AGP Executive Report

Cricket in Windhoek: South Africa’s Proteas open a T20I tri-series against Namibia today, with stand-in captain Bjorn Fortuin insisting they’re “here to win” after last year’s loss and saying they’re taking nothing for granted. Heroes’ Day & youth: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used Heroes’ Day to push a new focus on economic liberation, and honoured 16-year-old Kornelius Shimuafeni for rescuing twins from a pond, arguing heroism now includes everyday courage. Food security support: Government announced N$40m to buy grain from local millers via AMTA to help farmers and reduce post-harvest losses. Economy & prices: Namibia’s manufacturing producer prices rose 23.5% year-on-year in Q2, driven by big jumps in rubber and plastic products, while gold and other minerals continue to lift export earnings. Finance inclusion: The Bank of Namibia plans digital money on mobile phones by next June to improve instant payments and help formalise informal businesses. Health alert: German officials are investigating “airport malaria” after two Frankfurt airport workers died, with mosquito monitoring and awareness letters rolled out.

Heroes’ Day & nation-building: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the 60th Heroes’ Day commemoration to warn Namibia cannot live on liberation glory alone, pointing to poverty, unemployment, inequality, corruption and institutional inefficiency as today’s battles, and calling for economic emancipation through beneficiation, value addition and youth empowerment. Youth participation questioned: A separate report says fewer young people are showing up for national commemorations, with experts blaming weak history teaching and limited support for the subject in schools. Liberation & community honours: Capricorn Group, via its foundation, honoured 35 grassroots community leaders in Windhoek, while the Bank of Namibia presented a long-overdue commemorative coin to Olympic legend Frankie Fredericks. Transport & cost pressures: Namibia Statistics Agency data shows rail public-transport inflation jumped to 15.4% in July, driven by higher taxi, rail and bus public transport costs. Oil & gas workforce planning: Namibia Health Plan engaged industry leaders at the 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference to plan healthcare coverage for a growing sector workforce. Energy sector update: Namibia’s jet-fuel situation remains strained after contaminated fuel disruptions, with airlines making contingency plans. Mining outlook: The Chamber of Mines says Namibia’s mining outlook stays positive despite uneven production, with strong gold and uranium prices expected to cushion value. Sports (Namibia in focus): Proteas leg-spinner Nqaba Peter is set for a Namibia-based tri-series, while Namibia also features in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 Africa qualifier.

Fuel Crisis: Namibia’s jet fuel disruption is worsening after contaminated cargo linked to Vivo Energy Namibia/Vitol supply chains, with airlines forced to reroute and officials saying the shortage could last until the weekend. Conservation & Wildlife: A nearly R10m windfall is set to fund African rhino protection projects after an Australian “rhino rescue” plan folded. Heroes Day & Liberation Legacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred hero status on a teen who saved twin babies and honoured liberation figures, while Namibia also marks the 60th anniversary of the armed struggle with calls for unity and economic emancipation. Sports Spotlight: South Africa’s Proteas kick off a T20I tri-series in Windhoek with a young squad, featuring Duan Jansen’s long-awaited call-up and Dewald Brevis urging teammates to trust their instincts. Energy & Jobs: Namibia’s NOGC 2026 wrapped up with a clear message: discoveries must translate into jobs, skills and local business value, as the country scales green hydrogen plans. Local Economy: Oshikango’s trade woes get a boost with the opening of the Times Square Complex in Ohangwena, aiming to keep shoppers and income closer to home. Governance & Media: NIPAM trains journalists on state protocol and diplomacy etiquette to reduce clashes and improve coverage of official events.

Offshore Mining Watch: Namibia has granted environmental clearance for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper seabed project off Walvis Bay, a move that revives a long-stalled deep-sea phosphate plan despite opposition from environmental groups and the fishing industry. Climate & Safety: Namibia urged SADC to boost meteorological services and early-warning systems at SARCOF-33 in Swakopmund, warning that climate risks need faster action across sectors like agriculture, water and disaster management. Energy Reliability: The Electricity Control Board says Namibia’s high-voltage backbone is in good shape, but most distribution networks are still rated poor, with gaps in safety procedures and maintenance. Liberation Commemoration: President Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred national honours on about 1,000 people at Independence Stadium, recognising contributions to the liberation struggle and independence. Health & Jobs: 1,350 unemployed graduate nurses called for changes to recruitment processes, saying too few posts are advertised while hundreds compete. Business & Investment: Deep Yellow says it has secured key Tumas milestones in Namibia, including a long-term water supply agreement and local ownership arrangements, as it targets a Final Investment Decision in Q4 2026. Sports Calendar: CAF unveiled the draw for the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers, with Angola vs Namibia among the first-round ties.

