AGP Executive Report

ICC World Cup Format Backlash: Namibia co-hosts the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the ICC’s new “Super Series/Super 7” structure has sparked anger from associate nations and players, with the World Cricketers’ Association warning the changes were made without consultation and could shrink meaningful opportunities for teams like Namibia. NDP6 Communications Push: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged government and private communicators to fight misinformation and strengthen strategic public communication to protect delivery of NDP6. Namibia-South Africa Business Link: Namibia and South Africa are set to launch a joint business council to formalise trade and investment cooperation, with chambers expected to track implementation and priorities. Courtroom Tension in Hangula Case: Terrorism accused Jona Hangula opposes a bid to hear an alleged FBI agent’s testimony behind closed doors, arguing for open court access. NSFAF Funding Debate: Welwitschia University’s chancellor called for NSFAF to fully fund private university tuition, saying “equal treatment” is undermined by partial support. Education Support on the Ground: Langer Heinrich donated over N$1m in science and maths textbooks to Erongo schools. TVET Talent to Shanghai: Namibia will send 17 young competitors to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Conservation Update: Namibia translocated 575 animals from Etosha to conservation areas, while a viral desert rain frog has been listed as Vulnerable due to habitat pressure. Regional Energy/Water Coordination: SADC energy and water ministers meet in Pretoria, with “Mission 300” electrification on the agenda.

Parliament Oversight Clash: Opposition parties say the National Assembly is being run with bias and that unanswered questions are piling up, while SWAPO’s chief whip insists oversight is being met and delays come from repetitive opposition tactics. Road Safety Push: A National Council transport committee meeting in Otjiwarongo calls for a “safe system” approach—better infrastructure, vehicle checks, enforcement, emergency response and protection for pedestrians and cyclists. Trade & Investment: Namibia and South Africa are set to launch a joint business council led by chambers of commerce, with a standing secretariat to track minerals, energy, infrastructure and agro-processing priorities. Water Security: Groundbreaking for the Naute–Keetmanshoop pipeline aims to replace a decades-old system and improve reliability for Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas. Corruption & Accountability: ACC leadership argues a legal loophole weakens enforcement by limiting accountability for those who fail to act on recommendations. Finance Integrity: FATF updates remove Algeria and Namibia from increased monitoring while adding Bosnia and Iraq to the monitored list. Court Developments: The Fishrot trial is postponed to October, and Windhoek’s N$24.5m water pollution claim against Namibia Dairies begins in the High Court. Social Protection: NSFAF says students’ outstanding allowances should be paid by month-end, and a new NSA profile highlights major gaps facing Namibia’s San, Ovatue/Ovatwa and Ovatjimba communities. Labour Rights: Ohangwena retailers face findings of labour-law breaches, including minimum wage non-compliance.

Street Children Response: Namibia’s Gender ministry says it will run a regional study to count children living and working on streets and map the drivers pushing them into street life, after Parliament questions on numbers, sleeping places and protection measures. Cancer Burden: New WHO/IARC GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates put Namibia at about 4,205 new cancer diagnoses a year, with breast, cervical and prostate cancers leading—raising pressure for faster prevention and awareness. Namibia–South Africa Reset: Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the Namibia–South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, aiming to deepen over 150 agreements on trade, investment, border management, infrastructure and energy. Tax Compliance Push: NamRA reminds taxpayers and traders to keep records and supporting documents for at least five years, with exceptions for recent filings and criminal investigations. Agriculture Trade: Namibia signed a phytosanitary protocol with China to enable fresh table grape exports, as grape earnings keep climbing. Regional Logistics: Botswana VP Ndaba Gaolathe is set to visit the Walvis Bay container terminal to review port expansion and strengthen the Trans Kalahari corridor. Sports & Youth: Team Namibia received a presidential send-off for the Commonwealth Games; Namibia also sent 17 young competitors to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. FATF Update: FATF removed Algeria and Namibia from its increased monitoring list and added Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq.

Diplomacy Appointments: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned former Presidency minister Christine //Hoebes as Namibia’s High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, signalling a push to deepen bilateral ties. Regional Governance: Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi welcomed home the Special Olympics Unified Gladiators after their Paris triumph, a reminder of how government priorities show up in youth and sport. Social Data & Inclusion: The Namibia Statistics Agency launched a Marginalised Communities Report (San, Ovatue, Ovatjimba), putting numbers and needs on the table for planning. Energy & Oversight: Parliament’s Natural Resources committee visited the Hyphen Hydrogen project near Lüderitz, weighing progress and the coordination needed for donor-funded rollout. Public Finance & Accountability: The education ministry awarded NTA a six-month N$540m contract for food supply to government school hostels, while ICAN said it is investigating accountant Hanjo Schlabitz linked to WMS losses. Electoral Integrity: Opposition parties challenged ECN commissioner Gerson Sindano’s bid to become chair, citing past Swapo ties and demanding transparency over the selection process. Sports with Policy Links: Namibia’s Afcon co-hosting hopes hinge on government backing for stadium readiness; the ICC also approved major 2027 ODI and 2028 T20 format changes, with Namibia among hosts.

