AGP Executive Report

GIPF Accountability Push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged the Government Institutions Pension Fund to invest more in Namibia to protect its reputation after public criticism of overseas losses, as the fund launches its 2026–2029 strategy. Digital & Property Moves: Alexforbes begins consolidating fund administration systems across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana to improve service and cut costs, while GIPF disclosed its stake in the Goreangab Mall development, positioning it to serve underserved Windhoek communities. Governance & Justice: Bank of Namibia hosted an Internal Audit Awareness Day on strengthening governance and accountability, and Namibia’s Prosecutor-General appointment process is under renewed scrutiny as calls grow to complete it without delay. Road Safety Court Fight: Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo filed an urgent court bid to remove B1 Western Bypass speed humps, arguing they are unlawful and unsafe. Economy & Trade: Namibia’s imports show petroleum oils led in April, and a new SME Fund under ProSME aims to back women- and youth-led businesses to boost jobs and growth. Water Diplomacy: Global Water Partnership Organisation says it will make Namibia a global water diplomacy hub, launching a facility to mobilise US$15bn by 2030.

Namibia-Germany Diplomacy: Germany’s ambassador says the Genocide Joint Declaration is hoped to be finalised by year-end, as Namibia pushes for remembrance and apology over the 1904–1908 Nama Herero genocide. Water Politics: The Global Water Partnership Organisation is moving its offices to Namibia and says it will position the country as a global water diplomacy hub, including a US$15bn investment facility by 2030. Oil & Inflation Watch: Analysts warn the Strait of Hormuz-linked oil shock could lift inflation temporarily, with Namibia’s May inflation rising to 4.1% (NSA). Transport & Safety: Windhoek’s Western Bypass speed humps face a court challenge, with a ruling expected end of June; the Roads Authority says it spent about N$704,000. Energy & Industry: ReconAfrica begins production tests at Kavango West-1, targeting results by late July; Namcor defends a three-month Vitol fuel supply deal as “commercially beneficial.” Trade & Economy: Sea transport carried N$3.8bn of exports in April (39% of total), while Namibia imported N$2.9bn in food items in four months. Local Development: Debmarine Namibia donates furniture to Blouwes Primary School hostel; Kavango East honours top teachers and learners.

Health Accountability: Namibia’s health ministry launched a Standard Operating Procedure for handling complaints, aiming for clearer timelines, confidentiality and faster resolution after public frustration over neglect, poor communication and unauthorised sharing of patient information. Public Finance & Procurement: Zimbabwe’s procurement reforms highlight a wider warning: some public entities are bypassing standard price benchmarks through vague exemptions, undermining value for money and accountability. Energy & Industry Costs: Namibia’s mining sector is under pressure from high fuel prices since March, with transport costs rising and diamond operations feeling the squeeze, though some mines are shifting to electricity where possible. Oil & Gas Watch: Another offshore oil discovery was reported in Namibia’s Orange Basin, the eighth successful well in PEL 39, boosting confidence in the country’s offshore prospects. Diplomacy & Water: New diplomats pledged stronger ties with Namibia, while President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed Namibia will host the Global Water Partnership headquarters. Agriculture Resilience: Namibia launched a drought-preparedness programme with climate-smart farming inputs, training and water-efficient technologies across five regions. Digital Cooperation: Namibia used ANGOTIC 2026 to deepen IT and connectivity cooperation with Angola.

ODI World Cup 2027 Dates: The ICC has provisionally set the men’s ODI World Cup for October 4 to November 21, 2027, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in a 14-team format, with South Africa expected to stage most matches and Namibia set to host three. AfCFTA & AIDA Push: Namibia launched its AIDA–AfCFTA Country Impact Assessment Report in Windhoek, saying it could unlock major export potential and boost value addition in mining, fisheries and agro-processing. Migration Bill Consultations: Public consultations on Namibia’s new Migration Bill have concluded, with written inputs still open, as the country moves to modernise immigration systems with online services and better tracking. Water Security Focus: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to global water governance, while Kavango West residents fear the Kavango–Grootfontein water link could disrupt development and delay local benefits. Governance & Oversight: The Bank of Namibia held an Internal Audit Awareness Day, and a new NamWater board was appointed to strengthen water security and financial sustainability. Business & Finance: Bezant says it has completed financing and offtake deals for its Hope and Gorob copper project, and Namibia’s SME fund now offers grants of N$50,000–N$100,000 for eligible micro, small and medium enterprises.

