commercial structures. SME Growth: A new SME grant fund opens for N$50,000–N$100,000 support, prioritising agriculture, tourism, ICT and manufacturing. Governance & Services: The health ministry rolled out a complaints management system to improve accountability at public facilities.

AfCFTA Industrial Push: Namibia launched its Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) and AfCFTA Country Impact Assessment Report in Windhoek, aiming to turn mining, fisheries and agro-processing strengths into bigger regional and global export value. Copper Financing: Bezant locked in a US$7m secured facility plus a long-term offtake deal for its Hope and Gorob project, targeting first concentrate production in Q3 2026 via Walvis Bay. Water Governance & Tensions: Government reaffirmed commitment to global water governance, while Kavango West residents fear the Kavango–Grootfontein water link could slow local development. Water Utility Leadership: NamWater appointed a new board to focus on water security, financial sustainability and infrastructure delivery. Diamond Beneficiation: Andre Messika Diamonds highlighted local cutting and polishing, with workers holding a 25% stake, as the President toured its Windhoek facility. Connectivity Fight: CRAN received 624 appeals against its Starlink licence rejection, reflecting strong demand in connectivity-poor regions. Health Accountability: The health ministry rolled out a formal complaints management system for public facilities. SME Grants: A new Namibia SME fund offers N$50,000–N$100,000 grants, prioritising agriculture, tourism, ICT and manufacturing. Fuel Deal Scrutiny: IPC criticised the Vitol three-month fuel supply arrangement, questioning pricing, competition and Namcor’s role. Roads & Trade Flow: Windhoek’s B1 speed-hump backlash grows as critics say key stakeholders were sidelined, risking higher costs for goods movement. Green Industry Summit: Swakopmund will host the African Green Industries Summit (9–10 Sept) to spotlight renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals and sustainable manufacturing.

Copper Finance: Bezant Resources secured a US$7m financing package and a long-term offtake deal for its Hope and Gorob copper project, targeting first production in Q3 2026 with concentrate shipped via Walvis Bay. Offshore Oil Momentum: NAMCOR welcomed QatarEnergy’s Merlin-1X discovery in PEL 0039, while Shell also reported encouraging results at the same well—both pointing to growing Orange Basin confidence. Lithium Push: Andrada Mining confirmed new high-grade lithium hits at Lithium Ridge, with multiple drill holes returning strong Li₂O grades and tin/tantalum potential. Uranium Resource Growth: Elevate Uranium lifted the Marenica resource to 52.8m lbs U₃O₈, supported by ongoing infill drilling and a beneficiation pilot. Aquaculture Investment: African Aquaculture Company backed its offshore salmon plans with a N$40m local investment from Omankete, signalling deeper Namibian private-sector participation. Blue Economy & Logistics: AGL Energies Namibia and Kelp Blue signed a cooperation framework to build sustainable coastal logistics and value chains, anchored around Lüderitz. Marine Conservation Gap: Namibia protects just 1.69% of marine areas, far short of the 30% “30 by 30” target—raising pressure on fisheries and ocean-based jobs. Trade Pressure: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$4.4bn in April as imports outpaced exports, with petroleum oils and construction equipment leading imports. Fuel Contract Controversy: Parliament grilled government over a N$7.2bn emergency fuel deal awarded to Vitol, with concerns raised about sidelining Namcor. Telecom Overhaul: Telecom Namibia appointed Synercap Capital to lead a transformation and restructuring programme aimed at new products, better customer experience, and revenue growth. Road Safety Backlash: IPC MP Nelson Kalangula slammed Windhoek’s B1 speed humps as reactive and harmful to an economic highway. Local Content in Media: NASCAM urged NBC to boost local music airplay and ensure royalties are properly paid as the current split sits at 48% local. Order-with-me Traders: PM Ngurare will meet informal “order with me” traders in Windhoek to address taxation and customs friction affecting small importers.

