AGP Executive Report

Uranium & Power Markets: Australia and India ratified a landmark uranium export deal, setting up multi-decade supply for India’s nuclear build-out as global uranium demand is projected to surge. Oil & Gas Workforce: Namibia’s oil and gas skills gap is flagged as urgent, with a new energy sector skills report warning only about 45% of needed competencies are currently available ahead of first oil. Rare Earths Investment: Japan’s Jogmec and Toyota Tsusho are pushing the Lofdal heavy rare earth project forward with major funding and feasibility work aimed at a commercial decision. Water Infrastructure: NamWater moved to shut down Swakopmund tap-water rumours, while also driving coastal pipeline upgrades including the Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken replacement and the CSS pipeline final rehabilitation phase. Agri-Finance for Youth: Prime Minister Ngurare praised AgriBank’s N$20m youth agriculture allocation, with poultry farming leading early disbursements. Local Industry & Jobs: A NIPDB/ILO report spotlights Namibia’s biomass push—charcoal, biochar, and biomass-to-energy—as a rural jobs and energy-security opportunity. Health & Compliance: A new clinic in Okondjatu ends years of long travel for primary care, while Namibia’s National Council moves to tighten rules on hubbly bubbly and other harmful substances as youth use rises. Tourism & Hosting: Windhoek’s “boring” debate and Namibia’s tourism potential run alongside big sport momentum, with Namibia confirmed as a 2027 Cricket World Cup host venue.

Oil & Gas Labour: Namibia’s Presidency has launched an urgent probe into TotalEnergies EP after workers alleged “take-it-or-leave-it” contract changes that may short-change pay, pensions and medical aid. Water Infrastructure: NamWater says Swakopmund tap-water claims about Shigella are false, as it pushes major coastal upgrades including the N$86.6m Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement and the N$84m Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund works. Rare Earths & Local Industry: Japan’s Jogmec and Toyota Tsusho are backing Namibia’s Lofdal heavy rare earth push, with up to N$565m (C$47.6m) earmarked as feasibility work ramps up. Energy Skills & Jobs: A new Energy Sector Skills Strategy report warns Namibia has only about 45% of the skills needed for the coming Orange Basin oil and gas boom. Protected Areas Mining Rules: Cabinet approved a policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected and sensitive zones, aiming to balance mineral growth with conservation. Agribusiness & Processing: Namibia’s sheep export abattoir Farmers Meat Market suspended slaughter operations amid cost and export-market pressure, raising processing squeeze concerns. Water & Construction: Construction has started on the Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement (N$86m+), with commissioning targeted for mid-2027. Biomass Expansion: Namibia’s biomass sector is gaining traction as a rural jobs and energy-security opportunity, turning bush encroachment into charcoal, biochar, animal feed and power value chains.

Water Infrastructure: Construction has started on the N$86.6m Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement, with NamWater saying the ageing 10.3km stretch has been under strain for about 45 years and the upgrade should be ready by mid-2027. Energy & Transport Costs: Namibia announced fuel price changes from 5 August, with Petrol 95 and diesel set to rise after temporary levy cuts were reversed, while government says the National Energy Fund will cushion impacts. Oil & Gas Readiness: NIPDB/ILO warn Namibia needs to rapidly close an energy sector skills gap ahead of Orange Basin offshore developments, as first oil is expected around 2029–2030. Critical Minerals Push: Japan’s Jogmec and Toyota Tsusho are backing the Lofdal heavy rare earth project in Kunene, with a dedicated vehicle set to move the project toward a final investment decision. Local Business Finance: Kavango East entrepreneurs questioned DBN’s regional impact, demanding clearer proof of how financing translates into local enterprise benefits. Agri-Food Innovation: The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge crowned Kakunadunda Katuuo (Orevia Green Farms) with N$150,000 for climate-smart farming solutions. Mining Policy & Environment: Cabinet approved a new policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected areas, aiming to balance growth with environmental protection and align with an AU mineral value-add push. Fisheries & Skills: KIFI highlighted freshwater research and aquaculture work to protect inland fisheries, while government admitted 912 beneficiaries under a fisheries employment redress programme are not actively employed.