Offshore Oil Update: QatarEnergy says the Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s Orange Basin has delivered a new discovery in PEL 39, the eighth successful well there, with light crude and promising reservoir data. Mining Watch: QKR Namibia Navachab is moving toward underground mining after a successful trial, focusing on access for exploration drilling around the Main and North Shoot zones. Roads & Local Delivery: Works deputy minister Hans Haikali met Walvis Bay stakeholders to tackle road infrastructure problems blamed on high groundwater, ageing services, geotechnical issues and heavy port traffic. Justice System: The Judicial Service Commission has restarted the search for a new Prosecutor-General after none of eight candidates passed a written assessment. Public Health: WHO warns vaping among teens is being actively targeted by industry tactics, citing Namibia’s 2024 survey showing 23% of 13–17-year-olds use vaping. Community & Culture: NASCAM urges NBC to boost local music airplay and ensure artists get royalties. Marine Conservation: Namibia protects only 1.69% of marine areas, far short of the 30% “30 by 30” goal. Trade Figures: Namibia recorded a N$4.4bn trade deficit in April as imports outpaced exports.

Offshore Energy Push: Shell and partners report “encouraging” results from Merlin-1X in PEL 0039, adding momentum to Namibia’s Orange Basin exploration. Fuel Deal Fallout: Parliament grilled government over a N$7.2bn emergency fuel contract awarded to Vitol, with concerns raised about sidelining Namcor and risks to downstream competitiveness. High Seas Treaty Caution: Namibia says it will only join the UN High Seas Treaty once it has the capacity to implement and benefit from marine protections beyond national waters. Telecom Overhaul: Telecom Namibia appoints Synercap Capital for a strategic transformation review aimed at restructuring, improving customer service, and strengthening long-term infrastructure sustainability. Local Governance & Accountability: Activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma win damages after unlawful arrest and detention tied to a 2023 protest. Public Services Pressure: Regional airports remain loss-making, with NAC saying only Hosea Kutako turns a profit. Mental Health & Law: Experts warn mental distress is being normalised amid stigma and unequal access, while traditional leaders question how Namibia’s new no-fault divorce law will fit customary practices. Business Moves: OL Group to close Windhoek’s Hartlief Shop and Bistro from 15 July to focus on core meat-processing.

Offshore Oil Update: Shell-led partners struck “encouraging” results at Merlin-1X in Namibia’s PEL 0039, finding good reservoir quality with light oil and limited associated gas, boosting confidence in the Orange Basin. Student Support: Government injected an extra N$247m into the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to speed up delayed non-tuition allowance payments, with disbursements expected to start this week. Police Professionalism: Omusati received 86 newly trained constables, with the regional commander urging lawful, respectful policing and better mentoring from senior officers. Mental Health Law: The National Assembly adopted the Mental Health Amendment Bill of 2025, moving it to the National Council and strengthening rights-based care, patient protection, and suicide prevention. Banking Access: Bank Windhoek opened the Goreangab Mall Digital Banking Hub to bring services closer to Katutura and surrounding areas. Media Partnership: NBC and NAMPA renewed their cooperation to deepen content sharing and newsroom collaboration. Energy & Mining: Askari Metals reported “outstanding” Phase I trenching results at its Uis K9 target, while Elevate Uranium lifted its Marenica resource to 52.8 Mlb U3O8 after infill drilling.

Offshore Oil Update: QatarEnergy says its Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s Orange Basin (PEL 39) delivered “most promising” results so far, with good reservoir quality, light oil and limited gas—another boost after earlier discoveries. Public Finance Pressure: Namibia’s central bank warns debt could climb to about 70% of GDP if spending reforms stall, urging tighter controls and caution against borrowing against future oil. Health Crisis Ahead: Namibia faces an 84% jump in cancer cases by 2045, with officials pointing to late diagnoses and gaps in rural screening and treatment. Procurement Probe: Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned a health ministry tender committee member over alleged manipulation, supply chain fraud and stolen medicines. Education Costs: Education directors want the N$10 school admission fee made optional, saying some parents may struggle despite the cap being set for administrative costs. Sanitation Urgency: Government has earmarked N$34m to fast-track sanitation interventions nationwide amid ongoing concerns over household toilet access. Local Governance: Rehoboth restored water to schools after a shutdown linked to unpaid municipal bills, following talks with the education ministry. Telecom Regulation: CRAN received 624 reconsideration applications after its Starlink licence decision, showing continued public pushback. Trade Snapshot: Namibia’s April trade shows Africa is central—over half of exports and imports were with African partners, led by South Africa.

