AGP Executive Report

Local Brands vs Buying Power: A new African PR Week report says 80% of Africans say they support African businesses, but many don’t buy them—highlighting a gap Namibia and the region must close to grow home-grown brands. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Namibia is coordinating India–Sacu talks toward a preferential trade agreement, framed as a continuation of “conscience” ties rooted in liberation-era solidarity. Jobs & Industry Restart: Government says it’s working with workers to find a “responsible” way to restart the Scorpion Zinc mine and refinery in Rosh Pinah after the 2024 closure cost about 500 jobs. Manufacturing Push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says Namibia is progressing on a plan for each of the 14 regions to develop a factory tied to local strengths, aiming to move beyond primary production. Corruption Case: A former NDF base cleaner in Ondangwa, Claudia Hatutale, got N$10,000 bail on corruption charges; her case is postponed to Feb 2027. Road Safety Alarm: A National Council committee links road deaths to systemic failures—staffing, enforcement, road conditions and delayed emergency response—calling for a national strategy with targets. AI Governance: Namibia secured a seat on the AI for Good Global Commission, with officials arguing the country must shape AI norms, not watch from the sidelines. Fisheries Enforcement Funding: Namibia has not yet paid its SADC illegal-fishing centre contribution for 2024–2026, though it says it has supported the centre in-kind. Liberation Legacy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah mourned workers’ rights advocate Helao Shityuwete, while debate continues over who young Namibians know as “heroes.”

AU Peace Agenda: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and VP Constantino Chiwenga are in Luanda as African leaders push stronger conflict-prevention mechanisms, with Chiwenga warning that peace failures are driven by terrorism, violent extremism, resource competition and rapid technological change. Liberation Legacy: Namibia mourns Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a PLAN commander and Robben Island political prisoner who died at 92; Nandi-Ndaitwah led condolences, highlighting his lifelong defence of workers’ dignity and rights. Repatriation & Restorative Justice: South Africa’s cabinet is now launching a five-year repatriation programme after Namibia’s Heroes’ Acre reburials inspired similar action. Local Governance & Youth: Junior MPs begin parliamentary induction and orientation, while the Anglican youth northern regional conference gets underway in Oshandi. Energy, Trade & Sovereignty: A petition seeks to declare the US ambassador persona non grata over alleged encroachment tied to Namibia’s oil and gas and critical minerals. Digital & Skills: Namibia’s ICT summit receives a N$1.2m boost, and a creative skills programme wraps up with support for film, fashion, music and visual arts. Sports (Regional): South Africa’s Lutho Sipamla is ruled out of the Namibia tri-series with a hamstring injury; Andile Simelane replaces him.

Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Activist Michael Amushelelo’s petition to declare US Ambassador John Giordano persona non grata in Namibia has passed 500 signatures, arguing foreign interest in oil and minerals threatens sovereignty. Parliament & Health Policy: Namibia’s Mental Health Bill has cleared the National Council and now goes to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for consideration. National Honours Debate: Opposition leaders say Heroes’ Acre recognition criteria should expand beyond liberation credentials to include nurses, teachers, police, doctors and other builders of modern Namibia. Energy & Investment: Industries Minister Modestus Amutse urged investors at Norway’s Offshore Northern Seas summit to back Namibia’s offshore oil and gas, pointing to Orange Basin momentum and investor protections. Geopolitics of Uranium: A new Russia-Namibia nuclear cooperation push puts uranium at the centre, raising questions about sovereignty and who controls the uranium-to-energy value chain. Climate Risk: Namibia faces below-normal rainfall odds for 2026/27, with above-normal temperatures likely to worsen drought pressure. Cricket (Namibia-linked): South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada is ruled out of the ODI series vs Australia with a hamstring injury, while Proteas’ tri-series bounce-back in Windhoek continues to draw attention. Education Watch: A review of Namibia’s education sector flags heavy spending but weak outcomes, with shortages and low attainment in key grades.

