AGP Executive Report

Orange Basin Legal Setback: A South African court rejected an attempt by environmental activists to stop TGS seismic surveying in the Orange basin, a rare win for Namibia’s exploration backers—though a bigger fight is expected at the Constitutional Court over Shell and Impact Oil’s south-coast plans. Green Industry Push: Namibia is urging innovative green financing to fund industrialisation, jobs and wider electricity access, with green hydrogen framed as an enabler for deeper mineral beneficiation and manufacturing growth. Fisheries Under the Microscope: Namibia’s fishing rights are set for review as officials question “paper quota” and whether nominal ownership delivers real control and benefits, with sustainability and quota allocation also in focus. El Niño Climate Warning: El Niño is strengthening and Namibia is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 rainfall season, raising risks for agriculture, livestock, water and disaster management. Noise Pollution Complaint: Pionierspark residents in Windhoek are petitioning the City over excessive noise from music festivals and large events near sports grounds. Green Finance Win: The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) won a green finance award for clean energy investment, backing Namibia’s shift toward renewables. Coastal & Wildlife Science: New research using GPS collars in Etosha and Botswana shows lions and hyenas follow a “hidden choreography,” reshaping how coexistence is understood. Fog and Microbes: Studies suggest fog may act as a habitat where microbes actively grow, not just a moisture carrier. Lüderitz Environmental Learning: Learners from Keetmanshoop visited Lüderitz for conservation, marine life, waste management and kelp farming education.

El Niño Watch: Namibia’s Meteorological Service warns of a hotter, drier 2026/27 rainy season, with El Niño likely to intensify and temperatures up to 3°C above average, raising risks for farming, livestock, water and disaster planning. Health Preparedness: An independent meteorologist says authorities shouldn’t wait for impacts before boosting hospital medicine stocks as drought and heat could drive more patients. Fisheries Reform: Government is reviewing expiring fishing rights and pushing reforms aimed at transparency, better quota control, local processing and sustainable stock management after concerns about “paper” ownership and declining fish. Conservation Education: School Environmental Clubs Namibia took learners to Lüderitz for hands-on learning on kelp farming, recycling and seabird conservation. Green Finance Win: The Development Bank of Namibia received a green finance award for investing over N$1.58bn in clean energy projects. Wildlife Research: GPS-tracking in Etosha and Botswana shows lions and hyenas follow a “hidden choreography,” with hyenas keeping distance rather than chasing scraps.

El Niño Drought Watch: Namibia Meteorological Service warns the 2026/27 rainy season could be hotter and drier, with temperatures up to 3°C above average and rainfall deficits likely—raising alarms for farmers, livestock, water supplies and disaster readiness. Health Preparedness: An independent meteorologist says the health system should not wait for the crisis, warning drought and extreme heat could mean more patients and higher pressure on medicines. Fisheries Reform Under Scrutiny: Government is reviewing expiring fishing rights and is pushing for real control, not “paper” ownership, as concerns grow over quota allocation, declining stocks and local processing. Fisheries Indaba Outcomes: A national fisheries turnaround plan is being shaped around transparency, inclusivity, sustainable stock management and job creation, with reforms targeted for implementation within a year. Green Hydrogen Push: Siemens-backed CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay has commissioned an integrated green hydrogen facility—solar, electrolyser and battery storage—aimed at cleaner transport and industry. Wildlife Monitoring: Botswana’s slaty egret is being used as a sensitive indicator of wetland health in the Okavango Delta, linking bird presence to ecosystem change. Tobacco Controls: Namibia is consulting on amendments to curb vapes and other non-conventional tobacco products, including testing requirements and import restrictions. Clean Energy Finance: DBN says it has invested over N$1.58 billion in clean energy projects, supporting 81.6MW, and highlights climate-aligned development and jobs.

