AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Protection Push: Namibia’s anti-poaching awareness drive in Otjozondjupa kicks off through the MEFT’s ministerial sports games in Grootfontein, with organisers urging regions to actively discuss and strengthen wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict strategies. Green Schemes Deliver: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reports full utilisation of agricultural land at the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East, and highlights strong maize and winter crop plans at Ndonga Linena, while noting ongoing operational and market challenges. Water & Mining Oversight: Osino Gold seeks an Environmental Clearance Certificate to build a sand storage dam on the Khan River in Erongo, aiming to improve water security for its Twin Hills project. Critical Minerals, Cleaner Standards: UN ECA launches a €15m SADC project to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across Namibia and neighbours. Biodiversity Discovery: An Angola expedition on the Lisima plateau finds dozens of new species, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity and river-fed ecosystems. Fuel Supply Scrutiny: Parliament faces renewed debate after IPC alleges a sole bulk petroleum supplier deal with Vitol could entrench market concentration and affect fuel availability. Food Security Support: WFP says 105,813 households received rice assistance in May as climate-related shocks continue to strain vulnerable communities.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC has renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency CEO Stanley Ndara as chair for a second term, with priorities including the Regional Register of Fishing Vessels to curb illegal fishing. Water & Uranium Safety: Russian state firm Rosatom’s Namibia subsidiary Headspring Investments claims groundwater in the Stampriet Basin aquifer is already contaminated, citing uranium levels far above WHO drinking-water guidelines, while awaiting an IAEA independent report on the proposed in situ leaching test. Food Security Support: The WFP says 105,813 Namibian households received rice assistance in May and warns climate-related shocks still threaten vulnerable families, calling for continued funding and stronger early-warning systems. Green Farming Progress: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East for fully using all land, with maize planted on all 311 hectares and expected harvest of 1,900–2,000 tonnes. Corruption Allegations: A whistleblower complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission alleges corruption and irregular hiring at Namibia’s NIPDB during Nangula Uaandja’s tenure, though claims have not been independently verified. Health & Youth SRHR: Germany and Nappa back the “Pamwe” project with N$1.9m to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, including those with disabilities, in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati.

Food Security & Climate Resilience: WFP says 105,813 Namibian households received rice support in May (2,326 tonnes), but warns vulnerable families still face climate-related shocks and needs remain high even after drought response ended. Water & Uranium Risk: Rosatom’s Namibian subsidiary Headspring claims uranium levels in a Stampriet Basin aquifer are about 300 times above WHO drinking-water guidelines, while awaiting an independent IAEA report before Cabinet. Agriculture & Land Use: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East for fully using all 311 hectares, expecting 1,900–2,000 tonnes of maize despite outages and storm damage. Green Schemes & Production: Nandi-Ndaitwah also inspected Sikondo Green Scheme in Kavango West as part of broader efforts to boost local output. Biodiversity & Heritage: Forensic archaeology work linked to German colonial concentration camps at Swakopmund and Lüderitz highlights how environmental change and development threaten genocide-linked landscapes. Policy & Delivery: Namibia’s 2026/27 budget is now law, shifting focus to implementation and delivery—while IPC demands better execution. Regional Livestock Health: LPO calls for stronger cross-border cooperation to protect Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease-free status and safeguard beef exports. Energy Safety: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility hits 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, underscoring safety culture in fuel security operations.

