AGP Executive Report

Energy Leadership & Power Sector: NamPower has re-advertised its managing director post after a limited first round, keeping earlier applications valid while extending the deadline to 28 August. Mining & Jobs: The Mineworkers Union of Namibia used Mining Expo 2026 to push for safer, more inclusive mining and stronger worker skills for a changing industry. Trade & Logistics: Namibia’s rail freight push is gaining traction as the Walvis Bay–Karibib corridor targets 25,000 tonnes a month, while the bigger Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility work moves forward. Payments & Trade Links: Standard Bank Namibia launched direct access to China’s CIPS system, aiming to speed up and cut the cost of RMB cross-border payments. Macroeconomy & Diamonds: The Bank of Namibia cut its 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%, pointing to a deeper diamond slump and weaker construction activity. Green Hydrogen Industrialisation: Vice President Lucia Witbooi says Namibia must build local scientific and industrial capability, not just export green hydrogen. TVET & Skills: Namibia Training Authority signed a TVET MoU with China and South Africa to exchange students and staff and upgrade lecturers. Water & Mining: NamWater and Northern Graphite Okanjande signed an MoU on bulk water supply options for the Okanjande graphite mine. Livestock Exports: Goat exporters face rising compliance costs for South Africa’s animal health requirements, squeezing communal producers’ returns. Environmental & Marine Phosphate: Namibia’s Sandpiper marine phosphate project cleared another hurdle with an environmental clearance certificate, drawing renewed opposition from conservationists and fishing interests. Local Economy & Housing: Windhoek is accelerating formalisation in Samora Machel, while the city also seeks court action over Havana market evictions tied to road upgrades.

Energy & Infrastructure: Zambia’s Cabinet approved two pipeline projects—Tanzania-Zambia Multi-Products and a Namibia-Zambia refined petroleum and natural gas pipeline—via public-private partnerships to diversify fuel supply and cut dependence on existing routes. Mining & Value Addition: A Namibia Mining Expo-linked debate says the country still lacks the energy and refinery readiness to add value to minerals beyond oil, while Wia Gold’s Kokoseb DFS points to a viable next gold mine. Marine Phosphate Shock: Namibia Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project got an environmental clearance certificate, reigniting fierce opposition from conservationists and parts of the fishing industry over seabed impacts. Skills & Jobs: Namibia signed a TVET cooperation MoU with China and South Africa to exchange students and upgrade lecturers, while youth unemployment coverage stresses entrepreneurship and skills gaps—not just job creation. Housing & Services: Windhoek is pushing to formalise Havana Extensions and relocate households, but residents complain promised water and electricity are missing. Finance & Consumer Pressure: Parliament held a public hearing on household debt and lending practices in //Kharas as Namfisa faces scrutiny over retirement-funded housing finance rules. Trade & Logistics: Walvis Bay handled N$6.9bn exports in June, and COSCO shipped 17 cranes for the port upgrade—both signals for Namibia’s trade engine. Health & Research: NUST installed a high-throughput genome sequencing platform to cut DNA testing costs abroad, and Malawi’s HIV-exposed infant programme reported a major drop in missed testing milestones. Energy Youth Pipeline: Namibia’s oil conference will partner with the Namibia Youth Energy Forum to train young professionals on local content and career paths. Transport Sector: Naretu reversed its stance and now supports voluntary blood donations by truckers and transport workers.