Oil & Gas Skills Crunch: A new NIPDB/ILO report warns Namibia needs to rapidly expand its energy-sector skills base, saying only about 45% of the competencies required for the Orange Basin oil and gas boom are currently available. Coastal Water Security: Government is investing about N$87m to replace the ageing Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline section, boosting reliability for Swakopmund and Henties Bay and supporting mining and industry. Fuel Costs Watch: Petrol and diesel prices rise from 5 August after fuel levies are reinstated—Petrol 95 to N$24.48/l and Diesel 50ppm to N$26.36/l—though emergency arrangements soften the impact. Mining Policy Shift: Cabinet approved a national policy to regulate prospecting and mining in protected and environmentally sensitive areas, and backed Namibia’s move to join the African Mineral Development Centre. Rare Earth Push: Japan’s JOGMEC and Toyota Tsusho commit up to C$47.7m toward the Lofdal heavy rare earth project via a new joint venture, aiming to secure a non-China critical minerals supply stream. Agribusiness Innovation: Orevia Green Farms’ Kakunadunda Katuuo wins the Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge Finale with N$150,000 for climate-smart farming solutions. Sheep Processing Squeeze: Namibia’s export-approved Mariental abattoir suspended slaughter operations due to cost pressures and an “export parity squeeze,” raising concerns for processing and market access. Inland Fisheries Research: KIFI highlights its role in freshwater fish monitoring, aquaculture development and conservation education to protect inland fisheries. Tourism Numbers: Namibia’s parks drew 994,780 visitors in 2025, with Etosha, Namib-Naukluft and the Dorob system dominating arrivals. Digital Economy Partnership: CRAN and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry sign an MoU to accelerate digital economy growth and support businesses adapting to the digital marketplace.

Sheep & meat processing: Namibia’s export-approved Mariental abattoir (FMM) has suspended slaughter operations, citing an “export parity squeeze” as costs rise before export earnings land, plus inventory near 90% capacity and price talks with Europe. Energy & transport costs: Fuel prices are set to rise from 5 August after temporary levy cuts end—Petrol 95 to N$24.48 and Diesel 50ppm to N$26.36—though government says the National Energy Fund will cushion under-recoveries. Mining policy shift: Cabinet approved a national policy for prospecting and mining in protected, environmentally sensitive areas, aiming to balance growth with conservation, and backed Namibia’s move to join the AU’s African Mineral Development Centre. Rare earth investment: Japan’s JOGMEC and Toyota Tsusho committed up to C$47.7m to advance the Lofdal heavy rare earth project via a new joint venture structure. Digital economy push: CRAN and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU to speed up digital economy growth and support inclusive participation. Housing pressure: Northern towns report a combined 35,771 people waiting for residential land, with Oshakati alone at over 18,000 applicants.

Rare Earths Investment: Japan (via JOGMEC and Toyota Tsusho) has committed up to N$562.95m toward the Lofdal heavy rare earth project in Kunene, setting up a joint vehicle (TJ Namibia Rare Earths) to push feasibility work ahead of a final go-ahead. Local Mining Ecosystem: Ahead of the Mining Expo (4–6 Aug), Naloba is urging stronger backing for Namibian-owned mining and exploration firms so the sector isn’t dominated by foreign players. Water & Infrastructure: Government has launched the final phase of an N$83.9m coastal pipeline replacement (Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund) to secure water for over 200,000 residents and protect Erongo’s economic future. Renewables Business: ANIREP reports N$95.4m consolidated revenue (+36%), citing stable income from long-term power purchase and maintenance contracts. Health Capacity: Khomas Region is sending 12 Namibian medical specialists to a China fellowship in Jiangsu for clinical training. Sports & Tourism: The ICC has confirmed 2027 Cricket World Cup venues, with Windhoek’s Namibia Cricket Ground among the 12 host venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Labour Watch: Gendev Fishing Group operations are halted after 600 workers downed tools over a wage dispute.

