AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Update: Namibia’s tracked cheetah Tupuka is reported healthy after his newly fitted satellite collar stopped transmitting, with conservationists switching to ground tracking using VHF and camera-trap footage to confirm he was moving normally. Marine Environment & Community Pressure: In Walvis Bay, hundreds have petitioned MEFT to reconsider environmental clearance for marine phosphate mining, warning of risks to marine ecosystems, fish stocks, seabed habitats and coastal livelihoods, and calling for independent studies and wider consultation. Clean Energy Push: CMB.TECH in Walvis Bay says Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility is now operating, combining solar, green hydrogen production and energy storage to power local industry and support future port decarbonisation. Fuel Quality & Consumer Safety: MIME and NSI signed a three-year agreement to strengthen petroleum fuel quality control, including testing, inspection and plans for national fuel-testing infrastructure, targeting issues like fuel dumping and smuggling. Health Security Funding Gap: Southern Africa health leaders meeting in Windhoek urged more regional cooperation and domestic financing as external funding declines, linking progress to resilient health systems. Labour & Fisheries: A fishing company lockout affecting about 300 workers continues, leaving families without pay while wage talks drag on. Illegal Sand Mining: MEFT warns illegal sand and gravel extraction is ongoing and prohibited without EIA clearance, citing environmental and livestock risks. Oil for Namibians: VP Lucia Witbooi says Namibia’s oil discoveries must translate into jobs, enterprise opportunities, skills, infrastructure and long-term national benefits.

Fuel Quality Push: Namibia will gazette its first petroleum product standards in early 2027 and set up a fuel-testing laboratory to start testing and verification the same year, aiming to strengthen fuel quality and quantity checks. Illegal Sand Mining: The environment ministry warns that illegal sand and gravel extraction is still happening, including in Eeshoke (Ohangwena), and says commercial mining must follow Environmental Management Act rules, including an EIA and clearance certificate. Oil for Namibians: Vice President Lucia Witbooi says Namibia’s oil discoveries must translate into jobs, enterprise opportunities, skills, infrastructure and long-term savings, while Cabinet has approved an upstream petroleum local content policy to build local capability across the value chain. Local Business Access: A new Employment Permit to Conduct Business will come into effect on 1 September 2026 to simplify entry for qualifying investors, with longer validity to support planning. Road Safety & Resilience: OPM and the Namibia Agricultural Union signed an MoU to improve disaster preparedness for veld fires, drought and animal disease outbreaks, while Namibia’s road authorities face scrutiny over high annual crash casualties. Marine Research Call: A marine consultant urges follow-through on ocean research recommendations, warning that only a small share of the ocean has been explored and highlighting threats like plastic waste, invasive species and climate change.

Road Safety Crisis: Namibia’s Roads Authority and health officials told lawmakers road crashes are claiming about 700 lives a year, with causes linked to negligence, weather and infrastructure—pushing a Safe System approach covering safer roads, vehicles, behaviour, enforcement and post-crash response. Water Security Debate: The Namibian Chamber of Environment urged government to drop the decades-old Kavango Link water transfer plan, warning it’s environmentally unsustainable and could strain relations with Botswana. Climate Policy Update: The Ministry of Environment is revising Namibia’s National Policy on Climate Change, citing rising heat, worsening drought and flood risks across sectors from agriculture to biodiversity and public health. Food Security Warning: The World Food Programme warns Namibia’s heavy food import reliance leaves it exposed to a developing “Super El Niño” that could bring drought, lower yields and stressed dam levels. Oil & Gas Local Benefits: At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, officials and the US pledged support to turn offshore discoveries into jobs, skills and local business opportunities, while speakers stressed local content must mean real capability and value—not just registration. Mining & Industry Impacts: Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir is set to permanently close, threatening sheep supply chains, jobs and export markets; meanwhile, Bank Windhoek approved N$69m for Andrada’s Uis tin ore-sorting expansion. Coastal & Wildlife Watch: Researchers are monitoring whether a mass sardine die-off could affect critically endangered African penguins, with early signs of weight loss at some colonies. Community Relocation: Windhoek relocated 309 households to Havana Extensions to improve access to services and emergency response, with environmental impact assessments completed for planned settlement upgrades. Small-Scale Mining Pressure: Small miners in Erongo say licensing delays, limited access, weak equipment and poor markets are undermining livelihoods. Local Supplier Push: NIPDB is running a local supplier pitching session at the NOGC to connect Namibian firms to oil and gas procurement and financiers.