Namibian Music Awards Return: The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) are back after a six-year pause, with entries open 10 August–11 September and the ceremony set for 13 March 2027; government pledges N$10 million to steer the platform into a new chapter. Mining Afterlife Planning: At the Namibia Mining Expo, the Rössing Foundation said it’s rebranding and building long-term partnerships so community support continues even after the mine’s finite lifespan. Crop Sector Reform Push: NAB CEO Fidelis Mwazi urged government to consolidate fragmented crop-sector policies under a single authority to unlock investment, strengthen value chains and speed up food security. Recycling Jobs in the North: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa trained 244 people in Rundu and Ondangwa on waste sorting and recycling, aiming to formalise safer work and connect collectors to recycling markets. Energy Conference Clash: A scheduling overlap between WPC Energy’s Riyadh Congress (11–15 Oct) and African Energy Week in Cape Town (12–16 Oct) is raising questions about fairness for African industry calendars. Climate-Smart Agriculture for Youth: Ohangwena’s youth were urged to lead climate-smart farming and agribusiness as Namibia faces worsening rainfall swings and dry spells. Border Trade Simplification: SADC is pushing to make border procedures easier for small-scale traders under its Simplified Trade Regime, targeting reduced costs and fewer non-tariff barriers. Mining Projects Stalled by Slow Decisions: Namibia’s mining sector warned that slow government approvals could delay projects moving into construction. US Visa Processing Shift: Namibians applying for US visas must now travel to South Africa for interviews and processing, effectively raising costs and friction for travellers. Trade and Livestock Signals: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record, while live cattle and sheep exports grew strongly in the first half of 2026.

Energy & Infrastructure Diplomacy: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare paid tribute to Cuban hero José Martí in Havana and urged Namibia–Cuba cooperation to move beyond politics into education, health, youth development, water and engineering. Public Safety & Water Sector: Two Cape Advanced Engineering Namibia workers died after suspected toxic gas exposure during maintenance at Windhoek’s Gammams Water Care Works; police are investigating. Biomass & Fire Response: Otjiwarongo tested a new “grass blower” firefighting tool at the Standard Bank Biomass Fair, aiming to improve veld-fire response as biomass activity grows. Agriculture & Trade: Live cattle exports rose 47.4% and live sheep 58.1% in the first half of 2026; Namibia also recorded a N$743m food trade surplus in June even as the overall trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn. Livestock Genetics Partnership: Namibia and the US launched a roadshow to expand access to superior breeding genetics amid disease pressures. Mining-Led Growth Push: At the Mining Expo, President Nandi-Ndaitwah pressed for real delivery and value addition, while the Chamber of Mines highlighted mining’s resilience and jobs impact. Environment Data: The Environment Ministry launched a Multilateral Environmental Agreements monitoring and reporting platform to centralise environmental data for planning. Consumer Protection: Standard Bank warned of rising investment scams and online marketplace fraud tactics.

Mining-led delivery: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Mining Expo in Windhoek to push “dialogue to delivery” on value addition and jobs, pointing to mining’s 14% GDP contribution and N$7.8bn tax take in 2025 while warning that more revenue won’t fix structural gaps. Housing affordability: Social activist Michael Amushelelo launched the Amushelelo Hosea Kutako Airport Estate near Windhoek with 10,528 plots aimed at working Namibians priced from N$40,000, with monthly payments from about N$1,500. Livestock exports surge: Namibia reported strong first-half 2026 growth in live cattle and sheep exports, alongside higher abattoir throughput, as it also explores a Namibia–US livestock breeding genetics push amid disease pressures. Trade pressure: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record N$18.3bn, even as food exports delivered a N$743m surplus. Energy and planning: The environment ministry launched a Multilateral Environmental Agreements monitoring and reporting platform with UNDP and UNAM support to strengthen data for decisions. Finance risks: Standard Bank warned of rising investment scams and online marketplace fraud, urging consumers to verify offers before paying. Infrastructure safety: Two workers died at the Gammams water care works wastewater plant in Windhoek, with the city investigating.