El Niño Drought Watch: Namibia’s Meteorological Service warns of a hotter, drier 2026/27 rainy season (Oct–Mar), with below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures as El Niño intensifies—raising fresh fears for already water-stressed farmers and livestock. Fisheries Reform Push: At a Walvis Bay Fisheries Indaba, stakeholders urged the ministry to set Total Allowable Catch using science, and to factor in ecosystem changes like ocean chemistry and biodiversity; calls also focused on transparency, local processing, and rebuilding stocks. Green Hydrogen Milestone: Siemens says Namibia’s CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay is Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility, pairing solar, electrolysis and battery storage to cut emissions in transport and industry. Wildlife & Wetlands Signal: A rare slaty egret in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is being used as a sensitive indicator of wetland health—highlighting how ecosystem shifts can show up in wildlife distribution. Health & Regulation: Namibia is consulting on amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act to test and control (or ban) vapes, e-cigarettes and related products. Community & Environment Skills: Nala and Mathuba Genetics Academy completed an agricultural training programme for farmers, while a Havana Charity garden project links food production with environmental sustainability.

Fisheries Governance & Climate Impacts: Namibia’s Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay pushed for Total Allowable Catch decisions to include ocean chemistry, biodiversity and ocean acidification data, warning that current TAC inputs ignore ecosystem realities. Blue Economy Transparency: Prime Minister Ngurare said Namibia is moving to a digital dashboard to make fishing performance and benefits easier to track “at the press of a button,” aiming to ensure empowerment is real, not just promised. Marine Health Alert: Scientists reported an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, urging coastal communities not to touch or approach sick or dead seals as officials warn of wider wildlife and tourism risks. Climate Outlook: Namibia Meteorological Service forecasts a drier, hotter 2026/27 rainy season driven by strengthening El Niño, with models linking El Niño to suppressed rainfall. Clean-Up & Local Action: Karibib residents are invited to a town Clean-Up Day on 18 September, with gloves and refuse bags provided to boost local environmental responsibility.

Marine Health Alert: Scientists report an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, with Namibia now seeing cases after South Africa detected the disease first—raising concerns for seal colonies, tourism and coastal communities, and urging the public not to touch sick or dead animals. Fisheries Reform Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the 2026 National Fisheries Indaba to demand more value addition, local landing of catches, youth entrepreneurship and tougher transparency on quota allocation—while the government also unveiled a digital dashboard to improve oversight of who benefits from the sector. Electricity & Renewables: The Electricity Control Board launched an online platform to streamline embedded generation applications and give better data for planning, network upgrades and tariff stability as Namibia’s power mix shifts. Tourism Benefits Locally: Namibia’s draft revised sustainable tourism policy is being consulted to close gaps so tourism income reaches local communities, young people and small businesses while protecting fragile natural and cultural resources. Climate Risk & Drought Warnings: Asoli is calling for urgent public updates on preparedness for a potentially severe 2026/27 El Niño drought, warning silence could leave farmers and livestock exposed. Water & Sanitation: Katima Mulilo residents welcomed a N$450 million wastewater treatment plant to tackle long-running sewerage overflows, with construction expected to take about 13–14 months. Conservation Monitoring: A new lion census is underway in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park using vehicle surveys and camera traps to estimate population size and movements across borders. Clean-Up Action: Karibib residents are urged to join a town Clean-Up Day on 18 September to improve local environmental health.

Fisheries Reform Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told the 2026 National Fisheries Indaba that Namibia’s fisheries must deliver more value, jobs and local processing, with transparency on quota allocation and stronger compliance. Phosphate Mining Under Fire: An editorial-style warning says marine phosphate clearance is being challenged after the government effectively “fights itself” over environmental decisions, while an independent review says the Sandpiper project’s economic case is still not complete and needs updated environmental and fisheries assessments. Drought Alarm (El Niño): Asoli warns of a potentially severe 2026/27 El Niño and criticises government silence, as climate forecasts point to below-normal rains across southern Africa. Windhoek Water Reality Check: A look at Windhoek’s long rainfall variability argues drought becomes a crisis when water systems lack resilience, raising the stakes for preparedness. Coastal & Wildlife Monitoring: Conservation groups are expanding wildlife censuses across borders, including a new lion count in Kgalagadi, using camera traps and tracking to guide management. Local Water Infrastructure: Katima Mulilo residents welcome a N$450m wastewater plant to tackle long-running sewer overflows and create jobs. Tourism Competition Watch: Namibia’s Competition Commission says its conservancy tourism investigation won’t disrupt operations, aiming to balance fair market access with conservation goals. Clean Air Note: The UN marks International Day of Clean Air, highlighting the economic benefits of tackling air pollution and climate change.

