AGP Executive Report

Rugby Premier League: The title race is wide open at the halfway stage, with FNB Grootfontein leading the log on 32 points, followed by FNB Wanderers (30) and Trustco United (29), and big weekend clashes including Wanderers hosting defending champions FNB Kudus. Anti-corruption leadership: Namibia’s first Anti-Corruption Commission director general, Paulus Noa, reflects on building the ACC from scratch over 20 years, processing thousands of complaints, as Bryan Eiseb is nominated as his successor. Public service delivery: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare warns of a “culture of poor implementation” and unfinished projects, pushing for better accountability and execution across key sectors. Health regulation: The health ministry gazettes new rules on how notices and subpoenas must be served on registered practitioners, and how government employment authorisations work. Governance dispute in Kunene: Kunene Regional Council agrees to remove George Kamseb as acting CRO and appoint a legally recognised accounting officer, clearing the way for withheld salaries. Transport policy: Works minister Veikko Nekundi rules out electronic tolls, saying there is no government policy to introduce e-tolls. Fuel relief: Fuel prices drop from midnight, with petrol down N$1/litre and diesel down N$4/litre, alongside a fuel procurement overhaul after a N$1.3bn relief bill. Energy and resources: Rhino Resources confirms an oil-bearing reservoir in Capricornus-1A offshore, while Noronex reports a broad uranium system at Etango North. International ties: Namibia’s president will visit China from July 5–11, and Namibia calls for stronger collaboration with the United States on investment and value addition. Sports and culture: Namibia Padel co-founder Francois Wahl says the sport’s social, accessible format can grow with more courts and full schedules, while Miss Windhoek 1958 winner Ester Pakarae-Kavari encourages young women to seize opportunities.

Fuel Relief & Procurement Overhaul: Namibia cut July fuel prices—petrol down N$1.00/l and diesel by N$4.00/l—while also unveiling a coordinated July–September import supply arrangement after a N$1.3bn relief bill strained the National Energy Fund. Energy Supply Watch: Electricity generation fell 9% in May as tariffs kept climbing, even as distribution patterns showed small month-on-month improvement. Governance & Procurement: The suspension of Central Procurement Board acting governance executive Elizabeth Shiponeni was extended again to 31 July amid a corruption probe. Public Spending Controversy: Independence Stadium renovation consultant fees are under fire after claims of a N$337m payout versus far lower government budgeting. Health Capacity Boost: Namibia received a Russian portable mobile laboratory to speed up outbreak testing and diagnosis. Digital Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support 500,000+ people across six African countries, including Namibia. Youth & Jobs: Officials warned youth unemployment is a growing concern, while Khomas urged young entrepreneurs to use available finance. Reserves Update: Foreign reserves dropped 5.8% to N$55.4bn at end of May, though coverage remains adequate for imports.

Football Transfer News: Peter Shalulile has officially left Mamelodi Sundowns after six seasons, with the club saying he departs as one of its most prolific forwards; he explained he felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge after injuries and reduced game time. Digital Learning: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative targeting more than 500,000 people across Namibia and five other African countries, focusing on school support, teacher capacity, and youth job-market preparation. Mining & Industry: Rosh Pinah Zinc commissioned a new SAG mill as the key step in its RP2.0 expansion, aiming to double throughput and lift zinc and lead concentrate output. Immigration & Safety: Namibia has started a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa amid protests over undocumented immigration, with reception sites being prepared and officials coordinating with nationals. Youth & Jobs Funding: A new N$18m grant fund will support youth and women-led businesses to formalise, expand and create jobs, with the first application round closing 24 July. Cybersecurity Update: NAM-CSIRT reported a 31.3% drop in detected vulnerabilities and a 47.3% fall in cyber threat events in Q1 2026, while warning about ongoing risks from exposed remote management and legacy services.