Offshore Oil Watch: Equinor has entered Namibia’s Orange Basin by buying 17.4% in PEL 90 from Harmattan Energy (Chevron subsidiary), calling the drill-ready prospect “pretty big” and aiming for a major discovery later this year. Minerals & Geopolitics: A new “mineral corridor” focus argues Namibia and peers must compete not just for mines, but for refining, processing and downstream control—while //Kharas explores technology partnerships in Russia’s Novosibirsk. Sovereignty Row: Activist Michael Amushelelo has launched a petition urging the government to declare US Ambassador John Giordano persona non grata over claims of foreign influence over Namibia’s resources. Party Politics: Swapo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the party’s Central Committee meeting urging unity and discipline, tying current deliberations to Heroes’ Day lessons on sovereignty. Road Safety Debate: MPs say road upgrades won’t fix the crisis unless road-user behaviour changes, with calls for accountability on funding models. Environment & Food Security: Namibia faces below-normal rainfall in 2026/27, and the environment minister warns at UN talks that drought resilience needs real global action. Local Development: The N$4bn Lüderitz salmon project is advancing, with plans to import first commercial eggs soon. Sports: Dewald Brevis powered South Africa’s bounce-back in the Windhoek tri-series, hitting 75* as SA beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets.

Windhoek Governance: Germany has withdrawn a N$200m grant for the city’s sustainable urban mobility plan after a feasibility study showed cycling gains and emissions cuts would fall short of climate-financing thresholds, forcing Windhoek to pivot to an electric bus proposal. Road Safety & Regulation: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure flags livestock on public roads and the B1 fatality corridor as major accident drivers, while the transport ministry proposes tougher driving-instructor rules—requiring even long-serving instructors to be tested and to pass before teaching. Regional Development Funding: Prime Minister Ngurare urges Regional Governors to turn resources into visible results, as NASRIA contributes N$25m to strengthen governor offices and support regional development initiatives. Housing Crisis: Urban and Rural Development Ministers report Namibia’s housing backlog has topped 270,000 units and informal settlements now house over 200,000 households, with government pushing large-scale upgrading and affordable housing targets. Environment & Public Health: IPC opposes the Sandpiper offshore phosphate mining project, citing environmental, social and health risks and pointing to harms reported in other phosphate-mining countries. Energy/Industry Policy: NCDMB calls for harmonised, cross-border local content partnerships to unlock oil and gas growth and industrialisation. International Ties: President Nandi-Ndaitwah mourns Norway’s King Harald V and reiterates Namibia–Norway cooperation rooted in liberation-era support. Business & Ports: ICTSI signs to acquire TLG, expanding port and cargo operations across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Sports (Local Spotlight): Namibia beat South Africa again in the Windhoek T20I tri-series opener, while Proteas captaincy and broadcast rights debates continue to draw attention.

Driving-School Overhaul: Transport minister Veikko Nekundi says driving instructors will have to be tested and pass before they can keep teaching, even after decades in the job, with competence, teaching ability, defensive driving and psychometric checks on the table. Regional Development Push: Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare urged Regional Governors to turn funding into visible results, stressing offices need real human and financial resources and must coordinate with SOEs and the private sector. NASRIA Funding: The Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association (NASRIA) handed over N$25m to back productive regional initiatives across all 14 regions, including support for factories and businesses tied to what each region produces. Housing Pressure: Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa says Namibia’s housing backlog has topped 270,000 units and informal settlements have surged, calling for large-scale intervention and partnerships. Local Governance Scrutiny: Windhoek councillors demanded legal clarity over whether President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s private land application should be handled publicly or in camera. Energy & Transport Costs: Fuel prices rise in September, and the Roads Authority launched an N$13m project control system to improve planning and delivery across Namibia’s road network. Media Freedom: A report warns environmental journalists in sub-Saharan Africa face arrest and intimidation, including in Namibia, as they scrutinise oil-resource management. Cricket Politics & Access: Fans complained about limited broadcast access for the Proteas-Namibia T20I tri-series in Windhoek, while Namibia’s win over South Africa keeps the series headlines.