Marine phosphate fight: Namibia’s environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti approved marine phosphate mining, but the fisheries minister has formally appealed—after a court earlier found Mufeti failed to properly consider endangered species in a related clearance case. Wildlife tracking: African conservation groups are ramping up cross-border wildlife censuses, using aerial counts, camera traps and tracking to guide decisions as climate and habitat pressure mount. Tourism safety: The Naukluft hiking trail was inspected over eight days to check shelters, water and safety chains, with repairs and upgrades planned. Fisheries reform push: At the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay, Inge Zaamwani urged stakeholders to stop “talking” and deliver reform—calling for ecosystem-based management, better seal-population planning, more onshore processing and transparent quota allocation. Tourism competition reassurance: The Namibian Competition Commission says its conservancy–tour operator investigation won’t disrupt tourism operations and is working with MEFT to align rules. Water infrastructure: Katima Mulilo residents welcomed a N$450m wastewater treatment plant, expected to cut sewer overflows and create local jobs. Climate warning: Southern Africa faces worsening dryness signals tied to El Niño, with food insecurity risks rising.

US–Namibia Health Transition: The Trump administration will phase out $45m annual support for Namibia’s HIV response after the 2027 fiscal year, shifting to “technical cooperation” as Namibia integrates HIV services into its national health system—after Namibia rejected US demands to share sensitive health data and biological specimens. Marine Conservation & Research: A new look at migratory seabirds highlights six marine flyways and the need to use tracking data to protect key sites across 56 countries. Investment Climate Push: Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu launched a new up-to-five-year employment permit for investors, aiming to cut administrative barriers and speed up processing. Fisheries Reform Debate: At Walvis Bay’s National Fisheries Indaba, Minister Inge Zaamwani urged ecosystem-based seal management, more onshore fish processing, and transparent quota allocation tied to local investment and jobs. Wildlife Protection via Maths: Four Indian students won an international modelling award using Namibia’s Etosha as a case study for allocating rangers, drones and camera traps under limited resources. Energy & Clean Power: The Electricity Control Board launched an online platform to streamline embedded generation applications, including rooftop solar and battery storage. Tourism Competition Watch: Namibia’s competition watchdog said its conservancy–tour operator investigation won’t disrupt tourism operations. Mining Scrutiny: An independent review says the Sandpiper phosphate project’s economic case is still incomplete and needs updated financial, environmental and fisheries assessments. Local Governance & Services: Rundu launched a wholly council-owned commercial company to grow revenue and support municipal service delivery, with a clear “public service first” message.

US-Namibia Health Transition: The United States will phase down its $45m annual HIV support for Namibia, shifting to technical cooperation as Namibia integrates HIV services into its national health system after hitting 96-98-98 targets. Fisheries Sustainability Push: Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani urged a balanced, science-led approach to rising seal numbers and warned that fish-stock pressure threatens the whole fishing economy. Quota and Local Value: Zaamwani also called for more transparent quota allocation and expanded onshore processing to cut coastal poverty and strengthen local jobs. Embedded Solar Made Easier: The Electricity Control Board launched Namibia’s Embedded Generation Online Application Platform to speed and standardise rooftop solar and battery connection approvals. Veld Fire Pressure: Northern regions reported heavy veld-fire impacts, with Oshana among areas affected and MEFT planning priority fire cutlines for 2026. Circular Economy Momentum: The GreenCycle expo returns in late October, aiming for measurable waste-to-value outcomes and green jobs. Youth and Digital Influence: A junior council session in Windhoek urged young Namibians to use social media for real community impact, not just virality. Rundu Revenue Plan: Rundu Town Council launched a wholly owned commercial company to broaden revenue and support municipal service delivery.

