AGP Executive Report

Water Security Upgrade: NamWater has started construction of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project (N$219.7m), aimed at ending decades of leaks and bursts and improving supply reliability for Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas. Food Systems Resilience: Brazil donated N$1.9m to the Namibia WFP programme to strengthen resilient, sustainable food systems and nutrition support across multiple regions. Conservation in Action: Namibia translocated 575 wild animals from Etosha to conservation areas, including Kunene communal conservancies, to boost biodiversity and help reduce human-wildlife conflict. Wildlife & Habitat Pressure: The IUCN Red List update warns deep-sea mining could push many hydrothermal-vent molluscs toward extinction, while Namibia’s desert rain frog is flagged as Vulnerable due to shrinking coastal dune habitat. Green Energy Momentum: Namibia’s green hydrogen sector has drawn over N$2b in investment, with no public funds spent, according to programme communications. Nuclear Bill Consultations: Namibia’s Nuclear Bill consultations are underway, but attendance has been low, raising concerns about awareness and understanding. Windhoek Costs & Services: The City of Windhoek announced a 4% tariff increase affecting water and refuse services, among others. Regional Cooperation: Namibia and South Africa reaffirmed deeper economic cooperation at the Bi-National Commission, while the Orange River boundary dispute remains unresolved.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Namibia’s desert rain frog has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with experts pointing to shrinking coastal sand-dune habitat from diamond mining and energy developments. Conservation in Action: MEFT translocated 575 animals from Etosha to conservation areas, including communal conservancies in Kunene, to boost biodiversity and strengthen community-based conservation. Water Security: Groundbreaking for the Naute–Keetmanshoop pipeline aims to replace an ageing, leak-prone system and improve reliable supply to Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas. Wildfire Risk: Kunene’s Khorixas wildfire has been extinguished, while the ministry urges stricter fire vigilance as this year’s blazes have already affected 19,353 hectares. Marine Pollution: Ocean Conservation Namibia reports hundreds of Cape fur seals rescued from plastic entanglement, warning that hidden debris is still a major coastal threat. Local Governance & Environment: Windhoek announced a 4% tariff increase covering water, refuse, sewerage and other services, while a Windhoek High Court hearing begins in a N$24.5m water pollution claim tied to a 2019 oil spill. Community Resilience: Brazil-funded integrated food systems projects are scaling up vegetable and poultry production to support schools, clinics and vulnerable households. Transport Safety: Namibia is pushing for safer transport systems as road accidents and pedestrian deaths remain a serious concern.

Road Safety Push: Namibia’s transport committee is urging a “safe system” approach to curb the rising road deaths, calling for better infrastructure, vehicle checks, enforcement, emergency response and protection for pedestrians and cyclists. Water Security Upgrade: NamWater has broken ground on the Naute–Keetmanshoop pipeline, a 36 km project meant to replace an ageing, leak-prone line and secure reliable water for Keetmanshoop and nearby areas. Court Over Pollution: Windhoek’s High Court hearing has started in a N$24.5m claim against Namibia Dairies over a 2019 heavy fuel oil spill blamed for oil pollution reaching the Gammams Water Care Works and damaging treatment processes. Wildfire Warning: Erongo’s regional council is appealing for responsible fire management as wildfires threaten Daures and Karibib, warning against burning vegetation without precautions. Plastic and Marine Life: Ocean Conservation Namibia reports ongoing plastic pollution impacts, including rescues of entangled Cape fur seals, with many deaths still occurring without timely help. Green Hydrogen for Rural Growth: Government says the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village is advancing rural development by linking clean energy with agriculture, water security, skills and local enterprise. Marginalised Communities Data: Namibia Statistics Agency released a profile of San, Ovatue/Ovatwa and Ovatjimba communities, highlighting gaps in literacy, early childhood access, housing and employment to guide planning. Critical Minerals Value-Add: Ombo Capital secured funding to build Namibia’s first rare earth processing plant in Kunene, aiming to move beyond raw exports into higher-value processing. Energy Debate: A public discussion is growing around whether nuclear power is the right priority now, with calls to focus first on the foundations needed for safe, effective development. Oil and Gas Testing: ReconAfrica says testing has begun on Kavango West 1X, with results from Elandshoek zones and plans to move to shallower Huttenberg formation zones.

