AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Protection: Namibia is stepping up action against illegal lithops trafficking, warning organised networks are increasingly targeting the slow-growing “living stones” and using border routes for smuggling. Democracy & Oversight: The EU, Namibia’s parliament and the National Planning Commission have wrapped up a six-year participatory democracy programme worth about N$127 million, aimed at strengthening oversight and citizen involvement. Energy & Learning: The African Energy Chamber is pushing for an interconnected electricity market as grid failures threaten investment and growth, while a separate report highlights unreliable power as a direct barrier to learning in secondary schools. Court & Policy: An attempt to legalise cannabis in Namibia has failed in the High Court, with the judge saying the issue is for lawmakers and the executive. Finance Shock: Pensioners and families say at least N$250 million was lost after a Windhoek advisory firm allegedly risked savings on foreign investments and paid out others to hide losses. Heritage Return: Namibia has started a mission in South Africa to exhume and repatriate remains of Robben Island prisoners. Namibia–China Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit continues to drive deals on energy, mining, healthcare and skills, with Namibia urging value addition. Youth & Governance: Commentaries and youth-focused pieces call out tokenism and demand real youth power, alongside warnings about youth suffocating under housing and rental pressures.

Namibia–China Diplomacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s state visit to Beijing culminated in leaders announcing a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era,” with Xi Jinping calling for deeper cooperation across development strategy, trade and governance. Nuclear Policy Consultations: Namibia’s Atomic Energy Board is holding grassroots consultations on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill to modernise the legal framework for nuclear and radiation activities, including plans for new regulatory and research bodies. Agriculture Skills Boost: The FAO-China South-South Cooperation project says it has delivered measurable gains in training and technology transfer, with Chinese experts supporting climate-resilient farming across aquaculture, horticulture, livestock, seed production and value chains. Road Safety Push: A parliamentary transport committee held hearings on rising road accidents, urging a “safe systems” approach and pointing to speeding, fatigue, alcohol and poor road conditions as key drivers. Windhoek Homelessness Review: PM Ngurare told MPs the government will re-activate a national response to homelessness in Windhoek, after concerns raised in the National Assembly. Wildlife vs Farmers: New research warns that crop-raiding elephants could intensify as farming expands and aridity grows across southern Africa, with conflict risk potentially doubling by century’s end. Sports & Youth: NUST Hockey won the USSA C Section title in Stellenbosch and earned promotion, while Namibia’s BDO Namibian Open squash tournament continues to grow with international players expected. Culture & Youth Media: The web series “Eros Academy Secrets” is set to premiere on 17 July, spotlighting Namibian youth and student-life pressures.

Namibia–China push for value addition: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told Chinese investors in Beijing Namibia must move beyond exporting raw minerals, urging processing, manufacturing and technology transfer to create jobs. Local governance and pay: Councillors are set for salary increases after the ministry approved allowance adjustments despite tight local authority finances. Education pressure: The Teachers’ Union of Namibia warned teacher welfare is worsening, citing low pay, housing and health/safety problems that are hurting classroom performance. ECN appointment court fight: Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda rushed to court to stop ECN nominees being voted on, saying MPs lack key selection documents. Economy watch: Namibia’s annual inflation rose to 4.4% in June, driven mainly by transport costs, while May exports hit N$12.4b. Energy and green industry: Namibia launched a GEF-UNIDO project to build green hydrogen readiness with women and youth at the centre, and Smart City funding of CNY 98m was announced. Biodiversity under threat: The desert rain frog was moved to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List as mining and development threaten its tiny coastal habitat.

ECN Transparency Clash: Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has taken the High Court to force more openness around Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) appointments, as parliament debates President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s nomination of Gerson Sindano as ECN chairperson. Food Safety Crackdown: The City of Windhoek destroyed about 580 tonnes of unsafe food over the past year, warning it is protecting public health. Fraud Case Update: A woman has been denied bail in a N$5m life insurance fraud matter after alleged fake death claims. Governance Probe: Government has ordered a forensic investigation into the Namibia Institute of Pa (NIP) executive vehicle scheme, procurement and a N$520,000 rebranding contract. Smart City Scrutiny: The IPC is challenging a N$245m China-funded smart city pilot, warning about digital sovereignty and data control. Water Enforcement: Windhoek warns illegal water connections can bring disconnection, fines up to N$1,000, back charges and even imprisonment. Inflation Watch: Namibia’s annual inflation rose to 4.4% in June, driven mainly by transport costs. Namibia-China Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah met China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, focusing on trade, infrastructure, mining and green cooperation. Labour Tension: Standard Bank Namibia workers voted overwhelmingly for protected industrial action amid a wage dispute.

Namibia–China Diplomacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, with both sides pushing deeper cooperation in infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, new energy, agriculture and fisheries, plus more market access for Namibian fish and beef. Trade & Food Security: Namibia’s food trade posted a N$510m surplus over May 2025–May 2026, led by fish exports, while May trade data showed China overtaking South Africa as Namibia’s biggest export destination. Mining & Energy Pipeline: Namdia says it expects to sell about 928,350 carats over three years (about US$380.6m), and NamPower launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan while advertising a managing director post. Governance & Oversight: Parliament’s ECN appointment fight continues as the Attorney-General rejects calls to delay the vote, with documents to be shared with MPs. Road Safety Pressure: Road fatalities are down slightly, but crashes and injuries are rising, and a N$2.3bn maintenance funding gap threatens gains. Local Business & Community: FNB expanded SME support and trained 1,500 entrepreneurs; Capricorn Foundation committed N$5m to an outcomes-based early childhood development fund; Windhoek destroyed 580 tonnes of unsafe food.

Namibia–China Diplomacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah arrived in Beijing to push deeper trade and cooperation, including agriculture and value addition, while also touring Huawei facilities as Namibia seeks AI-led growth that creates jobs, not unemployment. Jobs & Skills Pressure: NCHE data shows only 65% of Namibia’s graduates are employed, with agriculture graduates hardest hit at 47% unemployment, as the country grapples with a youth jobs crunch. Road Safety Alarm: Road crash deaths rose 13% over the past year, prompting fresh calls for stronger coordination and policy action across the road sector. Food Safety in Windhoek: The Windhoek mayor urged strict hygiene and safe food handling after inspections and confiscations of unsafe products, stressing compliance is mandatory. Education & Training Support: Namibia Training Authority handed N$1.05m to schools for pre-vocational support, while Namibia also launched a UNIDO-GEF child project tied to its green agenda. Sports & Community: Johan Botha joins the Netherlands cricket setup as a consultant, and Namibia’s football coaches get a CAF B licence boost. Global Politics: Namibia backed UN calls to end the US blockade on Cuba, citing sovereignty and UN Charter principles.

Road Safety & Transport: The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) wants mandatory automatic fire suppression systems and passenger control-sheet registers on all public transport vehicles, arguing it will cut fatalities and help identify victims after crashes. Law & Order: Police say some traffic fines should be reduced to help low-income motorists, warning that unpaid fines pile up into arrest warrants and add pressure without improving road safety. Courts: A pensioner, Martha Dobberstein, denied guilt in Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on charges linked to alleged theft and money laundering totalling about N$4.0m from deceased estates she administered. Parliament Watch: The Speaker’s office rejected blame for a backlog of unanswered questions, saying delays are driven by the executive and that question scheduling rules are being followed. Environment & Wildlife: Scientists are investigating deaths of desert elephant calves in north-western Namibia, including a newborn whose final hours were filmed, with researchers looking at stress and possible causes. Finance & Trade: Namibia’s debt servicing picture shifted after the Eurobond redemption, while new trade figures show a N$1.5bn surplus with China in May despite an overall N$3.1bn deficit. Governance & Compliance: The EU welcomed Namibia’s removal from the FATF grey list, citing reforms led by the Financial Intelligence Centre. China Ties & Jobs: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Huawei to help create jobs and skills as Namibia pushes AI and smart-city projects during her state visit. Business & Industry: Otavi Cement is challenging government approval of the Ohorongo-Cheetah merger, warning it could create a monopoly in the cement market.

Namibia–China ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah kicked off her China state visit in Guangdong, putting youth jobs, trade and investment at the centre as Namibia also pushes nuclear and clean-energy cooperation with China General Nuclear. Nuclear energy policy: Namibia is drafting a nuclear energy policy backed by legislation, aiming to turn uranium into electricity after a tour of CGN facilities. Fuel market shake-up: Government has lifted the ban on Vitol supplying fuel, after Vitol’s Namibian links drew warnings from the Fuel and Franchise Association. Sport funding squeeze: The Ministry has suspended financial support for recognised sport bodies, a move federations call a serious setback, while youth groups complain about gaps in support and feedback. Youth and sport restructuring: A week-long workshop in Ongwediva is reshaping the Youth, Sport and National Service department to match its expanded mandate. Road safety reforms: Proposed licensing changes could put new drivers on a probation period and introduce defensive training and demerit points. Water watch: Dam levels dipped slightly to 80.9% overall, with Neckartal still full. El Niño concern: Scientists warn a strong El Niño may develop, raising drought-risk questions for Windhoek’s rainfall-dependent water supply. Tourism investment: OL Group unveiled its N$260m Mokuti Etosha transformation, betting on a stronger tourism recovery.

Child Protection Push: Stakeholders meet in Windhoek to map strategies and funding mechanisms to strengthen Namibia’s children’s protection systems, with UNICEF and Sweden backing the National Child Protection Conference. AI Governance & Digital Divide: Namibia joins global talks in Geneva on AI governance, while Rwanda’s Paul Kagame co-chairs an AI for Good commission aimed at widening access and narrowing the digital divide. Namibia–China Trade Drive: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah invites Chinese investors to partner in mining, agriculture, renewables, logistics and infrastructure during her China visit, as Namibia’s space cooperation expands with a China-aided satellite ground station. Road Safety Tech: Namibia eyes Chinese technology to tackle crash hotspots and blind spots, complementing speed camera enforcement. Health System Upgrade: Health Minister Luvindao says Namibia is planning a national air ambulance service to improve emergency care in remote areas. Local Governance Accountability: Minister Sankwasa warns councils with unaudited books will not get budget approval, tightening oversight on public funds. Zambezi Food Security: Zambezi Governor Kabula says the Kalimbeza Rice Project remains hamstrung by a broken processing machine, storage limits and weak market access. Marine Conservation: Namibia supports accession to ACAP to cut seabird bycatch and strengthen sustainable fisheries. Sports Funding: Government may release an extra N$50m for sport, lifting this year’s investment to N$68.5m. E-hailing Safety: Yango and AA Namibia launch certified driver training to improve road safety and passenger protection. Business & Investment: The Presidency says Namibia’s China business delegation was not taxpayer-funded, while NBL reports over N$35.6m invested in water-saving initiatives.

Windhoek Service Delivery & Transparency: The Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association says Windhoek’s leadership is suppressing public participation, withholding information and not fixing key services. City Billing Probe: City employees accused of manipulating the billing system have been suspended pending disciplinary action, while the city refuses to say how many staff are affected. Electricity Crackdown: Windhoek will remove illegal electrical wiring starting in September, with initial focus areas including Otjomuise and Oku… Court Watch: The High Court dismissed activist Michael Amushelelo’s urgent bid to stop speed humps on the Western Bypass, saying he failed to show the law was violated. Fuel Market Move: Energy minister Modestus Amutse overturned a Namibia Competition Commission restriction, clearing the way for Nasan Energies to buy fuel from Vitol to protect supply and consumers. Cement Deal: Amutse also overturned NaCC’s decision, allowing a Chinese businessman to take effective control of Namibia’s cement industry. Water Summit: Namibia was selected to host the 2028 World Basin Summit in Windhoek, boosting its profile in water governance. Local Economy & Housing: Young professionals warn Windhoek rent is crushing affordability, while the city approved a rates framework giving Brakwater residents the same rates as other Windhoekers. Energy & Industry: Namibia eyes lithium battery manufacturing with a push for skills transfer, and green hydrogen was highlighted to Chinese business leaders during the president’s China visit. Culture & Events: The CST Expo 2026 will showcase Namibia’s creative talent in September, and Miss World Namibia’s send-off raised N$116,000.