Fisheries Reform Push: At the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay, Minister Inge Zaamwani urged stakeholders to tackle seal-related pressure on fish stocks and called for a more transparent quota system that rewards onshore processing, Namibian ownership and local jobs. Tourism Oversight Reassurance: The Namibian Competition Commission said its probe into alleged conservancy exclusivity arrangements won’t disrupt tourism operations, and it’s working with MEFT to align conservation, empowerment and competition rules. Embedded Solar Gets a Faster Path: The Electricity Control Board launched an online application platform to speed up and standardise approvals for rooftop solar and other embedded generation, replacing paper processes with a single portal. Veld Fire Risk in the North: MEFT reported large-scale veld fires in northern regions, including 3,269 ha burnt in Oshana, and flagged fuel loads after above-average rains plus priority fire cutlines for 2026. Waste-to-Value Momentum: GreenCycle returns 30–31 October with a “Proof of Impact” focus, aiming to turn waste into a circular-economy opportunity and target 5,000-plus green jobs by 2030. Water from Fog Trial: A 50,000-volt fog-harvesting device tested near Namibia’s coast showed promise in controlled conditions but struggled with salt, wind and weather in real-world trials. Conservation Spotlight: A feature highlighted the Kazungula Quadripoint in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, linking Namibia’s tourism appeal with regional wildlife and landscapes. Leadership Change: The Livestock and Livestock Products Board appointed Vehaka M. Tjimune as its new CEO, effective 1 September 2026. Human Rights Under Drought Displacement: Amnesty accused Namibia of leaving drought-displaced Angolan women and children in a protection gap, including risks of arrest and deportation.

Embedded Solar Push: The Electricity Control Board launched Namibia’s Embedded Generation Online Application Platform in Windhoek, replacing paper processes with a single portal to speed up and standardise approvals for rooftop solar, battery storage and other embedded generation. Veld Fire Toll: Oshana reported 38,000 ha lost to veld fires, with MEFT warning that above-average grass growth is increasing fuel loads and highlighting planned 2026 fire cutlines. Marine Phosphate Fight: Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani appealed against the environmental clearance granted for the Sandpiper marine phosphate project, while the environment ministry says the legal process must run its course—keeping a sensitive seabed biodiversity debate in the spotlight. Tourism Competition Reassurance: The Namibian Competition Commission said its probe into alleged exclusive conservancy deals won’t disrupt tourism operations, aiming to balance fair market access with sector sustainability. Circular Economy Jobs: The GreenCycle expo returns on 30 October, targeting measurable waste-to-value outcomes and aiming for 5,000-plus green jobs by 2030. Drought Displacement Rights: Amnesty accused Namibia of leaving drought-displaced Angolans—especially women and children—in a protection gap, with risks of arrest and deportation and limited access to services. Wildlife Rescue Under Scrutiny: A wildlife sanctuary linked to N/a’an ku sê remains in the news after a dispute over permits and the fate of 217 animals. Mining With a Human Question: Kokoseb’s gold project advances toward construction funding, but reporting flags potential displacement of homesteads and affected people—raising “what happens to them?” concerns.

Marine Phosphate Fight: Namibia’s agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has appealed the environmental clearance certificate for the Sandpiper marine phosphate project, arguing the decision should be set aside and challenging the process after the ECC was granted on 5 August. Government Coordination Row: PDM leader McHenry Venaani says the appeal shows serious lack of coordination between ministries, after his claim that the Cabinet principle may not have been properly followed. Drought as Development Priority: Environment minister Indileni Daniel says drought can’t be treated only as an emergency, urging earlier investment in resilience and economic planning as Namibia faces rising heat and prolonged dry spells. Wildlife Under Court Pressure: The N/a’an ku sê Foundation is fighting to prevent the release or killing of 217 animals after a dispute over permits and compliance, with lions, leopards and African wild dogs at the centre. Coastal Health Watch: Scientists report rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, while authorities also warn communities not to touch sick or dead marine mammals. Green Hydrogen Consultation: Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme and ERM invite public comment on the draft Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment for green energy in the Southern Corridor.

