AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2028 Row: Namibia’s government has denied it is part of any Southern African bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, saying no approval, authorisation, or budget commitments have been made. Public Finance & Delivery: The Ministry of Finance launched a budget reform workshop to shift spending toward outcome-based programmes as debt and fiscal space tighten. Energy, Policy & Oversight: The US unveiled a $12bn critical minerals stockpile while Namibia’s oil and gas sector gears up for NOGC 2026; meanwhile, CRAN received 624 reconsideration applications after its Starlink ruling. Transport Transition: Works and Transport launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, aimed at informing a possible national charging network. Health Services: WHO launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia, and Swakopmund opened a new N$30m neonatal intensive care unit to cut neonatal mortality. Environment & Wildlife: Namibia says only 1.69% of its marine areas are under conservation protection, and KAZA states met in Victoria Falls to push a united front on elephant conservation and trade. Governance & Accountability: Windhoek says ministries owe it over N$20m, and Namibia places eight ministries on a performance watchlist.

Youth & Local Economy: Swakopmund wrapped up its Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative with 85 young entrepreneurs supported (N$1m in equipment) after 2,489 applications, as Erongo Governor Nathalia Goagoses framed it as a milestone for inclusive, sustainable jobs. Health & Skills: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to place students for practical training in nursing and social work, strengthening care for cancer patients. Governance & Justice: TransNamib opened a theft case after a break-in at its CEO’s Windhoek office; police are investigating alleged laptop theft tied to internal irregularities. Media & Gender: National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fair, substantive reporting on women leaders, warning against coverage focused on personal conduct. Energy & Environment: Environmental lawyers warn Namibia’s renewable push could harm ecosystems without strong safeguards and proactive enforcement. Urban Safety: Windhoek City Council adopted a motion calling for urgent national action on child begging at intersections, citing safety risks and alleged exploitation links. Sports & Facilities: PM Elijah Ngurare found Nkurenkuru sport infrastructure below national standards and urged stakeholders to unlock stalled funding. Budget Pressure: Ngurare said Namibia will accelerate budget reforms as Middle East tensions raise inflation, trade costs and weaken growth prospects.

Police & Gender: Namibia hit a gender milestone as 670 police cadets graduated in Omaheke, with women (382) outnumbering men (288) for the first time since 2017. Child Protection & Urban Safety: Windhoek City Council adopted a motion for urgent national action over rising child begging at intersections, citing about 150 children—reportedly Angolan—facing road risks and possible exploitation; the mayor warns of repeat cross-border returns despite repatriation efforts. Telecom Accountability: CRAN ordered Telecom Namibia to stabilise its network after widespread outages from January to May, giving the operator four months to fix issues including equipment failures and copper theft. Health Infrastructure: Erongo opened a N$50m neonatal intensive care unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, adding high-care and intensive beds plus a mothers’ lodge. Governance & Justice: The High Court will decide the fate of Namibia’s cannabis ban on 6 July. Media Freedom: A new African Media Barometer report flags a gap between Namibia’s strong press-freedom rankings and on-the-ground realities, with stakeholders warning intimidation and legal protection gaps persist. Energy & Economy: Namibia’s fuel supply deal is under scrutiny after claims of exclusive mandate concerns in Parliament, while credit growth improved in April, driven by overdrafts. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia participated in a Korea–Africa foreign ministers meeting in Seoul to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, technology and AfCFTA implementation. Sports & Jobs: Goreangab Mall opened as a major jobs and services boost for Katutura, while Tour de Windhoek 2026 is set for 13–16 August.

