AGP Executive Report

SACU Push for Regional Growth: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined SACU leaders in Cape Town as they approved a N$5 billion Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and backed a 15-year AGOA extension, with digital trade and border facilitation also on the agenda. Digital Sovereignty Clash: CRAN upheld its rejection of Starlink’s licence applications, saying the company failed Namibia’s statutory ownership requirements and that appeals brought no grounds to reverse the decision. Road Funding Gets a Tech Upgrade: The Road Fund Administration rolled out digital self-service tools, including a fuel levy refund portal and mobile options for mass distance charge clients, aiming to cut delays and improve efficiency. Water Security Investment: Government committed N$200 million equity toward the Erongo SUNAM desalination project (total N$2.1 billion), targeting about 20 million cubic metres of climate-independent water annually. Economy Snapshot: Namibia’s GDP grew 2% in Q1 2026, led by services, while mining dragged performance as diamond and gold output fell. Agriculture vs Fisheries: Controlled agronomy crop production rose in Q1, but fish landings declined; fish export earnings still increased. Brand Power in Business: Brand Africa named MTC the Grand Prix winner and Windhoek Beer Namibia’s most admired brand, reinforcing momentum for local consumer-facing industries. STEM and Skills Boost: Rössing Foundation opened a multipurpose digital hub in Ondangwa, while Oshana reported 3,010 graduates in 2025/26, highlighting skills pipelines for future jobs. Mining-Tourism Tension: In Kunene, Daure Daman Traditional Authority objected to ultimate.earth’s leasehold bid amid a wider dispute over conservation, jobs, and communal land rights.

Tourism & China: Namibia Tourism Board is pushing deeper ties with Chinese tour operators to lift arrivals, citing China’s 9,657 visitors (0.8% of total) and aiming for new packages and destination awareness. Telecom & Media Industry: MTC launched the Content Creator Awards 2026 in Windhoek with 24 categories and revamped voting, targeting more creators and a push beyond social media into mainstream TV and global platforms. Creative & Fashion Skills: House of Poulton opened a fashion incubator masterclass to mentor and train emerging designers, tackling the gap between creative talent and business know-how. Water Infrastructure & Industry: Government committed N$200m equity toward the N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination joint venture, aiming for 20m m³ of climate-independent water for industry, municipalities and communities. Governance & Delivery: Namibia’s Presidential Task Forces submitted reports to the President and directives have been issued to ministries for implementation, with progress reporting due by 10 August. Education for Innovation: Rössing Foundation’s N$37.18m Multipurpose Digital Hub opened in Ondangwa, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah urging Namibia to become a technology creator, not just a consumer. Corruption Watch: SADC warned that corruption diverts resources from essential services, urging stronger procurement transparency and beneficial ownership disclosure. Brand-Led Economy: MTC and Windhoek Beer topped Namibia’s Brand Africa 100 rankings, reinforcing the push to grow trusted local brands. Mining & Rare Earths: Aldoro Resources is preparing an updated Kameelburg rare-earth resource estimate after expanded drilling, with assays now received for all new holes. Transport & Roads: Khomas reported major road works progress, including the Windhoek–Okahandja dual carriageway upgrade completed and other active contracts driving jobs.

Sports Infrastructure: Oshikoto is set to expand its sports facilities push, with governor Sacky Kathindi announcing constituency sports budgets rising from N$5m to N$10m per facility, starting in Okankolo and Guinas. Water & Utilities: NamWater warned of a planned Von Bach Water Treatment Plant outage in Windhoek and surrounding areas on 26 June (14:00–19:00) due to NamPower works, urging customers to use water sparingly. Regional Trade & Industry: Namibia’s president is expected to attend the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, with focus on industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation and AfCFTA opportunities. Agriculture & Food Security: Parliament is set to examine how government procures and stores locally produced maize amid bumper harvest expectations, after concerns about storage and “plastic rice” quality in drought relief. Energy & Mining: Tower Resources says Namibia’s MIME has granted the final approval for its offshore PEL96 farm-out, clearing the last condition precedent for Prime Global Energies. Business & Media: NBC was named Namibia’s most admired media and entertainment brand at the Brand Africa Namibia awards, while MTC won multiple prizes including social impact and sustainability.

