AGP Executive Report

Starlink Fight: Namibia’s communications regulator (CRAN) has dismissed Starlink’s appeal and upheld the March rejection of its licence applications, saying 622 of 624 public reconsideration requests were filed too late or failed legal requirements, and Starlink itself missed the deadline. Tourism Service Push: Namibia Tourism Board training is equipping 47 police, immigration and NamRA officials with customer care skills to improve the visitor experience at borders. Rescue Update: All 96 Fish River Canyon hikers stranded after heavy rains were rescued safely, with the last group airlifted by late afternoon. Debt & Lending Pressure: Parliament is probing lending practices as MPs warn civil servants are left with tiny net pay after multiple deductions, fuelling depression and family strain. Youth Governance Fallout: The National Youth Council’s general assembly in Swakopmund was suspended after disruptions, injuries and claims of back-door deals, with reports of over N$2m spent. Regional Roads: Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge called for an Oshakati–Ondangwa dual carriageway to ease congestion and support growth. Cybersecurity Spotlight: Namibia’s NAM-CSIRT represented the country at the FIRST incident response conference in Denver. Scam Alert: A Henties Bay pensioner lost about N$27,000 in a phone scam after sharing bank details. Sports & Community: Namibia’s FNB Eagles started strong in the T20 tri-series, while the Liqui Fruit Beach Volleyball Winter Classic kicked off with close to 40 teams.

Starlink vs CRAN: Namibia’s communications regulator has dismissed Starlink’s appeal and reaffirmed its March licence rejection, saying the company missed Namibia’s ownership and control requirements and filed reconsideration after the April 23 deadline. Fish River Canyon rescue: Heavy rains and dam releases have left 96 hikers, including schoolchildren, trapped in the Fish River Canyon, with police and Namibia Wildlife Resorts running a rescue and temporarily closing the hiking trail. Nandi-Ndaitwah in Tanzania: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked Tanzania for liberation support, met families of fallen fighters in Kongwa, and reinforced unity by naming a plot for Namibia’s embassy in Magufuli City. Oshana governance: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge delivered the State of the Region Address, highlighting progress in infrastructure, services, youth empowerment and land delivery. GIPF gets Tunga payout: The Tunga Real Estate Fund distributed about N$21.6m to GIPF, bringing total distributions to roughly N$266m. Water tensions in Kavango: Kavango East and West leaders are pushing back against NamWater’s proposed N$7bn Windhoek pipeline, demanding an audit of the river’s water before abstraction. Youth and careers: A Windhoek career expo helped learners explore study and work options, aiming to close information gaps. Gender empowerment: Boys to Men urged empowerment of both girls and boys to tackle stereotypes and reduce social harm. World Music Day: Hardap marked World Music Day with performances and a push to treat creative industries as drivers for youth and development. Liberation and reparations: Namibia’s leaders continued backing global reparations efforts following an Accra summit framework on compensation, debt relief and return of cultural property.

Namibia–Tanzania Economic Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used her Tanzania state visit to urge “economic liberation”, turning liberation ties into trade, investment and jobs, while also visiting Kongwa’s liberation sites. Road Safety Pressure: A petition has gathered 16,560 signatures demanding pedestrian bridges instead of speed humps on the B1 highway, with plans to sue over alleged injuries and vehicle damage. Cybersecurity Warning: CRAN’s NAM-CSIRT flagged a Fortinet FortiGate global incident (“FortiBleed”) exposing administrator and VPN credentials, warning 13 Namibian organisations to remediate. Youth Council Crisis: The National Youth Council general assembly was postponed after violence and unruly conduct left nine delegates injured, with disputes over delegate lists and election procedures. Labour Rights Focus: Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the Mineworkers Union of Namibia that improving industrial relations needs partnership, not confrontation. Business & Crime: NCCI and Namibian Police moved to strengthen cooperation against crime to protect investment and growth. Sports & Culture: Para triathlete Jerome Rooi won bronze in France; Namibia mourns baritone Richard Meyer; and a Pride month mural was unveiled in Windhoek.