Fuel-Supply Controversy: Energy Minister Modestus Amutse’s decision to grant Vitol an exclusive mandate to import Namibia’s fuel has reignited claims of elite capture and bypassing competition rules, with Parliament now asking how the process was handled. Political Accountability: The Presidency rejects IPC allegations linking President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to a N$612m solar project, saying the matter concerns private deals and regulatory steps. Local Governance & Land Disputes: In Oshana, the Iiheke Ya Nakele community protested a construction project they say ignores earlier resolutions and threatens grazing, water and cultural sites. Public Service & Security: 670 police cadets graduated in Omaheke as Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged integrity and a people-centred force; Windhoek also reported a 14% drop in murders in early 2026. Social Protection: Over 15,000 pensioners had old-age grants suspended after missing verification, leaving many turned away at payout points. Regional Delivery: 14 governors will begin State of the Region Addresses to translate national priorities into grassroots implementation. Child Protection: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to ending violence against children, highlighting children’s participation through structures like the Children’s Parliament.

Solar & accountability row: IPC leader Panduleni Itula renewed claims that President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s son benefited from a N$612m Sinomine solar deal, while the Presidency says the President was not involved and that circulated documents don’t show wrongdoing. Traditional authority debate: Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa argues chiefs come from royal bloodlines and are accountable to royal families, after the IKhomanin community voted to remove their chief over land sales and donations. Fuel procurement clarification: Industries minister Modestus Amutse told Parliament there is “only one Vitol” supplying Namibia, despite confusion over which Vitol entity held the tender. Local government cash crunch: Councils face a looming service cut-off as ministries and state entities owe over N$162m, with disconnections threatened for non-payment. Pension verification fallout: Over 15,000 pensioners reportedly had old-age grants suspended after missing verification, raising humanitarian concerns. Gender & media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer media portrayal of women leaders at NBC’s 35th anniversary. Urban safety: Windhoek reports a 14% drop in murders (Jan–May), but theft and armed robberies remain concerns. Regional integration: President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SACU’s role as a key regional economic pillar. Economy & inclusion: She hailed Goreangab Mall as a symbol of reversing apartheid exclusion, citing jobs and local sourcing expectations.

Windhoek Public Safety: The City reports murders down 14% in the first five months of 2026, with attempted murders, robberies, theft, and break-ins falling—though vehicle theft rose 4% and armed robberies climbed 10%, linked to alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Gender & Media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged NBC to portray women leaders fairly, warning that controversy-focused coverage discourages women from public life. Local Government & Housing: IPC pushes to declare Namibia’s urban housing crisis a national emergency, citing a backlog of 300,000+ units and slow land servicing by local authorities. Urban Welfare: Windhoek moves to tackle street begging at intersections, referring a plan to coordinate interventions to protect children and road users. Health Services: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 Erongo patients, cutting long travel to private facilities. Education & Costs: UNAM students question whether fuel-price relief measures are easing daily expenses; NSFAF says it’s clearing outstanding student payments with weekly processing for non-tuition fees. Economic Inclusion: President Nandi-Ndaitwah hails Goreangab Mall as a symbol of reversing apartheid exclusion, citing jobs and improved access to services.

AI & Governance: A fake AI-generated presidential speech went viral, with Nandi-Ndaitwah later rejecting it—yet the episode shows how strongly Namibians crave moral, anti-corruption leadership. Media Freedom: The ombudsman warns fear still drives public life, while the African Media Barometer flags gaps like the stalled Access to Information Act. Local Government Accountability: NALAO questions Omaruru CEO Valentinus Sindongo’s suspension, saying due process and fair labour practice may have been bypassed. Housing Crisis Push: IPC wants the urban housing backlog declared a national emergency, citing slow land servicing and affordability pressures. Tourism Regulation: The Namibia Tourism Board warns unregistered short-term rentals are unlawful and can trigger criminal charges. Parliamentary Transparency: IPC leader Panduleni Itula raises questions over a N$612m solar deal tied to the Tsumeb smelter and alleged links to the President’s sons. Justice Access: The Omuthiya Periodical Court opens 8 June to bring services closer to Oshikoto residents. Public Sector Media: NBC marks 35 years, reaffirming its public service mandate and expanding regional news coverage. Business & Trade: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urges firms to use AfCFTA to trade beyond Namibia, as Invest in Africa and related expo events run in Swakopmund. Finance Sector: Namibia Asset Management marks 30 years, calling for deeper financial inclusion and literacy.