Green Hydrogen Planning: Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme and ERM opened public review for the draft Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment for green energy and industrialisation in the Southern Corridor, with comments due 4 September. Marine Health Watch: Scientists warned of rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem and urged people not to touch sick or dead animals; separate reports also flagged virus concerns in sardines. Conservation & Coexistence: A global push for human-wildlife coexistence is gaining traction as species recover and overlap more with farming and fishing livelihoods. Namibia Air Scrutiny: Government rejected a leaked Namibia Air document, saying talks with Ethiopian Airlines are still “analytical” with no binding commitments. Digital Services Security: CRAN accredited the Ministry of Home Affairs as Namibia’s first Certification Service Provider, enabling digital certificates and encryption keys for online government services. Carbon Removal Move: Carbonsate announced a 50,000-tonne carbon removal agreement tied to bush encroachment work with farmers. Livestock & Jobs: Meatco’s Okapuka Tannery secured global sustainability certification, while the Livestock and Livestock Products Board appointed a new CEO. City Transport Rules: Windhoek rolled out a heavy-vehicle access and permit system to curb road damage, congestion, noise and emissions. Humanitarian Climate Impact: Amnesty reported drought-driven displacement from Angola into Namibia, with women and children facing rights abuses.

Marine Health Alert: Scientists warn of rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem and a virus in sardines, urging coastal communities not to touch or approach sick or dead animals as officials investigate impacts on wildlife, tourism and the food chain. Fisheries & Public Safety: South Africa’s Eastern Cape issued a warning after dead and dying sardines washed ashore, with pilchard herpesvirus flagged as a leading suspect; residents were told not to collect or eat the fish. Climate Pressure & Displacement: Amnesty reports drought in southern Angola, worsened by El Niño, is pushing thousands of Angolans—especially women and children—into Namibia, where they face harsh conditions and forcible returns. Energy Transition & Renewables: Namibia’s Electricity Control Board launched an embedded generation application platform to speed up approvals for rooftop solar and other small-scale power, supporting energy security and tariff stability. Conservation & Species: An aquarium welcomed seven baby African penguins this year; the species remains critically endangered, with wild declines linked to food shortages and climate and fishing pressures. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Namibia recorded 11,508 conflict cases (2022–2026) with 77 human deaths, as the ministry expands measures like water points and predator-proof kraals. Blue Economy Investment: Lüderitz is set to consider a proposed N$4 billion Atlantic salmon aquaculture project, targeting major jobs and economic activity alongside environmental requirements.

Aviation Governance: Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport says a leaked “Namibia Air” document is not official and doesn’t reflect any concluded deal with Ethiopian Airlines, stressing talks are still ongoing to find a financially sustainable model. Energy Transition & Power: The Electricity Control Board launched an Embedded Generation Application Platform to speed up approvals for small solar and other distributed generation, while Windhoek announced electricity tariffs will rise by an average 3.6% from 1 September. Human-Wildlife Conflict: New figures show 11,508 conflict cases (2022–2026) with 77 human deaths, and communities in Mukwe are demanding faster processing of offset payments. Water, Health & Youth: Junior MPs pushed for child-responsive, climate-resilient WASH in schools, citing unsafe toilets and lack of water and maintenance. Marine & Food Security: Namibia granted environmental clearance for a controversial seabed phosphate dredging project off Walvis Bay, drawing criticism over impacts on the Benguela ecosystem and fisheries. Blue Economy Investment: Lüderitz is set to consider a proposed N$4 billion Atlantic salmon aquaculture push, with claims of major jobs and economic activity. Climate Displacement: Amnesty warns drought-driven displacement from Angola into Namibia is becoming a human rights crisis, with fears of arrest and forcible returns. Wildlife & Biodiversity Risks: Sardine deaths in South Africa are linked to pilchard herpesvirus, raising concerns for predators like African penguins that also matter to the region’s marine health.