Etosha tourism jobs at risk: Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism has banned empty game-viewing vehicles from entering Etosha, ending transit through the park and leaving local operators facing cancelled bookings and over N$1 million in losses. Local industry push for oil and gas: The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek opened with a strong focus on local participation, with NIPDB running a Local Supplier Pitching Session to connect Namibian firms to the energy value chain. Offshore oil deal: Equinor will buy a 17.4% stake in Namibia’s Orange Basin PEL 90, adding another major player as testing is planned for 2026. Mining approvals under the microscope: Small-scale miners in Erongo and Kunene-linked areas are calling for urgent government help over licensing delays, limited access, weak equipment and poor market conditions. Green hydrogen scaling: Daures Green Hydrogen Village is preparing a N$4.2 billion Phase 2 expansion after securing about half the needed financing. Walvis Bay chemical facility review: ASP Isotopes’ Quantum Leap Energy has started a public environmental and social impact assessment for a pilot metal-conversion facility in Walvis Bay.

Oil & Gas Local Content: At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, the Office of the President’s Carlo McLeod said “local content” must mean capability, value, skills and opportunities created in Namibia—not just local registration or a token shareholder. Etosha Tourism Jobs at Risk: A Ministry of Environment and Tourism directive banning empty game-viewing vehicles from entering Etosha is hitting local operators hard, with over N$1 million in losses and cancelled bookings. Carbon Removal Deal: Carbonsate’s Namibia biomass geological storage project has secured Senken’s commitment for 50,000 tons of permanent carbon removal (2026–2028 vintages), scaling beyond 100,000 tonnes/year. Creative Economy Boost: Namibia’s Local Content Plan will inject N$17.5m to back film and TV production and equipment access, targeting about 470 direct jobs. Water Resilience Focus: A UN-linked piece stresses Africa’s water stress and the need for safer sanitation and stronger water continuity as droughts intensify. Green Hydrogen Push: Daures Green Hydrogen Village (DGHV) is moving toward a N$4.2b Phase 2 commercial expansion, aiming for green ammonia and synthetic fertiliser. Charcoal Debate: MEFT rejects claims that charcoal bush control harms biodiversity, arguing it can restore rangelands and wildlife habitat—while critics warn about species loss.

Oil & nuclear fuel cycle: ASP Isotopes’ subsidiary Quantum Leap Energy has started early public consultation for a pilot hydrofluorination/fluorination facility in the Walvis Bay area, with an environmental and social impact process underway but no final investment decision yet. Charcoal & biodiversity debate: MEFT has pushed back on claims that Namibia’s charcoal industry threatens biodiversity, arguing sustainable bush control can restore rangelands and improve wildlife habitat, as the wider argument continues about balancing livelihoods with ecosystem protection. Tourism compliance: The Namibia Tourism Board is stepping up enforcement of tourism levy obligations, warning operators with outstanding payments or returns to regularise quickly under its “KNOW NTB Register. Comply. Thrive” campaign. Mining impacts & jobs: Farmers Meat (Mariental abattoir) is closing permanently after losses, affecting 102 workers, while Bannerman Energy says it’s targeting 80%+ Namibian staffing for the Etango uranium project and stresses environmental management as it moves toward operations. Conservation governance: A traditional leadership dispute over Bwabwata National Park is intensifying, with authorities asked to submit written historical evidence and warned the outcome could be binding. Blue economy & policy: Namibia’s tourism ministry targets growing tourism’s GDP contribution to N$18.5bn by 2030, linking arrivals, jobs and community benefits to the plan.