Veterinary & Agri-Science: Namibia’s UNAM Veterinary Academic Hospital is being framed as a national asset for public health, zoonotic disease control and livestock export protection, with a local oral rabies vaccine for kudus cited as proof of homegrown impact. Workplace Safety: Two CAE employees died at Windhoek’s Gammams wastewater treatment works, prompting an investigation and renewed attention on contractor safety at critical infrastructure sites. Consumer Finance & Fraud: Standard Bank warns of rising investment scams and online marketplace fraud, urging customers to verify offers and advisers before paying. Trade & Imports: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record N$18.3bn, while mining exports still dominate and food exports delivered a N$743m surplus. Critical Minerals Race: The US announced $3bn in government-backed critical minerals funding, spotlighting rare earths and battery supply chains—raising questions for Namibia on jobs, refining and investment. Mining as Wealth Engine: Despite diamond pressure, Namibia’s mining sector generated over N$64bn in mineral sales in 2025, with gold and uranium helping drive diversification. Energy & Bioeconomy: Namibia’s biomass industry is being pushed for more local processing and renewable energy value, with the Standard Bank Biomass Fair putting jobs and rural growth front and centre. Transport & Logistics: Namibia plans to build 40km of railway line per year for five years and upgrade/maintain thousands of kilometres—aimed at safer, more reliable freight movement. Education Infrastructure: August 26 Construction handed over a Life Skills classroom block at Orban Primary, improving counselling and learner support spaces. Food Security Link: Namibia’s June food trade surplus (N$743m) contrasts with the wider import surge, underscoring how agriculture and trade policy move together.

Namibia–EU minerals push: The EU is weighing ways to finance early-stage mineral exploration in Namibia under its Global Gateway push, with Finland’s ambassador flagging financing as the biggest hurdle before mines open. Trade & food security: Namibia logged a N$743m food trade surplus in June even as the overall trade deficit widened to a record N$5.5bn, with exports up and imports surging. Beef export boost: Botswana’s FMD-linked loss of premium Norwegian beef quota unlocked about N$100m for Namibia via extra SACU-EFTA quota for Meatco. Air connectivity: Namibia Air says it can launch in December but still needs funding to buy or lease aircraft, after receiving five-year air service licences. Fuel costs: July diesel fell by N$4 to N$24.36/l, with the breakdown showing how landed costs, margins, and levies shape production inputs for mining, farming and freight. Rail build plan: Works and Transport says it will construct 40km of rail each year for five years and upgrade/maintain thousands of kilometres to modernise the network. Communal land & livestock: Namibia intensifies removal of illegal communal fences to protect grazing access and rural livelihoods. Biomass jobs drive: The biomass industry is being urged to move up the value chain with more local processing and renewable energy investment. Governance & media: NAMPU calls for an open-door relationship with the NBC, including AI training and mental health support for journalists.

Air Transport Accountability: Namibia’s aviation woes hit Parliament as Air Botswana’s P355.9m fleet renewal still leaves only 3 of 6 aircraft operational, forcing schedule cuts and continued losses. Rail & Skills for Industry: Works and Transport says it will build 40km of rail yearly for five years (250km total) and upgrade/maintain thousands of km, alongside plans to acquire new locomotives and wagons. Qualifications for the Future Economy: Namibia Qualifications Authority wraps awareness on national qualifications standards, pushing education and training to better match skills needs in technology, energy and manufacturing. Green Industrial Push: NPC opens consultations on a draft Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan that could unlock up to US$250m in concessional climate funding via the CIF decarbonisation programme. Youth Enterprise Finance: Government approves N$118.5m for 353 youth-owned businesses under the National Youth Development Fund, spanning manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and renewable energy. Mining & Value Addition: B2Gold gets Mali’s Menankoto exploitation permit for the Fekola complex, while regional leaders argue Africa must move beyond exporting raw critical minerals to build local beneficiation and jobs. Water & Climate Risk: Namibia warns of possible El Niño return and urges basin-wide planning in the Orange-Senqu system to protect water security. Communal Land & Livestock: Authorities intensify removal of illegal communal fences, aiming to restore grazing access and protect rural livelihoods. Public Services Delivery: Onamafila Primary Health Centre in Ohangwena finally opens after years of delays, including missing plumbing materials. Energy Safety: Nudo calls for independent scrutiny after fatal electrocutions in the electricity distribution sector, citing repeated safety failures. Local Business Growth: Holiday Architects appoints Adido to boost digital marketing and SEO, targeting paid media, organic search and analytics. Sports & Talent: Rundu gears up for a WBO title defence bonanza on 17 October, spotlighting Kavango boxing talent.