Water Crisis in the North: MPs in Namibia’s National Council say northern water shortages should not persist 35 years after independence, calling on NamWater and lawmakers to speed up water laws and service delivery. Health & Training: Hardap health workers are being trained in neonatal resuscitation and immediate newborn care to cut preventable neonatal deaths. Economy & Data: Namibia’s Statistics Agency has moved to an automated Python-based system for the Producer Price Index, revising producer prices back to 2015. Energy Oversight: The Electricity Control Board says regional electricity distributors perform better than councils that run electricity, pointing to weak spots in local networks. Heroes Day & Public Service: Government workers get an early knock-off at 13h00 ahead of Heroes Day commemorations. Politics: Namibia’s NDP fires three senior officials after dictatorship allegations against party president Martin Lukato. Environment & Industry: Namibia has cleared a controversial deep-sea phosphate mine project near Walvis Bay, drawing pushback from scientists and fishing interests. Oil & Aviation Fuel: Namibia’s Jet A-1 shortage is linked to a commercial fuel arrangement and a quarantined consignment after quality checks, not the government’s Vitol supply setup. Regional Climate Resilience: Namibia urges SADC to invest more in meteorological services and early-warning systems to act on climate forecasts.

Heroes’ Day Reburials: Namibia marked Heroes’ Day with the reburial of eight liberation struggle veterans at Heroes’ Acre, including remains repatriated from South Africa, restoring dignity for families and closing a painful chapter after decades in unmarked graves. Oil & Gas Jobs Push: The 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC 2026) wrapped in Windhoek with a clear message: discovery must translate into local jobs, skills, businesses and long-term national value. Renewables Leadership: REIAoN appointed Paulus Mulunga as its new chair, pledging to shift from advocacy to coordinated action through task forces on solar quality, net metering, IPPs, electric mobility and green hydrogen. Illicit Finance Cooperation: Namibia joined the FATF-Style Regional Body Guest Initiative alongside Barbados and Thailand, aiming to strengthen the global fight against illicit finance. City Watch: Windhoek councillors questioned CEO Moses Matyayi’s foreign trips, alleging large spending and lack of council awareness. Sports—Tri-series in Windhoek: Zimbabwe named Sikandar Raza as T20I captain with Graeme Cremer returning, while Namibia hosts the tri-series from 28 August.

Cricket in Windhoek: Namibia has named an experienced squad led by Gerhard Erasmus for the T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe from Aug 28 to Sept 6, with interest in the return of left-hander Michael van Lingen and youngsters like Junior Taanyanda, Max Heingo and Waldo Smith. Zimbabwe team news: Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe, with Graeme Cremer recalled after injury; Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga miss out. Hospitality boost: July room occupancy in Namibia hit about 62.6%, beating the 2019 benchmark and reflecting strong dry-season travel demand. Finance for rural communities: NamPost opened the Nkurenkuru Post Office and handed ICT equipment to community centres in Kavango West to expand access to digital and financial services. Micro-lending pressure: Otjozondjupa Governor called for tighter regulation of interest rates and easier registration for cash loans after concerns about illegal micro-lenders. Energy spotlight: Walvis Bay’s 5MW green hydrogen facility is showcased as Africa’s first fully integrated operation, linking solar, hydrogen production and storage. Repatriation at Heroes’ Acre: Liberation struggle martyrs’ remains were reburied at Heroes’ Acre, with President Nandi-Ndaitwah calling it restorative justice.

Ongwediva Trade Fair Expansion: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 25th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, saying demand has outgrown current facilities after 1,872 applications were received but only 485 accommodated, calling for expansion of the trade fair centre to keep pace with growing enterprise and market access. Market Watch: The Namibia Stock Exchange overall index rose 0.97% to 2,426.60, led by a 4.79% jump in basic materials, while consumer-facing sectors fell and financials slipped 1.20%. Banking Outlook: FirstRand Namibia expects earnings and headline earnings for the year to 30 June 2026 to rise by 10%–15%, citing stronger credit performance, lending, deposits and higher customer numbers. Housing Support via Sport: Old Mutual Namibia pledged N$80,000 to Standard Bank Padel for Purpose, part of the Buy-a-Brick programme aimed at building homes for low-income families. Producer Prices Jump: Namibia’s producer prices surged 50.7% year-on-year in Q2 2026, driven mainly by sharp mining and quarrying price increases. Security Alert: Police report a woman allegedly scammed out of N$15,000 by fake officers claiming she had a warrant. Environment Scrutiny: Scientists question Kelp Blue’s Lüderitz kelp project claims, warning that fish sightings around the farm may not prove real ecological recovery.

