Oil & Gas Policy Shift: Namibia’s energy ministry confirmed the removal of Maggy Shino as Petroleum Commissioner and named Aune Amutenya as acting commissioner, as the Orange Basin moves from exploration toward major development decisions. Local Content Push: A Namibia-focused oil and gas commentary argues the real opportunity for local firms is building certified capabilities that plug into the offshore supply chain, using mining-style remote operations as a bridge. Industrial Growth Agenda: Namibia is positioning oil, gas and mining as engines for industrialisation and beneficiation under NDP6, with reforms aimed at attracting more foreign direct investment beyond raw-resource exports. Uranium Momentum: New reporting highlights Namibia’s strong uranium position—among the world’s top producers and with large identified resources—while exploration spending and drilling keep drawing capital. Exploration Pipeline: Askari Metals says hyperspectral work at Uis added seven new high-priority pegmatite targets ahead of next-quarter RC drilling. Marine Protection: Namibia, with UNEP support, plans to expand marine protected areas toward 11–12% by 2030, aiming to strengthen protection and tackle pollution. Fisheries Dispute: Etosha Fishing workers protest after months without income due to delayed pilchard quota allocation, raising pressure on quota governance. Banking & Cost of Living: The Bank of Namibia raised the repo rate to 6.75%, pushing prime lending higher and likely increasing loan costs for households and businesses. Trade & Connectivity: Namibia steps up cultural diplomacy in Ghana to unlock tourism, agribusiness, infrastructure and trade partnerships, while regional air-route gaps remain a barrier to growth. Digital & Enterprise: MTC becomes a Huawei Enterprise Partner, boosting enterprise connectivity and cloud offerings for sectors including mining and oil & gas.
AGP Executive Report
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Petroleum Leadership: Namibia has appointed Aune Amutenya as acting petroleum commissioner, a key move as the country shifts from exploration to major oil and gas development decisions. Mining Pipeline: Askari Metals’ hyperspectral work at Uis has flagged seven new high-priority pegmatite targets, setting up near-term RC drilling newsflow. Marine Protection Push: Namibia is working with UNEP to expand marine protected areas, aiming to lift coverage to 11–12% by 2030. Energy Transition Reality Check: A new World Economic Forum index says the global energy transition is “fracturing” as geopolitics and infrastructure bottlenecks slow readiness. Regional Power Financing: RMB highlights bankability barriers for Africa’s power projects, pointing to growing interest in cross-border electricity markets via the Southern African Power Pool. Trade & Diplomacy: Namibia and Ghana kick off a “Cultural Night” to deepen trade, tourism and investment links under AfCFTA. Banking Costs: The Bank of Namibia raised the repo rate to 6.75%, likely lifting loan costs for households and businesses. Sports & Youth: The Nedbank Citi Dash targets 5,000 entrants, adding races to pull in more youth and first-timers. Fishing Quota Scrutiny: A parliamentary motion challenges Namibia’s fishing quota allocation system amid calls for transparency and fair access.
Monetary Tightening: Namibia’s central bank lifted the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.75% and revised 2026 inflation forecasts higher, citing rising global and domestic price pressures and weak credit growth. Oil & Gas Localisation: Namibia’s Oil and Gas Conference (18–20 Aug, Windhoek) returns with a stronger “From Decision to Dividend” focus on local content, youth skills and workforce development, plus pitching sessions for Namibian firms. Exploration Momentum: Shell is drilling a sidetrack on its Merlin-1X discovery offshore Namibia after “encouraging” results, while Kaoko Metals ramps up plans for maiden Chalkos drilling following reconnaissance work. Energy Sector Finance: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas reports progress on Namibia farm-down talks and expects near-term catalysts as regulatory approvals and milestones approach. Responsible Gambling: A Windhoek summit is pushing gambling addiction into a public-health and consumer-safety agenda, with plans for a dedicated task force. Road & Logistics Updates: Temporary road closure on the Swakopmund–Arandis route for culvert works; Namibia also moves to join a regional maritime body to strengthen Walvis Bay’s logistics role. SME Support: A new SME fund opens for grants of N$50,000–N$100,000 to help small businesses grow and create jobs.