Fuel Watch: Namibia will cut fuel prices from July 3 as lower oil costs, cheaper shipping and a stronger Namibian dollar ease import expenses. Public Health & Safety: Omaheke police tackle men’s mental health, while the health ministry investigates claims that licensed doctors are leaving interns in charge of facilities. Immigration & Security: Home Affairs urges Namibians in South Africa to stay calm and use embassy shelter guidance amid protests. Trade & Jobs: Namibia targets N$168 billion in exports by 2030, pushing value addition and industrialisation with new investor outreach. Media & Culture: NBC commits over N$7 million to commission local productions under the Mukurob Film Project. Data & Governance: NSA and Khomas leaders call for routine, region-aligned economic data to guide budgeting and investment. Energy Sector: Chinalco signs to buy Celsius’s 95% Opuwo stake for US$15m, and Capricornus-1A appraisal results add to offshore oil hopes. Tech Policy: UN and ITU launch an “AI for Good” commission bringing Big Tech and policymakers, including Namibia, to shape AI rules.

AI Governance: The UN and ITU are setting up an “AI for Good” Global Commission, with Namibia among the policymakers at the table, aiming to align AI builders and governments on global rules. Mining & Investment: Ongwe Minerals secured about N$300 million to ramp up gold exploration in Namibia’s northwestern belt, while Chinese firms push further into uranium, copper, cobalt and other projects. Cost of Living: Namibia’s repo rate increase (linked to South Africa’s move) is expected to feed into higher home and vehicle loan costs for households. Tourism & Travel: Namibia’s tourism sector is in the spotlight after participation at Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, as operators chase new deals ahead of the winter travel season. Public Service & Governance: Home affairs service satisfaction remains a concern, and government says Kunene salary delays were caused by an administrative issue, not political intent. Sports & Youth: NAPSO’s Laliq Adams returned with a triple-gold haul from the World Youth Games, and Namibia’s volleyball bodies are setting new development priorities in Rundu.

Policing & Justice: A Windhoek High Court dismissed a fraud and money-laundering bail appeal involving N$40 million, saying the case against Marlien Conradie remains strong. Telecom & Digital Sovereignty: CRAN rejected 624 Starlink licence review requests after the company failed Namibia’s 51% local ownership rule, while Telecom Namibia appointed Armando Perny as acting CEO for one month. Governance & Pay Dispute: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said Kunene public-servant salary delays stem from an administrative authorisation problem, as PDM leader McHenry Venaani accused Swapo of political retaliation. Public Services & Education: Erongo schools face pre-primary overcrowding; enrolments were temporarily suspended at some public primary schools in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Economy & Trade: The FATF June plenary removed Namibia from its grey list and added Iraq and Bosnia & Herzegovina to increased monitoring. Mining & Energy: Northern Graphite completed relocating its processing plant to Okanjande ahead of a 2027 restart; Walvis basin farm-out approval finally came through after delays. Sports: Volleyball delegates set strategic direction in Rundu, and youth participation is rising in Swakopmund’s festival.

Land Reform Update: Namibia launched the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033), shifting resettlement from farm allocation to higher agricultural output, jobs, and support services, with a pathway from leasehold to freehold for successful beneficiaries. Traditional Leadership: Gciriku crowned a new Hompa, ending a seven-year court dispute after consultations led by Minister James Sankwasa. SACU Funding: SACU Heads of State agreed to create a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital to back development projects across member states. Tourism Watch: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, with safety concerns—especially crimes against tourists—cited as a key driver. Cross-Border Tension: Namibian truck drivers are pulling back from South Africa amid fears of xenophobic violence around June 30. Environment: Etosha completed controlled burns ahead of wildfire season to reduce fuel and limit fire spread. Telecom Namibia: Telecom Namibia appointed an acting CEO after the CEO’s resignation, effective 1 July. Mining & Investment: Celsius agreed to sell its 95% Opuwo cobalt-copper stake to Chinalco for US$15m.

