AGP Executive Report

Green finance boost: Africa’s renewable power trader GreenCo just secured a US$10m equity investment from Sanlam Alternative Investments, taking a 10% stake and aiming to expand trading across Southern Africa, including Namibia, where it already operates in multiple countries and has traded over 2 terawatt-hours. Pollinator pressure: On World Bee Day, Namibian voices urged stronger protection of bees and other pollinators, warning that “safe” imports of foreign bees are not a shortcut and that Namibia still needs better local research on pollinator declines. Skills for the green hydrogen push: A new Green Hydrogen Monitor launch says Namibia must overhaul education and training to build the technical workforce needed for the sector’s job targets, while stressing community dialogue and transparency around projects. Conservancy funding for permanence: WWF Namibia and partners launched a long-term “Namibia for Life” finance deal to support community conservancies as donor funding tightens. Workplace safety focus: Namibia’s labour ministry warned that poor workplace management is driving psychosocial stress and burnout, calling for safer, more supportive workplaces. Fire readiness: Local authorities were urged to employ trained firefighters after concerns that some rely on untrained staff and poorly maintained equipment.

Employee Well-being Push: Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged workplaces to treat employee wellness as core to leadership and culture, not an “extra” add-on, linking healthier staff to stronger institutions and national development. Green Conservation Finance: Namibia launched the WWF-backed “Namibia for Life” Project Finance for Permanence deal to secure long-term funding for community conservancies, aiming to make conservation support stable as donor funding declines. Medicine Shortage Pressure: President Nandi-Ndaitwah said medicine shortages are keeping her awake, with public stock levels reported around 60%—below the 80% target—while officials face mounting scrutiny. ICT Regional Engagement: Oshana hosted a high-level ICT stakeholder engagement focused on closing the digital divide through infrastructure, skills, and stronger data privacy and cybersecurity rules. Startup Momentum: Namibia held second place in Southern Africa’s startup ecosystem rankings, even as global competition intensified. Trade & Food Security Tension: Botswana’s import-bans approach continues to be challenged as a SACU problem, while Namibia backs drought-resilient mahangu with an FAO-supported productivity and value-chain project.

Logistics Expansion: Kaleido Logistics has integrated International Freight Services South Africa into its network, rebranding IFS South Africa as Kaleido Logistics South Africa to strengthen trade-corridor coverage across Southern Africa. Food Supply Pressure: Oceana says it has four months of inventory to meet demand for its Lucky Star canned fish, but warns shortages could follow if stock can’t be replenished amid global warming-driven constraints. Tourism Push: Namibia’s Environment and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel launched a Namibia Luxury Travel Market Expo at Africa’s Travel Indaba, aiming to position Namibia as a luxury niche for a November/December event. Wildlife Health Alert: A Cape Fur Seal in South Africa was confirmed with avian flu, the first recorded case in the species, raising concern about possible spread to Namibia’s seal colonies along the coastline. Environment on the Ground: Sand mining at Onatshiku has left dead palm trees and a dangerous pit, with residents worried rehabilitation hasn’t happened after an ECC expired. Youth & Skills: Namibia’s National Youth Service faces rising operational pressure as costs and limited storage threaten its agricultural training pipeline, even as recruitment continues.

Mahangu push: Namibia has launched an FAO-backed project to boost pearl millet (mahangu) productivity and turn the drought-resistant staple into a more commercial value chain, with US$250,000 funding running to August 2027—seed production, training for 800+ seed growers, and climate-smart farming are key parts. Pollinator warning: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marked World Bee Day by calling for stronger protection of bees and other pollinators, warning their decline threatens food security, biodiversity and ecosystems. Inclusive skills: Vice President Lucia Witbooi praised Namibia’s inclusive education progress as 696 learners graduated from the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme in Windhoek, aimed at vocational pathways for learners with special educational needs and disabilities. Trade & systems: Namibia’s customs upgrade (ASYCUDA) caused earlier border delays, but NamRA says issues are largely resolved after processing N$18bn in goods.

World Bee Day: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used 20 May to stress that protecting bees and other pollinators is vital for food security, biodiversity and environmental sustainability, warning of threats from climate change, habitat loss and pesticides. Food Aid Debate: South Korea’s donated rice is still being distributed in Oniipa, Oshikoto, sparking questions about whether Namibia is in drought again; officials say it’s drought-relief from 2024 aimed at vulnerable households, not a new crisis. Cheetah Conservation: India’s Project Cheetah says its cheetah population has reached 53 (33 born in India) after a high-level review, while Gujarat prepares to receive 5–6 cheetahs from Kuno for possible expansion into Banni grasslands. Trade & Customs: Namibia’s customs upgrade (ASYCUDAWorld v4.4.1) caused border delays but NamRA says issues are largely resolved and goods worth N$18bn were processed in the first stretch. Business & Jobs: NCCI and NIFA signed a deal to create internship and graduate pathways to help MSMEs grow. Sports: Entries open soon for the 2026 Nedbank Desert Dash, with e-bikes allowed in the half-dash category.