Food Security Watch: WFP says Namibia still needs continued funding to lock in food security gains, warning vulnerable households remain exposed to climate shocks even as conditions improve; it highlights support to 105,813 households with rice and calls for stronger early-warning and emergency preparedness. Transboundary Animal Health: Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation urges a united regional front against foot-and-mouth disease, stressing the country’s FMD-free status must be protected through cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities and farmers. Water & Land Under Pressure: Researchers say the disputed Stampriet Transboundary System is a basin, not a single aquifer, with uranium exposure concerns raised by baseline sampling from boreholes on farms. Energy Safety Milestone: Namibia’s National Oil Storage Facility logs 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, underscoring fuel security and risk management at Namcor’s key logistics hub. Green Tech in Action: CGN held a multi-country Open Day, with Namibia media visiting the Husab Uranium Mine to discuss community investment, ecological restoration and water security. Wildlife Conservation Coordination: Namibia launches BRAN, a new platform to strengthen black rhino custodianship through collaboration and data sharing. Agriculture Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Ekoka Green Scheme and related projects, including irrigation expansion and the Etunda Feedlot, aimed at boosting local production and jobs. Migration Reform: Namibia is reviewing its 1993 immigration law, proposing pre-arrival information submission to modernise border control and support investment and travel.

Transboundary Livestock Health: Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation vice-chair Dawie Kok says the country can’t protect its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status alone, urging stronger cross-border cooperation with veterinary authorities and farmers as outbreaks threaten regional trade. Fisheries Monitoring: SADC reappointed Fisheries Observer Agency CEO Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and phase out destructive nets. Water & Uranium Concerns: A media engagement on the disputed Stampriet Transboundary System says the area is a basin (with multiple aquifers), and warns farmers may be drawing water without testing how uranium ore impacts it. Food Security Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ekoka Green Scheme and related projects, including irrigation farming and the Etunda Feedlot, aimed at boosting local production and reducing import dependence. Energy Safety Milestone: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility hit 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, highlighting fuel-security operations and safety culture. Malaria in the Zambezi: Zambezi region reports high malaria burden and calls for early treatment, net use, repellents, indoor spraying and removing standing water to cut deaths. Wildlife Conservation Coordination: Namibia launched BRAN, a new platform to strengthen collaboration and data sharing among black rhino custodians. Night-Sky & Light Pollution: A feature highlights how light pollution limits stargazing for most people, pointing to Namibia’s dark-sky potential and the need for protection. Wind Power in Namibia: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a crane-less wind turbine in harsh Namibian conditions, showing how renewable projects are adapting to local logistics and weather.

Dark-sky push: Researchers say over 80% of people live under light-polluted skies, but Namibia’s deserts and protected areas still offer some of the clearest views of planets and the Milky Way—highlighting the need to protect night skies for science and wildlife. Agriculture & water security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in Ohangwena, where irrigation, fencing and boreholes are boosting crops like mahangu, maize, cowpeas and sorghum—aimed at stronger food security and rural jobs. GEF funding for nature: The Global Environment Facility approved $144.3m in final GEF-8 disbursement, backing projects on ocean ecosystems, biodiversity and landscape restoration, including work to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Botswana. Wildlife conservation coordination: Namibia launched BRAN, a new platform to strengthen black rhino custodianship through better collaboration and data sharing across the country’s long-running conservation network. Regional animal health: The Livestock Producers’ Organisation urged Southern Africa to cooperate on foot and mouth disease, stressing Namibia’s FMD-free status comes with responsibility to help neighbours. Wind power logistics: Fortescue’s Nabrawind completed Africa’s first “crane-less” turbine installation in harsh Namibian conditions, a win for renewable rollout in remote, windy sites. Water stress reminder: A water-focused piece warns that only 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater and that countries including Namibia face extremely high water stress, with climate change likely to worsen scarcity.

