AGP Executive Report

Green Partnership: Namibia and Germany are prioritising climate-resilient water security, biodiversity conservation, green energy and skills for the green economy, with rural climate adaptation a key focus. Climate Action: Namibia’s new 10-year climate plan is estimated to cost N$230 billion, including N$202 billion expected from international funding. It targets emissions cuts and adaptation to drought, floods, rising temperatures and wildfires. Mining and Marine Protection: Namibia has granted environmental clearance to a phosphate mining project opposed by the fishing industry, renewing concerns over potential impacts on the coast. Separately, hazardous waste from oil and gas drilling is adding pressure to an already difficult waste-management challenge. Wildlife: A global assessment reports that monitored wildlife populations in Africa fell by an average of 80% between 1970 and 2022. The figure tracks changes in monitored populations, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife.

Climate Action: Namibia’s NDC 3.0 sets out a 10-year response to drought, heat, erratic rainfall, floods and wildfires, with an estimated N$230 billion price tag; N$202 billion is expected from international financing. Mining and Marine Environment: Approval of an environmental certificate for a phosphate project opposed by fishing interests, alongside concerns over hazardous oil-drilling waste, puts pressure on how Namibia manages extractive industries and coastal risks. Wildlife: A new global report finds monitored wildlife populations in Africa fell by an average 80% from 1970 to 2022. That measures population trends in tracked species, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife. Community Conservation: Namibia’s communal conservancies are generating jobs and income through tourism, crafts and wildlife management, giving communities a stake in protecting natural resources.

Wildlife: Africa’s monitored wildlife populations have fallen by an average 80% since 1970, a new report says. That measures changes in tracked populations, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife. Oil and Waste: Namibia’s two main hazardous-waste sites are under strain as offshore drilling expands, raising questions about the country’s capacity to safely handle drill waste. Marine Mining: The Sandpiper seabed phosphate project has received environmental clearance, renewing opposition from fishing groups and environmental advocates concerned about potential harm. Green Growth: Khomas Region has launched a roadmap to improve waste management, grow the circular economy and build climate resilience. Community Conservation: Namibia says communal conservancies support jobs and incomes through tourism and wildlife protection; Germany’s renewed partnership also prioritises biodiversity, water security and climate resilience.

Oil and Mining Pressures: Namibia’s hazardous-waste sites are nearing capacity as offshore drilling expands, raising concerns about how drill waste will be handled. The Sandpiper marine phosphate project has also received environmental clearance, despite long-running objections from fishing groups and environmental advocates. Mining Oversight: The High Court set aside Xinfeng Investment’s lithium mining licence, finding misleading technical information in its application; the company plans to appeal. Green Growth: Khomas Region launched a roadmap focused on waste management, circular-economy jobs and climate resilience. Water and Biodiversity: Namibia and Germany renewed cooperation on water security, biodiversity and climate resilience. In Kavango, a pilot programme is providing reusable nappies to help reduce pollution in the river. Tree Planting: Hardap has pledged to plant 75,000 trees as part of Namibia’s national target of two million by 2035.

Marine Mining Clash: Namibia has issued an environmental clearance certificate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, a move that renews fierce opposition from the fishing sector and environmental groups over seabed mining risks. Climate & Water Partnership: Namibia and Germany agreed to deepen cooperation on climate-resilient water security, biodiversity, livelihoods, and a just green energy transition after a Strategic Dialogue in Opuwo. Circular Economy Push: Khomas launched a Sustainability, Green Growth and Circular Economy Roadmap to tackle waste management, boost jobs, and strengthen climate resilience, with a waste-focused expo set for 8–9 October. Waste Reduction in Kavango: A pilot is supplying reusable nappies in Kamutjonga to cut plastic pollution in the Kavango River and reduce health and disposal concerns. Forestry Drive: Hardap committed to planting 75,000 trees as Namibia ramps up its push toward two million trees by 2035. Water Monitoring: ORASECOM has started the Fourth Joint Basin Survey (JBS4) to assess water quality and ecosystem health across the Senqu and Orange river systems through 15 December. Education & Digital Access: The education ministry acknowledged a persistent digital divide but says it is expanding connectivity, ICT infrastructure and devices across 1,699 schools. Electric Mobility Arrives: BYD launched its new energy vehicle brand in Namibia via Pupkewitz Motors, bringing multiple electrified models to Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva.