Fishing Industry: Gendev Fishing Group has halted operations after 600 workers downed tools over a wage dispute, with NASAWU pushing for a higher basic salary and accusing the company of counting unchanged housing and transport allowances as pay rises. Renewables & Energy Finance: ANIREP reports consolidated revenue of N$95.4m, up 36%, citing growth in its independent power producer portfolio and more stable income from long-term power purchase agreements and maintenance contracts. Cricket & Tourism/Events: The ICC has unveiled the 12 host venues for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Windhoek’s Namibia Cricket Ground confirmed as Namibia’s venue—fans can register for ticket updates. Diamonds & Policy Debate: Economist Robin Sherbourne urged Namibia to consider buying out Namdeb and selling diamonds independently of the De Beers system, arguing gem quality is high but De Beers’ value has fallen with diamond demand shifts. Critical Minerals: Japan’s JOGMEC says it will invest up to C$47.7m in the Toyota Tsusho rare earth venture in Namibia, targeting the Lofdal heavy rare earth project. Food Safety/Local Industry Risk: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is escalating after claims of sewage-contaminated maize, renewing calls for urgent sanitation fixes to protect the food supply chain. Agri-Expo & Youth Business: Eenhana Expo opened with over 100 exhibitors, spotlighting youth-focused investment and SME opportunities ahead of 1 August. Retail & Logistics: Plastic Packaging Namibia opened a new Oshakati branch to improve packaging availability and cut delivery times for businesses in central and north-western Namibia.

Postal & Finance Diversification: NamPost says falling letter volumes and lower post box occupancy (45% in 2025) are being offset by growth in financial services and new revenue streams, even as parcel competition in Africa intensifies. Uranium Project Financing: Deep Yellow and Nedbank are progressing Tumas financing after an Independent Technical Expert review, with power grid design work and NamWater water-supply talks nearing completion. Public Health & Food Safety: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is worsening, with reports of sewage-contaminated maize raising alarms over food safety, business risk and national reputational damage. Meat Exports: Meatco secured an additional Norwegian beef quota after fully using its 2026 allocation early, targeting extra export earnings if the added volume is fully utilised. Rare Earths Push: Japan’s Jogmec and Toyota Tsusho plan up to C$47.7m for a heavy rare earths venture in Namibia’s Lofdal area, aiming for a feasibility study and potential commercial decision in 2027. Energy Trade & Infrastructure: Government says it is exporting electricity to neighbouring countries, while NamWater upgrades the Kuiseb coastal pipeline to improve reliability for major towns. Agri-food Investment Drive: Namibia is moving to translate STAS into investment programmes with development partners, as hunger remains high globally and local food security stays under pressure. Skills & Employability: Government has started implementing its work-integrated learning policy to close the graduate skills gap through structured workplace experience. Water & Industry Support: Namibia’s sanitation and water reliability efforts are back in focus as pipeline upgrades and water-resource knowledge initiatives gain momentum. Diamonds Under Pressure: Anglo American is reportedly in talks to sell De Beers for about $1bn, reflecting the diamond market downturn and shifting demand toward lab-grown stones.

Uranium & local jobs: Bannerman Energy says Etango Mine earthworks and civil work are progressing with 560 personnel via four Namibian contractors, hitting one million LTI-free hours, with bulk earthworks about 92% complete and heap-leach and wet-plant terraces expanding. Agri-food investment push: Namibia is moving from policy to investable programmes under STAS after a Development Partners Networking Meeting in Windhoek, aiming to unlock funding, jobs and measurable growth. Food security pressure: FAO reports 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, while Namibia’s undernourishment sits at 20.1% (2023–2025). Water infrastructure upgrade: NamWater is upgrading the ageing Kuiseb Collector 2–Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund pipeline with final works costing about N$84m to improve reliability for over 200,000 coastal residents. Power export limits: The Electricity Control Board renewed the moratorium on generation licences for electricity exports until Jan 2029 due to transmission constraints. Meatco squeeze: Meatco revenue fell about US$46.2m (N$757m) in 2025/26 as cattle supply shortages cut slaughter volumes. FDI signal: Namibia ranked 2nd globally and 1st in Africa for greenfield FDI performance relative to economy size, driven by offshore oil and green hydrogen ambitions. China ties for trade: China says it will turn Namibia’s state-visit outcomes into concrete cooperation, including new protocols for Namibian table grapes and wild aquatic exports. Retirement fund transparency: FIMA implementation requires every Namibian retirement fund to publish an Investment Policy Statement for members, boosting clarity on returns, risk and asset allocation.