Heroes’ Day & National Recognition: Young Namibians rallied behind President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to award 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimwaafeni hero status after he rescued twins, arguing courage should be celebrated over tribal or “who else was overlooked” debates. Regional Development Funding: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare demanded governors turn offices into engines of development as NASRIA handed over N$25m to back productive projects across all 14 regions, including planned agro-processing plants. Housing Delivery: Namibia Housing Enterprise (NHE) handed over 82 houses in Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement, as government cites a growing informal-settlement crisis and a housing backlog above 270,000 units. Women at the UN: Namibia backed the push to elect the first female UN secretary-general, with foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi raising the issue during consultations in Congo. Youth Skills & Culture: Outapi’s Olufuko festival (24 Aug–1 Sep) is underway with initiation programmes for about 120 girls and a broader push for tourism and local business opportunities. Economy & Jobs Debate: IPC questioned whether international MOUs are delivering real outcomes like jobs and skills, not just signed agreements. Sports (Windhoek): Namibia hosts the SA–Zimbabwe T20I tri-series starting today, with the home side led by Gerhard Erasmus.

National Governance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says regional governors are the “final authority” in their regions, urging all Namibians—including opposition—to respect the line of authority. Public Finance & Regional Development: NASRIA donates N$25 million to the Office of the Prime Minister to seed economic development through governors’ offices across all 14 regions. Justice & Labour: Justice Minister Immanuel will oppose a High Court challenge by magistrates over how the state sets their salaries and conditions, after a long dispute that included industrial action. Road Safety Crisis: Parliament’s transport committee declares road crashes a national crisis, citing shortages of enforcement staff, equipment and patrol capacity, and calls for an integrated safe-system approach. Mental Health Law: The National Council passes a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1973 Act, aiming to protect dignity, expand community services and set up a mental health review board. International Cooperation: The US envoy urges Namibia to target wildlife trafficking networks “following the money,” not just poachers. Tech & Education: Namibia and Russia move toward a joint space programme with training and university-linked space data work. Sports & Politics: Namibia hosts a T20I tri-series opener in Windhoek as the Proteas return, with the wider push to grow cricket in Africa tied to next year’s World Cup co-hosting.

Heroes’ Day & National Honours: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured 16-year-old Kornelius Shimuafeni for rescuing twins, and used the occasion to argue heroism now includes everyday service—not only liberation credentials—while debate grows over who qualifies as a “hero” and whether honours are too tied to politics. Food Security & Procurement: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced N$40m to buy grain from local farmers via AMTA to reduce post-harvest losses and fix market access gaps. Education Governance: A National Council committee probed claims of tribal favouritism in teacher promotions, calling for fairness backed by data. Jobs Promise Under Scrutiny: IPC questioned government’s 500,000 jobs pledge, pointing to weak export certificates and stalled rail cargo activity. Informal Economy Policy: Namibia launched a National Steering Committee on the informal economy to guide policy and coordination for inclusion and industrialisation. Local Infrastructure with CSR: A new CPBN procurement CSR requirement delivered N$64,886 to Bethanie community projects linked to a rail upgrade contract. Transport & Trade Link: Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka urged renewed talks with Angola for a permanent bridge at Rundu to ease pressure on the temporary crossing. Legal Rights in Prisons: A High Court set aside a refusal to recommend medical release for a paralysed inmate, calling the decision irrational.

Heroes’ Day & Economic Emancipation: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the 60th commemoration to warn Namibia cannot “live off past glory alone,” framing the new national struggle as economic emancipation—targeting poverty, youth unemployment, inequality, corruption and institutional inefficiency, and pointing to the Sixth National Development Plan’s focus on resource beneficiation, value addition and youth empowerment. Youth & National Memory: A separate report questions why fewer young people show up for Heroes’ Day, with historians linking it to gaps in how history is taught and underfunding for history studies. Courtroom Win for Prisoner: Namibia’s High Court ordered the Correctional Service to pay costs after overturning an “inhumane” prison medical decision, granting a paralysed inmate a path toward medical release. Controversial Seabed Phosphate Mine: Namibia’s environmental commissioner issued the world’s first clearance for commercial seabed phosphate dredging, triggering legal action from fishing industry and fresh warnings from marine scientists about impacts on the Benguela Current and fisheries. Fuel Disruption Hits Aviation: A contaminated jet fuel shipment tied to Vivo Energy Namibia has forced flight diversions, with officials saying the shortage could last into the weekend. International Diplomacy: Namibia backed the election of a woman as UN Secretary-General, with Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi arguing it’s time for gender equality in global leadership.