Tree-planting push: Hardap Region has pledged to plant at least 75,000 trees as Namibia ramps up its national drive to plant two million trees by 2035, with Arbor Day activities in Rehoboth and seedlings set to be distributed to schools and communities. River pollution fight: The Kavango Wilderness Project is piloting reusable nappies in Kamutjonga Village to cut plastic waste and protect the Kavango River from harmful disposal practices. Marine phosphate legal storm: Namibia’s Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project received an environmental clearance certificate valid until 2029, triggering strong opposition from the fishing industry and political leaders, with appeals lodged by the agriculture minister through the Attorney General. Energy transition, data and grids: NamPower says digitalisation will be central to its 2026–2030 transformation, using AI, automation and smarter grid control to speed up maintenance and improve service as the market liberalises. Wildlife conservation: Cheetah conservation news continues to ripple regionally, with plans to expand cheetah habitats in India, including a new third habitat at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Fisheries transparency call: A fisheries management scientist argues Namibia should make quota and fishing-right allocation decisions more transparent so applicants and the public can see how access to marine resources is determined.

Wildlife Conservation: India’s Project Cheetah hit a major milestone as Kuno National Park welcomed five new cubs, taking the country’s cheetah population to 60 and marking the start of a Botswana lineage in India. Namibia Environment & Wildlife Crime: Namibia police arrested two suspects at Oshakati for allegedly selling elephant ivory jewellery (“omakipa”) without permits, with charges also tied to disguising the origin of unlawful property. Biodiversity Under Threat: The brown clockfig succulent was assessed by the IUCN as critically endangered, with habitat loss linked to overgrazing and mining pressure in the Gariep/Richtersveld region. Climate & Education Tech: Namibia marked World Space Week, with an ESA astronaut visiting to inspire about 8,000 learners across the country, highlighting space tech for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Marine & Skills: UNAM secured a conditional N$10m pledge to accelerate its Walvis Bay campus for maritime science and safety, health and environment training. Trade & Logistics: NamRA introduced a risk-based customs bond framework from 1 November 2026 to cut business costs and support Namibia’s logistics role.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: India’s Project Cheetah hit a new milestone as five cheetah cubs were born at Kuno National Park, lifting the national population to 60 and marking the start of a Botswana genetic lineage in India. Conservation Under Pressure: Namibia and South Africa’s joint sea patrol seized about 32 tonnes of fish and flagged 12 suspected fisheries violations, underscoring ongoing pressure on the Benguela ecosystem. Wildlife Crime: Two suspects were arrested at Oshakati for allegedly selling elephant ivory “omakipa” jewellery without permits, with charges also including disguising unlawful property. Climate & Land: A rare Southern African succulent, the brown clockfig, has been assessed as critically endangered, with threats including overgrazing and mining-related habitat loss. Education & Environment Skills: Langer Heinrich handed over renovated science labs to Tutaleni High School, boosting practical science, while UNAM’s Walvis Bay campus plans include maritime training with safety, health and environment focus. Energy & Policy: Namibia is urged to prioritise energy security and affordability, as the country prepares for growing demand and a changing geopolitical energy landscape.

Wildlife Research: GPS-tracked data from Etosha and Botswana challenges the old “hyenas follow lions” idea, showing hyena-lion interactions don’t follow the expected pattern. Energy Policy: Namibia is urged to prioritise energy security and affordability, with calls for sustainable energy development as demand grows. Marine Environment Debate: A push for clarity on Namibia’s marine phosphate mining proposal argues the project has safeguards and monitoring to protect the marine ecosystem. Community Conservation: The Environment Ministry says conservancies and community forestry programmes are designed to protect wildlife while creating jobs and income through tourism and regulated hunting. FMD Response: Namibia’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5m in biosecurity and surveillance supplies for veterinary teams in //Kharas. Biodiversity at School Level: UNAM students donated 10 trees to a Keetmanshoop school to support a cleaner, greener learning environment and boost local biodiversity. Cyber Resilience: NAM-CSIRT appoints Cornelia Shipindo to strengthen national cyber incident response and preparedness.