Monetary Policy: Namibia’s central bank lifted the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.75% and revised its 2026 inflation outlook higher, citing rising oil-driven price pressures and weak credit growth. Energy & Oil Governance: Namibia’s fuel procurement scrutiny grows as Namcor’s leadership vacuum and a three-month Vitol bulk-fuel arrangement raise competition and governance questions. Local Content Push: The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (18–20 August) returns with a stronger “From Decision to Dividend” focus on local jobs, youth skills, and Local Content Pitching Sessions. Offshore Exploration Watch: Shell continues drilling a Merlin-1X sidetrack in PEL 39 after “encouraging” results, while the wider sector eyes decision-to-production timelines. Payments & Fintech: Instant Payments Namibia launched WayaMe, a consumer brand for instant payments, aiming to broaden adoption of a more interoperable digital payments ecosystem. SME Finance: A new SME Fund offers grants of N$50,000–N$100,000 to help small businesses grow and create jobs. Manufacturing Exports: Acacia-Composites welcomed trade officials to showcase export-ready production and support market access. Digital Safety: TransUnion reports Namibia’s suspected digital fraud rate remains low, but scam losses still hit consumers. Wildlife Conservation: Tanzania’s latest census shows lions and buffaloes leading Africa, alongside a sharp elephant decline—useful context for regional conservation debates.
Diamond Deal Watch: De Beers’ CEO says Anglo’s diamond unit sale is “weeks not months,” with Namibia, Botswana and Angola among the government-linked bidders. Clean Energy & LPG: TotalEnergies commits Sh1bn annually to expand LPG for clean cooking in Kenya, while also eyeing Namibia as part of its Africa push. Mining Costs: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines flags cautiously optimistic uranium and gold prices, but warns rising fuel and transport costs are squeezing operations. Payments Modernisation: Instant Payments Namibia unveils WayaMe, the consumer brand for its instant payments platform, aiming to boost adoption and interoperability. Power Infrastructure: NamPower will inaugurate the Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund on 22 June, a N$394m fully digital upgrade for coastal grid reliability. Fuel Governance: Scrutiny grows around Namcor’s leadership vacuum and its Vitol fuel supply arrangement worth about N$7.2bn for three months. Local Business Readiness (Oil & Gas): EAN launches a study to measure how ready Namibian businesses are to supply the oil and gas sector. Agriculture Finance: Agribank and Germany’s DSIK sign a partnership to strengthen financial inclusion and support agri-SMEs. Livestock Exports: Namibia’s livestock sector shows strong Q1 growth, with beef exports tripling and sheep marketing up sharply. Uranium Exploration: Canadian firm Vatic Ventures gets approval to acquire uranium prospecting rights in Erongo. Child & Consumer Protection: Namfisa reports recovering N$1.7m for consumers after complaints, while child labour concerns remain tied to agriculture and household vulnerability.
| Energy & Growth Watch: The World Bank says Sub-Saharan Africa growth will slow to 4.0% in 2026 as higher energy costs and weaker demand bite, with the outlook revised down after Middle East-driven energy shocks. Oil & Gas / Local Industry: Namibia’s 2026 Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek (18–20 Aug) expands its programme around local participation and industry collaboration, while Namcor backs a Vitol fuel supply deal for the next three months to improve supply certainty and cut procurement premiums. Mining Costs: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines flags rising fuel prices and transport inflation as mounting pressure on mining operations, even as uranium and gold prices support activity. Uranium Dealmaking: Canadian-listed Vatic Ventures gets approval to buy into two uranium licences in Erongo, boosting exploration exposure near Husab and Rössing. Consumer Protection / Finance: Namfisa reports recovering over N$1.7m for consumers in Q1 2026 after complaints across insurance, pensions, and micro-lending. Connectivity & Telecom: Telecom Namibia and Angola’s GGPEN move from proof-of-concept to a structured trial for Angosat-2 satellite services to extend reliable connectivity to remote areas. Agriculture & Jobs: Agribank and Germany’s DSIK sign a partnership to deepen financial inclusion and resilience for farmers and agri-SMEs. Livestock Update: Namibia’s livestock sector shows strong Q1 momentum, with beef exports tripling and sheep marketing volumes up sharply. Policy & Digital Migration: Namibia proposes a digital-first migration system to speed visa and permit processing, improve border management, and issue secure electronic documents. Transport Governance: The Nabta taxi body seeks a comeback with a planned digital platform after reregistration steps, aiming to formalise and improve public transport safety and accountability. Road Safety Court Fight: An urgent court bid challenges newly installed speed humps on Windhoek’s Western Bypass, with a ruling postponed to 30 June. Green Hydrogen Jobs Push: | Kharas leaders urge Namibia’s climate funding plan to translate green hydrogen ambitions into real local jobs, skills, and enterprise opportunities. |