Reparatory Justice & Juneteenth: Ghana’s first Juneteenth outside the US was marked at Christiansborg Castle in Accra with an emotional student reenactment at the Door of No Return, closing the Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice and its new reparatory framework. Namibia–Tanzania Economic Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan urged stronger economic cooperation, signing four agreements covering government cooperation, SMEs, defence, and a Swakopmund–Zanzibar partnership, with a focus on jobs, trade, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and industrialisation. Youth Governance Disrupted: Namibia’s National Youth Council General Assembly in Swakopmund was postponed after violent disruptions injured nine delegates, with the Electoral Committee resigning and election credibility questioned. Community Media Policy: ICT Minister Emma Theofelus launched the 2026–2030 Community Media Policy to strengthen local radio, community newspapers and digital platforms, aiming to improve inclusion and reduce misinformation. FATF Grey List Exit: Namibia was removed from the FATF grey list after reforms to close anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing gaps, a boost for investor confidence. Public Safety & Weather: Namibia Wildlife Resorts temporarily closed the Fish River Canyon hike due to heavy rainfall and rising dam releases from Naute and Neckartal. Crime Update: Police alleged financier Petrus Shikwaya funded acid used in the killing of prosecutor Justine Shiweda, as bail opposition continued in court.

Green Hydrogen Skills Crunch: Namibia’s green hydrogen phase-2 plans could outstrip training capacity, with a projected shortage of specialist artisans, technicians and engineers unless TVET and vocational centres scale up fast. Monetary Policy & NDP 6 Pressure: The Bank of Namibia lifted the repo rate to 6.75% to protect the Namibia dollar peg, warning that external shocks may force NDP 6 resources to shift toward consumer support. Responsible Gambling Push: A Windhoek conference flagged how online betting has expanded access and fuelled gambling addiction risks, with calls for possible law and policy responses. Housing & Lending Rules Under Fire: Analysts argue Namibia’s “one-size-fits-all” debt affordability approach treats homes like depreciating cars, worsening exclusion for would-be homeowners. Parliament Gridlock: The National Assembly erupted again, with adjournments and shouting derailing key debate, including the petroleum bill. FATF Update: Namibia was removed from the FATF grey list after addressing financial crime deficiencies, a boost for investor confidence. Youth & Sports: The Real Madrid Foundation clinic opened in Oshakati, while the Boxing and Wrestling Control Board was appointed for a three-year term. Regional Deals: President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Tanzania’s Samia Hassan signed agreements to deepen trade, mining, agriculture, defence cooperation and MSMEs. Tax Deadline Extended: NamRA extended tax filing to 31 August due to ITAS technical issues. Reparations Spotlight: Genocide descendants renewed demands for N$17 trillion, rejecting current Namibia-Germany talks as inadequate.

FATF Exit: Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” after addressing deficiencies linked to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, a move expected to boost investor confidence. Tax Relief: NamRA extended the tax filing deadline to 31 August, citing ongoing technical issues affecting ITAS and urging taxpayers to upload relevant PAYE certificates. Youth & Skills: Hardap Governor Riaan Mcnab backed youth empowerment through N$25 million Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarships, while Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged young people to use NYC programmes to build skills and jobs. Energy & Industry Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told Tanzania that Africa must prioritise local production and industrialisation, not raw-material exports. Health Supplies: The Health Ministry reported 47 critical medicine line items received and distributed since 4 June, including anti-cancer drugs. Water Stress: Namibia Breweries cut water use to 3.5 litres per litre of beer in 2025 and highlighted N$35 million invested since 2015 to improve water security. Justice Debate: The LPM challenged Namibia’s justice system over claims of political prosecution, while the Ministry defended the independence of prosecutorial decisions. Weather Watch: Namibia Meteorological Services warned of continued showers and possible flash flooding in southern and eastern areas.

FATF Update: Namibia says it has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” after an on-site assessment found it largely addressed earlier anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing gaps. Digital Identity Debate: Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu dismissed claims that Namibia’s planned e-ID rollout is meant for “microchip tracking,” saying the cards will modernise identity systems and improve security and service delivery. Youth & Society: Young Namibians were urged to break the cycle of gender-based violence and to dream beyond their circumstances on International Day of the African Child, as leaders highlighted youth unemployment still at 44.4%. Local Governance & Services: NaTIS on Wheels launched in Omatjete to bring learner testing and vehicle licence renewals closer to communities. Economy & Markets: Namibia’s NSX rose 1.56% as financials led gains, while NamRA extended the June 30 tax filing deadline to 31 August due to ITAS disruptions. Business & Resources: NBL cut water use to 3.5 litres per litre of beer in 2025, and De Beers CEO said its diamond sale could close within weeks.