Commonwealth Games: Namibia’s NNOC unveiled a 39-member Team Namibia for Glasgow (23 July–2 Aug), with 23 athletes across athletics, para-athletics, boxing, gymnastics, bowling and swimming, while noting key absences and urging public support. Parliament & governance: Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo told MPs motions must be properly drafted (no preambles), pushing for tighter legal-clerk checks before items reach the Order Paper. Labour rights: TUCNA warned Namibia is a “regular violator” in the ITUC Global Rights Index, citing barriers around union registration, collective bargaining and the right to strike. Justice access: The Omuthiya Periodical Court is set to open on 8 June, bringing magistrate-level services closer to Oshikoto residents. Education funding: NSFAF says non-tuition allowances will start flowing to students next week, with weekly processing from mid-June. Energy & mining: Koryx Copper advanced Haib project planning with a NamPower grid connection MoU and water supply plans; NaCC also approved multiple mining mergers with conditions tied to jobs and local participation. Road safety: Roads Authority began installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to cut pedestrian fatalities. Finance inclusion: President Nandi-Ndaitwah used NAM’s 30th anniversary to call for broader financial inclusion, literacy and access to investment opportunities.

Whale Safety & Shipping: A new study links higher ship traffic in South African waters to whale-ship collisions, warning that rerouting is hard because offshore whale maps are incomplete—pushing calls for urgent joint action by government, the International Maritime Organization and scientists. Liberation Veterans Support: The Sisa Namandje Foundation named Anna Kaunawoye Mekondjo Thomas as a beneficiary under its Injured But Not Fallen Ex-PLAN Combatants Project, continuing financial support for seriously injured veterans. Cuba-Namibia Ties: President Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated Raúl Castro on his 95th birthday, reaffirming friendship and Cuba’s historic support for Namibia’s liberation struggle. Competition & Uranium Deal: The NaCC approved multiple mergers, including conditions on CNNC’s minority stake in Bannerman Energy tied to the Etango uranium project, focusing on jobs, skills and Namibian participation. Municipal Debt Pressure: A ministerial directive to disconnect utilities over unpaid municipal debts sparked debate over accountability versus the risk of disrupting essential services. Governance Watch: The NYS has reportedly operated with only four board members for over a year, below the statutory minimum, raising compliance and governance concerns. Mpox in Swakopmund: Namibia’s health ministry confirmed mpox in Swakopmund, activating surveillance and contact tracing amid regional transmission worries. Fuel Supply Legal Fight: In Parliament, Mines and Energy Minister Amutse denied Vitol’s fuel-supply mandate was illegal, arguing licensing rules don’t apply the way critics claim. Youth & Skills: ExxonMobil and JA Africa launched STEM Africa 2.0 to expand STEM and AI training for thousands of young Africans, including Namibia. Traditional Leaders & Community Role: Coverage highlights growing pressure around how traditional leaders are selected or replaced, with calls for stronger community influence. Swakopmund Local Life: The town unveiled a new welcome sign aimed at boosting tourism, while separate suicide incidents in days have shocked residents.

Police & Security Oversight: PDM MP Winnie Moongo has questioned Home Affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu over police vehicle shortages and maintenance delays, saying border patrols have allegedly been suspended for long periods due to transport constraints. Public Communication & Media Capacity: NAMPA launched the Effective Communicators Conference 2026, with APRA and China Media Group joining as strategic partners; the programme targets crisis communication, digital messaging and fighting misinformation. Fuel Market & Regulation: Mines and Energy minister Modestus Amutse defended Vitol’s exclusive fuel supply deal, arguing the company is not required to hold a local operating licence because it works through licensed Namibian entities. Family Law Reform: Judge-President Petrus Damaseb says Namibia’s new no-fault divorce dispensation takes effect today, with “irretrievable breakdown” as the sole ground. Youth, Health & SRHR: Germany funds N$1.9m for NAPPA’s “Pamwe” project to tackle teenage pregnancy and expand youth-friendly health services. Education Funding Pressure: NSFAF faces fresh backlash as Nanso and SUN protest delayed student disbursements. Governance & Accountability: Auditor-General findings show Windhoek overspent on salaries after pay increases exceeded approved limits.