| Energy & Industry Recognition: Nasan Energies Namibia’s push to strengthen petroleum product supply security is being framed as a national win, since reliable energy underpins mining, agriculture, manufacturing and transport. Mining Governance: In Uis, small miners and community members have petitioned the mines ministry to remove three long-serving directors of the Small Miners of Uis board, alleging weak mandate renewal, poor financial transparency and limited accountability. Copper Outlook: New reporting highlights how AI and data centres are emerging as a major copper demand driver, keeping southern Africa—including Namibia—front and centre for future supply. Agriculture Jobs Pressure: Namibia’s agricultural sector warns National Minimum Wage implementation could cut permanent farm jobs, with preliminary data showing a 4.5% drop despite better production conditions. Digital Migration Push: Home Affairs is consulting on a digital-first migration system to move visa and permit processing online, add real-time tracking and issue secure electronic documents. Telecom & Enterprise Tech: MTC becomes a Huawei-certified enterprise partner to expand connectivity, cloud and digital infrastructure offerings for sectors like mining, oil & gas and government. Consumer Protection: Namfisa ordered financial institutions to refund over N$1.7m to consumers after complaints, pointing to ongoing service failures in insurers, pension funds and microlenders. Inflation Watch: May inflation rose to 4.1%, driven mainly by transport and housing-related costs. Green Hydrogen Jobs Demand: | Kharas leaders want Namibia’s climate funding and green hydrogen plans to translate into real local jobs, skills and enterprise opportunities for youth. Private Network Rollout: Vertiv backed Paratus Namibia’s first private LTE/5G network with data centre power and cooling infrastructure. Transport Formalisation: The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association is staging a comeback after deregistration, with plans for a digital platform to improve safety and accountability. |
| Minimum Wage Shock to Farm Jobs: Namibia’s agricultural sector warns the National Minimum Wage rollout is already cutting permanent farm employment, with preliminary AEA survey data showing a 4.5% drop in permanent jobs despite better production conditions. Digital Migration Push: Home Affairs is proposing a digital-first migration system to move visa and permit processing online, add electronic payments and real-time case tracking, and strengthen border management. Consumer Credit Pressure Under Scrutiny: Parliament’s economy committee is holding public hearings on whether lending laws protect households, focusing on microlenders, payday loans, and payroll deduction codes that may drive over-borrowing. Namfisa Refunds: Namfisa ordered financial institutions to return over N$1.7m to consumers after complaints against insurers, pension funds and microlenders. Telecom & Enterprise Tech: MTC becomes a Huawei-certified enterprise partner to expand connectivity, cloud and digital infrastructure for sectors like mining and oil & gas. Private 5G Momentum: Global private 5G deployments passed 2,000 enterprise sites, with industrial automation leading adoption. Green Hydrogen Jobs Demand: | Kharas leaders want Namibia’s climate funding and green hydrogen plans to translate into real local jobs, skills and enterprise opportunities. Gold Exploration Update: Ongwe reports a major new 5km gold-in-soil anomaly at Nguni (up to 730ppb Au), while Wia Gold highlights new high-grade targets at Kokoseb. Inflation Hits Households: May inflation rose to 4.1%, driven mainly by transport and housing, water and utilities. Transport Formalisation Plan: Taxi body Nabta is staging a comeback after deregistration, aiming to formalise the sector via a digital platform. Water Infrastructure Before Prepaid Meters: Activists demand councils fix failing water and sewer networks before prepaid meter rollouts. Education Expansion: Welwitchia University opens its Outapi campus, adding nursing and health science programmes for northern Namibia. |