Offshore Oil & Gas: A front runner has emerged for TotalEnergies’ Venus FPSO for Namibia’s Orange Basin, a 160,000 bpd vessel that could push offshore engineering into ultra-deep waters and shape the next wave of local production. Power Safety: NUDO MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu is demanding an independent audit after a spate of electrocution deaths in electricity distribution, pointing to repeated workplace safety failures. Mining Finance & Growth: Nedbank Namibia backed Mining Expo momentum, while BoN Governor Ebson Uanguta urged the financial sector to build oil-and-gas expertise, governance and risk controls beyond just upstream drilling. Mining Sector Performance: Namibia’s mining industry reported resilience despite diamond contraction, with 2025 mineral sales above N$64bn, higher taxes and royalties, and strong local procurement. Exploration Update: Ongwe Minerals is set to start its first diamond drilling at the Nguni gold prospect after a six-kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly. Bioeconomy & Energy: Standard Bank and N-BiG will host the 2026 Biomass Fair in Otjiwarongo, aiming to turn bush biomass into jobs, energy security and export opportunities. Urban Mobility: Windhoek joined a global transport summit in Moscow to tackle congestion and improve smarter, sustainable city mobility. Tourism & Air Access: South Africa’s tourism push for direct flights from India ahead of Cricket World Cup 2027 underlines the region’s race for inbound travel demand. Creative Economy: NAMAs will return in March 2027, with submissions opening in September 2026, positioning music as an enterprise and jobs engine.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Namibia’s mining push stays front and centre: the US renewed support for investment in mining and energy, while President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said 18,000 jobs are expected from mining and about US$2.86bn (N$48.05bn) in new investment is in the pipeline. Exploration Update: Aldoro Resources upgraded its Kameelburg rare-earth and strontium resource, positioning it for the permanent-magnet supply chain. Gold Prospecting: Ongwe Minerals advanced its newly discovered Nguni gold target, with soil anomaly results in and a maiden 5,000m drill program planned. Energy & Industry: Namibia is positioning itself as an emerging green hydrogen leader, aiming for renewable-led industrialisation and value addition. Public Enterprises & Infrastructure: Aging infrastructure is hampering state-owned enterprises, with calls for modernisation and stronger public-private collaboration. Communal Land Governance: Government intensified the removal of illegal communal land fences, arguing it protects equal grazing access but also exposes deeper governance gaps. Connectivity for Industry: Paratus showcased connectivity solutions for mining at the Mining Expo, pitching secure, scalable communications for remote operations. Cybersecurity: Interpol warns AI is powering more than half of reported African cybercrimes, raising pressure on readiness and enforcement. Local Business & Jobs: Windhoek expanded informal settlement electrification (N$33.5m for 1,300+ households), while an Ohangwena investment map and action plan targets agriculture, manufacturing and tourism growth.

Mining Expo Pushes Delivery: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibia’s mining sector to move “from dialogue to delivery”, citing pledges of 18,000 jobs and US$2.865b investment via NamPPF, plus calls for stronger beneficiation, value addition and safer workplaces. Oil & Gas Finance Readiness: Tom Alweendo warned the financial sector must adapt for oil and gas—without local banks and value-chain support, fees and project structuring will flow elsewhere. Oil Discovery Momentum: Shell Namibia said it will fast-track appraisal drilling after a new Orange Basin offshore find, lifting investor expectations while still requiring patience before “discovery” becomes “development”. Industrial Decarbonisation Consultation: Windhoek launched public consultation on the Climate Investment Funding Industrial Decarbonisation Program, aiming to shape Namibia’s draft sector transformation investment plans. Agriculture Market Access Gap: Farmers and economists say Namibia’s biggest agricultural bottleneck isn’t production—it’s reliable markets, storage, processing and off-take deals. Property & Urban Growth: Swakopmund’s property market is projected to keep expanding, with rising transactions since 2021 and confidence driven by planning and tourism. Transport & Labour Pressure Points: IPC welcomed a traffic fine amnesty but warned it won’t fix taxi-sector causes of offences; separate labour reports show wholesale/retail employers owed workers over N$1.5m. Regional Rail Feasibility: Namibia and Botswana completed the Trans Kalahari Railway feasibility study, moving the project toward financing and procurement discussions.