Offshore Oil & Gas: QatarEnergy says its Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s Orange Basin (PEL 39) delivered the most promising results to date, with good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas—another boost for upstream momentum. Fuel Market & Competition: Former Namcor boss Maureen Hinda-Mbuende criticises the government’s Vitol sole-supplier fuel deal as “monopolistic,” warning it could damage downstream competitiveness while Vitol-linked retail brands stand to benefit. Road Safety & Logistics: Windhoek’s Western Bypass speed humps are under fire from MPs and road experts, who argue the “temporary” traffic-calming move is slowing logistics and may worsen accidents—pushing calls for pedestrian bridges instead. Green Hydrogen & Local Jobs: Kharas leaders back the Namibia Climate Fund plan for green hydrogen, stressing community consultation and skills pipelines so youth can enter the sector with real employment pathways. Agriculture: Hardap Green Scheme reports 1,040 tonnes of maize produced, alongside lucerne and institutional farming output. Mining & Critical Minerals: Andrada Mining confirms high-grade lithium at Lithium Ridge (including 2.28% Li2O over 9.05m) and continues to see tin and tantalum potential for a polymetallic project. Gold Exploration: Ongwe Minerals finds a new multikilometre gold in-soil anomaly (Nguni) at Omatjete, with assays up to 730 ppb and the target open in multiple directions. Digital Connectivity: CRAN reports 624 public reconsideration applications after its Starlink licence decision, keeping Namibia’s satellite internet rollout in the spotlight. Public Health: Health officials warn Namibia could see 6,300+ new cancer cases annually by 2045 if prevention, early detection and rural screening don’t improve. Regional Trade: Namibia’s trade data shows Africa accounts for over half of exports and imports in April, led by South Africa and other regional partners. Media Cooperation: NBC and NAMPA renew their partnership to deepen content sharing and newsroom collaboration. Corporate Conservation: JETOUR’s “Return of the Cheetah: Horn of Africa” wins three Telly Awards, adding to earlier international recognition for wildlife-focused storytelling.

Oil & Gas Momentum: QatarEnergy struck another oil discovery offshore Namibia, with the Merlin-1X well in PEL 0039 delivering good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas—adding to a run of finds that’s boosting confidence in the Orange Basin. Critical Minerals Push: Andrada Mining confirmed further high-grade lithium at Lithium Ridge (including 9.05m at 2.28% Li2O) while also seeing tin and tantalum across holes—strengthening the polymetallic case. Gold Exploration Upswing: Ongwe Minerals reported a new multikilometre gold in-soil anomaly at Omatjete (Nguni), with assays up to 730ppb and the target open in multiple directions. Aquaculture Investment: Namibia’s offshore salmon project moved closer with a N$40m investment from Omankete Investments, as partners line up funding to scale the Lüderitz venture. Public Health Pressure: Namibia could see 6,300+ new cancer cases annually by 2045 (up 84%), as health leaders warn that late diagnosis and rural screening gaps must be tackled. Governance & Costs: The Anti-Corruption Commission summoned a health ministry bid committee member over alleged pharmaceutical procurement manipulation and theft. Transport Safety Debate: Windhoek’s speed humps on the Western Bypass and A1 are drawing backlash over congestion and accident concerns, with calls for evidence-led solutions. Connectivity & Regulation: CRAN received 624 reconsideration applications over its Starlink licence decision, signalling sustained public and stakeholder interest in Namibia’s internet future.

Marine Conservation: Namibia’s marine protection is still tiny: only 1.69% of marine areas are under conservation protection, with the country pushing to declare more Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas to meet the CBD “30 by 30” goal. EV Infrastructure: Government has launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, built by works and transport engineers, to test feasibility for a wider national charging network. Solar Governance Row: The Presidency denies any role by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah or her family in a proposed N$612m solar project tied to the Tsumeb smelter, after IPC questioned the deal’s ownership and governance. Fuel Retail Fallout: FAFA accuses Nasan Energies of breaking supply and cash-incentive promises to divested retailers, saying paid-for fuel is not being delivered on agreed timelines. Oil & Gas Momentum: ReconAfrica has started production testing at the Kavango West 1X well, while Namibia’s NOGC 2026 conference is set to focus on policy, investment, regulation and value-chain plans. Budget Reform Pressure: Finance and Public Enterprises is rolling out outcome-based budget reforms as Middle East tensions squeeze inflation, trade costs and growth, with a push to narrow the fiscal deficit. Starlink Challenge: CRAN received 624 reconsideration applications after its Starlink licence decision, with the process now moving through legal channels. Rural & Food Systems: Capricorn Foundation approved an extra N$1.2m for Rural Revive, and a Kavango farmer says irrigation from the Okavango could help turn the region into Namibia’s “food basket.”

Energy & Environment: Namibia’s renewable push is under fire from environmental lawyers, who warn solar and wind projects could damage biodiversity unless safeguards are enforced and monitored. Water Security: A new global study warns that sediment build-up could make over half of the world’s freshwater reservoirs “functionally dead” by 2060, with Namibia’s dams flagged as highly at risk. Mining & Power-to-X: Koryx Copper reports further progress on the Haib project pre-feasibility and infrastructure planning, while South Africa’s green hydrogen push is framed as a route to new industrialisation. Oil & Gas: ReconAfrica has started production testing at Kavango West 1X, and Namibia’s “digital oil revolution” story spotlights how digitisation could reshape exploration and production. Policy & Finance: Namibia will accelerate budget reforms as Middle East tensions lift inflation, shipping costs and weaken growth, and private sector credit growth improved in April, driven by overdrafts. Telecom & Infrastructure: CRAN gives Telecom Namibia four months to stabilise its network after widespread outages, and Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass speed humps are already linked to a collision. Agribusiness & Trade: Namibia’s hides and leather exports show raw hides still dominate, and biosafety rules for GMOs are set for review. Jobs & Local Economy: Goreangab Mall’s opening is touted as a jobs boost for Katutura, and the Tour de Windhoek is set for August.