GEF-8 Funding Boost: Namibia’s wider conservation landscape gets a lift as the GEF Council approved a final $144.3m disbursement for GEF-8, backing ocean ecosystem protection, biodiversity work and landscape restoration with strong co-financing. Food Security & Climate Resilience: President Nandi-Ndaitwah assessed the Ekoka Brown Field Green scheme in Ohangwena, pushing irrigation-based maize and vegetable production to strengthen local jobs and skills while building resilience. Wildlife Conservation Coordination: Namibia launched BRAN, a new black rhino coordination platform aimed at better data sharing and stronger collaboration across the country’s rhino custodianship network. Water Stress Reminder: A fresh call highlights that safe freshwater is scarce and Namibia is among countries facing extremely high water stress, with climate change expected to worsen shortages. Regional Livestock Health: The LPO vice-chair urged Southern African cooperation to fight Foot and Mouth Disease, stressing that outbreaks ignore borders. Wind Power Logistics: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed Africa’s first crane-less turbine using a self-erecting system, designed for Namibia’s harsh conditions. Local Governance & Inclusion: Windhoek’s cashless parking rollout sparked backlash over exclusion, confusion and extra costs for motorists. Budget Transparency: Government gazetted the Appropriation Act, 2026, authorising N$87.93b for 2026/27, with big allocations to education and health. Transport Infrastructure Pressure: TransNamib’s northern railway line still faces severe challenges despite a N$1.17b investment, with calls for board accountability after derailments.

Wind Power Innovation: Fortescue’s Nabrawind has installed Africa’s first “crane-less” full-scale wind turbine in Namibia, using a self-erecting system designed to work in harsh, remote conditions—good news for cleaner power rollout and logistics in the country’s wind zones. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: MTC says it will invest N$624.9 million in 2025/26 to upgrade network performance, expand coverage to underserved areas, and strengthen power infrastructure for more reliable connectivity. Agriculture-Tourism Link: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged urgent investment in modernising agriculture while preserving cultural identity, highlighting how festivals and rural tourism can create jobs and support local economies. Budget Watch: Namibia gazetted the Appropriation Act for 2026/27, authorising N$87.93 billion in spending, with major allocations to education (N$28b) and health/social services (N$13.1b). Transport & Environment Pressure: TransNamib’s northern railway line, despite a N$1.17b investment, is still facing derailment-related and capacity challenges—an issue that affects freight efficiency and the push to shift more cargo from road to rail.

Night-sky conservation under threat: A US-led push to launch tens of thousands of satellites could worsen light pollution, raising alarms for wildlife and people in Namibia and beyond. Transport reliability and environment-linked trade: TransNamib’s northern railway line—despite a N$1.17b investment—faces “severe” derailment and capacity problems, with government calling for board accountability as freight growth stalls. Connectivity for remote communities: MTC says it will spend N$624.9m on telecom and digital infrastructure in 2025/26, including new towers, transmission upgrades and power resilience to extend coverage. Agriculture + tourism for rural jobs: President Nandi-Ndaitwah backed Omaludi’s theme “Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” stressing cultural heritage, food security and local enterprise. Disability livelihoods: Vice President Lucia Witbooi assessed Nakayale Rehabilitation Centre, citing shortages of production equipment and ageing infrastructure that limit income opportunities for persons with disabilities. Tourism and skills partnerships: Namibia’s Wedding Expo & Summit teamed up with the Namibia Tourism Board to build SME capacity and funding pathways. Budget watch: Government gazetted the 2026/27 Appropriation Act, allocating N$87.93b, including major boosts to education, health and agriculture. Mining market pressure: Petra Diamonds warned of a weakening natural diamond market, cutting jobs and restructuring as prices and demand come under strain.

Ocean & Wildlife: A new documentary, “Unseen Line,” will premiere on 8 June (World Ocean Day), spotlighting how fishing lines, plastic waste and abandoned debris entangle seals along Namibia’s coast, with Ocean Conservation Namibia reporting hundreds of rescues in recent years. Tourism & Rural Jobs: Namibia’s Omaludi Festival theme is “Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging culture, farming and tourism to work together to create jobs and boost rural livelihoods. Digital Infrastructure: MTC says it will invest N$624.9 million in 2025/26 to expand connectivity, modernise networks, build new towers and improve power resilience—aimed at reaching underserved areas. Conservation Funding: Namibia is reported to have secured a major conservation funding deal worth N$1.1 billion, reinforcing efforts to protect biodiversity. Governance & Media Costs: CRAN proposes new regulatory levy fees for broadcasters and telecoms, adjusting rates to reflect sector realities and ease pressure on small radio stations. Mining & Uranium (Regional): Atomic Eagle upgraded its uranium resource at Zambia’s Muntanga project by 24%, signalling momentum toward larger-scale production.