Western Sahara & UN decolonisation: African and Asian states, including Namibia, reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UN Committee of 24, stressing Western Sahara remains a decolonisation issue and calling for UN responsibility. Reparatory justice push (Ghana): In Accra, Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed the next steps for UN Resolution A/RES/80/250 and praised Mahama’s leadership, while leaders adopted a global reparatory justice framework calling for apologies, restitution, compensation and debt relief. Human rights accountability (Geneva): Catherine Constantinides urged the international community to move beyond documenting abuses in occupied Western Sahara and ensure accountability. Namibia services closer to people: NaTIS on Wheels launched in Omatjete, offering eye tests, biometric capture, learner licence testing and vehicle licence renewals after a N$4.2m investment. Youth governance: Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged NYCN delegates to respect election outcomes and avoid divisions. Telecom connectivity: Telecom Namibia expanded subsea and satellite connectivity with Angola through agreements linked to the Equiano cable. Road safety: Namibia Breweries, Namibian Road Safety Forum and Nampol launched a drunk-driving assessment and enforcement campaign starting July. Public finance update: NamRA extended the tax filing deadline to 31 August after ITAS technical issues.

Reparations Push: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised President John Mahama’s role in securing a landmark UN resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and racialised slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, as Mahama opened Accra’s Next Steps conference and announced three global panels to drive reparatory justice. Tax Justice Reform: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah tabled legislation to create an independent Tax Court within the High Court system, replacing the defunct Special Tax Court after a 2021 ruling that struck down parts of the old setup. Road Safety Drive: Namibia Breweries and partners launched a N$200,000 drink-driving assessment and enforcement programme with checkpoints and breathalyser testing from July 2026 to January 2027. Local Governance Court Win: The High Court reinstated two Keetmanshoop management committee members after a no-confidence vote, ordering the municipality to halt implementation pending the main case. Child Hunger Alarm: Omaheke’s leaders raised concern over child malnutrition despite Namibia’s wealth, as NamRA employees donated food worth over N$44,000 to support vulnerable children. Labour Action: Furnmart & Home Corp Namibia workers will start a salary increment strike on Monday after a vote backed industrial action over pay and housing allowances. Marine Conservation Goal: Namibia targets expanding marine protected areas from 1.7% to 11% by 2030.

Public Finance Oversight: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah tabled the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill to replace the 1951 law, creating a new regulator to strengthen accountability and modern audit standards. Tax Justice: Government also moves to establish an independent Tax Court, aiming to fix constitutional conflicts and restore taxpayer confidence in tax disputes. Youth Politics: A youth coalition backs Ester Simon as the sole NYC chairperson candidate, while other youth bodies reject calls to scrap the post ahead of elections in Swakopmund. Energy & Uranium Watch: Namibia’s uranium position stays in focus as global interest grows, with the country among the top producers and exploration spending rising across Africa. Oil & Gas Leadership: Aune Amutenya appointed acting petroleum commissioner as Namibia shifts from exploration to major project decisions. Reparations Diplomacy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah joins Ghana’s high-level conference on reparatory justice, keeping Namibia’s Ovaherero and Nama genocide agenda on the global radar. Banking & Payments: Bank Windhoek processed first instant government grant payments, while Windhoek expands cashless bus top-ups via PayPulse. Business & Trade: ZimTrade targets Namibia export growth in leather and horticulture, and Standard Bank Namibia appoints Elzita Beukes to lead marketing and branding.

Monetary Policy: Namibia’s central bank raised its repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% and lifted its 2026 inflation forecast to 4.0% after inflation climbed to 4.1% in May, citing higher oil prices. Identity & Services: The e-ID rollout is set for September, with MPs raising security and access concerns as government pushes digital identity for safer transactions and service delivery. Justice & Accountability: A proposed law would overhaul auditors’ regulation and could require auditors to report fraud and serious financial misconduct. Human Rights: A new report warns police holding cells are overcrowded and breaching human rights standards, while another story flags child protection concerns raised by the Gender ministry. Roads & Mobility: The Roads Authority launched NaTIS On Wheels to bring vehicle and learner licence services to remote communities, reducing travel and waiting times. Local Economy & Energy: FNB Namibia says it will keep working with policymakers to strengthen the financial ecosystem for inclusive growth, including oil and gas. Sports & Youth: The Frank Fredericks Foundation is developing a youth sport and playground facility in Outjo, and the Nedbank Citi Dash aims to break the 5,000-entrant barrier for its 6 September race. Mining Watch: Kaoko Metals has fast-tracked maiden drilling at its Chalkos copper-silver project, with drilling expected in about six weeks.