Air Links: Spain has launched its only direct flight to South Africa again, with Air Europa starting Madrid–Johannesburg services three times a week from June 24, giving Namibians and other southern African travellers easier access via Joburg. Power & Economy: Namibia’s electricity sales rose 2.8% in Q1, but domestic generation fell while imports jumped, as mining weakness continues to weigh on GDP growth despite stabilisation at 2% year-on-year. Water Security: The N$2.1 billion Erongo Sunam desalination joint venture was launched, targeting 20 billion litres of water a year from 2028. Reparations Push: Namibia renewed calls for Germany to pay real reparations for the Herero and Nama genocide, arguing an apology without compensation is not justice. Local Business: The Omuthiya Business Expo received a financial boost of N$626,026 to support the October event aimed at strengthening SMEs. Governance & Society: The Ministry of Agriculture denied reports that the “Red Line” fence removal is impossible, saying disease control and market readiness must come first. Sports: Mighty Gunners won the women’s NFA Cup 4-0, with Leena Alweendo scoring a hat-trick. Security: Police in Rehoboth are investigating a lottery scam after a woman lost N$15,490.

Public Enterprise Sport: NamPower and the Roads Authority are stepping up preparations for the 2026 Public Enterprise Games in Rundu (2–4 July), using social league matches to sharpen teamwork. UN Diplomacy: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter, linking the UN’s role to the country’s independence journey. Traditional Leadership: Arwita Kayoka was coronated as the new Hompa of the Gciriku Traditional Authority in Kavango East, with leaders urging unity and reconciliation. Water Access Data: A new map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing huge gaps between wealthy and low-income countries. Crime & Safety: Police report two incidents at Otjihundu farm in Windhoek District—suspected cattle rustling and an oryx poaching case—plus a 10-year-old arrested after a 15-year-old was fatally stabbed in Otjomuise. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health warns that AI-driven misinformation is threatening public health, especially around HIV treatment. Tourism Policy: Namibia’s visa changes are linked to a drop in German tourist arrivals in 2025, raising concerns for airlines and the hospitality sector. Sports: Namibia thrashed Zambia 71–12 in a rugby friendly; FC Platinum and FC Hunters drew 1–1, while Lavinia Haitope defended her Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title.

SADC Integration Push: Namibia is among the countries selected to pilot the new SADC Tourism UniVisa, with officials saying the project is edging closer to Heads of State approval and could simplify travel across the region’s 16 member states. Qualifications & Jobs: The Namibia Qualifications Authority held public sessions in Katima Mulilo and Keetmanshoop, with stakeholders urging tighter oversight of training institutions, clearer accreditation information, and stronger links between graduation and employment. Public Safety Leadership: Oshana’s new Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Andreas Shilelo, addressed his first mass parade, calling for discipline, professionalism and better customer care at police charge offices. Return Home Plan: Namibia approved an urgent voluntary repatriation process for citizens in South Africa, with logistics still being finalised by the High Commission and Consulate. Economy Watch: Namibia’s economy grew 2.0% in Q1 2026 to N$70.9 billion, but mining and manufacturing fell as mineral production declined. Sports & Youth: Laliq Adam won Namibia’s first gold at the 2026 World Youth Games in Gothenburg, while Ngconde Matwebu and Cacisile Sosibo secured World Championships selection at South Africa’s road running trials. Regional Trade: SACU leaders wrapped up their 9th summit in Cape Town, with Botswana set to chair from July 15 and Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attending.

SACU Summit Wraps: Southern African Customs Union leaders ended their 9th Summit in Cape Town, with Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa pushing a “re-imagined” agenda to strengthen regional trade and resilience. Namibia Economy Watch: Namibia’s GDP grew 2.0% in Q1 2026 to N$70.9bn, driven by services, while mining and manufacturing dragged performance. Digital Services for Roads: The Road Fund Administration rolled out new digital self-service platforms, including fuel levy refunds and cross-border charges, aiming to cut delays and improve efficiency. Starlink Blocked: CRAN upheld its rejection of Starlink’s licence applications, saying the company failed to meet Namibia’s statutory ownership requirements. Reparations Push: Namibia renewed calls for reparations from Germany over colonial-era genocide of the Herero and Nama peoples, with talks still focused on the hardest parts. Sports Spotlight: Matwebu and Sosibo secured maiden national titles at the SA Road Running Championships, and the NFA Cup final is set for Saturday in Windhoek. Business & Brands: Brand Africa ranked Namibia’s best brands, with MTC taking the Grand Prix and Windhoek Beer second; SanlamAllianz also marked its first anniversary.