Environment Ministry empowers conservancies: Namibia’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel says community conservancies back wildlife protection, tourism partnerships and regulated hunting quotas—aimed at turning conservation into local jobs and income. FMD response support: The FMD Support Fund mobilised over N$1.5 million in biosecurity and surveillance gear for 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services teams in the //Kharas outbreak response, helping maintain strict field measures. Blue economy and fisheries diplomacy: Namibia’s fisheries links are set to feature in Spain’s Conxemar FAO-MAPA congress, including a planned MoU on cooperation in fishing and aquaculture. Trees for biodiversity at school: UNAM Southern Campus students donated 10 trees to a Keetmanshoop primary school to tackle littering and improve shade and biodiversity. Climate and water investment push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to close the water investment gap by turning commitments into bankable projects ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Education with an environment angle: UNESCO’s GEM report highlights Namibia’s strong education spending and pre-primary gains, but flags the challenge of keeping learners in school beyond primary—an issue that affects long-term community resilience.

Community Conservation Push: Namibia’s Environment Ministry says communal conservancies, community forests and tourism/hunting concessions are key to ensuring wildlife protection also creates jobs and benefits for local people. FMD Response Boost: The FMD Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5m in biosecurity and surveillance gear for 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services teams in //Kharas to keep strict outbreak controls in remote areas. Rhino Poaching Watch: Namibia reports a notable decline in rhino poaching, but warnings persist that the threat remains. Tree-Planting for Biodiversity: UNAM Southern Campus students donated 10 trees to a Keetmanshoop school as part of a cleaner, greener school push. Climate & Oceans Lens: A new piece argues climate change must be part of tourism planning because rising seas and extreme weather are already eroding heritage sites. Cyber Resilience: NAM-CSIRT appoints Cornelia Shipindo to strengthen national incident response and preparedness against digital threats.

FMD Response: Namibia’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5 million in biosecurity products, surveillance kits and camping equipment for 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services teams in the //Kharas Region, helping them keep up strict field measures while responding to the outbreak. Health System Pressure: MPs have exposed severe strain across public health facilities, including stalled or unfinished projects, deteriorating infrastructure, sanitation problems, idle ambulances and long waits for emergency transport, with findings drawn from visits across 10 regions. Biodiversity at School Level: University of Namibia students donated 10 trees to Hendrik Tseib Primary School in Keetmanshoop to tackle littering and poor environmental management, aiming for a cleaner, healthier campus and added shade and habitat. Wildlife Science: New research suggests animals may have evolved up to 200 million years earlier than the oldest undisputed fossils indicate, reshaping how scientists date the origin of early animal life. Maritime Week in Walvis Bay: Namport’s Maritime Week runs with clean-ups, youth activities, school debates and community events, highlighting the sector’s role in Namibia’s socio-economic development.

Health System Under Strain: MPs say Namibia’s public health facilities are failing across 10 regions, with unfinished hospital projects, deteriorating infrastructure, sanitation problems, idle ambulances and even medical waste dumped in public spaces. Community Action for Biodiversity: UNAM students donated 10 trees to a Keetmanshoop school to tackle littering and poor environmental management, aiming for a cleaner, greener campus. Cyber Security Leadership: NAM-CSIRT appointed Cornelia Shipindo as Executive to strengthen Namibia’s national cyber incident response and resilience. Marine Protection: Namibia and South Africa completed their first joint sea patrol to curb illegal fishing, using shared enforcement across both countries’ EEZs. Food Security Warning: Editorial urges Namibia to prepare for a difficult dry period by boosting local food production and using available water better. Wildlife & Evolution Science: New research suggests animals may have evolved up to 200 million years earlier than fossil evidence indicates. Energy Subsidy Pressure: UNDP warns global fossil-fuel subsidies could top $1 trillion in 2026 as energy shocks strain government budgets. Land Reform Debate: Commentary challenges Namibia to judge land reform by whether beneficiaries can make a living, not just hectares acquired.