Namibia–South Africa Cooperation: Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the 4th Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, with directives on trade, investment, border management, infrastructure, energy and disaster management. Green Hydrogen for Rural Jobs: Government says the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village in Erongo is set up to link clean energy with agriculture, water security, skills and local enterprise for climate-resilient livelihoods. Cancer Burden Update: Namibia is estimated to record 4,205 new cancer diagnoses annually, with breast, cervical and prostate cancers leading—raising pressure for prevention and awareness. Street-Connected Children Count: The Gender ministry reports 373 children living and working on streets in 2023 and plans a regional study to map the real scale and drivers. Water Security Angle: A feature highlights why groundwater matters for drought and flood resilience in southern Africa, stressing aquifer protection and governance. Conservancy Push in Aminuis: Traditional leaders back a proposed conservancy to protect wildlife, create jobs and boost tourism while reducing pressure to hunt for survival. UNAM Climate Research Tool: UNAM hosted a lecture on using AI with historical aerial photos from the 1940s to track environmental change beyond satellite records. Copper Cable Theft Crackdown: Government signals tougher laws and enforcement after cable theft disrupted telecom services in Windhoek. Marginalised Communities Data: NSA launched a report showing 75,569 people (2.5%) in marginalised communities, including San, Ovatue and Ovatjimba, for better planning. Wildlife & Land: A report notes Linyanti wildfire was extinguished after burning 7,340 hectares.

Green Hydrogen for Rural Jobs: Namibia reaffirmed its push to use green hydrogen to drive rural development at the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village in Erongo, linking clean energy with agriculture, water security, skills and local enterprise. Marginalised Communities Data: The Namibia Statistics Agency launched a Marginalised Communities Report for San, Ovatue and Ovatjimba populations, highlighting gaps in literacy, early childhood development attendance and employment that planners need to address. Conservancy Momentum in Aminuis: Traditional leaders backed a proposed conservancy in Aminuis, saying it can protect wildlife, create jobs and boost tourism while urging communities not to harm wildlife out of poverty. AI for Climate Monitoring: UNAM hosted a lecture on using AI to read historical aerial photos from the 1940s to better track environmental change in Namibia beyond the satellite era. Human-Elephant Conflict Risk: A new study flags Namibia as a likely hotspot for rising elephant–people conflict as land use expands and climate stress worsens water deficits. Water and Land Pressure at Neckartal: Parliament heard that lack of funds is delaying land acquisition for the Neckartal Dam irrigation scheme, leaving irrigation expansion uncertain. Climate Finance Setback: The World Bank dropped its climate co-benefits lending targets, shifting emphasis to outcomes and measurable impact. Copper Cable Theft Crackdown: Government signalled tougher laws and enforcement after theft disrupted telecom services in Windhoek.

Food Security Skills: 60 Erongo residents completed horticulture and poultry training under Namibia’s adult literacy and lifelong learning programme, with practical support aimed at boosting household food production and income. Parliament & Governance: As the National Assembly adjourns, a call is made for Parliament to match Namibia’s new economic reality—from offshore oil and green hydrogen to critical minerals—with an equally ambitious legislative agenda. Public Health Warning: A national emergency is urged over children using Hubbly Bubbly and vaping, with concerns about peer pressure, permissive home attitudes, and the risk of inaction after investigations. Climate & Risk for Namibia: Insurance is increasingly feeling climate and catastrophe risk in day-to-day pricing and coverage decisions as floods, fires and storms become more frequent and severe. Livestock for Dry Seasons: Farmers are urged to manage grazing quality and animal nutrition proactively amid uncertain rainfall and possible El Niño impacts. Wildlife Conflict Outlook: Research flags Namibia as a likely hotspot for rising human-elephant conflict as land use expands and water deficits intensify, with high-risk areas projected to grow by 33% to 100% by 2085. Plastic Levy Results: Namibia’s plastic bag levy has raised nearly N$250m since 2021/22, funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. Cross-Border Trade: Namibia and South Africa plan talks to remove barriers to cross-border trade and improve logistics for processed goods, alongside a business forum focused on sustainable growth. Agriculture-Climate Cooperation: The FAO-China South-South project in Namibia reports measurable gains from Chinese agricultural experts, including training across livestock, poultry, aquaculture, horticulture and soil fertility. Wildfire Response: A Linyanti wildfire in the Zambezi Region was extinguished after burning about 7,340 hectares, with no reported wildlife or livestock losses.