Water & Agriculture: Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi flagged water as the top crisis, mobilising N$6.4m for booster pumps, boreholes and mini desalination plants to boost supply to dozens of villages, while pushing agriculture and value addition. Regional Trade & Industry: Namibia’s President is set to attend the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, with focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and regional value chains. Livestock Market Access: A National Assembly motion seeks stronger support for emerging communal livestock farmers, arguing for better market access north and south of the veterinary cordon fence and more local slaughtering/processing. Offshore Oil & Gas: Tower Resources says Namibia’s MIME has granted the final approval for its PEL96 farm-out to Prime Global Energies, moving the deal toward completion. Power & Grid Investment: New reporting highlights Africa’s grid bottlenecks and the need for about US$30bn in transmission and interconnection to integrate growing generation. Construction Signals: Windhoek building approvals fell to 138 in May (lowest since 2020), pointing to subdued construction activity despite higher project values. Water Security Infrastructure: Namibia launched the Erongo SUNAM desalination project, positioning it as a major step for regional water security. Media & Skills: NBC’s DG backed financial journalism training via the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa programme with NUST, IUM and Strathmore, aiming to help citizens better understand public finance and economic policy. Tourism Demand Shift: Tourism data shows leisure travel drove 97.69% of arrivals in May, with Europe (especially German-speaking markets) leading.

NamPower Grid Push: NamPower inaugurated the N$394m Sekelduin Substation in Swakopmund, calling it a key step to boost reliability and capacity for Erongo’s growing demand from households, business, mining and tourism—and highlighting it as Africa’s first digital substation. Digital Connectivity: Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellite service officially launched in Namibia via Q-KON, Echo Namibia and Oblixx, with up to 100Mbps aimed at enterprises and underserved rural sites to narrow the digital divide. Telecom Regulation: Starlink’s bid to enter Namibia hit another wall as CRAN dismissed its appeal, with the dispute centred on Namibia’s local ownership and control requirements. Regional Trade Talks: Namibia is set to weigh in as leaders gather for the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, with industrial development and trade integration on the agenda. Pharma Safety: NMRC cleared Fabupharm’s Fabu-Paracetamol and Fabupharm’s paracetamol syrup after independent lab testing found products meet safety and quality standards. Agriculture & Livestock: Government says the N$100m NCA Price Equalisation Fund will be operationalised this year to help northern communal cattle farmers get prices aligned with those south of the veterinary cordon fence. Mining & Energy Deals: Eco Atlantic expects its farm-down with BP Namibia Energy to close in Q3 2026, unlocking further seismic work; meanwhile, Paladin reports a new high-grade uranium “Atlas” discovery at its PLS project in Canada.

Power Infrastructure: NamPower inaugurated the N$394m Sekelduin Substation in Swakopmund, aimed at boosting reliability and capacity for Erongo—supporting households, businesses, mining and tourism. Grid Expansion: NamPower also reiterated it’s pushing ahead with a wider transmission master plan to meet rising demand. Digital Connectivity: Eutelsat OneWeb LEO service launched in Namibia via Q-Kon, Echo Namibia and Oblixx, targeting up to 100Mbps and rolling out 30 sites to reach rural areas. Satellite Internet Clash: CRAN dismissed Starlink’s appeal over licence and spectrum access, with the dispute centred on Namibia’s ownership and control rules. Telecom Demand Signals: CRAN reported mobile internet usage up 6% in Q1 2026, driven by social media, while fibre subscriptions grew 10%. Agriculture & Livestock: Government will operationalise the N$100m NCA Price Equalisation Fund this year to help northern communal cattle farmers get prices aligned with the south. Pharma Compliance: NMRC cleared Fabupharm’s paracetamol syrup after independent tests confirmed safety following last year’s recall. Regional Trade: Namibia’s PM led Lesotho at the 9th SACU Summit, with focus on industrial development and trade integration. Mining & Exploration: Rhino Resources plans up to eight 3D seismic surveys in Namibia’s Orange basin to support fast-track development. Oil & Gas Deals: Eco Atlantic expects its farm-down with BP Namibia to close in Q3 2026, unlocking further seismic work. Business Missions: NIPDB invited companies to join a self-funded South Africa business mission (17–18 July) focused on agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, energy and logistics. Labour Watch: Furnmart workers in Katima Mulilo joined a nationwide strike after rejecting a 5% offer, demanding 8% plus allowances.