Fuel & Competition Watch: Namibia’s fuel market is back in the spotlight after the Fuel and Franchise Association accused Nasan of allegedly engineering a supply shortage, while Parliament also heard clarifications that “there is only one Vitol” behind the sole-supplier fuel arrangement—amid claims of process and market-capture concerns. Road Safety & Urban Mobility: The Roads Authority is installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass, closing one lane at a time between Katutura Hospital and the Lafrenz Interchange to curb pedestrian-related crashes. Finance & Credit Conditions: FNB reports private sector credit growth improved in April, driven mainly by a rebound in overdraft lending, with demand still skewed toward shorter-term borrowing. Elections & Governance: The Electoral Commission submitted its 2025 election Performance Assessment and Post-Election Report to Parliament, including recommendations for legislative reform. Skills, Industry & Jobs: Namibia approved the state-owned Omuthiya Vocational Training Centre, targeting 1,700 trainees across smart agriculture, mining, energy and construction. Local Business Expansion: Pupkewitz Goldwagen opened a new parts branch in Windhoek’s Northern Industrial area, creating 17 jobs and boosting access to vehicle parts and services. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The Livestock Producers Organisation urged farmers to tighten foot-and-mouth disease biosecurity and report suspicious symptoms immediately. Regional Trade Link: SACU’s executive secretary highlighted how the union supports industrialisation and shares customs revenue that includes Namibia.

Fuel Supply Politics: Namibia’s fuel sector is back in the spotlight after Energy Minister Modestus Amutse granted Swiss trader Vitol an exclusive three-month fuel-feed mandate, triggering claims of market capture and due-process concerns, with parliament also clarified that “there is only one Vitol” despite multiple entities. TVET for Industry: Oshikoto’s Omuthiya gets a state-owned vocational training centre approved, with Phase 1 (13.2 hectares, over N$200m) due to start in September and train 1,700+ learners across smart agriculture, automotive, mining, energy and construction. Local Business & Jobs: Pupkewitz Goldwagen opens a new Windhoek Northern Industry parts branch, creating 17 jobs and expanding access to vehicle parts and services. Housing Pressure: IPC has tabled a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing crisis a national emergency, citing a backlog of 300,000+ units and slow land servicing. Municipal Cash Crunch: Councils face a looming N$162m service-cut deadline as ministries, institutions and businesses delay paying municipal accounts. Food & Waste Costs: Oshikoto’s disposable nappy waste problem is worsening due to limited disposal facilities, while students at UNAM question whether fuel-price relief measures are easing real costs. Trade & Industry Integration: SACU’s executive secretary says the bloc is key to regional economic management and industrialisation, including Namibia’s share of customs revenue. Mining & Energy Watch: A N$612m Sinomine-Massaus solar project linked to Tsumeb has sparked fresh IPC scrutiny, with the Presidency denying any involvement by President Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Fuel supply clarity: Namibia’s industries and mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse told Parliament that “there is only one Vitol” behind the three-month sole fuel supply arrangement, after confusion over which Vitol entity was awarded. Municipal finance pressure: Councils face a looming service cut-off as government ministries, institutions and big businesses owe more than N$162m in unpaid municipal accounts, with disconnections threatened for non-payment by 5 June. Housing crunch push: IPC tabled a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing crisis a national emergency, citing a backlog of 300,000+ units and slow land servicing. Solar controversy: IPC leader Panduleni Itula renewed questions over a N$612m Sinomine-Massaus 20MW solar project linked to the President’s sons, while the Presidency says the President was not involved and points to private arrangements and regulatory processes. Waste & jobs: Oshikoto’s disposable nappy disposal is worsening local waste problems, while Goreangab Mall in Katutura is being framed as a jobs and inclusion boost. Agri biosecurity: LPO urged farmers to tighten foot-and-mouth disease biosecurity at borders and on farms to protect livestock and export access. Trade & tech: Smart Hands Africa added Supermicro to its services portfolio across Namibia and other African markets.