Heroes’ Day Reburials: Namibia will rebury liberation fighters Festus Nehale and Simon Niilenge at Heroes’ Acre as part of Heroes Day commemorations, with repatriations framed as restorative justice and dignity. National Honours: President Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred liberation and independence medals on about 1,000 people, while a 16-year-old Cornelius Shimwaafeni was recognised as a national hero for saving twins. Oil & Gas Jobs Push: NOGC 2026 wrapped in Windhoek with a clear message: discoveries must turn into jobs, skills, local enterprise and long-term value; Minister Amutse also heads offshore energy talks in Norway. Tumas Project Milestones: Deep Yellow says it has secured long-term water supply via NamWater and finalised local ownership arrangements for its Tumas uranium project. Offshore Phosphate Greenlight: Namibia granted environmental clearance for the Sandpiper seabed phosphate project off Walvis Bay, despite opposition from environmental and fishing groups. Jet Fuel Disruption: Namibia’s jet fuel shortage is linked to a commercial quality/supply issue at Walvis Bay, not the government’s Vitol petrol/diesel deal, officials say. Governance & Courts: Chief Justice Shivute warned judicial well-being must not be sacrificed to workload pressures. Public Health: Zambezi region reports 11 child deaths linked to diarrhoea-related symptoms this year, with investigations ongoing. Sports (Cricket): Namibia named a strong squad for the home T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Offshore Mining Watch: Namibia has cleared the way for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper seabed project, granting environmental approval for dredging about 120km off Walvis Bay—despite long-running opposition from environmental groups and the fishing industry. Climate & Disaster Preparedness: At SARCOF-33 in Swakopmund, Namibia urged SADC to boost meteorological investment and early-warning systems, warning that El Niño-driven extreme weather could hit agriculture, water, health and infrastructure. Heroes Day & National Honours: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred liberation and independence medals on about 1,000 people, and will also recognise a 16-year-old Oshana boy, Cornelius Shimwaafeni, as a national hero for saving twin babies. Health System Pressure: Over 1,350 unemployed graduate nurses called for changes to recruitment processes, while in Zambezi region diarrhoea-related deaths of 11 children under five were reported. Governance & Justice: Chief Justice Peter Shivute stressed that judicial well-being must not be sacrificed to workload pressures. Energy Logistics: Namibia’s jet fuel shortage was blamed on a commercial quality/supply issue, not the government’s Vitol petrol-and-diesel deal. Party Politics: Namibia’s NDP fired three senior structure leaders after dictatorship allegations against party president Martin Lukato.

Climate & Disaster Readiness: Namibia urged SADC to boost investment in meteorological services and multi-hazard early-warning systems at SARCOF-33 in Swakopmund, stressing that forecasts must translate into action for agriculture, water, health and disaster management. Energy Transition & Industry: Namibia showcased Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility in Walvis Bay, combining solar generation, hydrogen production and storage, while the NOGC 2026 wrap-up pushed the message that oil must deliver jobs, skills and local value. Oil & Gas Investment: Equinor said it hopes for a “pretty big” discovery in Namibia’s PEL 90 after buying a 17.4% stake in a Chevron-operated prospect. Power Sector Oversight: The Electricity Control Board warned it may revoke licences from underperforming municipalities and regional councils after audits found widespread non-compliance with safety and maintenance standards. Extractives Under Scrutiny: Namibia granted environmental clearance for the Sandpiper offshore phosphate project near Walvis Bay, despite opposition from conservation and fishing groups. Transport & Logistics: TransNamib said low cargo volumes make the Ondangwa–Oshikango rail line commercially unviable, though service could resume if demand rises. Governance & Public Services: Khomas announced free municipal buses to Heroes’ Acre for Heroes’ Day, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah said a 12-year repatriation process for liberation heroes’ remains has been completed. Local Economy & Markets: Government reassured grain farmers that market solutions are coming, as farmers report weak off-take and storage bottlenecks. Legal/Business Disputes: A procurement fund is seeking N$1.78m from FlowCentric over a disputed filtration-plant financing agreement after arbitration found conditions were not met.