Starlink Appeals: Namibia’s telecom regulator CRAN says it has received 624 applications asking it to reconsider its decision to deny Starlink an operating licence, with the regulator confirming it will process submissions under the Communications Act. Sports Diplomacy: Namibia has denied it is part of any Southern African bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, saying no bid was approved, authorised, or budgeted for. Marine Conservation: The Ministry of Agriculture says only 1.69% of Namibia’s marine areas are under conservation protection, urging faster progress toward the “30 by 30” target. Cancer Focus: The WHO has launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and financing over five days. Oil & Gas Testing: ReconAfrica has begun production testing at its Kavango West 1X discovery, aiming to see if hydrocarbons in the Damara Fold Belt can flow commercially. Energy & Transport: Government launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek and says a national airline feasibility study for Air Namibia is completed but details are still withheld. Fuel Retail Tensions: FAFA accuses Nasan Energies of failing to honour promised fuel supply and a cash incentive arrangement with divested retailers. Budget Reform: The Finance Ministry hosted an outcome-based budget workshop as Namibia tries to improve fiscal performance amid tighter money.

Youth & Jobs: Swakopmund wrapped up its Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, backing 85 young entrepreneurs after 2,489 applications and handing out about N$1 million in equipment. Health & Skills: Hope Home-Based Health Care signed an MoU with Welwitschia University to place students for practical training in nursing and social work, strengthening care for cancer patients. Media & Access: NBC and MultiChoice Namibia reaffirmed their partnership to keep NBC TV and radio content widely accessible, with a push toward digital reach for youth. Energy & Environment: Lawyers warn Namibia’s renewable push must protect biodiversity, arguing safeguards and enforcement are key as capacity targets rise. Governance & Fairness: National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer media coverage of women leaders, focusing on work not personal controversy. Oil & Gas Watch: ReconAfrica began production testing at Kavango West 1X, aiming to assess deliverability across six intervals. Transport Reform: Okahandja launched computerised learner licence testing and online booking/payment, with rollout planned to other centres by March 2027. Economy & Budget: PM Elijah Ngurare said Namibia will accelerate budget reforms as Middle East tensions raise inflation, trade costs and growth pressure. Local Business & Courts: A SWAPO-linked fishing firm’s freezer trawler Venus 1 will be auctioned on 30 June after unpaid debts and wages.

Police Graduation: Namibia marked a gender milestone as 670 cadet constables graduated in Omaheke—382 women and 288 men—pushing women’s representation in law enforcement. Afcon 2028 Clarification: Government says it has not authorised or funded any Namibia bid to host Afcon 2028, distancing itself from earlier talk of a multi-nation hosting plan. Telecom Namibia Crackdown: CRAN ordered Telecom Namibia to fix nationwide network instability, giving it four months to stabilise services after outages linked to equipment failures, power issues, fibre breaks and copper theft. Jobs & Local Economy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the N$270m Goreangab Mall in Katutura, citing 300 construction jobs and nearly 400 permanent roles, plus easier access to services for residents. Child Protection in Windhoek: City officials raised alarm over migrant Angolan street children and say repatriation efforts have been repeatedly undermined by returns. Sports & Community: Tour de Windhoek 2026 is set for 13–16 August; Oshana received 250 soccer balls for schools; and NFA Cup Round of 16 delivered penalty drama with Square 7 and Unam advancing. Justice & Safety: Police in Grootfontein are probing a rape and murder case, while Erongo confirmed two deaths in a B2 road crash. Media Freedom: A new Namibia-focused media barometer report warns that press freedom rankings may not match lived realities, with stakeholders calling for vigilance.

Fuel Sector & Governance: Energy minister Modestus Amutse’s decision to grant Vitol an exclusive mandate to supply Namibia’s fuel for June–August has sparked fresh claims of political capture and bypassing competition rules, with Parliament now clarifying that “there is only one Vitol.” Local Accountability: Councils say they’re owed over N$162m by ministries and state entities, with service cut-offs looming after a 5 June deadline. Child Protection: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to ending violence against children, citing ongoing risks including online sexual exploitation and calling for stronger global support. Regional Development: 14 governors will start delivering State of the Region Addresses from Monday, linking national priorities to grassroots implementation. Community Dispute: Oshana’s Iiheke Ya Nakele residents protested a controversial construction at the site, alleging unlawful plot allocations affecting grazing, water and cultural areas. Skills & Jobs: Omuthiya’s state-owned vocational training centre was approved, with Phase 1 set to begin in September and training for over 1,700 learners. Public Safety: Police in Grootfontein investigate a rape and murder case after a woman’s body was found at a dumping site; weekend road crashes also claimed lives.

