AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Governance: The Gciriku Traditional Authority crowned a new Hompa, ending a seven-year court dispute, with Prime Minister Ngurare urging a revival of cultural practices and community cohesion. Land Reform: Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani launched the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033), shifting resettlement toward productivity, support services, and a pathway from leasehold to freehold for successful beneficiaries. Communal Land Rules: Rural/urban development minister James Sankwasa reiterated communal land remains state property and chiefs are custodians only—warning against illegal private trading. Regional Finance: SACU Heads agreed to set up a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism, with governance and access criteria to be worked out next. Money & Integrity: Namibia’s FATF Grey List exit was framed as a confidence boost for investment, banking and trade finance. Economy & Trade: Tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025, with safety concerns cited; Namibia also faces cross-border pressure as truck drivers pull back from South Africa amid June 30 xenophobia fears. Telecom: Telecom Namibia appointed an acting CEO after Shanapinda’s resignation. Natural Resources: Celsius agreed to sell its 95% Opuwo cobalt-copper interest to Chinalco for US$15m; Namibia also moved to host an Africa uranium legacy sites workshop. Fisheries: Bycatch penalty fees were raised from 15% to 50% to curb unsustainable non-target catches.

Electricity & Water Watch: Namibia’s Q1 2026 electricity sales rose 2.8%, but domestic generation fell 15.3% as imports jumped 32.9%, while the electricity subsector’s real value-added growth stayed marginal at 0.4%. Mining Risk: Analysts say GDP is stabilising at 2% growth in Q1, yet mining weakness (down 12.2% in the quarter) remains the key drag for the rest of 2026. Water Security Deal: The N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination joint venture was launched, aiming to add 20 billion litres of water a year by June 2028, with government equity support flagged. Health Procurement Clash: A health ministry procurement committee blocked a proposed N$1bn medicine buy without a public tender, citing abuse risk and possible missing finance clearance. Parliamentary Decorum: SWAPO MP Salomon April urged lawmakers to stop normalising disorder and use standing rules instead of disrupting National Assembly business. Foreign Affairs: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter, tying its independence journey to UN support. STEM Mentorship Push: The education minister launched the Namibia Mathematics Olympiad Alumni Association to mentor learners and strengthen STEM. Military Training: 26 junior officers graduated at Okahandja, with the Defence Force chief stressing discipline and combat readiness.

UN Charter Commitment: Namibia marked UN Charter Day in New York, with Ambassador Penda Naanda linking the UN’s role in Namibia’s independence struggle to today’s push for a rules-based international order. Traditional Leadership: Arwita Kayoka was coronated as the new Gciriku Hompa in Kavango East after a seven-year leadership dispute, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and Minister James Sankwasa urging reconciliation. Health Procurement Fight: Namibia’s health procurement committee blocked a proposed N$1bn emergency medicine buy without a public tender, warning the fast-track route could be abused. Water Access Data: A new mapping exercise highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of Namibia’s broader regional water challenge. Tourism Policy Pressure: Namibia’s visa changes are flagged as a possible factor behind a drop in German arrivals in 2025, raising questions for tourism competitiveness. ICT Governance: CRAN appointed a new board to steer Namibia’s ICT regulation and consumer protection. Youth & Sport: Namibia launched the School Sports for Development programme with UNICEF support, while Khomas and Oshana outlined sports and youth investment plans. Water Security Projects: The government also moved on major water infrastructure, including the Erongo SUNAM desalination push.

Football Transfers: Zimbabwe champions Scottland FC have reportedly tabled a R4.1m offer for Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile, as the Namibian forward’s Sundowns contract ends end-June—though no club confirmations are yet on the table. Mental Health & Health Delivery: Namibia’s mental health system is under pressure as reports say patients at state facilities face medication shortages, forcing people to return home without treatment or buy privately—raising alarms ahead of men’s mental health month. Youth Development Through Sport: Government launched the School Sports for Development programme with UNICEF, aiming to use sport to build education, inclusion and life skills for learners nationwide. Education & Skills Governance: Namibia’s Qualifications Authority held stakeholder sessions on qualification standards, with calls for tighter oversight of training institutions and clearer routes from graduation to jobs. Public Service Access: NaTIS expanded learner’s licence testing to Otjinene to cut travel burdens for Omaheke residents. Regional Integration: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, with Namibia among pilot countries. Water Security: Prime Minister Ngurare launched the Erongo SUNAM desalination project (N$2.1bn), with operations targeted for June 2028. International Affairs: Namibia renewed condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, while also reiterating its reparations push against Germany for colonial-era genocide.