Health & Training: Idaho State University doctors and midwifery partners brought lifesaving prenatal and delivery training to Namibia, aiming to prevent deadly complications like fluid-filled lungs during pregnancy. Education & Youth: Oshana’s State of the Region Address reports 3,010 graduates and 2,500 residents gaining practical skills, while the School Sports for Development programme was launched in Windhoek to expand sport and life skills for learners nationwide. Sports: NBC sent off its teams for the Public Enterprise Games in Rundu (2–4 July), and KK Palace FC is gearing up for the NFA Cup final against UNAM FC on 27 June. Water Security: Government committed N$200 million equity to the Erongo SUNAM desalination project, targeting climate-independent water for Erongo’s communities and industry. Tourism & Safety: Namibia’s tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025, with safety concerns cited, and Yango drivers received training to improve safety and respectful service for women commuters. Governance & Integrity: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost transparency and strengthen agencies’ independence, while Namibia’s Basel AML Index score improved to 4.78 in 2025. International Relations: Namibia called for an authentic, sustained ceasefire in Gaza at the UN.

Brand-Led Economy: Namibia is being urged to lean harder on strong local brands and marketing talent as strategic national assets that can attract investment and signal competitiveness. Education Focus: Erongo education stakeholders met in Swakopmund to confront declining results, after the region slipped to ninth nationally at Ordinary Level and 11th at Advanced Subsidiary. Tech Creation Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia must stop being a technology consumer and become an innovator, backing science and digital hubs like the upgraded Rössing Foundation Ondangwa facility. Local Governance Tensions: Keetmanshoop municipal workers threaten escalation to the line minister over alleged mismanagement and financial failures tied to the acting CEO. Road Safety Alarm: The MVA Fund reports 1,333 crashes between 1 January and 21 June, with 229 deaths—an unacceptable toll despite small improvements. Governance Under Pressure: RCC faces potential winding-up after a legal dispute over unpaid obligations and a lease-to-own equipment arrangement. Regional Integration & Climate: SADC is calling for faster implementation of liberalised skies and AI-enabled, climate-resilient infrastructure to speed integration. Sports & Youth: Namibia’s youth-led STEM and robotics push continues to grow, while the Welwitschias start a new rugby chapter with a friendly against Zambia.

Anti-Corruption Leadership: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has nominated Bryan Eiseb to lead Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission, with parliament now set to consider his appointment as the ACC’s next director general. Financial Crime Crackdown: The Financial Intelligence Centre reports 62 intervention orders worth about N$191 million in 2025, alongside rising intelligence outputs and stronger police and tax agency cooperation. Judicial Independence Questioned: An opposition MP has challenged US ambassador John Giordano’s remarks to the chief justice, arguing they may undermine judicial independence. Education Integrity: The education ministry warns the public to report higher education institutions operating without registration or accreditation, urging students to verify NCHE/NTA registration and NQA course accreditation. Food Security Planning: A parliamentarian is pushing for clarity on how government will procure and store locally produced maize ahead of a bumper harvest, after complaints about “plastic rice” quality and storage risks. Water & Regional Priorities: Oshikoto’s governor flags water, agriculture and connectivity as top needs, while the Erongo SUNAM desalination project is officially launched to bolster water security. Local Governance & Telecom: Windhoek says it may seek legal changes after a Supreme Court ruling limited the city’s power to provide telecommunications services through its fibre plans. Regional Integration: Namibia’s president is expected to attend the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, focusing on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation.