AGP Executive Report

Human Trafficking Warning: Authorities warn that fake job vacancies are being used to lure Namibian youth into trafficking and online fraud schemes. Oil & Gas Governance: Government moves to stop foreign-controlled firms disguising themselves as Namibian companies in the petroleum sector by requiring beneficial ownership disclosure, while an oil safeguards editorial backs tougher rules beyond “good intentions.” Public Appointments: Cabinet rejects “flawed” Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) board appointments after concerns over appointment letters. Infrastructure Pressure: Namport says ageing port infrastructure could threaten delivery of the NDP6 as oil, gas and green hydrogen ramp up. Crime & Justice: Police investigate malicious damage cases in Rehoboth and Endola, while a Windhoek-area rape accused loses a libel case against Namibian Sun. Regional Cooperation: Namibia and Ghana push people-centred bilateral cooperation in Ghana’s Volta Region, focusing on trade, youth opportunities and education links. Mining & Finance: Bank Windhoek and DBN approve N$98m for Andrada’s Uis ore-sorting expansion; Standard Bank appoints Jerome Namaseb to lead personal and private banking. Energy Markets: Chevron confirms a major offshore Angola discovery, boosting confidence in sub-Saharan exploration. Land & Heritage: Traditional authorities clash over Bwabwata National Park area, with officials calling for written historical proof.

SADC Summit in Durban: President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 46th Ordinary SADC Heads of State and Government meeting to warn Africa against building development plans on markets and decisions it doesn’t control, pushing for a stronger regional market approach as Africa Energy Week nears. Namibia–Cuba ties: Namibia’s parliamentarians and officials renewed calls for bigger support to Cuba, with N$700,000 raised so far described as too little given Cuba’s role in Namibia’s liberation; separate coverage also points to upcoming repatriation plans linked to Namibian political prisoners’ remains. Environment & phosphate politics: Swapo Youth League is urging Cabinet oversight of environmental clearance decisions, calling for the Sandpiper marine phosphate project’s ECC to be reviewed and set aside. Mining momentum: Koryx Copper reported encouraging Haib infill results ahead of a pre-feasibility study later in 2026, while Andrada Mining’s Uis Tin Mining secured N$98m for ore-sorting expansion. Agriculture readiness: The agriculture ministry began servicing 508 tractors for the 2026/27 rain-fed cropping season, targeting better preparedness across all regions. Justice & security: Cabinet approved the Public Assets Management Agency (PAMA) to manage commercial public assets, and commentary backs a push for stronger security planning for magistrates and prosecutors. Sports & culture: Namibian tennis teams qualified for Davis Cup World Group II; Goethe-Institut Namibia opened a new Windhoek space for cultural exchange. Public safety: Police reported three suicides by hanging in Eenhana, Rehoboth and Okahandja, with no foul play suspected.

Cost-of-living squeeze: A Namibian lending crisis is being framed as a direct cost-of-living crisis, with households struggling as basic needs become harder to afford. Social welfare staffing: Namibia is short at least 49 social worker posts at constituency level, with gaps reported across Ohangwena, Hardap, Kunene and //Kharas among others. Snakebite warning: As the summer season nears, antivenom stocks are low, raising fears for snakebite victims. Health system push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, pledging quality healthcare for all while workers cite overcrowding, medication and bed shortages. Justice delays: The ombudsman says trial-awaiting inmates in police holding cells are going hungry, with malnutrition found during inspections. Cuba ties: Namibia is set to deepen cooperation with Cuba on water harvesting and distribution, including a planned MoU on canal and tunnel expertise. Oil investment shock: The Venus oil project’s estimated N$274bn price tag is said to exceed Namibia’s GDP. Capital market crackdown: Namibia’s regional news echoes stricter financial rules, with SEC-type actions elsewhere targeting North Korea and Iran-linked dealings.

Water Security Talks: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says Namibia will sign a MoU with Cuba to deepen technical cooperation on water harvesting and floodwater distribution, targeting regions like Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango West/East, Zambezi, Kunene and //Kharas. Labour Oversight Push: Unions want a bigger role in parliamentary workplace visits, arguing parliament is duplicating union work and should share visit reports with workers. Crime and Sentencing: An Omaheke man, Jacobus Gawaseb, has been jailed for 22 years for murdering his pregnant girlfriend. Governance Under Fire: Minister James Sankwasa denies corruption allegations over the purchase of Bukalo business plots for N$45,000. Mining Reform Call: A parliamentary committee says Namibia’s small-scale mining sector needs urgent legal and institutional overhaul. Sports Spotlight: UNAM prepares for its first CAF Confederation Cup tie against Angola’s Kabuscorp, while Alfeus Benjamin takes interim chairmanship at the Namibia Sport Commission. Road Safety Drive: NamPol launches an integrated road safety operation for B1 and B2, citing 1,747 crashes and 279 deaths so far this year. Students Funding Gap: Nanso seeks N$445,000 after government funding cuts ahead of its 19th congress. Competition Rules Update: Namibia’s Competition Commission proposes raising merger notification thresholds from N$30m to N$60m. International Finance Compliance: SEC directives require capital market firms to cut banking and business ties linked to North Korea and Iran.