SADC Integration Push: Namibia is among pilot countries for the proposed SADC UniVisa, with regional talks moving toward Heads of State consideration and a model already tested via the Kavango-Zambezi UniVisa. Public-Private Partnerships: The National Planning Commission urges stronger trust-based cooperation between government, business, development partners and media to deliver Vision 2030 goals. Qualifications Oversight: Namibia’s NQA is rolling out a new National Policy for Qualification Standards, with stakeholders in Katima Mulilo and Keetmanshoop pressing for tighter accreditation, better inspections, and clearer routes from training to jobs. Youth, Skills and Entrepreneurship: Government-backed training and coaching initiatives are expanding employability for women and young people, while Namibia’s Road Fund Administration rolls out digital self-service tools to speed up road funding processes. Regional Trade Agenda (SACU): SACU leaders, including Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah, backed reforms and a renewed agenda as Botswana takes over the chairmanship, aiming to strengthen regional value chains. Citizens’ Repatriation: Namibia approved an urgent voluntary return process for citizens in South Africa, with logistics still being finalised. Defence & Veterans: Shortlisted NDF candidates are called to report for July training, while Defence Minister Frans Kapofi tells Parliament veterans camped outside SWAPO HQ are still receiving benefits. Economy Watch: Namibia’s GDP grew 2.0% in Q1 2026, driven by services but weighed down by a sharp mining decline. Digital Sovereignty: CRAN upheld its rejection of Starlink licence appeals, stressing Namibia’s legal ownership requirements.

SACU Summit: Southern African Customs Union leaders wrapped up the 9th Summit in Cape Town, with President Cyril Ramaphosa warning that no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade patterns and new technology. Regional Finance: The bloc approved a N$5 billion Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism to back development projects across member states, alongside calls for a 15-year AGOA extension and faster AfCFTA implementation. Namibia’s Economy: Namibia’s GDP grew 2.0% in real terms in Q1 2026 to N$70.9 billion nominally, driven by services while mining and manufacturing contracted as diamond and gold output fell. Digital Sovereignty Clash: Namibia’s communications regulator upheld its rejection of Starlink’s licence bid, saying ownership requirements weren’t met and dismissing appeals. Water & Roads Tech: Road Fund Administration launched digital self-service platforms to speed up fuel levy refunds and cross-border charges. Kunene Land Dispute: Daure Daman Traditional Authority objected to ultimate.earth’s leasehold application, citing consultation and conduct concerns in a wider rhino-conservation vs mining/tourism fight. Reparations Push: Namibia renewed calls for reparations from Germany over the Herero and Nama genocide, with talks still focused on the scale and form. Youth & Skills: Oshana reported 3,010 graduates and thousands more trained through community programmes, while the Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Science/Tech hub was inaugurated to boost northern skills.

Regional Education & Youth Jobs: Oshana’s SORA says 3,010 graduates and 2,500 practical-skill learners emerged in 2025/26, with libraries and ICT training also expanding—while young people keep pushing for more jobs and business opportunities. Gaza Diplomacy: Namibia again called for a genuine, sustained ceasefire at the UN, stressing justice and a two-state solution amid ongoing strikes and humanitarian obstruction. Sports as Policy: Government launched the School Sports for Development programme in Windhoek, with the Vice President framing sport as discipline-building and inclusion for learners nationwide. Anti-Corruption Push: SADC adopted reforms to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, including more independence and a shift toward electronic procurement to cut discretion and corruption risks. Tourism & China Link: Namibia’s tourism board says partnerships with Chinese stakeholders are key; arrivals from China were reported at 9,657 in the latest figures, while overall tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025. Water & Infrastructure: Namibia committed N$200m equity toward the Erongo SUNAM desalination plant, targeting 20m cubic metres of climate-independent water annually. Governance & Implementation: NPC says three presidential task forces submitted reports to the President and ministries received directives for action by 10 August. Finance Integrity: Namibia’s Basel AML Index improved to 4.78 in 2025 after FIC autonomy, with the country removed from the grey list this year. Local Government Tensions: Keetmanshoop workers threatened escalation over alleged mismanagement and demanded acting CEO Desiree Boois’ removal.

Science & Tech Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia must stop being a technology consumer and become an innovation producer, as she inaugurates the Science Exhibition Hall and upgrades the Rössing Foundation Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub. Youth & STEM: Genius Robotics is turning robotics into a youth pathway for jobs and local skills, while Namibia’s youth-driven change agenda keeps gaining momentum. Local Governance Tensions: Keetmanshoop municipal workers threaten to escalate their dispute over alleged mismanagement and intimidation involving acting CEO Desiree Boois to the line minister. Resource Beneficiation Pressure: PDM demands measurable progress on the beneficiation agenda, asking for targets and accountability beyond policy promises. Public Works Under Fire: Roads Contractor Company (RCC) faces possible High Court winding-up after a legal challenge over unpaid obligations and governance concerns. Regional Politics & Trade: Namibia is set to participate in the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, with focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. ACC Leadership Move: President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s nomination of Bryan Eiseb to lead the Anti-Corruption Commission lands amid heightened scrutiny of integrity and institutions. Sports & Infrastructure: Oshikoto boosts constituency sports facility budgets, and the Welwitschias begin a new chapter with a Zambia friendly.