Critical Minerals & Mining Investment: South African billionaire Rob Hersov warns the country risks missing the critical minerals boom, reigniting debate over whether licensing delays and regulatory uncertainty are scaring off new capital. Offshore Oil Push: QatarEnergy reports “encouraging” results from the Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s PEL 0039, the tenth under the licence, boosting confidence in the Orange Basin. Fuel Procurement Scrutiny: NAMCOR defends its coordinated fuel procurement arrangement as balancing affordability, supply security and sustainability amid public questions. Agribusiness Breakthrough: Namibia’s first commercially grown bananas are now on shelves after harvests at the Etunda trial project, aiming to cut fruit import dependence. Agriculture Showcase: Kalkfeld AgriMega Day drew 1,000+ attendees, with livestock trading and regenerative agriculture sessions highlighting momentum in farming innovation. Water Infrastructure Focus: Kavango West says Rupara Maternity Ward is nearing completion, while the new NamWater board is urged to fast-track key pipeline and canal projects. Housing Affordability Debate: Economists argue Namibia’s home-loan repayment concerns are really driven by high house prices and costly land and transfer charges. Road Safety & Governance: Road experts and officials clash over speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass, with earlier engineering objections now resurfacing. Digital & Connectivity Resilience: Namibia faces repeated telecom disruptions as copper cable theft and vandalism hit ICT reliability and digital transformation plans. Education & Community Support: Werner Erkes Foundation pledges N$20m annually for Namibia education projects, including new school facilities in Erongo. Mental Health Push: Namibia’s health ministry urges men to seek help for mental health without stigma, citing rising pressures and the need to break silence.
Offshore Oil & Energy: QatarEnergy struck encouraging results at the Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s PEL 0039, the tenth well under the licence, boosting confidence in the Orange Basin as more offshore exploration ramps up. Agribusiness & Jobs: Namibia’s first commercially grown bananas are now on shelves after the Etunda trial in Omusati delivered 2.5 tonnes, with plantings expanding to Zambezi and Kavango East. Agriculture Showcase: Over 1,000 people packed Kalkfeld AgriMega Day, highlighting livestock trading and regenerative farming ideas. Housing & Finance: Economists say Namibia’s home-loan debate misses the point—house prices are the driver, not just repayment terms—while MPs push for tighter controls on microlenders’ direct salary deductions. Governance & Procurement: ACC is probing Keetmanshoop Municipality over a reported N$3.4m service deal tied to prepaid electricity meters. ICT & Security: Cable theft and vandalism are repeatedly disrupting telecom services, adding pressure to Namibia’s digital rollout. Water & Infrastructure: NamWater’s new board is urged to fast-track key pipeline and canal projects. Road Safety: A court bid seeks removal of B1 speed humps, reigniting the fight between traffic calming and highway flow. Digital Finance: A fintech/digital development overview flags Namibia’s push to modernise finance to better serve businesses and communities.
Road Safety: Namibia’s road crashes are costing more than N$1.3bn a year, with over 400 fatalities annually and vulnerable road users hit hardest; the main causes flagged include speeding, alcohol/drugs, fatigue, reckless driving and vehicle faults. Housing & Formalisation: A new push to formalise Hadino Hishongwa informal settlements in Windhoek has residents backing relocation of structures in road reserves to unlock roads, electricity and services. Urban Services & Power: VP Lucia Witbooi commissioned electrification in Gibeon’s Sunrise informal settlement, connecting 15 households and urging companies to ensure natural-resource benefits reach communities. Water Infrastructure: NamWater’s new board is being told to prioritise unfinished northern pipeline and canal projects to cut water losses and improve reliability. Fuel & Energy Governance: NAMCOR defended its fuel procurement arrangement amid public scrutiny, citing affordability, supply security and commercial sustainability. Mining Costs: Rising fuel prices are squeezing Namibia’s mining sector, with transport inflation jumping and diesel/petrol price increases feeding into operating costs. Digital Security: Cable theft and vandalism are repeatedly disrupting Namibia’s telecom networks, adding pressure to digital transformation efforts. Agriculture Support: Hardap’s Small Stock Revolving Scheme redistributed 253 sheep, with more planned to boost climate resilience and food security. SME Growth: A new SME Fund under ProSME targets women and youth-led businesses for expansion and job creation. Namibia–SA Ties: President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Ramaphosa reaffirmed cooperation, pointing to 150+ agreements and the Namibia–South Africa Bi-National Commission. Offshore Oil: ReconAfrica has started critical production tests at Kavango West-1, aiming to report results by late July.