Liberation Commemoration: Namibia’s National Solidarity Committee with Cuba marked the 102nd birth anniversary of Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, spotlighting his Namibia-Cuba friendship and Cuba’s support during Robben Island imprisonment. Heroes Day Human Stories: NBC profiled paramedic Ndapewa Mathews on the emotional toll of emergency work, while Bethanie centenarian Magrietha Kuhlman recalled apartheid-era suffering and eventual freedom. Reburial Focus: The family of liberation veteran Fillemon Nangolo paid tribute ahead of his Heroes’ Acre reburial, recalling his sabotage work and execution in 1977. Education & Inclusion: UNAM’s gala raised over N$1 million to support students with disabilities, and the Education Ministry launched new school norms and hostel standards to improve safety and learning conditions. Youth & Culture: Olufuko 2026 kicks off in Outapi with 120 girls set for initiation, and 1,872 applications have poured in for the expanded Ongwediva Trade Fair centre. Sports & Community: President Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre, calling it an investment in youth and jobs. Aviation Disruption: Contaminated jet fuel has forced Europe-bound flights from Namibia to refuel in Angola, with Lufthansa Group and Discover Airlines affected.

Education Standards: Namibia’s Ministry of Education has launched a new Norms and Standards Framework for schools and National Minimum Standards for hostel operations, aiming to improve learner safety, resources and accountability as the system adapts to AI and changing knowledge access. GBV & Mental Health: The One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek pushed open conversations on gender-based violence, femicide, mental health and sexual/reproductive health, including a “Barbershop Corner” for men to talk. Inclusive Higher Education: Namibia’s Students with Disabilities Grant Programme has supported 689 students so far, with the Vice President highlighting increased funding and follow-up support from study through employment. Judicial Well-Being: Chief Justice Peter Shivute marked the International Day of Judicial Well-Being, calling for better attention to judges’ health and stress without stigma. Local Governance & Housing Data: The Namibia Statistics Agency handed over ICT equipment to strengthen the Namibia Housing Information System for local authorities. Wildlife Crime Fight: The US backed Namibia’s Environmental Crimes Court in Otjiwarongo, citing convictions in wildlife trafficking cases. International Solidarity: The National Council donated N$27,609 to Cuba’s solidarity campaign, linking support to shared liberation history. Energy Transition: Namibia commissioned Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen facility at Walvis Bay, combining solar, electrolysis and battery storage for industrial and transport use.

GBV Update: Namibia recorded 4,965 gender-based violence cases in 2025/26, with Khomas (685), Ohangwena (540) and Omusati (511) leading the figures, after NamPol corrected earlier claims of 18,500 for the single year. Repatriation & Heritage: Liberation heroes Festus Nehale and Simon Petrus Niilenge, plus 84 ancestral remains, arrived at Hosea Kutako Airport, marking a homecoming and restoration of dignity after decades in South Africa. Parliament & Housing: Rundu residents demanded land for decent housing, but MPs criticised stakeholder presentations and said key decision-makers were missing. Culture & Jobs: Khomas governor Sam Nujoma urged Namibia to treat the creative sector as an economic engine, while Goethe-Institut opened a new Windhoek home to expand language and arts programmes. Oil & Gas Momentum: Namibia’s oil future stayed in focus at the 4th Oil and Gas Conference, with calls for skills and meaningful local participation. Competition Watch: Namibia’s Competition Commission is inviting the public to submit information on alleged anti-competitive conduct involving Rani Group and major FMCG suppliers. International Finance: Namibia has been invited to join FATF meetings as a guest jurisdiction for a year, supporting its fight against illicit finance. Sports: Cricket South Africa confirmed Kagiso Rabada suffered a right hamstring injury during winter training ahead of a busy season.

Aviation Fuel Crunch: Lufthansa-owned Discover Airlines says a temporary jet fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako has forced some Windhoek–Europe flights to reroute via Angola for refuelling, after an off-spec Jet A-1 shipment was quarantined by Vivo Energy, raising fresh questions about Namibia’s fuel supply resilience. Anti-Money Laundering Boost: Namibia has been invited to join FATF plenary and working group meetings as a guest jurisdiction for a year, a step meant to strengthen its fight against illicit finance and prepare for its next mutual evaluation. Oil & Gas Deal: Sintana Energy will buy a 44% stake in Maravilla Oil and Gas for N$105 million, giving it an indirect 35% interest in Walvis Basin PEL 37 ahead of potential exploration activity. Local Governance Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee hearings have flagged systemic weaknesses in local authority financial management, including missing records, delayed statements and questionable decisions. Health System Focus: Health officials say Namibia has saved about N$2 billion through direct access to international medical manufacturers under Africa CDC procurement, while WHO chief Tedros praised surprise hospital visits and local production plans. Repatriation Progress: Consultations with traditional authorities are set to begin on the final reburial of 84 ancestral remains returned from South Africa, with community input central to deciding the “what, when and where.” Business & Governance: The Financial Services Tribunal dismissed Trustco’s bid to overturn a JSE censure and R5m fine tied to a diamond transaction implemented without required shareholder approval. Sports & Community: The First Gentleman launched the DEN Impact Foundation to tackle youth challenges, with a focus on education, sports, agriculture and vocational training.