Family Law Reform: Namibia’s Dissolution of Marriages Act takes effect, ending fault-based divorce and removing the need to prove adultery, cruelty or desertion; courts now focus on irretrievable breakdown and mediation is set to be compulsory. Land Politics: Opposition MPs reject the Land Bill in its current form, arguing it concentrates power in the executive, leaves urban housing out of the reform framework, and risks loopholes for foreign control. Elections & Trust: ECN commissioner candidates call for practical electoral fixes—more polling stations, longer voting hours, better voter education and clearer result timelines—to rebuild public confidence. Finance & Consumer Costs: The Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease only gradually as new rules roll out, while banks’ fee income remains a major concern. Social Protection: Government suspends 15,825 unverified old-age pension beneficiaries pending National Population Registry checks, with reinstatement and back pay promised. Security & Mobility: Namibia warns citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid xenophobic unrest, and advises consular support if needed. Water Disruption: Windhoek and surrounding areas face a scheduled NamWater outage Friday due to power work at the Von Bach Treatment Plant. Energy & Fuel Supply: Questions grow over Namibia’s emergency Vitol fuel deal process, as parliament demands explanations over the lack of a competitive approach.

Fuel Supply & Competition: Opposition MPs are pressing the government to explain Namibia’s decision to appoint Vitol as sole bulk fuel supplier for July–September, with IPC alleging monopolistic tendencies and calling for scrutiny of the process. Parliament & Governance: The National Assembly resumed with debate on the Public Governance Amendment Bill, with critics warning it could centralise control of public enterprises in the Office of the Prime Minister. Elections Reform: ECN commissioner candidates urged practical fixes—more polling stations, longer voting hours, better result-announcement timelines, and stronger voter education and media communication. Labour Rights: Namibia’s Justice ministry says the right to strike is already protected under the constitution and Labour Act, following an ICJ advisory opinion. Banking Costs: The Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease gradually as new regulations roll out, while acknowledging banks’ fee income remains a major concern. Public Finance: Government borrowing from local banks rose to N$52.4bn, raising inflation worries. Security & Travel: Namibia warned citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid xenophobic unrest; meanwhile, Edelweiss launched nonstop Zurich–Windhoek flights. Agriculture & Oversight: President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme has fully utilised its agricultural land, with continued scrutiny via annual visits.

Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly resumed and MPs debated the Public Governance Amendment Bill, with critics warning it could centralise control of public enterprises in the Office of the Prime Minister, while others pushed for clearer board qualifications and stronger financial oversight. Health Appointments: In another heated question, AMUPANDA leader Job Amupanda challenged why the Registrar of Pharmacists post was not advertised; Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said consultations were done and legal opinions sought, even if the Medicines Act doesn’t spell out advertising. AfCFTA Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged full AfCFTA implementation to lift intra-African trade and industrial growth, pointing to Namibia’s exports under the agreement and the strategic role of Walvis Bay. Agriculture Delivery: The President praised Kavango East green schemes for improved land utilisation and output, while noting equipment ageing and weather delays. Fuel Contract Controversy: IPC demanded answers on the energy ministry’s three-month exclusive fuel supply deal with Vitol, questioning the lack of competitive tendering and pricing terms. Governance & Integrity: A whistleblower complaint alleges corruption and nepotism at NIPDB; the claims are unverified and no ACC findings are reported. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed the MCSCC board, re-electing Namibia’s Stanley Ndara as chair. Economy & Power: Fitch said NamPower’s liquidity and leverage look stronger than Eskom’s. Education Administration: Government ordered universities to let NSFAF-funded students sit exams and access results while funding processes are finalised. Connectivity Boost: Edelweiss launched the Zurich–Windhoek direct flight, strengthening tourism and investment links.