Cuba Solidarity: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah marked Fidel Castro’s centenary by calling for the complete and unconditional lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, saying unilateral coercive measures punish ordinary people and violate UN principles. Liberation Legacy: She also hailed former President Nangolo Mbumba on his 85th birthday as a devoted servant and liberation veteran, praising his steady leadership from SWAPO struggle through Namibia’s democratic consolidation. Competition Policy: Namibia’s Competition Commission says it plans to raise the mandatory merger-notification threshold from N$30m to N$60m, arguing the current cut-off hasn’t been updated since 2017 and may miss market changes. Road Safety Push: NamPol’s road safety operation targets the B1 and B2 corridors and other high-risk routes, aiming to cut crashes after 1,747 incidents and 279 deaths recorded between January and 9 August. Health Regulation: The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council warns against unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines sold via social media, stressing no grace period and urging purchases only from licensed pharmacies. Community Support: Swakop Uranium backed Ovahimba women’s businesses with N$70,000, while FLECHAS donated reusable hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe. Local Governance & Services: Kavango East leaders demanded better fire response after a N$1.6m lodge fire exposed gaps, including a non-functional nearby firefighting vehicle. Sports & Culture: Namibia is set to co-host the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup, with reports suggesting a possible 2 October opener on Gandhi Jayanti.

Cuba Solidarity: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked Fidel Castro’s centenary by calling for the complete and unconditional lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, saying unilateral coercive measures violate UN principles and harm ordinary people. Health Watch: Namibia’s Medicine Regulatory Council warns of a rise in unlicensed GLP-1 and peptide weight-loss/diabetes medicines sold via social media and informal markets, urging people to buy only from licensed pharmacies and avoid self-medicating. Digital Education Push: The Namibia Learning Passport was launched in Keetmanshoop to expand digital and offline learning for rural youth, with UNICEF support, so “postcode” doesn’t limit potential. Hospital Connectivity: CRAN’s plan for free Wi-Fi at state hospitals ties into broader broadband goals, aiming to bring 4G access to public services like clinics and schools. Housing Pressure: Namibia needs about N$45bn over 10 years to clear the housing backlog, with experts calling for new financing and tighter public-private coordination. Low-Wage Reality: A financial inclusion survey shows many employed Namibians still can’t stretch income to payday, highlighting how widespread low wages and support burdens squeeze households.

Cuba Solidarity: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked Fidel Castro’s centenary by calling for the unconditional lifting of the U.S. embargo, saying it inflicts suffering on ordinary Cubans and violates UN principles, while Namibia’s solidarity committee has raised about N$700,000 for humanitarian support. Housing Pressure: Namibia needs roughly N$45 billion over 10 years to clear the housing backlog, with analysts urging coordinated planning and smarter financing to reach the government’s 50,000-houses target. Human Trafficking: Zambezi recorded 14 human trafficking cases involving 14 victims in eight years, mostly children aged 10–16, with police warning communities to report suspicious “scam” recruitment. Transfrontier Conservation: SADC is pushing stronger cross-border conservation cooperation, calling for coordinated national implementation of transfrontier conservation areas. Phosphate Fight: Swapo Youth League wants the environmental clearance for Namibian Marine Phosphate urgently reviewed, warning it could harm marine life and fishing livelihoods. Competition Watch: Namibia’s competition regulator is reviewing merger notification thresholds and filing fees to reduce burden on smaller firms. Local Economy & Jobs: The Creative Industry Institute Africa launched a mapping campaign to register creatives online, aiming to grow the sector’s economic role. Sports & Culture: Miss Namibia 2026 received major prizes including a Toyota vehicle and a house, while Namibia’s creative guide mapping and ICAN funding support professional development.