Telecom & Power Resilience: MTC says it will pour N$624.9m into 2025/26 capital spending to optimise and modernise networks, extend coverage to remote areas, and invest in power infrastructure for stronger uptime across Namibia. Wildlife & Oceans: A new Namibia-focused documentary, “Unseen Line,” will premiere on 8 June (World Ocean Day), spotlighting seal rescue work and the harm caused by fishing lines and plastic debris. Conservation Funding & Policy: Namibia’s President links the Omaludi Festival theme—“Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth”—to NDP6 priorities, pushing agriculture-tourism integration as a route to jobs, food security and sustainable growth. Horticulture Exports Under Pressure: A report warns GLOBALG.A.P. certification may be hard to make compulsory for horticultural exports by 2027, citing levy limits, costly training and assessments, and expensive lab testing. Mining, Land & Water: The Chamber of Mines says mining policy tensions with government over local ownership are intensifying, while the new Chamber boss argues for a “mining-energy-agriculture nexus” that balances land and water needs. Water Safety & Accountability: A family is demanding answers after a man’s decomposed body was found at the Gammams wastewater treatment plant, with police and forensic findings raising questions about how he ended up there. Aviation Safety: Walvis Bay International Airport gets a N$16m firefighting vehicle to strengthen emergency response and support Namibia’s aviation and logistics ambitions.

Tourism–Mining–Wildlife Partnership: Namibia and Nigeria’s Plateau State have started talks on a strategic partnership spanning tourism, mining, wildlife conservation and livestock development, with both sides pushing for practical intra-African trade. Ocean Pollution & Wildlife Rescue: A new short documentary, “Unseen Line,” spotlights Namibia’s seal rescue work and the dangers of fishing lines and plastic debris, premiering on 8 June (World Ocean Day). Broadcasting Fees Under Review: CRAN proposes new regulatory levy rates for broadcasters, aiming for fairness after concerns about the financial strain on small radio stations. Youth, Mental Health & Substance Abuse: Namibia’s leadership warns that hopelessness, unemployment, mental health pressures and substance abuse are putting young people at risk, calling for stronger church and community action. Conservation Funding & Aviation Safety: Namibia is reported to have secured major conservation funding, while Walvis Bay airport received a N$16m firefighting vehicle to strengthen emergency response capacity. Mining Governance Tensions: The Chamber of Mines says relations with government tightened over proposed local ownership requirements, raising investor-confidence concerns. Water & Infrastructure Pressure: South Africa’s CityMender data shows potholes, water leaks and electricity faults as top service-delivery complaints, with Namibia flagged for an expansion. Horticulture Export Standards: Namibia’s push to make GLOBALG.A.P. certification compulsory by 2027 faces cost and logistics hurdles for farmers and testing capacity. Agriculture–Tourism Link: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged closer integration of agriculture and tourism to boost rural jobs and protect cultural heritage through events like the Omaludi Agricultural Festival. China–Namibia Cooperation: A CPPCC delegation visited Namibia to deepen bilateral cooperation, including development strategy alignment.

Seal rescue spotlight: A new 13-minute documentary, “Unseen Line,” premieres 8 June (World Ocean Day) and follows Ocean Conservation Namibia rescuers cutting fishing lines and removing plastic and debris from trapped seals along the coast. Youth and mental health alarm: Government and church leaders warn that hopelessness, substance abuse, unemployment and mental health pressures are putting young Namibians at risk, calling for stronger cooperation with faith and traditional leaders. Horticulture export hurdles: Namibia’s push to make GLOBALG.A.P. certification compulsory for horticultural exports by 2027 faces cost, training, testing and record-keeping challenges for farmers. Mining ownership clash: The Chamber of Mines says tensions with government over proposed mandatory 51% local ownership intensified in 2025, raising investor-confidence concerns. Conservation funding: Namibia secured a major conservation funding deal (reported as N$1.1bn) to support wildlife protection. Energy transition finance: GreenCo welcomed Sanlam Alternative Investments as its first private institutional shareholder with a US$10m investment for a 10% stake. Water safety upgrade: Walvis Bay International Airport received a N$16m firefighting vehicle to strengthen emergency response capacity. Disability centre needs: Omusati’s Nakayale Disability Centre received a visit from VP Lucia Witbooi as it seeks sewing, carpentry and welding materials and fuel support. Oil governance debate: Commentary urges Parliament to get the petroleum amendment bill’s accountability and constitutional safeguards right before Namibia formalises more centralised control.