National Assembly Agenda: MPs are set to resume with major bills on the table, with land, petroleum, public enterprises governance and mental health all expected to drive debate and public attention. Student Funding Dispute: The education ministry has ordered universities to let NSFAF-funded students sit exams and receive results while funding processes are finalised, after weeks of uncertainty over delayed payments. Defence Welfare Push: IPC has renewed calls for stronger mental health support, better housing and improved welfare for soldiers following two deaths at NDF bases in Otjiwarongo and Otavi. Reparations Movement: A new Genocide Reparations Advocacy Forum (GRAF) has launched in Windhoek, aiming to unite voices in the campaign for German reparations for the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide. New Direct Flight: Edelweiss has launched the first non-stop Zurich–Windhoek commercial route, initially twice weekly, boosting Namibia’s Europe connectivity and tourism prospects. Economy Watch: Namibia’s current account deficit widened to N$10.4bn in Q4 2025 as service payments and income outflows rose, even as gold and uranium exports remained strong. Food Security: WFP reports 105,813 households received rice assistance in May, warning that multiple shocks keep needs elevated. Telecom Leadership Change: Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda will leave on 1 July as the company prepares for a new board and CEO recruitment.

Presidential Appointments & Economic Direction: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed economist Shali Shindume as her Economic Advisor from 1 June, tasking him with advising on banking, financial services, impact investment and public-private finance collaboration. Food Security & Agriculture: The President visited the Sikondo Green Scheme in Kavango West, praising a new garlic trial alongside green pepper and cabbage as part of efforts to boost productivity and rural incomes. Border Control & Public Trust: Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu inspected Zambezi border posts, warning that inconsistent discipline and communication in the security cluster are eroding public trust, while highlighting gaps like missing holding cells and patrol constraints. Civil Registration Performance: Namibia is falling short on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics targets, with birth certificate coverage dropping from 65% (2016) to 54% (2023), blamed on weak project design, staffing and execution capacity. Financial Sector Governance: Namfisa appointed a new board chaired by Brian Masule to strengthen oversight of Namibia’s non-bank financial sector. Fuel Procurement Controversy: Government directed fuel companies to source bulk petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol for July–September, raising transparency and conflict-of-interest questions. Budget Implementation Watch: The 2026/27 national budget has been signed into law, shifting focus to delivery and accountability as ministries begin accessing funds. Regional Cooperation: Namibia is reviewing its 30-year-old immigration law to modernise migration management, including pre-arrival information systems. Food Aid Continuity: WFP urged continued funding to sustain Namibia’s food security gains as vulnerable households remain exposed to climate shocks.

Banking & Reserves: Bank of Namibia says international reserves rose 13.6% in April to N$58.8bn, supported by SACU inflows and foreign currency placements, lifting import cover to 3.7 months. Border Governance: Home Affairs is reviewing Namibia’s 1993 immigration law, aiming to modernise migration management with pre-arrival information and better border processing. Health Regulation & Politics: Health ministry removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines and appointed Frieda Shiweda from 1 June; sources allege the move is linked to resistance to approving substandard medicines. Fuel Market & State Spending: Government says June fuel prices will stay unchanged as the National Energy Fund absorbs about N$47.2m; meanwhile Amutse says Vitol has an emergency exclusive supply deal for July–September, while Amutse also dismisses fuel supply claims. Consumer Credit Reform: Namfisa says the consumer credit bill is nearing finalisation after consultations, with tighter affordability checks, disclosure rules and debt-collection standards. Regional Cooperation: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda; SADC fisheries monitoring leadership was renewed with Stanley Ndara reappointed. National Memory Debate: Analysts say Genocide Remembrance Day missed its purpose by deepening divisions, while VP Witbooi and others continue calls for unity and justice. Energy Safety: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility hits 1,004 days without a lost-time injury.