Energy Grid Upgrade: NamPower inaugurated the Sekelduin Substation in Swakopmund, calling it Africa’s first fully digital substation, and flagged a wider Transmission Master Plan with major lines like the N$2bn Auas–Kokerboom 400kV project due in 2028. Telecom Regulation: CRAN scrutiny is back on the agenda as MTC, Paratus and other operators seek spectrum changes and expansions, with public comment open on Ku-band and other allocations. Mining & Exploration: Rhino Resources says it plans up to eight 3D seismic surveys in Namibia’s Orange basin (PEL 85/Block 2914A) between 2026 and 2030 to support fast-tracked development. Labour & Industry: Furnmart workers in Katima Mulilo strike nationwide after rejecting a 5% offer, demanding 8% plus allowances; NBC also recognised NAPWU as its exclusive bargaining agent. Food & Retail Supply: Meatco secured a Woolworths Blue Rating in a food safety audit, supporting plans to expand Namibian beef in premium retail. Finance & Governance: Namibia and Algeria exit FATF’s grey list, a move expected to ease compliance costs and boost investor confidence. Agriculture Access: Namibia continues pushing farmers toward formal market off-take deals, with guidance on registering and meeting production requirements. Cybersecurity: NAM-CSIRT represented Namibia at the FIRST Conference in Denver, strengthening incident response links as threats evolve. Skills for Green Industry: Hardap and //Kharas youth received Green Hydrogen scholarships for technical trades, backed by Germany’s funding.

Energy & Grid Build-Out: NamPower says its Transmission Master Plan is driving multi-billion-dollar upgrades, including the N$394m Sekelduin substation and a planned 400kV Auas–Kokerboom line (about N$2bn), aimed at boosting reliability and preparing the grid for new generation. Telecom Regulation: CRAN scrutiny continues as MTC, Paratus and other players seek spectrum changes or reconsiderations, with Starlink’s licence rejection upheld after no new grounds were found. Finance & Governance: Namibia’s removal from the FATF grey list is expected to cut compliance friction and lift investor confidence, while ACC leadership is set to change with Bryan Eiseb nominated to succeed Paulus Noa. Green Industry & Skills: Namibia is laying groundwork for a N$4.1bn climate fund-backed Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan to scale green industries, alongside new Green Hydrogen scholarship training for youth. Agri & Food Value Chains: Livestock marketing trends look up in Q1 2026, Meatco wins Woolworths Blue Rating for food safety, and Sikondo’s first potato harvest shows how NAB support can turn small-scale farming into food security gains. Mining & Critical Minerals: Arkle expands into uranium in Erongo, while Koryx Copper reports Zambia exploration progress and Namibia-linked critical minerals investment interest keeps growing. Labour & Consumer Protection: Parliament probes lending practices amid salary-deduction concerns, and NBC recognises NAPWU as exclusive bargaining agent—both tied to how workers’ pay and rights are protected. Business Pulse: NSX slipped 1.02% week-on-week, while Famous Brands reports resilient Namibia sales growth despite cost pressure.

Satellite Internet Clash: CRAN has upheld its decision to reject Starlink’s licence applications, saying reconsideration requests failed to show new evidence or material error—while Namibia keeps insisting on ownership and control compliance. Bilateral Trade Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Tanzania visit ended with new MoUs on trade, agriculture, defence and SMEs, plus plans to deepen business links between Windhoek and Dar es Salaam. Water Security in Focus: Erongo Governor /Goagoses says leadership is tackling unreliable supply in areas like Otjimbingwe, with a second desalination plant expected to ease pressure on aquifers. Finance & Entrepreneurship: Namibia’s FATF greylist exit is framed as a confidence boost for entrepreneurs and investors, while a parliamentary probe into lending practices highlights how salary deductions can leave borrowers with little net pay. Retail Demand Signal: Famous Brands reports strong Namibia sales growth (7.3%) despite cost pressure, pointing to resilient consumer spending. Markets Watch: The NSX Overall Index slipped 1.02% in the week to 19 June, with basic materials dragging. Energy & Industry Angle: Namibia’s green industrial growth narrative continues, alongside calls for stronger local production and enabling ecosystems for new industries.