Project Cheetah Update: India’s Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review and says the cheetah population has reached 53 (33 born in India), with plans to expand into new habitats after “scientific management and monitoring” showed survival rates matching or beating global benchmarks. Inclusive Skills Push: Namibia’s Ministry of Education, via NIED, is set to hold a CBPVS graduation ceremony in Windhoek, spotlighting a two-year pre-vocational pathway for learners with special educational needs. Urban Compliance Tension: Windhoek says it has revised conditions for an unapproved Havana house, but only approved completion work is allowed and the owner must demolish and rebuild at the correct site if needed. Fuel Market Fight: Nasan Energies has appealed a Namibian Competition Commission ruling that blocks it from sourcing fuel from Vitol/Vivo/affiliates for five years. Marine Governance: Angola, Namibia and South Africa approved a five-year plan to strengthen sustainable management of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem. Weather Watch: Rain showers are expected Tuesday in northern, central-eastern and extreme south-eastern areas, with strong winds in central and southern regions.

Windhoek Enforcement: The City of Windhoek has halted demolition plans tied to an unapproved Havana house, but only after revising conditions—allowing limited completion work while banning any other activities until the structure is fit for occupation, with the owner still bound to demolish and rebuild at the correct site if rules are breached. Customs Modernisation: Namibia Revenue Agency says ASYCUDAWorld upgrade delays at borders have been largely resolved, with the new system processing N$18bn in goods since 5 May and no “going back” to the older setup. Fuel Market Legal Fight: Nasan Energies has appealed a Competition Commission ruling that blocks it from sourcing fuel from Vitol-related firms for five years after its station acquisition. Wildlife Progress: India’s Project Cheetah reports 53 cheetahs now in-country (33 born in India), with expansion sites being prepared. Blue Economy: Angola, Namibia and South Africa ministers approved a five-year Benguela Current action plan to strengthen marine protection and curb illegal fishing. STEM Push: JA Africa and ExxonMobil Foundation launch STEM Africa 2.0 to add 4,000 youth aged 14–17 with AI and STEM skills.

Urban Safety & Equity: A UN-backed warning is blunt: over 70% of daily trips for low-income Namibians rely on walking and cycling, yet sidewalks, safe crossings, cycling lanes and lighting are still missing—turning road design into “structural violence” for pedestrians and children. Water Innovation: Stanford researchers report a solar-powered hydrogel that pulls moisture from air and turns it into drinking water, surviving 190+ cycles—built for drought-hit emergencies where pipes and electricity are scarce. Climate & Weather: Namibia expects rain showers Tuesday, with impacts most likely across the north, central-eastern and extreme south-eastern interior, plus strong winds in central and southern areas. Food Security: Namibia is testing new mahangu and pearl millet varieties to strengthen drought-prone farming, while also moving agricultural centres toward training roles by 2027. Marine Protection: The Benguela Current Convention approved a new regional action plan to curb illegal fishing and boost a sustainable blue economy across Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Green Transition Funding: Namibia–EU cooperation is extending to 2030, with EU support for green hydrogen and critical raw materials, though one EIB framework loan facility still hasn’t rolled out.

Zero-grazing push for food security: Namibia is looking to Kenya’s dairy “zero-grazing” model—cut-and-carry fodder with cows kept in controlled spaces—to boost milk output and strengthen mixed farming as part of wider food-security efforts. Conservation funding: Namibia, WWF Namibia and partners are set to sign a conservation deal worth over N$1 billion under the “Namibia for Life” initiative on 20 May. Marine protection: The Benguela Current Convention approved a new regional action plan to tackle illegal fishing and strengthen the blue economy across Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Water stress in mining: Rosh Pinah Zinc commissioned a new water treatment plant to recycle process water and cut reliance on Orange River water. Health squeeze: Namibia’s health ministry says several essential medicines are understocked or out of stock, prompting emergency procurement. Green industry governance: Cabinet approved a Green Industries Council to guide Namibia’s green industrialisation and job creation.

Press Freedom Watch: A week after World Press Freedom Day, Botswana is warned about the “slow normalisation of fear” and quiet media capture—an echo of Namibia’s 1991 Windhoek Declaration that still sets the standard. Conservation Finance: Namibia, WWF and partners will sign a conservation funding deal worth over N$1 billion under “Namibia for Life” on 20 May, aiming for long-term permanence. Green Industry Push: Cabinet approved a Green Industries Council to steer Namibia’s green industrialisation and job creation agenda. Fisheries Pressure: Namibia temporarily eased horse mackerel fishing depth rules to 150m (from 200m) for selected vessels, drawing sustainability and trade concerns. Food Security: WFP says acute food insecurity is down versus last year, but climate shocks and flooding risks remain. Digital Acceleration: ICT Minister Emma Theofelus urged Namibia not to wait on “ideal conditions” to unlock the digital economy, with Women in Tech spotlighted.