Mining Bargain Watch: Ghana’s Gold Fields lease renewal debate is pushing a wider question across Africa: will governments demand more local value from critical minerals, or keep accepting “pit-to-port” deals that export wealth while leaving processing elsewhere. Namibia–China Minerals: Former mines minister Tom Alweendo urges Namibia to publish a clear, measurable implementation plan for the new China mining agreements—targets, processing stages, infrastructure gaps, skills and local suppliers—so diplomacy turns into jobs and factories. Wildlife & Land: A Linyanti wildfire was extinguished after burning about 7,340 hectares; no wildlife or livestock losses were reported, and the cause is still unknown. Plastic Levy Results: Namibia’s plastic bag levy has raised nearly N$250m since 2021/22, funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. Biodiversity Under Pressure: The desert rain frog has been added to the IUCN Red List after pet-trade fame and habitat disruption; future mining and green hydrogen could shrink its range further. Agriculture Skills: The FAO–China project in Namibia is expanding climate-resilient farming training with new Chinese experts, covering aquaculture, horticulture, livestock, plant health and value chains. Omaheke Uranium Debate: The Omaheke governor backs the Leonardville uranium project as an economic opportunity, while acknowledging aquifer concerns and urging communities to weigh benefits. Road Safety & Environment Justice: Namibia recorded 37 road deaths in early 2026, with pedestrian fatalities rising in Windhoek—linked to apartheid-era spatial planning and “transportation racism.” Health in Schools: MPs are consulting on “hubbly bubbly” (hookah) risks for learners across regions, after earlier oversight found widespread use and mixing with alcohol or drugs. Energy Investment Gap: African Energy Week 2026 highlights the need to match new generation with grid and transmission investment, or capacity risks being stranded.

Child Nutrition & Climate Resilience: Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says the region is partnering with HeadStartKids Namibia on a five-year, climate-resilient child nutrition programme, including fortified meals, micronutrient support, growth monitoring, deworming, and solarisation of clinics, early childhood centres, schools and feeding points. Health & Youth Risks: MPs are consulting across regions including Oshana, Otjozondjupa and Omaheke on the health impact of “hubbly bubbly” (hookah) in schools, after earlier oversight found widespread learner use and concerns about addiction and mixing with alcohol or drugs. Biodiversity Under Pressure: The desert rain frog has been added to the IUCN Red List after fame boosted pet-trade exploitation; scientists warn habitat disruption from mining and energy projects could sharply cut its numbers in Namibia and South Africa. Water Security: Namibia urged stronger transboundary river cooperation at the UN, warning SDG 6 progress is off-track and calling for better legal frameworks and joint water management as climate impacts ignore borders. Energy & Infrastructure: A new focus on Africa’s grid constraints highlights why transmission investment must keep up with generation growth; the theme is set for African Energy Week 2026. Local Energy Ownership: Nasan Energies completed the acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell retail service stations in Namibia, strengthening indigenous fuel retail ownership and energy security. Public Enterprise Governance: IJG’s 2026 governance rankings gave MTC a perfect score for reporting, profitability, no fiscal transfers, and CEO stability, with NamPort and others close behind.

Grid & energy integration: Africa’s electricity demand could nearly double to 2,291 TWh by 2050, but grid failures and weak transmission investment risk leaving new generation stranded—an issue highlighted in regional market integration discussions. Water security push: Namibia urged stronger cooperation on shared rivers at the UN, warning transboundary water management is off-track and undermines SDG 6 and climate resilience. Human-wildlife conflict: Kunene communal farmers near Etosha say lion attacks are rising and offset payments don’t match losses, calling for an urgent review of the scheme. Wildlife trafficking crackdown: Namibia intensified efforts against illegal lithops harvesting and exports, warning organised networks are targeting the slow-growing “living stones.” Local conservation & community: Oshakati plans to register and mark taxis to improve public safety, while Kavango East received over N$380m for health, education, water and infrastructure—alongside continued illegal resource confiscations. Agriculture knowledge transfer: Namibia welcomed five new Chinese agricultural experts via FAO’s China South-South programme to boost skills and farming output. Energy infrastructure in the region: Botswana is advancing a 100-million-litre fuel storage project in Swakopmund to strengthen regional fuel supply security. Bilateral ties: Namibia and China signed agreements covering economic cooperation, healthcare, education, green minerals, tourism and agriculture during President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Beijing visit.