El Niño resilience for farmers: A Zimbabwean firm says drought‑tolerant germplasm and climate‑smart agronomy are key to surviving El Niño‑driven variability across SADC, pushing conservation agriculture and water‑use efficiency. Human-wildlife conflict spotlight: Namibia’s large carnivore numbers are raising alarms, with stakeholders calling for better monitoring and stronger support for communities living alongside predators. Bwabwata park jurisdiction fight: Traditional authorities are locked in a dispute over who has customary control of Bwabwata National Park, with government urging written historical proof and warning outcomes could be binding. Katima Mulilo abattoir crisis: Zambezi livestock farmers say the abattoir remains closed after the Meatco-to-ZamCo handover, threatening livelihoods and demanding urgent reopening. Phosphate governance pressure: SWAPO Youth League wants Cabinet to oversee environmental clearance decisions, arguing ECCs should not be left only to administrators, while critics warn it could politicise technical processes. Conservation and tourism competition probe: Namibia’s Competition Commission is investigating alleged anti-competitive tourism concession and joint-venture arrangements involving conservancies. Wildlife and land degradation policy momentum: COP17 desertification talks in Mongolia are framed as a chance to accelerate action against land degradation. SADC integration push: Leaders at the 46th SADC summit in Durban stress faster regional integration, industrialisation and deeper economic cooperation—linked to how countries manage resources and infrastructure.

SADC Summit Watch: President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government summit in eThekwini, pushing faster regional integration and industrialisation, while also flagging the need for stronger action on health security after the DRC’s Ebola outbreak. Namibia’s ECC Politics: The Swapo Party Youth League wants Cabinet to vet environmental clearance decisions, arguing ECCs shouldn’t be left to administrators—while critics warn this could politicise technical approvals, including the Sandpiper marine phosphate case. Wildlife & Conflict: New estimates on Namibia’s large carnivores are raising alarms about declining numbers and rising human-wildlife conflict, with calls for better monitoring and more support for communities living alongside predators. Marine Phosphate Under Fire: Namibia’s seabed phosphate clearance continues to spark debate, as fishing stakeholders challenge decisions and warn about impacts on marine ecosystems. Water Security Cooperation: Namibia plans to deepen technical cooperation with Cuba on harvesting and distributing seasonal floodwaters, including canal and tunnel-style infrastructure for drought-prone regions. Human-Wildlife & Governance: Windhoek relocated 309 households to Havana Extensions to improve emergency access and fire response, highlighting how planning and land administration affect safety in fast-growing areas. Regional Resource Push: Namibia aligns mineral beneficiation priorities with SADC industrialisation goals, stressing value chains and inclusion. Conservation Spotlight: A pan-African wildlife series, “Wild Africa,” premiered in Nigeria, bringing attention to endangered species and conservation efforts across the continent.

SADC Industrial Push: Namibia is aligning its mineral beneficiation priorities with SADC’s industrialisation goals, with officials stressing regional value chains and value-added exports ahead of the 46th SADC summit in Durban. Water Security Cooperation: Namibia and Cuba are set to sign an MoU to boost water harvesting and distribution, using Cuban know-how on canals, tunnels and floodwater transfer for drought-prone regions. Marine Phosphate Row: Namibia’s Swapo Youth League is demanding the urgent review and setting aside of the environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate, warning of risks to fishing, marine habitats and pollution. Livestock Export Pressure: EU livestock inspections in Namibia were suspended due to funding gaps, but a temporary arrangement has been reached to keep export certification from lapsing. Conservation & Policy Links: SADC is advancing transfrontier conservation cooperation, urging stronger national ownership for shared ecosystems like the Kavango–Zambezi. Community Support: Swakop Uranium donated N$70,000 to Ovahimba women’s businesses and education needs, while FLECHAS delivered reusable hygiene dignity kits to girls in Tsumkwe. Wildlife Spotlight: Nigeria’s “Wild Africa” series premiered, highlighting major wildlife declines and trafficking routes—an indirect reminder of the conservation stakes across the region.