Fuel & procurement clarity: Minister Modestus Amutse told Parliament there is “only one Vitol” behind Namibia’s sole fuel supply arrangement, easing confusion over which Vitol entity won the tender. Social protection pressure: Over 15,000 pensioners had old-age grants suspended after missing a verification step, with many turned away at payout points and warning of hardship. Local government cash crunch: Councils say they’re owed more than N$162m by ministries and state entities, with service cut-offs looming if debts aren’t settled. Governance & land questions: IPC leader Panduleni Itula disputes claims around a N$612m solar project linked to President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s son, while MPs also question whether “Baby Blue” Josef Andreas met conditions tied to land allocations before selling plots worth N$200m. Health services: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing travel to private facilities. Wildlife: India-born cheetah KGP11 died at Kuno National Park, bringing the 2026 toll to five. Media & gender: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer media portrayal of women leaders at NBC’s 35th anniversary.

Goreangab Mall Opening: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the new Katutura shopping centre as a symbol of economic transformation, saying it created about 300 construction jobs and is set to sustain nearly 400 permanent posts, while improving access to services for residents. Fuel Relief Under Scrutiny: UNAM students questioned whether government fuel-price cushioning measures are easing daily costs, warning the pressure is hitting students and low-income households hardest. Health Care Upgrade: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing long travel to private facilities. Livestock Biosecurity Push: The Livestock Producers Organisation urged farmers to tighten foot-and-mouth disease controls at borders and farms, including reporting suspicious symptoms and disinfecting vehicles and footwear. Education Funding Update: The Education Ministry says NSFAF is clearing outstanding student payments and will process non-tuition fees weekly from the second week of June. Housing Crisis Move: An IPC motion seeks declaring Namibia’s urban housing shortage a national emergency to fast-track land servicing and build 100,000 units over four years. Women in Media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called for fairer media portrayal of women leaders, warning biased coverage erodes confidence and discourages public participation.

AI Speech Hoax: A viral “presidential” decolonisation-style speech attributed to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was confirmed as AI-faked, sparking debate on why such messages spread and what Namibians crave from leaders. Education & Skills: Namibia’s University of Namibia enrolment has surged from under 5,000 students in 2000 to nearly 30,000 in 2024, with women consistently forming the majority and health sciences showing strong growth. Housing Crisis: IPC has tabled a motion to declare the urban housing backlog a national emergency, citing slow land servicing and affordability pressures affecting most households. Local Governance: NALAO questions Omaruru CEO Valentinus Sindongo’s suspension, warning of due-process and fair-labour concerns. Tourism Regulation: The Namibia Tourism Board warns unregistered “Airbnb-style” overnight rentals are unlawful and can lead to criminal charges. Media & Public Service: NBC marks 35 years, reaffirming its public-service mandate and expanding regional news coverage. Business & Youth: DJ Sbu and Sheldon Tatchell headline the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek. Sports: Netball’s Power Week wraps up with plans for the second round, while Team Namibia is set for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Paralympic Spotlight: Namibia’s first-ever blindfolded running challenge in Windhoek let Paralympic stars compete in “their shoes,” raising funds and awareness for athletes with disabilities. Sports & Community: Brave Gladiators captain Lovisa “Tuya” Mulunga was recognised for youth-focused sport and education work in Windhoek, while Dolphin Rugby Club hosts United in a key Namibia Premier League clash in Swakopmund. Team Namibia for Glasgow: The NNOC unveiled a 39-member Commonwealth Games delegation (23 athletes) across six codes, with several notable absences. Cycling Calendar: Tour de Windhoek was launched for 13–16 August, aiming to grow youth participation and healthy living. Netball Development: Desert Jewels coach Julene Meyer and Netball Namibia praised the high intensity and rising standards at the inaugural MTC Power Week. Telecom Namibia: CRAN says Telecom’s nationwide disruptions won’t be fixed by short-term fixes and calls for major capital investment; Telecom also announced a new board. Energy & Mining: Koryx Copper signed an MoU with NamPower for grid power planning for the Haib project, while Koryx also advances water supply plans. Finance & Inclusion: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged broader financial inclusion and literacy during NAM’s 30th anniversary. Travel Safety: Santam Namibia urged travellers to consider trip cancellation insurance amid illness and severe weather risks.