Oil & Gas Investment Push: Shell Namibia says Namibia is still more than a decade from oil production, so the immediate priority is locking in the right terms and partnerships to keep capital flowing, with exploration work like seismic and drilling setting the pace. Mining-Led Growth & Worker Protection: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining sector to move from dialogue to delivery on jobs and value addition, while also fast-tracking the Occupational Health and Safety Bill and introducing post-retirement medical schemes for work-related illnesses. Local Finance Readiness: Former mines minister Tom Alweendo warned that discoveries won’t automatically translate into prosperity unless local banks and firms are ready to plug into the oil and gas value chain. Environmental Governance Upgrade: Namibia launched a multilateral environmental agreements monitoring and reporting platform to centralise data, cut duplication, and close implementation gaps. Regional Development Funding Access: Kavango West residents want a DBN regional office to improve youth participation and proposal feedback, arguing lack of local access is holding back funded projects. FDI Spotlight: Namibia ranked 2nd globally for greenfield FDI performance, but the ranking comes with a reminder that infrastructure, skills, and finance access must translate into jobs. Digital Economy & Cyber Risk: NCCI and CRAN signed an MoU to accelerate digital transformation and cybersecurity, as INTERPOL flags AI-driven cybercrime as a fast-growing threat. Fuel Retail Expansion: A retail licence was approved for the Elisenheim service station, bringing fuel and convenience retail closer to more than 5,000 residents. Labour Compliance: The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations recovered N$1.5m from wholesale and retail employers for unpaid wages and unlawful deductions. Transport Safety Talk: Road experts say recent truck crash blame shouldn’t be only on road conditions—driver fatigue and attitude also matter. Energy Diplomacy: The US reaffirmed investment support for Namibia’s mining and energy sectors, pitching a full value-chain approach.

Aviation & Connectivity: Emirates expands its codeshare with SAA, adding three domestic South Africa routes (Johannesburg–Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth) plus six regional links including Windhoek and Victoria Falls—tickets now available via Emirates and agents. Mining & Competition: Andrada Mining gets Namibian Competition Commission approval for its Brandberg West earn-in, unlocking up to US$51m staged funding and pushing drilling and waste-stream sampling ahead. Creative Economy: Whoos Nextt Festival returns to Windhoek on 8 August with a creative-industry masterclass on 9 August, spotlighting emerging Namibian talent and brand-building skills. Transport & Logistics: CPCS Transcom delivers the Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study for the 1,500km heavy-haul corridor from Botswana’s coal belt to Walvis Bay, with construction targeted for 2027. Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity: NCCI and CRAN sign a three-year MoU to accelerate Namibia’s digital transformation, cybersecurity and e-trade readiness. FDI & Investment Climate: Namibia ranks second globally for greenfield FDI performance (and first in Africa relative to economy size), reinforcing investor confidence. Oil & Gas Infrastructure: Dangote begins the environmental approval process for a 1.6m-barrel fuel storage terminal at Walvis Bay, aiming to strengthen regional distribution capacity. Water & Coastal Industry: Government breaks ground on an N$83.9m Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund pipeline replacement to secure affordable, reliable coastal water supply. Road Safety: Two Windhoek Western Bypass truck crashes kill a driver and 21 cattle, underlining ongoing risks on construction-affected stretches.