Water Diplomacy in Windhoek: Namibia is positioning itself as a global water hub after the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) relocated its secretariat and legal seat to Windhoek, with leaders backing a push for climate-resilient water governance and a new Global Investment Facility aimed at mobilising US$15bn by 2030. Power & Utilities: Vice President Lucia Witbooi commissioned electrification for 15 households in Gibeon’s Sunrise informal settlement, while the new NamWater board was urged to fast-track key pipeline and canal rehabilitation projects. Energy & Fuel Scrutiny: NAMCOR defended its coordinated fuel procurement arrangement amid public questions, as Namibia continues to feel pressure from regional supply shocks and higher transport costs. Mining Costs: The Chamber of Mines warned that rising fuel prices are squeezing operating margins, with diesel and petrol price hikes feeding into broader inflation. Road Safety Court Fight: Activist Michael Amushelelo’s urgent bid to remove B1 Western Bypass speed humps is set for a ruling at end-June, as the Roads Authority cites pedestrian crash risks. SME & Jobs Push: A new SME Fund under ProSME targets women and youth-led businesses, aiming to unlock growth and competitiveness. Regional Trade & Logistics: Namibia’s April imports show petroleum oils as the biggest spend category, while South Africa increasingly relies on US diesel and petrol shipments. Tourism & Sports: Namibia’s role as a host in the 2027 ODI World Cup (with 3 matches planned) adds to the country’s wider tourism momentum.
Fuel & Trade: Namibia spent N$14.2bn on petroleum oils in April—18.1% of all imports—pushing the trade deficit to N$4.4bn, with key suppliers including Nigeria, Oman and Sweden. Pension & Property: Prime Minister Ngurare urged GIPF to invest more “at home” after reputational hits from overseas losses; meanwhile GIPF disclosed its 29.46% stake in Oryx Property’s Goreangab Mall (N$300m asset). Telecom Resilience: Copper cable theft and vandalism are still disrupting networks, with operators weighing fibre shifts and stronger physical protection. SME Finance: ProSME launched an SME Fund to back women- and youth-led MSMEs (up to N$10m turnover), aiming to boost jobs and competitiveness. Mining & Energy Exploration: ReconAfrica began production testing at Kavango West-1; Namibia Critical Metals started infill drilling at Lofdal; and offshore oil news continues to build momentum. Road Safety Clash: A court ruling on Amushelelo’s urgent bid to remove B1 Western Bypass speed humps is set for 30 June, while the Roads Authority defends costs and safety intent. Education & Inclusion: Namibia’s “boys falling behind” debate grows after graduation and dropout figures; and the First Lady calls for better support for young entrepreneurs with disabilities.
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 Boom: Shell, QatarEnergy and Namcor struck “encouraging” results at Merlin-1X in PEL 0039, reporting good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas—another boost for Namibia’s Orange Basin. Fuel Security Clash: Namibia’s Vitol Bahrain emergency fuel deal (N$7.2bn) drew heavy National Assembly grilling over bypassing Namcor and potential downstream impacts. Telecom Overhaul: Telecom Namibia appointed Synercap Capital to lead a strategic transformation and restructuring, with a focus on customer experience, new products and new revenue. National Airline Push: Government says a national airline feasibility study is complete and under review, with a steering committee driving next steps. Blue Economy & Logistics: AGL Energies Namibia and Kelp Blue signed a cooperation framework to build sustainable coastal logistics and value chains, anchored in Lüderitz. Agribusiness Numbers: Namibia’s poultry sector keeps growing—6.9m chickens marketed in April (+12.3% y/y) and egg marketing up 27.5%. Green Hydrogen Locals: | Kharas consulted on Namibia’s Climate Investment Fund plan to unlock up to $250m for green hydrogen, stressing community benefit and youth skills. Mining Growth Signals: Elevate Uranium lifted Marenica’s resource to 52.8m lbs U3O8 (+31%), while Askari Metals reported “outstanding” K9 trenching results at Uis. Policy & Fiscal Reality: PM Ngurare admitted restraint won’t fix finances without stronger growth and well-chosen public investment, as debt and interest costs bite. Media Cooperation: NBC and NAMPA reaffirmed their partnership to deepen content sharing and newsroom collaboration. |
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.
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