Lithops crackdown: Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism says it’s stepping up action against illegal harvesting and trafficking of the endemic “living stones,” warning organised networks are targeting slow-growing plants and citing stronger monitoring, inspections and border controls. Waste and plastics funding: Government reports nearly N$250 million raised over five years from the lightweight plastics levy, with money earmarked for waste management, recycling, remediation, awareness and “green impact” facilities. Water security stress: The agriculture ministry says saline water still hampers borehole efforts and plans mini desalination plants, plus borehole replacements in affected northern constituencies. Electricity for learning: Namibia’s unreliable power supply is disrupting evening study at secondary schools, cutting learning time and raising safety concerns when hostels and kitchens lose power. Green energy and grids: The African Energy Chamber pushes for an interconnected electricity market to unlock industrial growth as grid failures and rising demand strain investment. Namibia–China cooperation: During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit, Namibia and China signed agreements spanning healthcare, TVET, green minerals and economic partnership, while also elevating ties to a “shared future” community. Port heritage hurdle: Namport has re-submitted plans to expand Lüderitz Port, but the National Heritage Council previously rejected the application over sensitive heritage status, keeping the outcome uncertain.

Lithops crackdown: Namibia’s Environment ministry says it’s stepping up action against illegal harvesting and trafficking of the endemic “living stones,” warning organised networks are targeting the slow-growing plants and working with police, customs and partners to monitor borders and confiscate contraband. Plastic levy results: Government reports nearly N$250 million raised from the lightweight plastics environmental levy over five years, with funds aimed at waste management, recycling, remediation and green investment. Water stress in the north: The Agriculture ministry says saline water is still a major hurdle for rural boreholes and plans mini desalination while replacing depleted, salt-affected boreholes in areas like Ndiyona, Mukwe and Mashare. Electricity for learning: Namibia’s unreliable power supply is disrupting evening study in secondary schools, cutting study time and raising security and meal-prep problems for boarding learners. Desert rain frog under threat: The IUCN Red List has moved the desert rain frog to a higher threat category, citing habitat loss from mining, the proposed Boegoebaai green hydrogen project and climate change. Distributed power progress: Namibia’s net metering and embedded generation rules have earned continental recognition, positioning the country as a benchmark for small-scale solar integration. Nuclear bill consultations: Stakeholders in Kavango West are being briefed on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill to modernise Namibia’s nuclear and radiation regulatory framework. Namport heritage fight: Namport has re-submitted plans to expand Lüderitz Port, but the National Heritage Council is still weighing the heritage-sensitive application. China ties with a green angle: President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit lifts bilateral relations to a “shared future” partnership, with cooperation flagged across energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

Electricity & Learning: Namibia’s unreliable power supply is cutting into evening study time at secondary schools, leaving learners in darkness and raising security and meal risks for boarding pupils. Plastic Pollution: Government says the lightweight plastic levy has raised nearly N$250 million in five years, funding waste management, recycling, remediation and green impact facilities. Water Security: Saline water is still blocking borehole efforts; the agriculture ministry plans mini desalination and borehole replacements in northern constituencies. Wildlife Conflict: Research warns crop-raiding by savanna elephants could intensify as farming expands and aridity grows, with conflict risk potentially doubling by century’s end. Biodiversity Under Pressure: The desert rain frog has been moved to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List as mining, green hydrogen plans and climate change threaten its tiny coastal habitat. Energy Governance: Namibia’s net metering rules and embedded generation standards earned continental recognition, positioning the country as a model for other African states. Nuclear Policy: Stakeholders are being consulted on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill in Kavango West to modernise the legal framework for nuclear and radiation activities. Namibia–China Ties: President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit elevates relations to a “shared future” partnership, with a push for processing, jobs and clean energy cooperation. Youth & Sustainability: A UN forum argues higher education curricula must be revamped for sustainability, while Namibia’s CSI Mukopano aims to coordinate corporate social investment for stronger community outcomes.

Namibia–China ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s week-long state visit to China with Xi Jinping elevated relations to a “Namibia–China Community with a Shared Future,” with new cooperation deals spanning trade, healthcare, education, energy, mining and youth exchanges. Water security: The Agriculture ministry says saline water is still blocking borehole efforts in remote areas, and plans mini-desalination plus borehole replacements in northern constituencies. Plastics and waste: Namibia’s lightweight plastic levy has raised nearly N$250 million in five years, funding waste management, recycling, remediation and green impact facilities. Biodiversity under pressure: The desert rain frog has been moved to vulnerable on the IUCN Red List as diamond mining, coastal development and climate change threaten its tiny dune habitat. Human-wildlife conflict: New research warns crop-raiding elephants could intensify across southern Africa, with Namibia’s communal conservancies at the centre of rising risk. Electricity transition: Namibia earned continental recognition for net metering and embedded generation rules, while the Electricity Control Board signals plans to expand the framework. Clean energy push: A Namibia–China clean energy and oil-and-gas joint venture was signed, aiming for value addition, skills and local manufacturing. Livestock biosecurity: Namibia is fast-tracking a veterinary cordon fence along the Namibia–South Africa border to curb FMD risk.