Electricity Exports Freeze: Namibia’s Electricity Control Board renewed the moratorium on generation licences for electricity export until 5 January 2029, citing South Africa interconnector transmission constraints and urging no new export licence applications. Banking Leadership: Bank Windhoek permanently appointed Leon Koch to lead retail banking services, strengthening its branch and finance portfolios. China-Namibia Trade Push: The Chinese ambassador says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit unlocked new grants, scholarships and market access, including cooperation tied to agriculture and technical vocational training. Agri-Food Pressure & Support: Government urged development partners to align funding with STAS implementation to protect food security and jobs, while farmers’ unions launched a unified N$50m campaign to defend against foot-and-mouth disease. Livestock & Exports: Meatco reported a N$757m revenue drop in 2025/26 due to cattle shortages, but says it stayed profitable and improved cash and producer equity; Namibia also secured an additional Norwegian beef quota expected to add about N$100m. Oil & Skills: Namibia’s upstream unit says the Venus project could create 12,000 jobs and spend over N$36bn locally, as government accelerates oil and gas skills training at vocational centres. Tourism & Industry: Etosha tour operators allege unfair restrictions that hurt bookings and jobs, while a fishing industry wellness and sport tournament in Walvis Bay aims to boost unity and staff wellbeing.

Meat & Livestock Trade: Meatco says Namibia has fully used its 2026 Norwegian beef quota early, then secured an extra 344,766kg via a SACU–EFTA quota-sharing deal with Botswana—adding about N$100m, with total projected Norwegian export value for 2026 at roughly N$365m. Agri-food Transformation: Government is pushing STAS implementation from planning to coordinated investment, urging development partners to align support and speed up programmes to boost food security, jobs and resilience. Livestock Health & Rural Safety: Namibia’s four farmers’ unions launched a unified campaign to fight foot-and-mouth disease, already collecting over N$12m in pledges and targeting N$50m. Industrialisation & Skills: Namibia heads to SADC to press industrialisation and value addition; locally, Keetmanshoop VTC is looking to plug oil-and-gas skills into training for youth. Mining & Critical Minerals: Andrada Mining reports Lithium Ridge surface mineralisation extended by 50% to 9km, with grab samples returning high-grade lithium plus tin and tantalum anomalies. Energy & Power Resilience: Malawi switched on a 20MW utility-scale battery to stabilise supply amid climate pressure—an example Namibia’s energy planners will watch closely. US Visa Overhaul: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August, including Windhoek, routing applicants to regional hubs. Automotive Demand: Analysts link Namibia’s vehicle sales rebound to mining capex and tourism fleet purchases, with June sales the strongest since 2017.

Digital Connectivity & AI Governance: GSMA backed the Abuja Declaration on “meaningful connectivity” and joined partners to launch ATLAS Umoja, pushing trusted, inclusive AI and digital inclusion across Africa. Space & Telecom Competition: A new “space race” angle shows Starlink’s LEO rivals closing in, with Amazon’s Kuiper/Amazon Leo and Chinese networks ramping up—big implications for regional connectivity. Agri-food Strategy in Motion: Namibia’s agriculture minister says STAS is being turned into a funded programme with clear priorities and workstreams, aiming to move from planning to implementation by October 2026. Rural Safety for Farmers: Police and four farmers’ unions signed a 10-year MOU to strengthen the fight against stock theft and other rural crimes. Household Resilience Watch: Financial inclusion gains are not yet translating into stronger savings and stability, with formal saving declining—policy focus is shifting to the quality of access. Ports & Oil-Gas Pushback: Namport rejected a N$4bn Lüderitz oil-and-gas supply base proposal, citing capacity/requirements gaps. Critical Minerals Value Addition: Namibia Critical Metals secured about C$11m to advance higher-value rare earth processing at Lofdal. Livestock Export Support: Namibia’s PM backed Meatco’s recovery as beef exports and cattle procurement improve.

Agri-food policy push: Namibia’s Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani urged development partners to align funding and technical support with the STAS strategy, stressing practical implementation with all stakeholders. Livestock exports backed: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare backed Meatco’s recovery after improved beef export quota delivery to Norway and stronger cattle procurement, as government also discussed expanding processing capacity and northern communal market access. Critical minerals processing: Namibia Critical Metals secured about N$130m (C$11m) to advance rare earth processing at Lofdal, aiming for higher-value carbonates and de-risking the expanded feasibility study. FMD defence drive: Four farmers’ unions launched an FMD Support Fund campaign, already pledging over N$12m toward a N$50m target to protect the national herd and export markets. Water security urgency: The PM called for faster, climate-resilient water delivery, citing desalination, solar boreholes, reuse and digital monitoring, while warning sanitation and borehole commissioning gaps persist. Energy storage lesson: Malawi switched on a 20MW utility-scale battery to stabilise supply amid climate shocks, targeting reduced blackouts and improved power for hospitals, schools and business. Local industry & housing friction: Gobabis residents moved to block a land sale for housing plots, arguing locals should get first preference over private developers. Digital trust in transport: Yango Namibia faced renewed scrutiny over alleged “phantom” trips and driver verification issues, with the company defending its safeguards.