Green Industry Push: Cabinet has approved the Green Industries Council to steer Namibia’s green industrialisation, with the National Planning Commission’s DG set to chair and key ministries around the table. Conservation Funding: WWF Namibia and partners are set to sign a conservation agreement worth over N$1 billion under the “Namibia for Life” initiative on 20 May, using a long-term “Project Finance for Permanence” model. Fisheries Pressure: Namibia has temporarily eased horse mackerel trawling limits for selected vessels, letting them fish in shallower waters (150m vs 200m), even as the 2026 quota was cut—sparking sustainability and trade concerns. Food Security Watch: WFP says acute food insecurity is down versus last year, but climate shocks still threaten vulnerable communities, with flooding impacts and ongoing school feeding support. Blue Economy Finance: A global push for “blue bonds” is gaining momentum, but Namibia’s latest week also shows how ocean and climate funding is moving from talk to policy.

EU–Namibia Green Deal: The EU and Namibia have extended their Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, with new emphasis on renewable hydrogen and critical raw materials—framed as investment and market access, not aid. Insurance for Resilience: Africa Re is warning that weak insurance markets are quietly slowing development, urging governments to treat insurance and reinsurance as core tools for managing climate shocks and financing growth. Food Security Watch: Namibia’s food security is improving versus last year, but 456,000 people are still projected to face acute hunger through June as floods, drought and locust risks persist. Local Service Delivery: President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited BIPA’s One-Stop Service Centre to check progress on cutting business registration bottlenecks. Mental Health Crisis: An editorial says Namibia’s mental health system is in shambles, pointing to safety fears and slow reform—while the mental health bill moves through parliament. Mining Update: Koryx Copper issued a correction on timing for its Haib Copper Project work, while earlier drill results point to wide, consistent intercepts.

EU–Namibia Green Deal: Namibia and the EU have extended their Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, with Commissioner Jessika Roswall stressing deeper cooperation on renewable hydrogen and critical raw materials value chains, backed by investment, technology transfer and better market access. Risk & Resilience: Africa Re is warning that weak insurance markets are quietly holding back industrialisation and climate resilience, urging governments to treat insurance and reinsurance as core development tools. Food Security Watch: The World Food Programme says Namibia’s acute food insecurity is improving versus last year, but climate shocks still threaten vulnerable communities, with flooding in the Zambezi Region and ongoing needs for school feeding and nutrition support. Local Service Delivery: President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited BIPA’s One-Stop Service Centre to check progress on cutting red tape for business registration. Green Hydrogen Momentum: EU officials say Namibia has several green hydrogen projects in the pipeline, with major decisions expected soon.

Campus Safety Boost: Japan has donated two ambulances, a fire truck and emergency gear worth N$1.2m to the University of Namibia, aiming to strengthen emergency response and support students with disabilities across far-flung campuses. Food Security Watch: The World Food Programme says Namibia’s acute food insecurity has improved versus last year, but climate shocks still threaten vulnerable communities—about 456,000 people may face acute hunger through June 2026, with flooding and locust risks still on the radar. Marine Risk Control: Fishcor reports that all fuel from the MFV Seaflower—stranded near Lüderitz and close to sensitive seabird breeding areas—has been transferred without any spillage, while salvage planning continues. Governance & Health: Namibia’s Windhoek mental health centre has admitted systemic failures after a patient escaped and a fatal police shooting followed, renewing calls for stronger monitoring and security. Youth & Online Pressure: Namibia’s growing social media use is shaking young confidence and mental health, with officials urging tighter protection for children online.

Food Security Update: Namibia’s food security is improving versus last year, but climate shocks are still biting: WFP projects about 456,000 people facing acute hunger through June 2026, down from 1.15 million, with rainfall gains and drought relief helping while floods, locusts and malaria risks keep pressure on vulnerable communities. Marine Safety: Fishcor says all fuel from the MFV Seaflower was transferred off the stranded vessel near Lüderitz without any spillage, after an anchor-chain failure near Penguin Island raised concerns for a sensitive seabird breeding area. Green Industry Push: At the EU-Namibia Business Forum, Namibia set a target to lift processed mineral exports from 46.6% to 57% by 2030, while EU-backed green hydrogen projects were framed as a major investment pipeline. Governance & Accountability: A new spotlight on local governance failures continues, alongside calls for stronger monitoring under the Benguela Current Convention to protect one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Mining Watch: Koryx Copper issued a correction on Haib drill results timing, saying updated resource work will feed a pre-feasibility study by end-2026.

Fish & Coasts: Fishcor says there was no oil spillage after fuel from the stranded MFV Seaflower was safely pumped and transferred offshore Lüderitz, though salvage continues near Penguin Island—an important win for Namibia’s sensitive seabird breeding area. Blue Economy & Governance: South Africa urged stronger monitoring and accountability under the Benguela Current Convention, spotlighting shared risks like illegal fishing and oil spills across the Namibia–Angola–South Africa marine ecosystem. Tourism & Sustainability: Namibia used Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 to push a sustainability-led tourism vision and regional connectivity, while Cabinet moved to stabilise Namibia Wildlife Resorts with a new acting managing director. Climate Finance: Vice President Lucia Witbooi asked the Green Climate Fund for continued support, including drought help for farmers. Energy Transition & Trade: Namibia and the EU extended their partnership to 2030, backing renewables and critical raw materials with new investment. Local Resilience: Fish River Hiking Season is set to restart on 15 May after safety checks found canyon water levels manageable.