Aviation Careers Push: Women in Aviation Namibia brought aviation outreach to three Oshana schools, aiming to lift gender representation in a sector where only ~10% of pilots and 5% of maintenance engineers are women. Cost-of-Living Pressure: UNAM students say fuel-price relief measures aren’t showing up in daily expenses, warning transport costs are also blocking access to education and opportunities. Retail & Jobs in Katutura: President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the new Goreangab Mall as a symbol of economic transformation, citing ~300 construction jobs and nearly 400 permanent roles, plus better access to services for residents. Livestock Biosecurity: The Livestock Producers Organisation urged strict foot-and-mouth disease controls at borders and on farms, including reporting symptoms and limiting movement outside approved channels. Marine Recovery Watch: Research using decades of sightings reports more frequent blue and fin whale sightings in the South-East Atlantic, suggesting slow recovery after commercial whaling. Housing Crisis Move: IPC tabled a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing backlog a national emergency, targeting faster land servicing and 100,000 units over four years. Energy & Industry Scrutiny: Opposition leader Itula questioned a N$612m solar project tied to the Tsumeb smelter, calling for full public disclosure.

AI & Sovereignty: A fake AI-faked presidential speech about corruption and foreign exploitation went viral, but the president says it’s fabricated—showing how hunger for ethical leadership can still spread misinformation. Housing & Urban Development: IPC tabled a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing crisis a national emergency, citing a backlog of 300,000+ units and slow land servicing. Energy & Industry Accountability: Opposition leader Itula questioned a N$612m solar deal tied to the Tsumeb smelter, demanding full disclosure of ownership and licensing. Rural Agribusiness Systems: Capricorn Foundation approved an extra N$1.2m for RuralRevive in Maltahöhe to scale horticulture, waste management and fresh-produce logistics. Power & Mining Build-Out: Koryx Copper advanced the Haib project with a NamPower grid connection MoU and water planning for its pre-feasibility push. Telecom & Infrastructure: CRAN warned Telecom Namibia needs significant capital investment to fix repeated nationwide service disruptions. Trade & Jobs: NaCC approved 11 mergers across mining, energy, tourism and property, with conditions aimed at jobs, skills and local participation in the uranium value chain. Finance Sector: Namibia Asset Management marked 30 years, with renewed calls for financial inclusion and literacy to widen access to investment opportunities. Shipping & Logistics Risk: Whale strike risk is rising as international shipping reroutes around South Africa, adding pressure to regional logistics costs.

Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: CRAN says Telecom Namibia’s nationwide outages won’t be fixed with short-term fixes and that long-term stability needs significant capital investment to modernise and consolidate the network. Aviation & Jobs: Namibia Air’s national airline revival feasibility study is completed and now under review, with government confirming the report’s completion but holding back details while it’s assessed. Mining & Power: Koryx Copper advances the Haib Copper Project with a NamPower grid connection MoU and water planning for a pre-feasibility study expected later this year. Competition & Local Value: Namibia’s Competition Commission approves 11 mergers, adding conditions to mining deals to protect jobs, skills development and Namibian participation in the uranium value chain. Uranium Investment: NaCC also approves CNNC’s joint venture entry into the Etango Uranium Project, strengthening China’s footprint in Namibia’s uranium sector. Energy Transition & Industry: SADC launches a five-year push to keep energy-transition minerals value in the region, including Namibia, with a focus on beneficiation, jobs and skills. Road Safety: Roads Authority starts installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and A1 to cut pedestrian fatalities. Environment & Nature-Based Solutions: World Environment Day messaging highlights nature-based climate solutions, from forests and rivers to algae and greener cities. Finance Inclusion: President Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for broader financial inclusion and investment access as Namibia Asset Management marks 30 years. Tech Services: Smart Hands Africa becomes an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, maintenance and support across Namibia and other African markets. Diamonds & Demand: De Beers doubles down on natural diamonds with a renewed “Desert Diamonds” campaign, relevant for Namibia’s diamond economy.

Fuel & Energy Policy: Namibia’s fuel market stays under the microscope as government defends a temporary exclusive supply arrangement with Vitol, while MPs and critics question competition and licensing compliance. Competition & Mining: NaCC approved CNNC’s minority stake in Bannerman Energy’s Etango uranium project, but added conditions focused on jobs, skills and Namibian participation; it also cleared TotalEnergies’ licence interest exchanges. Shipping & Trade: A new study links higher shipping traffic in South African waters to whale strike risks, with rerouting limited by missing offshore whale data—raising pressure for coordinated maritime measures. Renewables & Engineering: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a utility-scale wind turbine in Namibia using a crane-less approach, a potential cost and speed boost for remote wind projects. Local Industry & Jobs: Dis-Chem reported stronger revenue across retail and wholesale in Namibia (Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay) despite earnings pressure from investments. Water & Infrastructure: NamWater rescheduled a Von Bach Treatment Plant outage to 5 June, affecting Windhoek and other key customers. Skills & Youth: ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa 2.0 launched with a focus on STEM and AI for 14–17-year-olds, building on prior Namibia participation.