Namibia-Cuba Solidarity: Namibia has raised over N$700,000 for humanitarian aid to Cuba and renewed its call for the full lifting of the US embargo, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Tjitunga Ngurare marking Fidel Castro’s centenary and reaffirming ties. Health & Social Services: CRAN and NAPWU signed an agreement for a 5% annual wage increase for public workers, while Namibia’s juvenile justice system is expanding screening and diversion services for children in conflict with the law. Innovation & Skills: UNAM and Huawei signed an MoU to boost digital skills and research, including plans for an AI laboratory. Economy & Jobs: Namibia launched a national mapping campaign to measure the creative industries’ real economic value, aiming to guide investment and policy. Energy & Courts: Namibia’s High Court clarified that NAC must allow Puma Energy to resume aviation fuelling at Eros and Andimba Toivo ya Toivo airports. Flood Resilience: A N$268.7m contract will elevate and protect Muzii Combined School in Zambezi after repeated flooding. Mining & Safety: Mining firms launched the C28 Road Safety Campaign with a voluntary charter to cut crashes on the Swakopmund–Windhoek corridor. Sports: Namibia was drawn in Group A for the COSAFA U/20 Championship in Mauritius, and the Husab Marathon is set for a field of about 3,500 runners.

EV Push: Namibia wants electric and hybrid vehicles to be 45% of annual imports by 2030, a plan projected to cost over N$13bn. Labour Watch: The labour ministry reports 28% of wholesale and retail businesses breached basic labour laws in recent inspections. Finance & Lending: Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta says weak economic activity is holding back new borrowing and investment. Energy Regulation: The Electricity Control Board is exploring a framework for independent transmission companies, despite government insisting the grid is a sovereign asset. Flood Resilience: A N$268.7m contract has been signed to elevate and redevelop the flood-prone Muzii Combined School in the Zambezi region. Trade Diversification: Namibia is eyeing China’s zero-tariff access to boost exports like beef, goat meat, seafood and berries. Community & Mining: Katora community in Erongo demands a 5% stake in the Kokoseb gold project and fair compensation and benefits. Internationalism: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare hails Cuba’s role in Namibia’s liberation during Fidel Castro centenary events in Havana. Sports (Local): Namibia’s missing Nguvi Mberirua has been found in London and is in contact with her family.

Robben Island Repatriation: Namibia’s planned exhumation and repatriation process for former Robben Island political prisoners Simon Niilenge and Festus Nehale is underway in Cape Town, with rituals and forensic work led by South African expert Dr Kavita Lakha ahead of a 24 August reburial in Namibia. Labour Unrest: Over 600 Gendev Group Fishing workers have camped outside company premises for about 20 days over a wage dispute, rejecting a proposal to cut salaries to 70% when operations slow. Road Safety Crackdown: Police have launched an integrated road safety operation targeting the B1 and B2 corridors for the school holiday and Heroes’ Day period, after 279 deaths in 1,747 crashes and 2,996 injuries since January. Anti-Corruption in Fisheries: Fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia will enforce zero tolerance for corruption in marine resource management, warning that quotas must be protected from favouritism. Trade Talks: India and SACU have signed Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, with Namibia among SACU members. Local Infrastructure: Walvis Bay’s municipality gets a N$132m road rehabilitation boost, while the //Kharas governor begins a community tour to track service delivery and project delivery.

Climate Finance & Oil Risk: Namibia says it needs about N$239bn in foreign climate funding for its new plan, while analysts warn the country has the money but may be too cautious to take oil risks. Household Debt & Jobs: Workers are buckling under debt as incomes stay flat, and the IMF has warned growth is too slow to create enough jobs. Monetary Policy Watch: The Bank of Namibia kept the repo rate at 6.75%, citing reserve support and the rand link, as an economist urges a consumer-focused approach to avoid pushing people deeper into debt. Fishing & Anti-Corruption: An editorial argues fishing can deliver more jobs, while the agriculture ministry tightens fisheries anti-corruption controls around quota and rights allocation. Governance & Services: MHAISS is pushing services closer to communities, and there’s confusion around a state-owned enterprise pay review task force. Trade & Investment: India and Namibia agree to deepen trade and critical minerals cooperation, and India-SACU talks move forward with terms of reference for a preferential trade pact. Health & Community: An Onamafila clinic opens in Ohangwena, bringing care closer to 24 villages. Sports: Namibia hosts a T20 tri-series campaign starting Aug 28, with cricket also tied to the 2027 World Cup build-up.