Plastic & Waste Policy: Namibia’s environment ministry says the lightweight plastics levy has raised nearly N$250 million over five years, funding waste management, recycling, remediation and awareness, plus “green impact” facilities. Debt & Tax Justice: A Walvis Bay roundtable questioned Namibia’s shift toward domestic borrowing, warning it can raise interest costs and squeeze workers already facing a heavy tax burden. Port & Heritage: Namport has re-submitted its Lüderitz Port expansion application after a 2024 rejection, adding specialist studies including underwater archaeology and noise/visual impact assessments. Nuclear Governance: The Atomic Energy Board consulted communities in Kavango West on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill to modernise Namibia’s nuclear and radiation regulation. Biodiversity Under Pressure: The IUCN Red List moved Namibia’s desert rain frog to vulnerable, citing habitat loss from mining and development plus climate threats. Electricity Regulation: Namibia earned continental recognition for net metering and embedded generation rules, positioning it as a model for other African countries. Livestock Biosecurity: Namibia is preparing a veterinary cordon fence with South Africa to curb Foot-and-Mouth Disease risk, with bids invited. Green Hydrogen & Inclusion: A GEF-UNIDO project launch stressed that Namibia’s green hydrogen push must create opportunities for women, youth and local communities. China Partnership: President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit included a clean energy and oil-and-gas clean JV signing, alongside a push for industrialisation and value addition. Wildlife Conflict: Research highlights intensifying elephant–farmer conflict across southern Africa, driven by land use change and climate aridity.

FAO-China agriculture support: Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture says the second phase of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation project is already delivering measurable gains, with Chinese experts training technicians and farmers across aquaculture, horticulture, livestock and poultry, plant health, seed production, soil fertility, fisheries development and value chains. Biodiversity under pressure: The IUCN Red List has moved Namibia and South Africa’s desert rain frog to vulnerable, citing habitat loss from diamond mining, the proposed Boegoebaai green hydrogen project and climate change. Electricity regulation win: Namibia’s Electricity Control Board says the country has earned continental recognition for its net metering and embedded generation rules, positioning it as a model for other African countries expanding small-scale power. Green hydrogen push with safeguards: Namibia launched a GEF-UNIDO child project in Windhoek, stressing that green hydrogen policy and readiness must protect environmental safeguards and create opportunities for women, youth and local communities. Livestock biosecurity: Namibia is preparing a veterinary cordon fence on the Namibia–South Africa border after Foot-and-Mouth Disease risks, with contractors invited to bid. Microplastics monitoring drive: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data and better marine pollution policy. China-Namibia clean energy deal: During President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit, an agreement was signed for a clean energy and oil-and-gas joint venture focused on value addition, beneficiation, technology transfer, skills development and local manufacturing.

Green hydrogen with social safeguards: Namibia’s green hydrogen push got a boost with the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project in Windhoek, stressing that the low-carbon transition must create opportunities for women, youth and local communities, not just attract investors. China ties shift toward value-add: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Chinese investors in Beijing to back Namibia’s move from exporting raw minerals to building processing industries and jobs, including uranium value addition with CGN. Uranium processing focus: Namibia said it wants more domestic uranium processing rather than relying on exports of concentrate, as talks with CGN highlight technology transfer and skills. Biodiversity under pressure: The IUCN Red List update flags major threats to Namibia’s desert rain frog and deep-sea vent molluscs, warning that mining and development could drive steep declines. Microplastics monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols, aiming for comparable data to guide marine pollution policy. Water security in Oshikoto: Two remote Oshikoto villages will get solar-powered off-grid desalination plants, with a community aquaculture component to support food security. Electricity regulation win: Namibia received continental recognition for embedded generation through net metering rules and embedded generation standards. Legal fight near protected areas: Canyon Trust trustees and neighbouring private reserves took the Environmental Commissioner and others to court over the renewal of a mining prospecting licence adjacent to Canyon Nature Park. Human-wildlife conflict warning: Research highlights a growing “turf war” between people and elephants across southern Africa, with climate-driven water stress adding pressure. Local energy and jobs ecosystem: A Namibia CSI Mukopano is set for 11 August to connect corporate social investment partners around education, entrepreneurship and youth-focused sustainable development.