Uranium Ramp-Up: Paladin Energy says its Langer Heinrich Mine has completed its ramp-up, hitting 4.82 million pounds of U₃O₈ for FY2026 and meeting revised production, sales and cost guidance. Livestock Security: Farmers’ unions launched a national Foot-and-Mouth Disease preparedness drive, targeting N$50m, with pledges already above N$12m, while police and farmers also signed a 10-year stock-theft prevention agreement. Housing & Finance: Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo urged affordable housing expansion and rental market regulation; meanwhile the NCCI backed the Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey 2025, pointing to MSME finance gaps and uneven digital access. Offshore Oil & Energy: Namibia approved TotalEnergies’ Mopane acquisition to strengthen offshore plans, and Namport rejected a N$4bn Lüderitz oil-and-gas supply base proposal. Trade & Logistics: A study warns cross-border disruption costs South Africa up to R16bn a year, with major delays at key gateways affecting freight to Namibia and the region. Digital Policy: GSMA endorsed the Abuja connectivity push and backed ATLAS Umoja AI, while Namibia also advanced a space bill consultation in Kharas. Mining & Critical Minerals: Namibia’s rough diamond output held at 531,000 carats in Q2, and rare-earth supply-chain momentum continues as AI-backed processing funding gains traction.

Offshore Oil & Gas: Namibia has approved TotalEnergies’ acquisition of a 40% stake and operatorship in Galp’s Mopane discovery in the Orange Basin, strengthening offshore ambitions and paving the way for a final investment decision on the Venus development. Space Policy: Kharas residents used a public consultation to ask how Namibia’s Draft Space and Science & Technology Bill will translate into real community benefits, training and research opportunities. Ports & Energy Infrastructure: Namport rejected a Ghanaian-led N$4bn proposal to build an oil and gas supply base at Lüderitz, citing failure to meet concession requirements—an important signal for Namibia’s offshore build-out. Digital & Connectivity Reform: GSMA endorsed the Abuja Declaration and backed ATLAS Umoja AI, pushing spectrum reform and technology-neutral licensing to speed up satellite and digital infrastructure across Africa, including Namibia. Agriculture Tech & Trust: Namibia’s N$39.5m AI agricultural monitoring deal is seen as a potential productivity boost, but public confidence and procurement transparency remain key questions. Livestock Industry Rules: Namibia will standardise “carcass” and “cold dressed mass” definitions from 1 August to align weighing and payment deductions across abattoirs. Trade & Logistics Pressure: A regional transport study estimates cross-border disruption costs South Africa R15–R16bn a year, with border queues running into days—highlighting the knock-on impact on Namibia-linked freight corridors. MSME & Business Growth: Nedbank Namibia announced a Future of Business Conference aimed at practical support for MSMEs, with local and regional industry speakers.

Labour Rights: Namibia’s seafaring workers are pushing back after Gendev Fishing Group offered N$6 700 for longer guaranteed hours, with the union saying it’s not a real pay rise and disputing how sick leave and benefits are calculated. Governance & Lawmaking: A constitutional concern is growing as Namibia’s National Assembly has gone nearly 16 months without passing and signing a single law. Water & Sanitation: Namibia reports very high urban water access (98%) but a sanitation gap (only 60% access to basic sanitation), with ageing infrastructure and fast-growing informal settlements cited as key hurdles. Agriculture & Trade: Namibia’s meat exports topped N$1.43bn in the first five months of 2026, while weaner calf prices lag South Africa amid FMD-related export restrictions and logistics costs. Industry Policy: Government progress continues on trade and investment reforms, including a draft bill to set up an International Trade Management Commission and a separate investment promotion framework. Mining & Commodities: Rough diamond output held steady at 531,000 carats in Q2, with higher-grade work at Namdeb offsetting disruptions at Debmarine. Energy & Skills: PETROFUND says 60+ young Namibians have secured oil-and-gas internships and jobs as Namibia builds its upstream workforce pipeline. Housing Delivery: A Zambezi housing inspection flagged missing sewer, water and electricity trenches at a new development, showing how funding can get absorbed by partial electrification.