Liberation Homecoming: Namibia marked Heroes’ Day with the reburial of eight liberation struggle veterans at Heroes’ Acre, including remains repatriated from South Africa and symbolic graves for those with unknown burial sites, as President Nandi-Ndaitwah framed the move as restorative justice and a push to preserve liberation history in schools and public memory. Cuba Solidarity Drive: Namibia’s campaign to raise nearly N$1 million for crisis-hit Cuba is nearing its target, with government officials now seeking corporate and private contributions. Oil & Gas Jobs Agenda: The 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC 2026) ended in Windhoek with a clear message: discovery must become “dividend” through local content, skills, enterprise participation and investment. Local Governance Scrutiny: Windhoek councillors questioned CEO Moses Matyayi’s foreign trips, alleging large spending and lack of prior council awareness. Education Funding Pressure: A National Council education committee urged predictable, adequate financing and stronger industry-university links, labs and rural access to keep Namibia’s education and innovation systems competitive. Road Safety Regulation: Government moved to regulate driving schools and instructors, warning against “licence buying” and pushing for consistent standards and qualified trainers. Kunene Food Insecurity: Parliament heard that over 87,000 people in Kunene face extreme food insecurity risk, with calls for longer-term climate resilience beyond drought relief. Digital Inclusion Push: NamPost opened the Nkurenkuru Post Office and handed ICT equipment to community centres to expand access to financial and digital services in rural areas. Sports Facility Boost: President inaugurated the Eeshoke Chula Chula sports centre in Helao Nafidi, aiming to cut match costs and build local talent.

Cricket Diplomacy & Sport: Namibia named a 16-man squad for an inaugural T20I tri-series in Windhoek (Aug 28–Sep 6) against South Africa and Zimbabwe, captained by Gerhard Erasmus, with ODIs vs SA following immediately (Sep 9–13). National Repatriation: Namibia received the mortal remains of liberation heroes Simon Petrus Niilenge and Festus Nehale, plus 84 ancestral remains from South Africa, framed by President Nandi-Ndaitwah as restoring dignity and identity. Youth, Jobs & Skills: At the Ongwediva Trade Fair, the junior mayor urged real pathways for young people into work and enterprise, while Nandi-Ndaitwah warned “don’t train for the streets” and called for skills aligned to labour-market demand. Local Governance & Cost of Doing Business: Khomas flagged high rental costs and a shortage of public trading spaces as barriers to small business growth, calling for more affordable markets. Court & Human Rights: The High Court ordered a Windhoek Correctional Facility medical officer to recommend release for a paralysed inmate, citing constitutional rights and administrative justice. Transport & Infrastructure: Government targets upgrading 1,000km of rail in 2026/27, and the Ondangwa–Oshikango line has reportedly sat without trains for over two years. Environment & Livelihoods: Fishing workers protested marine phosphate mining after an environmental clearance was issued, warning of risks to fish stocks and coastal jobs. Governance & Procurement: Agriculture terminated a N$39.5m AI satellite crop-monitoring contract with a US firm after legal/procedural concerns, with an investigation launched. International Relations: Namibia and Congo moved to deepen economic cooperation after a ministerial visit to Brazzaville.

Economic Accountability: An editorial argues Namibia’s growth figures are incomplete unless government explains who actually benefits, not just how fast GDP rises. Liberation & Repatriation: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah frames the return of two liberation heroes and 84 ancestral remains as restoring dignity, while families mark upcoming Heroes’ Acre reburials. Trade & Local Development: Ongwediva Trade Fair opens its 25th edition as President Nandi-Ndaitwah says demand has outgrown current facilities (1,872 applications, only 485 accommodated), pushing for expansion. Education Standards: The education ministry rolls out new Norms and Standards Framework for schools and minimum hostel standards, aiming to improve quality, safety and learner support. Governance & Oversight: A separate report flags Cabinet’s move to cancel a N$40m agriculture tech tender as a potential precedent for political meddling in procurement. Public Safety: Police warn motorists after a B1 crash tied to illegal overtaking and speeding during busy travel periods. Regional Solidarity: Namibia’s Cuba solidarity drive continues, with National Council members donating N$27,609 and Kavango West backing the campaign.