Namibia–Tanzania Economic Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah wrapped up a three-day state visit to Tanzania, backing a shift from liberation solidarity to trade, investment and jobs, with MoUs covering defense, trade, agriculture and SMEs, plus a business forum linking Namibian firms to Tanzanian partners. Diplomatic Footprint: Namibia also moved to secure its embassy plot in Magufuli City, Dodoma, with construction expected once paperwork is finalised—part of a wider push to deepen economic ties. Telecom Regulation: CRAN rejected Starlink’s bid to reconsider its licence denial, citing non-compliance with Namibia’s ownership and control rules and missed deadlines—another hurdle for satellite internet expansion. Rail Sector Oversight: Namibia’s works ministry says opening rail to new operators needs stronger laws, checks and a railway fund to handle public service obligations and infrastructure support. Competition Watch: Fuel dealers are disputing how a Vivo/Engen station merger was handled by the Namibian Competition Commission, alleging contract chaos despite earlier assurances. Cybersecurity Alert: NAM-CSIRT warned of Fortinet FortiGate “FortiBleed” exposure risks, urging urgent remediation for flagged local organisations. Agribusiness Linkages: Zambia lifted its maize export ban, allowing Namibian imports via ZAMACE, potentially easing regional grain supply pressures. Mining & Safety: Osino Resources hit 2 million work hours without a lost-time injury at Twin Hills, while Askari Metals expanded Uis pegmatite targets ahead of RC drilling. Local Industry Skills: Leaders warned Namibia’s education system is producing graduates that don’t match workplace needs, calling for stronger industry–TVET partnerships. Food Security at Home: Ongwediva launched a backyard gardening project, funded through business donations, to boost household vegetable production and self-reliance.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Zambia lifted its maize export ban, reopening imports for Namibian buyers via the Zambian Commodities Exchange (ZAMACE), a potential boost for regional grain supply. Meat Value Chain: Meatco secured Woolworths’ Blue Food Safety Rating after an audit, strengthening its push from bulk exports toward consumer-ready, packaged beef for premium retail. Horticulture & Jobs: Sikondo farmers harvested their first potato crop under Namibia Agronomic Board’s potato subsidy scheme, aiming to cut imports and keep value in Kavango West. Energy Skills & Industry Readiness: Namibia’s green hydrogen plans face a specialist artisan shortage, with a skills gaps analysis warning TVET and training output won’t meet Phase 2 demand. Monetary Policy: The Bank of Namibia raised the repo rate to 6.75% to protect the Namibia dollar peg amid external shocks and weak domestic activity. Regional Trade & Industrialisation: President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Hassan doubled down on “economic liberation” through industrialisation, value addition and deeper trade, signing cooperation deals across trade, mining, agriculture, defence and MSMEs. Responsible Gambling: Namibia’s Responsible Gambling conference flagged the rise of online betting and called for possible law changes and a sector-focused action report. Mining & Exploration: Askari Metals expanded its Uis project pipeline with seven new pegmatite targets, moving toward RC drilling next month. Governance & Transparency: Namibia’s beneficial ownership push is back in the spotlight after exiting the FATF greylist, with calls to make registers publicly searchable.

Namibia–Tanzania Economic Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan signed multiple agreements in Dar es Salaam to deepen trade, mining, agriculture, defence cooperation and MSMEs—aiming to turn liberation-era ties into jobs, investment and faster regional integration. Green Hydrogen Skills Pressure: Namibia’s green hydrogen plans face a serious TVET bottleneck: a skills gaps analysis warns Phase 2 could require tens of thousands of specialist artisans and technicians, while current training output is far too low. Monetary Policy Watch: The Bank of Namibia lifted the repo rate to 6.75% to protect the Namibia dollar–rand peg amid external shocks and inflation risks tied to the Middle East conflict. Local Industry & Jobs: Hardap’s Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarships (N$25m) are expanding postgraduate training for renewable energy and hydrogen-linked careers. Energy & Mining Governance: Namibia’s petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino was replaced by Aune Amutenya as acting commissioner, but the ministry declined to explain the reason—sparking transparency concerns. Diamond Market Signals: De Beers CEO says the diamond firm sale could be concluded within weeks, with Namibia among governments and investors seeking equity stakes. Responsible Gambling: Windhoek hosted a responsible gambling conference as organisers flag rising access to betting and online gambling and discuss possible law changes. Health Supply Update: Namibia’s health ministry reported 47 critical medicine line items received and distributed since 4 June, including anti-cancer medicines, with more deliveries expected. Housing Finance Debate: A new critique argues Namibia’s lending affordability rules treat homes like depreciating vehicles, potentially blocking creditworthy buyers from homeownership.