Health & Education: Unam is seeking about N$30 million to complete the second phase of its Veterinary Academic Hospital, including a surgical theatre and auditorium, building on N$98 million already invested. Labour & Farming: Communal farmers in Omaheke say the new national minimum wage is squeezing them, with officials checking compliance on pay, contracts, Social Security, and worker accommodation ahead of the planned N$18 rate in January 2027. Workers’ Rights: Naretu marked its fifth anniversary with free labour consultations, health services, financial literacy and road-safety awareness for members. Sports (Namibia in focus): Proteas will tour Namibia for a T20I tri-series (28 Aug–6 Sep) and a historic first-ever 50-over series (9–13 Sep), with Bjorn Fortuin captaining and Duan Jansen earning a maiden call-up. Football: The NFA says it spent around N$9 million of its own funds to finish the 2025/26 Namibia Premier Football League after a government contribution ran out. Environment & Justice: Namibia Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project received an ECC, but opposition leader Panduleni Itula has appealed the decision, arguing the precautionary approach was not properly applied. Economy & Trade: India and SACU agreed to deepen trade talks, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $592.94m in 2025–26, and a preferential trade framework aimed to be completed within a year.

Mining & Jobs: Namibia’s mining sector pulled in about US$1.865bn in investment and created 3,054 jobs in the first nine months of the Namibia Public-Private Forum push. Fishing vs Phosphate: The fishing industry is challenging Namibia Marine Phosphate’s environmental clearance, while NMP insists fishing and phosphate mining can coexist with strong environmental controls. Editorial on Coexistence: The paper argues coexistence must be settled with rigorous, independent proof—not assumptions. El Niño Watch: Namibia braces for an El Niño-linked shock, with warnings to strengthen regional water planning. Land Restitution Debate: A commentary renews the call to move beyond “willing-seller, willing-buyer” for pre- and post-independence colonial land dispossession. Court Update: Two Chinese nationals accused over seal genitals exports worth over N$1.1m were acquitted. Economy & Work: An IMF warning says growth is too slow to create jobs, and another piece highlights the persistent crisis of graduate unemployment. Trade & Critical Minerals: India and Namibia agreed to deepen trade and investment, focusing on value addition and critical minerals, plus services and pharmaceuticals. Connectivity: Africa Online and Radio Electronic sign up to explore OneWeb satellite tech to boost rural connectivity. Sports: Namibia’s large carnivores remain vulnerable, and Namibia’s volleyball and cricket developments keep building momentum.

Genocide Reparations Row: The Ovaherero Traditional Authority says it will fight Namibia-Germany’s 1904-08 genocide joint declaration “to the end”, arguing descendants were excluded and insisting “it cannot be about us, without us.” Port Upgrade: COSCO has dispatched 17 rubber-tyred gantry cranes to Walvis Bay to boost container handling and cut turnaround times. Economy & Jobs: The IMF warns Namibia’s growth is too slow to tackle unemployment and poverty, keeping the outlook weak despite a forecast 2.1% expansion in 2026. Public Finance Pressure: IPC says public servants should not be blamed for the debt crisis, calling it a governance and waste problem, not just a wage-bill issue. Energy Leadership: NamPower re-advertises its managing director post after limited applications, with a new recruitment process underway. State Assets Move: Government sets up the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia to commercialise and better account for state property. Housing Delivery: Opuwo receives 24 completed mass housing units, but the minister flags slow progress and quality-control concerns. Labour Talks: Gendev wage negotiations remain deadlocked as workers reject a revised pay offer tied to non-operational periods. Connectivity Boost: Namibia and Botswana plan 13 extra telecom sites along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, costing about N$52m. Sport—Proteas in Namibia: Bjorn Fortuin captains a second-string Proteas squad for a T20 tri-series and ODI series in Windhoek, with Duan Jansen earning a maiden call-up.

Port Upgrade Boost: COSCO SHIPPING has dispatched 17 rubber-tyred gantry cranes to Walvis Bay, a major step for the Namibia port upgrade. Capital Markets: The NSX recorded N$115.3m in trades for the week ending 7 August, while Namibians can now invest in silver via a new NewWave Silver ETN listed on the exchange. Education & Skills: Khomas hosted public awareness on Namibia’s new National Policy on Qualification Standards, pushing consistent, labour-market-aligned credentials. Housing Finance Tension: Namfisa rejected claims that FIMA blocks retirement-funded housing access, as legal experts argue the law changed how security is applied. Fisheries Policy: Government plans a high-level fishing indaba in Walvis Bay in September to address quotas, jobs, sustainability and value addition. Trade Pressure: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record N$18.3bn. Sports & Culture: Namibia hosts a first-ever T20 tri-series in Windhoek (with SA and Zimbabwe), while the Namibia Annual Music Awards return with entries open from 10 August.