Oil & Gas Local Benefits: Namibia’s mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse told investors at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference that policy and fiscal uncertainty won’t derail offshore projects, pointing to local content rules and oversight as Namibia waits on key final investment decisions. Energy Transition: Siemens-backed CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay is operating Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility, combining solar generation, hydrogen production and storage for industrial use. Transport & Fuel: Lufthansa’s Discover Airline says a temporary jet fuel shortage at Windhoek Airport is forcing some Europe-bound flights to stop in Angola after a Walvis Bay fuel shipment failed quality checks. Education & Skills: The education ministry unveiled revised school standards with a stronger push on digital literacy and AI, plus national minimum standards for state hostels through 2030. Agriculture Tech Contract Scrapped: Namibia terminated its AI-and-satellite crop monitoring deal with U.S. firm 6th Grain Corporation over legal and procedural concerns. Roads Oversight: The Roads Authority launched a project control system to track budgets, schedules, progress and performance across Namibia’s road network. Local Governance & Safety: Windhoek City Police intercepted suspects in Khomasdal and urged crime victims to come forward. Hospitality Recovery: Namibia’s hotel occupancy hit 62.63% in July, its strongest since pre-Covid levels. Wildlife Update: A cheetah’s satellite collar failed, but field checks confirmed Tupuka is healthy after ground tracking. Creative Industries: Education and information ministries signed an MoU to fund Namibia’s film and creative sector, including a national soap opera.

Aviation Disruption: Lufthansa says a temporary jet fuel shortage at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako Airport may force some Europe-bound flights to add refuelling stops elsewhere, though departure times are not affected. Oil & Gas Momentum: Equinor has entered Namibia’s Orange Basin via a 17.4% stake in Chevron’s exploration licence, as Namibia pushes to turn discoveries into lasting national benefits. Local Benefits Push: Vice President Lucia Witbooi told the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference that success will be measured by jobs, enterprise opportunities, skills, infrastructure and savings for future generations. Investor Rules: Namibia will introduce a new five-year employment permit to conduct business from 1 September, aimed at confirmed investors via NIPDB, combining residency and work authorisation. Fuel Quality Oversight: Namibia plans to gazette petroleum product standards in early 2027 and set up a fuel-testing laboratory to monitor quality and quantities. Governance & Business: Trustco shareholders again rejected Riskowitz resolutions to change the board, with all substantive proposals failing at a Windhoek meeting. Road Safety Reminder: City Police highlight the need for enforcing seat belt use for children, citing Namibia’s road traffic rules. Environment Watch: The environment ministry warns illegal sand and gravel mining continues, stressing EIA clearance requirements and environmental risks. Social Sector: Namibia recorded 91,544 new mental health cases in 2024/25, with officials urging better awareness and support.

Roads & Jobs: Namibia is set to tar about 250km of untarred roads across four regions under a Probase project costing about E1.6 billion, with 60 locals hired for 15-year maintenance and 2,000 temporary jobs during construction. Oil & Gas Governance: Minister Modestus Amutse says upstream petroleum will be placed under the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit to protect Namibia’s emerging sector, while the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference pushes for a stronger, clearer licensing framework. Local Content & Regulation: Officials and stakeholders continue to stress that Namibia must turn oil discoveries into national benefits through better local participation and oversight. Finance & Corporate Control: Trustco shareholders rejected Riskowitz Capital’s bid to remove the incumbent board, leaving directors in place after resolutions failed to reach the required majority. Borrower Protection: Parliamentarians held a public hearing on whether Namibia’s lending laws protect borrowers from exploitation and unfair repayment terms. Education Access: Kavango East and West schools face poor internet and mobile coverage, with new towers waiting for grid connection. Road Safety Push: Parliament’s transport committee discussed measures to curb rising road accidents, citing about 700 annual casualties. Social Issues: Teenage pregnancy data shows rural pupils make up 66% of cases, with reintegration after birth harder in regions like Kunene and Ohangwena. Aviation Disruption Watch: Namibia Airports Company says it is monitoring Jet A-1 fuel supply challenges at Hosea Kutako and urges passengers to stay in contact with airlines. Heritage & Reconciliation: South Africa repatriated ancestral remains and Robben Island political prisoners’ remains to Namibia for colonial redress and healing.