Monetary Tightening: Namibia’s central bank lifted the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% and revised its inflation outlook higher, citing stronger inflation pressures from oil prices and subdued domestic activity. Public Finance & Justice: Government tabled amendments to create an independent tax court to handle income tax and VAT appeals, aiming to restore taxpayer confidence after a past court ruling. Retirement Protection: FIMA now blocks employers from recovering theft or misconduct losses from employees’ pension benefits, shifting stronger protection to retirement savings. Governance & Tradition: Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa warned of an “underground capture” of traditional authorities, saying customary leadership must follow tradition. Local Health Strain: Gobabis nurses say overtime payments have been delayed for months, leaving staff financially stressed while claims await treasury approval. Energy & Industry: Shell continues work on its Merlin-1X offshore find in PEL 39, with results described as encouraging as it seeks commerciality. Smart Cities: Windhoek unveiled a 10-year Smart City strategy with UN-Habitat support, focusing on better services and inclusion. Oil Prices: Global oil prices fell after news of a US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without toll fees. Sports: Hardrock signed Namibian international centre-back Sisqo Haraseb as the title race heats up.

Digital Payments & Branding: Instant Payments Namibia officially unveiled WayaMe, the consumer-facing brand for its Instant Payment Solution, aiming to make fast, interoperable payments easier to use across Namibia. Energy Infrastructure: NamPower will inaugurate the Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund on 22 June, a N$394m project billed as Africa’s first fully digital electricity substation. Urban Tech & Services: Windhoek launched its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036, pushing fibre-led digital governance, smarter transport and a proposed commuter rail link. Mining Outlook: Namibia’s mining sector remains cautiously optimistic, supported by strong uranium and gold prices, even as rising fuel costs squeeze operations. Governance Scrutiny: Questions continue around Namcor’s fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, amid a leadership vacuum concern. Sports Diplomacy & Recognition: Namibia’s ambassador to Belgium says he’s using European sport networks to secure partnerships, while Netball Namibia’s Rebbeka Goagoses was appointed to the World Netball board. Regional Security: South African police seized eight AK-47 rifles and arrested four suspects in Magaliesburg, including a Namibian-linked truck case.

Diplomacy & Reparations: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah heads to Accra for a high-level reparatory justice conference on June 17–19, with Namibia expected to push its case on colonial dispossession and the 1904–1908 genocide, then visits Tanzania to reaffirm ties. Public Safety & Regional Ties: Namibia says it is closely monitoring South Africa’s xenophobic tensions after a Johannesburg bus hijacking; all affected passengers have returned safely. Children & Rights: On the Day of the African Child and the 50th anniversary of Soweto 1976, Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for stronger child protection, education, and universal WASH access. Transport Services: Omatjete residents get a N$4.2m Natis “on wheels” mobile office for licensing and vehicle registration. Economy & Costs: The World Bank warns Sub-Saharan growth will slow in 2026 as energy shocks bite, while Namibia’s mining sector faces rising fuel-driven cost pressure. Energy & Investment: Namcor backs a short-term Vitol fuel supply arrangement as a commercially viable option amid market uncertainty. Finance Watch: Namfisa reports recovering over N$1.7m for consumers in Q1 2026 through complaint interventions. Health Preparedness: Namibia is strengthening public health emergency operations capacity, including plans for a functional emergency centre.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines says rising fuel prices are squeezing mining costs, pointing to transport inflation jumping to 11.5% year-on-year and diesel/petrol price hikes that feed directly into haulage and logistics. Digital Infrastructure: ICT Minister Emma Theofelus toured Angola’s new national data centre and cloud infrastructure, as Namibia pushes plans for its own facility and digital transformation. Telecom & Connectivity: Telecom Namibia, Angola Telecom and Satcab agreed terms to link Equiano and SARSSy submarine cables, aiming to expand bandwidth and strengthen a resilient digital corridor along the Atlantic coast. Governance & Accountability: A Windhoek High Court hearing delayed a ruling on newly installed speed humps on the Western Bypass, after an activist argued they endanger motorists and may be unlawful. Local Politics: The LPM accused SWAPO of “infiltration tactics” after a chaotic Keetmanshoop meeting, while a petition from Uis small miners seeks removal of three long-serving SMU directors over alleged governance and transparency failures. Education & Rights: Nanso condemned a Caprivi school punishment that forced boys to sleep in cold corridors without blankets after losing hostel keys. Sports (Namibia-linked): Nigeria’s YellowGreens depart for Namibia for a T20 and 50-over tri-series, with a 16-man squad led by Sulaimon Runsewe.