Water Security Cooperation: Namibia and Cuba are set to sign an MoU to share know-how on harvesting and distributing seasonal floodwater, using canals, tunnels and water-transfer systems for drought-prone regions. Livestock Export Pressure: EU-required annual veterinary inspections were suspended due to budget exhaustion, but a temporary arrangement was reached to keep EU-certified exports moving. Marine Phosphate Fight: The Swapo Party Youth League is calling for the environmental clearance certificate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project to be urgently reviewed and set aside, warning of risks to fishing, marine habitats and pollution. Transboundary Conservation Push: SADC is advancing transfrontier conservation cooperation, urging stronger national ownership and coordinated implementation of transboundary conservation areas. Resource Wealth Beyond Extraction: A Bank of Namibia and UNAM lecture with Botswana’s central bank focused on turning resource wealth into sustainable prosperity through diversification, local value addition and sovereign wealth management. Wildlife Recovery Watch: A study highlights signs of blue and fin whale recovery along Namibia’s Benguela coast since whaling ended, with sightings rising since 2012. Green Industry Link-Up: A Namibia-Germany enterprise mission opened supplier and training partnerships, including renewable energy and industrial skills support.

Marine Phosphate Fight: Namibia’s Swapo Party Youth League is urging the Environmental Clearance Certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project to be urgently reviewed and set aside, warning it could harm marine habitats and the fishing industry that supports jobs and livelihoods. Transfrontier Conservation: SADC is pushing stronger transfrontier cooperation, calling for coordinated national implementation of Transfrontier Conservation Areas to better protect shared ecosystems and wildlife corridors. Green Hydrogen Push: Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project at UNAM, stressing that green hydrogen should help build a local industrial economy powered by science and innovation. Wildlife Awareness Beyond Borders: Nigeria’s “Wild Africa” series premiered on Channels TV, spotlighting the country’s elephant decline and illegal ivory and pangolin trafficking routes. Community & Education Support: Swakop Uranium backed Ovahimba women’s businesses and school needs near Brandberg, while FLECHAS donated reusable menstrual hygiene dignity kits to 157 girls in Tsumkwe. Climate & Housing Pressure: Namibia’s housing backlog is estimated to need about N$45 billion over 10 years, with calls for smarter financing and planning.

Phosphate Fight: Namibia’s Swapo Youth League is demanding the Environmental Clearance Certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project be urgently reviewed and set aside, warning it could harm marine habitats, fishing livelihoods and jobs. Transboundary Conservation: SADC is pushing stronger transfrontier conservation cooperation, urging member states to implement TFCAs with coordinated, multi-sector national action—Namibia is involved in the Kavango-Zambezi landscape. Green Hydrogen Push: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched UNAM’s REALTEST green hydrogen research project, calling for heavy investment in science and innovation to build an industrial economy, not just export molecules. Energy Poverty Debate: A fresh call argues Namibia must end energy poverty as Africa risks being left behind in the energy transition without investment and policy alignment. Youth Learning Tech: The Namibia Learning Passport was launched in Keetmanshoop to expand digital and offline education access for rural youth, with UNICEF support. Housing Pressure: Namibia is said to need about N$45bn over 10 years to tackle the housing backlog, with economists urging new financing mechanisms and system-wide reform. Wildlife Media: “Wild Africa” premieres on Channels Television, aiming to entertain and educate audiences while spotlighting conservation heroes and endangered wildlife.

Transfrontier Conservation Push: SADC is stepping up national ownership for transboundary conservation under its TFCA programme, urging member states like Namibia to coordinate across sectors to protect shared ecosystems and wildlife corridors. Phosphate Mining Clash: Namibia’s Swapo Youth League is demanding the Environmental Clearance Certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project be urgently reviewed and set aside, warning of harm to fishing, marine habitats and possible pollution. Green Hydrogen Drive: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project at UNAM, calling for heavy investment in science and innovation to build an industrial economy, not just export green molecules. Flood Resilience Funding: A N$268.7m contract will upgrade flood-prone Muzii Combined School in Zambezi with embankments and raised grounds to protect learners and keep classes running. Community Conservation Win: Granietkop Campsite in Doro !Nawas Conservancy has reopened and is now generating enough revenue for operations and maintenance, creating jobs and strengthening local biodiversity protection. El Niño Warning Context: Coverage also flags Namibia’s looming El Niño risk and the need for stronger regional water planning as climate shocks intensify.

Veld Fire Response: Firefighters battled a veld fire near Ongos in Windhoek, with about 4,700 hectares affected; most flames are contained and crews are monitoring hotspots and creating firebreaks. Flood Resilience: Namibia is spending about N$268.7m to elevate and protect Muzii Combined School in the Zambezi Region after recurring flooding, aiming to keep learners safe and classes running. Conservation & Tourism Jobs: Granietkop Campsite in Doro !Nawas Conservancy has reopened after nearly 20 years, now covering operations through community-run income and creating permanent jobs while strengthening biodiversity protection. Blue Economy: Namibia’s ocean-focused “blue economy” push highlights community-led steps like bycatch-reducing tori lines and support for artisanal fishers to improve livelihoods while protecting marine life. Land Degradation Talks: Namibia will attend UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia to tackle desertification, land degradation and drought, under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” Human-Elephant Conflict Risk: A study warns that population growth, expanding farms and drier conditions inside protected areas could intensify elephant crop-raiding across Southern Africa, including Namibia. Green Hydrogen Research: Vice President Lucia Witbooi launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project, positioning it as a science-and-innovation driver for Namibia’s future energy economy.

Veld Fire Response: Firefighters battling the Ongos veld fire have contained most of the blaze, with about 4,700 hectares affected so far, while teams monitor hotspots and build firebreaks to stop further spread. Flood Resilience for Schools: Namibia’s procurement board says elevating the flood-affected Muzii Combined School grounds will cost N$268.7m over three years, aiming to cut recurring disruption and health risks. Marine Integrity & Corruption: Fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia will enforce zero tolerance for corruption in fishing rights and quotas, warning that graft threatens both jobs and marine sustainability. Phosphate Fight in Court: Fishing associations have appealed an environmental clearance decision for the Sandpiper/Namibia Marine Phosphate project, arguing the company lacked authority after its licence expired. Climate Policy Update: Namibia is reviewing its 2011 climate change policy to reflect new climate realities and better integrate indigenous and local knowledge. Youth & Tech for Sustainability: On International Youth Day, the education minister urged young Namibians to use technology and partnerships to drive sustainable development. Desertification Diplomacy: Namibia will attend UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, focused on restoring land and hope amid desertification and drought pressures.

Marine Resources Integrity: Fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia will enforce zero tolerance for corruption in fishing rights and quotas, warning graft threatens both state revenue and the marine ecosystem. Phosphate Fight in Court: The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has appealed the environmental clearance granted for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project, arguing the decision was unlawful after the company’s licence expired and pointing to earlier court rulings. Climate Policy Update: Namibia is reviewing its 2011 climate change policy to reflect new local and global realities, including who is most vulnerable now and how to better integrate indigenous knowledge. Water Security Debate: Experts from RAISON and the Namibia Chamber of Environment weigh in on the proposed Kavango Link water transfer to central regions, focusing on ecological and community impacts. Green Tech Push: Namibia launched the RealTest green hydrogen safety and testing project at UNAM to improve reliability and reduce risks as the country builds local hydrogen capabilities. Waste & Recycling Jobs: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s “Recycling Heroes” trains women, youth and people with disabilities in waste sorting and recycling in Rundu and Ondangwa, strengthening local recycling value chains. Youth & Environment Education: SEC Namibia expands environmental learning through quizzes, debates and pledge activities aimed at building young environmental stewards.