Mining policy clash: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines says relations with government tightened in 2025 over proposed local ownership rules, including a reported push for mandatory 51% local ownership after the ministry’s mandate expanded. Mining-agriculture-water-energy link: New Chamber boss Fabian Shaanika argues mining can’t be planned in isolation and should be integrated with agriculture, energy and water to balance competing land needs. Conservation funding: Namibia has launched and signed a deal securing over N$1.1 billion to protect more than 20 million hectares and support rural livelihoods. Wildlife and tourism: African Parks says it wants more local staffing and more African tourists, aiming to reduce resentment that can fuel poaching. Blue economy push: Experts say the blue economy needs stronger research, community involvement and private-sector finance, with better policy frameworks. Aviation safety: Walvis Bay airport received a N$16m firefighting vehicle to boost emergency response and meet international standards. Water safety concerns: Windhoek says brown tap water can be linked to pipe bursts, rust and reservoir residue after supply interruptions, urging residents to let water stand. Connectivity pressure: Telecom Namibia was summoned by CRAN over recurring broadband and mobile disruptions, admitting service has fallen below expectations. Trade bottleneck: Namibia has issued only nine AfCFTA certificates of origin so far, highlighting slow uptake despite the agreement’s launch. Mahangu support: FAO-backed work targets higher pearl millet (mahangu) productivity and value chains, as Namibia still produces only about 52% of demand.

Conservation Funding & Local Benefits: Namibia has secured a N$1.1 billion deal to protect over 20 million hectares, with a push to strengthen rural livelihoods alongside conservation. Rhino Tourism Push: African Parks, backed by major donors, says it wants more local staffing and more tourists from countries where it operates—arguing people on the ground are key to stopping resentment and poaching. Cheetah Project Scrutiny: India’s Project Cheetah faces fresh criticism after an inspection report says cheetahs were tranquilised 110 times in two years, raising concerns about animal welfare. Land Reform Tensions: Chiefs in Kavango East and West warn communal land reforms could weaken customary authority and increase pressure on ancestral land. Connectivity Under Pressure: Telecom Namibia admits broadband and mobile disruptions are linked to infrastructure and system issues, after CRAN summoned it for repeated failures. Food Security Watch: FAO says domestic mahangu production covers only about 52% of demand, leaving Namibia reliant on imports. Whale Recovery Signs: Scientists report increased sightings of blue and fin whales in the south-east Atlantic, offering hope after decades of whaling.

Telecom Under Fire: Telecom Namibia admits its recent broadband and mobile disruptions are tied to network infrastructure and system faults, after CRAN summoned it for an urgent briefing; the regulator is now checking whether service levels meet quality and consumer-protection duties, while Telecom says teams are working “around the clock” and will share root causes, fixes and prevention steps. Customs Tech Strain: NamRA says it’s stabilising the upgraded ASYCUDA World system after Walvis Bay clearing agents reported slowness, network instability and processing gaps that delayed cargo clearance. Water Worries in Windhoek: The City of Windhoek links brown tap-water complaints to pipe bursts, rust and a recent supply interruption, urging residents to let water stand while it clears. Whale Hope: New research points to increased sightings of blue and fin whales off Namibia and South Africa since 2012, suggesting slow recovery. Policy Pressure: CRAN’s proposed new levies could hit small radio stations hardest, raising fears for local community broadcasting.