ACC Leadership: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has nominated Bryan Eiseb to lead the Anti-Corruption Commission, with Parliament set to consider his appointment as Paulus Noa’s term ends. Judicial Independence: AR MP Tuhafeni Kalola challenges US ambassador John Giordano’s televised remarks to the chief justice, asking whether the comments breach constitutional protections for judges. Education Integrity: The education ministry warns the public to report unregistered or unaccredited higher education institutions, urging students to verify NCHE/NTA registration and NQA course accreditation. Local Governance & Service Delivery: Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi flags water, roads, education and security as priorities, citing N$6.4m for pumps, mini-desalination and boreholes. Food Security Policy: Swapo MP Vaino Hangula presses government on plans to procure and store locally produced maize ahead of a bumper harvest, after complaints about “plastic rice” and storage risks at a correctional farm. Youth Politics: The National Youth Council’s general assembly remains in limbo after disruptions and postponement, with board terms ending and leadership transition uncertainty. Digital Governance: Windhoek says it may seek legal amendments after a Supreme Court ruling limited the city’s authority to provide telecom services, affecting its fibre monetisation plans. Regional Integration: President Ndaitwah is expected to attend the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, focused on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation.

FATF Grey-List Exit: Namibia’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list took effect on 19 June, with Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah calling it a confidence boost—while MPs urged Namibia to build safeguards on national priorities, not external pressure. Parliament & Social Protection: A Swapo MP flagged over N$218m in unclaimed pension benefits and wants a parliamentary probe into tracing and accountability failures. Angolan Children Crisis: In Parliament, PM Elijah Ngurare said government has the capacity to address Angolan children begging at traffic lights, pointing to ongoing bilateral talks with Angola. Local Governance & Justice: A City of Windhoek legal advisor faces assault charges after an alleged attack on a teacher, reigniting debate on respect for educators and parental interference. Health Regulation: NMRC cleared Fabu-Paracetamol after independent testing found products meet safety and quality standards. Road Safety: The MVA Fund reported 229 road deaths since the start of the year, with pedestrians still the most vulnerable. Regional Development: Kavango West launched projects targeting unemployment and poverty, while Oshana reported crime and gender-violence case declines. Energy & Infrastructure: NamPower’s N$394m Sekelduin substation was inaugurated to strengthen Erongo supply, and the Road Fund rolled out digital portals to improve service delivery and funding efficiency. Tech & Youth: President Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Ondangwa Digital Technology Hub, and NamRA signed an MoU with the National Youth Service to train graduate recruits for public service. Cultural Restitution: Namibia received the first batch of repatriated colonial-era cultural artifacts from Switzerland.

Energy & Industry: NamPower inaugurated the N$394m Sekelduin Substation in Swakopmund, saying it will boost power reliability in Erongo and support mining, households and future projects. Parliament & Governance: MPs welcomed Namibia’s FATF grey-list exit but warned against over-reliance on external standards; lawmakers also flagged oversight and future-proofing. Public Finance & Social Protection: A motion in the National Assembly calls for an audit into unclaimed pension and related benefits, with unclaimed pension alone put at over N$218m. Judiciary Reform: Chief Justice Peter Shivute outlined how constitutional reforms created the Office of the Judiciary and strengthened courts’ independence, including the Wildlife Court. Digital Policy: CRAN dismissed Starlink’s appeal, with the dispute centred on Namibia’s ownership and control rules. Health & Regulation: NMRC cleared Fabupharm’s paracetamol syrup after independent tests. Road Safety: MVA Fund reported 229 deaths in Namibia in the first half of the year, with pedestrian crashes a major concern. Heritage Restitution: Namibia received the first batch of repatriated colonial-era cultural artifacts from Switzerland. Regional Economy: PM leads Lesotho at the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, focused on integration and industrial development. Sports & Society: Namibia’s Welwitschia Invitational XV will play Zambia in Windhoek on Sunday.