Responsible Gambling: Namibia’s Responsible Gambling conference in Windhoek (17–18 June) flagged how online betting and easier access are driving gambling addiction risks for local households, with planned law-change discussions and a stakeholder report. Green Hydrogen Skills: TVET and artisan training are being pushed as the make-or-break factor for Namibia’s green hydrogen push, after a skills gap analysis warned specialised workers won’t meet demand if projects move into later phases. Petroleum Governance: The energy ministry declined to explain why petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino was removed, saying it won’t comment on unverified claims—while MPs warn the lack of transparency could hurt investor confidence. Youth & Jobs: Hardap’s Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarships (N$25m for 93 learners) and the National Youth Council push spotlight skills, entrepreneurship and targets to cut youth unemployment. Cost of Living & Debt: The Bank of Namibia raised the repo rate to 6.75% citing external shocks, while parliament heard calls to tackle debt exploitation and salary deduction pressures. Energy Transition Watch: The World Economic Forum’s 2026 energy transition rankings showed Sub-Saharan Africa leading gains, with Namibia improving on readiness via regulation, investment and electricity access. Regional Deals: President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Hassan signed agreements covering trade, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, investment and SME cooperation. Health Supply: The Health Ministry reported 47 critical medicine line items received and distributed (including anti-cancer drugs), with more deliveries expected. Diamonds & Mining: De Beers CEO says its sale could be concluded within weeks, while Namibia’s uranium project Tumas drew a US delegation visit on energy-supply-chain relevance. Finance Markets: NSX closed up 1.56% as financials and basic materials led gains.

Industrial Policy & Jobs: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to boost local production, industrialisation and regional trade to cut raw-material exports and create jobs, pointing to AfCFTA as a chance to build stronger integrated markets. Skills for Emerging Energy: Deputy Minister Gaudencia Kröhne pushed education to align with nuclear energy, oil and gas, green hydrogen and critical minerals, warning that training capacity must catch up with project demand. Mining & Diamonds: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the diamond firm’s sale could be concluded within weeks, with Namibia, Botswana and Angola among those seeking equity stakes. Uranium Supply Chain: A US delegation visited Deep Yellow’s Tumas uranium project in Erongo, highlighting Namibia’s growing role in global energy and industrial supply chains. Oil & Gas Governance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare defended the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, arguing reforms protect national interest and should focus on citizen benefits. Finance & Compliance: IPC called for transparent beneficial ownership after Namibia exited the FATF greylist, saying access to the register is effectively closed for journalists and the public. Local Business & Labour: Furnmart workers’ strike will proceed nationwide over salary and a proposed housing allowance. Trade & Markets: NSX rose 1.56% as financials and basic materials led gains.

Uranium & Energy Security: A US delegation visited Deep Yellow’s Tumas uranium project in Erongo, underscoring Namibia’s growing role in global energy supply chains as the project’s resource and reserve base supports a long mine life. Diamond Deal Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the sale process could wrap up “within weeks,” with Namibia among the countries seeking equity stakes alongside diamond-experienced investors. Monetary Policy: Namibia’s central bank lifted the repo rate to 6.75%, citing inflation risks linked to the Middle East and the need to manage capital flows given the Namibia–South Africa interest-rate gap. Fisheries Jobs Relief: Cabinet approved a horse mackerel quota for Etosha Fishing, aiming to restart operations and bring back workers after seven months without quotas. Copper Exploration Push: Kaoko Metals plans to start Chalkos drilling within six weeks after site work and target definition, while Serval Resources says fully funded multi-country exploration programmes are on track. Green Hydrogen Skills: Namibia and Germany’s green hydrogen workshop projects tens of thousands of jobs, but warns of a technician shortage that could slow pilots. Local Industry Tensions: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi rejects calls for a fast forensic audit into RCC foreign partnerships, while MPs debate petroleum governance and worker protections. Payments & Inclusion: Bank Windhoek processed the first live government grant payments via Namibia’s instant payment network, moving funds to beneficiaries faster. Markets: The NSX Overall Index rose 1.56%, led by financials and basic materials.

Green Hydrogen Jobs: Namibia and Germany’s Dry-Hy workshop says green industrialisation could create up to 37,000 jobs in four years, but a skills gap could slow projects as only two TVETs train green hydrogen technicians. Offshore Oil & Gas: Eco Atlantic is ramping up Walvis Basin seismic work (reprocessing plus a new 3D survey) as it advances farm-down talks with BP, while Serval Resources locks in fully funded multi-country exploration programmes and targets Namibia drilling in Q4 2026. Petroleum Governance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare defends Namibia’s Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill as MPs push for worker protections, and the energy ministry appoints Aune Amutenya as acting petroleum commissioner after Maggy Shino’s removal. Local Industry & Labour: Furnmart strike action is set to hit all branches nationwide over salary and a proposed housing allowance. Finance & Inclusion: Bank Windhoek begins live instant government grant payments via the national network, aiming for faster, more secure G2P delivery. Trade & Logistics: Walvis Bay Corridor Group urges full use of pre-clearance to cut border congestion, delays and demurrage costs. Marine Conservation: Namibia, with UNEP support, targets expanding marine protected areas to 11–12% by 2030.