Maritime Action in Walvis Bay: Namibia and South Africa wrapped their first joint sea-based patrol to crack down on illegal fishing, with enforcement teams working across both countries’ EEZs and the operation running under a 2019 cooperation MoU. Green Fertiliser Push: SDG Namibia One signed a development funding deal with Enersense Energy Namibia for the Dâures Green Fertiliser Project, using solar, wind and green hydrogen to cut CO₂ emissions and support local food security. FMD Watch: The EU is assessing Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and possible measures to protect animal and public health, while a support fund has mobilised biosecurity and surveillance supplies for the response. Environmental Governance: Namibia’s environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti says the system needs stronger capacity and independence for screening EIAs, plus better hazardous-waste skills and a revised Environmental Management Act. Land Reform Scrutiny: MPs questioned whether land reform is delivering real livelihood gains after government acquired 41,291 hectares for N$115.09m, urging post-settlement tracking beyond hectares. Cyber Resilience: NAM-CSIRT appointed Cornelia Shipindo as Executive to strengthen national incident response and protect critical information infrastructure.

Aviation Security: A Dubai–Tel Aviv Boeing 737 incident in Saudi Arabia—where a pilot stabbed the other pilot and allegedly tried to crash the plane—has reignited scrutiny of crew-linked hijacking attempts. Wildlife & Conservation Culture: Nikon’s 2026 Comedy Wildlife Awards unveiled finalists from 112 countries, using humour to drive empathy and conservation support. Namibia FMD Response: Namibia’s agriculture value chain is urged to fully comply with foot-and-mouth disease restrictions and biosecurity, while the EU assesses the outbreak and a support fund mobilised N$1.5m for surveillance and biosecurity supplies. Environmental Governance: Namibia’s environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti says the Environmental Management Act’s enforcement faces staffing and skills gaps, including for screening EIAs and managing hazardous waste, and calls for stronger independence and policy updates. Green Industry in Erongo: SDG Namibia One signed funding with Enersense Energy Namibia for the Dâures Green Fertiliser Project, aiming for low-carbon fertiliser using solar, wind and green hydrogen. Wildlife Protection: Namibia reported 24 rhinos poached so far in 2026, down from 43 in 2025, but warned poaching networks and corruption still adapt faster than controls. Energy Transition: NamPower launched its 2026–2030 plan targeting 80% electricity self-sufficiency and 70% renewables by 2030.

Wildlife protection: Namibia recorded 24 rhinos poached so far this year, down from 43 in 2025 and 91 in 2024, but the environment minister warned poachers and trafficking syndicates are adapting faster than enforcement systems. Land and conservation governance: MPs questioned whether Namibia’s N$115m land investment is delivering real livelihood gains, not just hectares bought, while 15 civil society organisations received N$1.2m to strengthen community rights and advocacy on land, wildlife and natural resources. Blue economy and oceans: Namibia urged the global maritime sector to move “from policy to practice” at Walvis Bay Maritime Week, and a Namibia-focused piece highlights how ocean science and Indigenous knowledge can drive climate resilience and better marine decisions. Climate and water infrastructure: The Kavango River water link to Windhoek remains in Environmental Impact Assessment with consultations ongoing, and Namibia’s climate plan is reported as requiring major investment to meet goals. Energy transition: NamPower launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan targeting 80% self-sufficiency and a 70% renewable share by 2030. Food-and-mouth disease: The EU is assessing Namibia’s FMD outbreak and a support fund has mobilised over N$1.5m for biosecurity and surveillance supplies. Tourism and community livelihoods: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at boosting biodiversity protection, jobs and local enterprises across member states.