FATF Grey List Exit: Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force “grey list” after reforms to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing, with Finance Minister Erica Shafudah saying 13 deficiencies were addressed through new laws, amendments and coordinated institutional action. Anti-Corruption Leadership: Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s nominee, Bryan Eiseb, is set for a parliamentary motion to become the next ACC Director-General, to succeed Paulus Noa. Regulatory & Identity: Home Affairs says it will investigate blocked IDs, documents and cards marked before Nov 2022, warning some may be unblocked or cancelled depending on eligibility and fraud checks. Energy & Investment: DBN secured a USD 1m Green Climate Fund readiness grant to build capacity and help mobilise private climate finance; meanwhile, Tower Resources says Namibia farm-out approval is imminent, with a response promised by 1 July. Environment & Oceans: Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani says marine protection must rise from about 1.7% to 11–12% by 2030, citing marine pollution as a key concern. Oil & Gas: Rhino Resources plans up to eight 3D seismic surveys in Namibia’s Orange basin area, with the first expected to start this year. Local Governance: Rehoboth Town Council is preparing to reopen Reho Spa after 16 years, aiming to boost tourism and jobs.

Anti-Corruption Leadership: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah nominated Bryan Eiseb (FIC director) to become ACC director general; PM Elijah Ngurare will seek National Assembly approval for a five-year term as Paulus Noa’s tenure ends. FATF Grey List Exit: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah says Namibia has been removed from the FATF grey list after passing reforms, including amending nine laws and enacting four, boosting investor confidence and financial credibility. Telecom Regulation: CRAN dismissed Starlink’s reconsideration bid over licence rejection, citing missed procedural requirements and continued non-compliance with ownership/control rules; meanwhile CRAN is also reviewing spectrum expansion requests from operators including MTC and Paratus. Youth & Skills: NAMRA and the National Youth Service signed an MoU to build a disciplined, skilled youth pipeline for sectors like oil and gas, trade facilitation and border security. Community Media Policy: The information ministry launched the Community Media Policy and Implementation Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen local voices, pluralism and access to information. Local Governance Pressure: Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge used the SORA to demand delivery over planning, highlighting youth unemployment and infrastructure delays. Public Health & Service Delivery: Windhoek’s Epandulo informal settlement faces a long-running sanitation crisis, with residents calling for toilets and improved waste services after 33 years. Climate & Oceans: A regional push at the Our Ocean Conference urges an end to industrial krill fishing in Antarctica, warning of irreversible ecosystem damage.

Starlink Setback: Namibia’s communications regulator (CRAN) has upheld its March rejection of Starlink’s licence bid, dismissing 624 reconsideration requests—622 for missing legal/procedural thresholds and two that raised no material grounds—while also rejecting Starlink’s own late reconsideration. Youth Council Crisis: The National Youth Council’s Swakopmund general assembly was postponed after reported violence, intimidation and nine injuries, with critics calling for major reforms and questions raised about how over N$2 million was spent. Debt Pressure in Parliament: Lawmakers are probing lending practices as the debt crisis deepens, focusing on salary-deduction systems and whether borrowers—especially civil servants—are left with too little net pay. Labour Voices in Policy: Justice minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel urged that workers’ voices shape national planning, linking beneficiation and job creation to Namibia’s minerals agenda. Cybersecurity Link-Up: Namibia’s NAM-CSIRT represented the country at the FIRST incident response conference in Denver, strengthening international cooperation on digital resilience. Regional Infrastructure Push: Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge called for an Oshakati–Ondangwa dual carriageway to ease congestion and support northern economic growth. FATF Watch: Nepal remains on the FATF grey list after insufficient anti-money laundering and terrorist financing progress, underscoring the stakes for financial governance. Tanzania Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Tanzania reaffirmed liberation-era bonds and produced new MoUs on trade, defence, agriculture and SMEs.

Starlink vs CRAN: Namibia’s communications regulator has dismissed Starlink’s appeal against the rejection of its telecom and spectrum licences, saying the company still failed Namibia’s ownership and control requirements and that its reconsideration was filed after the deadline. Regulatory capacity for rail: The works and transport ministry warns that opening Namibia’s rail sector beyond TransNamib will require new laws, stronger oversight and even a planned rail fund to manage public service obligations. Tanzania-Namibia diplomacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah returned from a state visit focused on shifting from liberation solidarity to deeper economic cooperation, including defence, trade, agriculture and SME partnerships, while also visiting Kongwa and meeting fallen fighters’ families. Local governance spotlight: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge delivered the State of the Region Address, stressing service delivery, infrastructure and youth empowerment. GIPF payouts: Tunga Real Estate Fund distributed about N$21.6m to GIPF, lifting total distributions to roughly N$265m. Road safety protest: Activist Michael Amushelelo and motorists protested Western Bypass speed humps, arguing pedestrian safety shouldn’t be at motorists’ cost and calling for pedestrian bridges. Healthcare governance row: A Namibian think tank is calling for an in-depth investigation into healthcare procurement, citing long-running governance failures and stalled implementation of key laws. Training authority legal vacuum: Lawyers challenge Namibia Training Authority operations, alleging unlawful spending due to an expired board. Reparations push: African and Caribbean leaders agreed in Accra on an 18-point reparatory justice framework, with Namibia’s president among those involved.