Cement Deal: Namibia’s Industries Minister Modestus Amutse has approved the Ohorongo–Cheetah Cement merger, overturning the Competition Commission’s block and ordering conditions including job protection—Cheetah Cement says it has halted retrenchments. Jobs & Skills: The Labour ministry says the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System is struggling under heavy demand, with slowdowns when vacancies are advertised, as unemployment pressure grows. Health Services: Namport has donated two fully equipped ambulances to the Health ministry for Kalkfeld and other priority areas, as officials push to expand emergency care and plan an air ambulance service. Local Governance: City of Windhoek begins formalising informal settlements after submitting its first five ECC applications, aiming to create thousands of serviced erven. Education Oversight: Parliament’s education committee launches an inquiry into health training quality and accreditation delays amid graduate unemployment concerns. Aviation Safety: Namibia Airports Company hosts an ACI Africa aircraft recovery management course in Windhoek to strengthen emergency preparedness. Energy/Industry: The Deepsea Mira offshore drilling rig has finished Shell’s Namibia contract and is demobilising to Walvis Bay for upgrades. Economy & Markets: Pension savings lifted Namibia’s investment assets to N$342.6bn in Q1 2026, with local investments still the biggest share.

Namibia–China Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has arrived in Guangzhou for a 5–11 July state visit to deepen trade, investment and industrial cooperation, with talks planned with Xi Jinping and Chinese provincial leaders. Windhoek Power & Debt: The City of Windhoek says municipal debt owed by government institutions has dropped by 60%, and about 1,300 households in informal settlements are set to be connected to the grid by October. Lüderitz Port Push: ǁKharas governor Dawid Gertze calls the Lüderitz port expansion a national urgency, warning delays could hit investment and jobs. Health System Scrutiny: Namibia’s health ministry is investigating claims that doctors are leaving interns to run facilities, raising alarms about patient safety and supervision. Local Economy & Jobs: Standard Bank Namibia workers threaten industrial action over a wage dispute after negotiations deadlocked. Public Service Oversight: South Africa’s communications minister and the Public Service Commission are set to brief media on the Sita investigation outcomes. Global Watch: Australia is probing mysterious “space balls” washed up on a beach in Queensland, with exclusion zones in place due to possible hazards. Community Good News: A Windhoek preschool raised over N$50,000 for charity at its annual auction.

City Planning: Windhoek has submitted the first five Environmental Clearance Certificate applications to formalise informal settlements and unlock about 3,587 residential erven, following public participation launched in March. Public Safety: The City has also approved new dog registration and licensing rules, including fees, fitness certificates, leash requirements, and stronger controls for dangerous dogs. Youth & Skills: Namibia Youth Energy Forum has appointed Fanuel Shinedima as its new chief executive, while Parliament’s education committee held talks on health training challenges, including graduate unemployment and accreditation delays. Health Capacity: Namibia’s Ministry of Health received a Russian mobile laboratory to speed outbreak detection and diagnostics in remote areas, with training included. International Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah departs for China to deepen trade and push value addition beyond raw minerals. Energy/Industry Outlook: A natural resource roadmap argues Namibia should link extraction to industrialisation, using minerals, oil and gas, desalination and renewables to create jobs. Education Support: The Zambezi Education Directorate received 440 desks and 440 chairs to ease shortages in schools.

Namibia–China Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has departed for a week-long state visit to China to deepen trade and investment, with a push for more value addition in minerals and cooperation across energy, agriculture, education and health. Education & Skills: The Zambezi Education Directorate received 440 desks and 440 chairs worth over N$340,000, while Unam says nursing students are being turned away from some clinics due to limited clinical training capacity. Health Training Oversight: Parliament’s education committee held consultations with health training institutions to tackle quality, accreditation delays and graduate unemployment. Local Planning: City of Windhoek has lodged its first environmental clearance applications to formalise informal settlements and develop thousands of residential plots. Youth & Culture: NASCAM secured a N$1.5m UNESCO-backed grant to boost Namibia’s music industry through research, digital tools and copyright reform. Energy & Economy: Industries, mines and energy minister says the National Energy Fund remains stable after fuel-bailout spending, and Ultra Special Energy invested N$17m in biomass equipment for the Oshikoto power station. Finance & Fraud: Namra reports 316 fraudulent tax and VAT refund cases since 2022, with N$144m recovered.