Mining & Local Value: Namibia will back foreign mining investors that create jobs, transfer skills and deepen local participation, with Minister Modestus Amutse urging more domestic mineral processing as he marked the rebranding of Chinese-owned GMS Namibia Mining Services. Mining Expo: The 13th Namibia Mining Expo and Conference opened in Windhoek with a safety conference, spotlighting job creation, local empowerment and procurement. Oil & Gas Finance: Tom Alweendo says Namibia’s oil and gas growth must pull in local banks and financial institutions or the financial value chain will be captured abroad. Fuel Infrastructure: Dangote has started the environmental approval process for a 1.6m-barrel Walvis Bay fuel storage terminal, while Namibia defended its Vitol exclusive fuel-supply deal amid fuel price adjustments. Green Hydrogen Risks: A strategic environmental assessment flags water and biodiversity risks for green hydrogen development in //Kharas. Agriculture & Food Security: Government is moving to translate STAS into practical strategies to cut food insecurity, and Namibia is looking at Zimbabwe’s ARDA-backed farming model. Water for the Coast: The state reaffirmed investment in bulk water infrastructure, including the Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund pipeline replacement. Transport & Livelihoods: Taxi fares on the Walvis–Swakopmund route reportedly exceed approved rates, and two Windhoek truck crashes killed a driver and 21 cattle. Housing Pressure: A Windhoek housing brief argues affordability gaps are pushing home ownership further out of reach for most residents. Critical Minerals Pipeline: Arcadia’s Swanson tantalum project advances toward production as tantalum prices rebound, and Aldoro boosted its rare earth resource estimate at Kameeelburg. Youth Farming Finance: PM Ngurare backed Agribank’s NYDF work with an extra N$20m for youth-led agri-enterprises. Meat Value Chain: Meatco honoured top livestock producers, reinforcing Namibia’s premium beef push. Digital & Crime: A report warns AI is industrialising cybercrime across borders, raising the stakes for Namibia’s growing digital economy.

El Niño Watch: African governments are urged to move fast after forecasts warn of a “Super El Niño” with a 90% chance of the strongest event in 70+ years, raising risks of droughts, floods, food shortages and disease. Rare Earths & Mining: Aldoro Resources lifted its Kameeelburg rare earth resource estimate to 804.5m tonnes, adding a first indicated resource and positioning the project for future development. Rail & Logistics: Namibia and Botswana are pushing to turn the Trans-Kalahari Railway from plans into action, with a December push for a clear construction roadmap, financing and local participation. Oil & Gas Governance: IPC calls for transparency on Namibia’s offshore petroleum deals after Galp’s TotalEnergies transaction approvals, pressing for clarity on Namcor’s obligations and revenue exposure. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rise from 5 August as the 50% energy levy returns, adding pressure on the National Energy Fund and households. Agri-Value Chains: The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge backed climate-smart farming, awarding N$150,000 to a women-led vegetable producer, plus extra grants to other innovators. Water & Infrastructure: Windhoek’s N$381m road upgrade is already deteriorating before handover, while Erongo’s N$83.9m Swakopmund–Schwarzekop pipeline replacement is set to bring more reliable supply with local involvement. Tourism & Culture: The /Khai-/Khaua festival highlights how heritage can drive rural livelihoods through crafts, food and tourism.

Road & Infrastructure Accountability: Windhoek’s N$381m Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road is already cracking before handover, with the City saying the developer and engineer remain responsible until the handover process is concluded. Energy Costs & Policy Pressure: Namibia’s National Energy Fund is under strain as fuel prices rise from 5 August, with the 50% energy levy re-instated and consumers still feeling the impact despite subsidies. Mining & Diamonds: De Beers rough diamond output jumped 88% to 7.8m carats in Q2, while Namibia’s production stayed broadly flat amid vessel retirements and maintenance offsets. Agriculture & Jobs: The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge crowned Kakunandunda Katuuo with N$150,000 for climate-smart vegetables, while other climate-smart winners shared N$280,000 total. Health & Service Delivery: Okondjatu’s new N$9.3m health centre opens to serve 5,000+ residents, with plans to improve nurse accommodation. Water Security: Erongo leaders push for quality on the N$83.9m Swakopmund–Schwarzekop pipeline replacement, demanding local benefits and durable workmanship. Local Governance & Growth: Oshakati and Ongwediva’s merger is gaining momentum as northern urban growth makes separate councils harder to sustain.