Diplomatic Appointments: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has commissioned Christine //Hoëbes as Namibia’s High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, urging her to turn long-standing friendship into economic diplomacy, investment, tourism and market access for Namibians. Public Health: Health Minister Esperance Luvindao declared Namibia’s cholera outbreak over after 28+ days with no confirmed cases in Grootfontein and Opuwo, while warning the risk can return without strong water, sanitation and surveillance. Regional Politics & Oversight: As Parliament adjourns for recess, commentary argues the legislature must match Namibia’s “moment” amid offshore oil, green hydrogen and critical minerals—moving beyond activity to sharper lawmaking and delivery. Youth & Health Risks: A National Council probe into Hubbly Bubbly and vaping among children is framed as urgent, with calls for action beyond another report. Elections/Institutions: The High Court’s full judgment in the ECN appointments dispute is released, with Job Amupanda saying transparency in commissioner selection remains central. Local Governance: An Ondangwa councillor demands answers over allegations the mayor used council resources for an unauthorised event. Economy & Agriculture: McHenry Venaani calls for immediate dairy revival via procurement of 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle. Social Protection: Pension grants have been suspended for some beneficiaries after verification issues, sparking hardship concerns. Cross-Border Cooperation: Nandi-Ndaitwah heads to Pretoria to co-chair the Namibia–South Africa Bi-National Commission amid ongoing xenophobia concerns.

Special Olympics Win: Namibia’s Unified Gladiators returned from Paris to a heroes’ welcome after winning gold in the Special Olympics Unified Women’s Football World Cup, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi calling it proof that inclusive opportunities drive excellence. Cuba Solidarity Push: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged Namibians to back the Namibia National Solidarity Campaign for Cuba amid US sanctions, with a fundraising gala planned and funds already raised. Diplomatic Appointments: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned Christine Hoebes as High Commissioner-designate to Malaysia, tasking her to turn friendship into economic diplomacy, investment, tourism and technology transfer. Anti-Corruption Oversight: MPs debated the incoming ACC leadership, pressing Bryan Eiseb and the extended deputy term to prove independence and equal enforcement. Regulation & Finance: Namfisa is investigating Wealth Management Solutions after alleged losses of at least N$250m; separately, MPs heard about vacant DAPEES posts blamed on budget cuts. Party Finances: Swapo reported assets above N$7m and a surplus, while IPC faces liabilities and a deficit. Local Governance: Groot Aub Extension 2 residents asked Windhoek to pause lease agreements over consultation and affordability concerns. Trade & Agriculture: Namibia and China signed a table grape phytosanitary protocol, while FAO-China skills support continues to expand agricultural capacity.

Robben Island repatriations: Government confirms the identification of 84 Namibians’ remains in South Africa, as a major mission prepares for their return. Governance scrutiny: A new briefing warns the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP) is being undermined by secrecy, idle employment and weak oversight. Judicial integrity: Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza urges magistrates to fight corruption, cut delays and embrace digital transformation while protecting their mental wellbeing. Digital ID debate: Namibia’s e-ID rollout is set for September 2026, but citizens raise alarms over data safety and trust in government systems. Public health: Namibia declares its cholera outbreak over after 28 days without new cases, following 82 confirmed infections and one death. Parliamentary health oversight: MPs launch July consultations on “hubbly bubbly” (hookah) risks in schools, after earlier oversight found widespread learner use. Regulation of funds: NAMFISA gives pension, medical aid and friendly-society administrators 12 months to register under FIMA. Local governance: A Windhoek councillor demands answers over reported suspension of trading letters and tougher enforcement against informal traders in Dorado Park. Sports politics: NFA says Namibia’s 2028 Afcon co-host bid hinges on government committing to stadium readiness. Energy and business: Nasan Energies buys 52 Shell/Engen filling stations, boosting indigenous participation in downstream fuel retail. Media expansion: eMedia launches Openview Stream, a free ad-supported FAST platform, rolling out to Namibia and other countries.

Parliament & anti-corruption: MPs unanimously approved Dr Brian Eiseb as the new Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, with lawmakers warning against “selective justice” and promising close oversight. ECN governance: Parliament is still set to consider the chairperson appointment for the Electoral Commission of Namibia, while the recess begins constituency work and oversight visits. Employment equity crackdown: The Employment Equity Commission rejected affirmative action reports for seven employers and institutions, including NAMFISA, Oshakati and Outapi Town Councils, NovaNam, City Lodge Hotels, Nutam Operations, and AB InBev Namibia. Regional integration: Cabinet approved the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi corridor committee headquarters agreement in Windhoek to improve access for landlocked neighbours. Trade & industry: Namibia’s dtic will host a South Africa–Namibia Business Forum in Midrand on 17 July, focused on removing cross-border barriers and pushing regional value chains. Economy & imports: Namibia spent N$46.2bn on consumable imports over five quarters, underlining import dependence and the need for stronger local value addition. Health & safety: Namibia declared the end of its cholera outbreak after 82 confirmed cases and one death, with no new infections for over 28 days. Energy & business: Nasan Energies completed the acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell stations, boosting indigenous fuel retail ownership. Public procurement: CPBN started livestreaming public bid openings to strengthen transparency and public confidence. Human rights & water: Namibia urged stronger UN action for conflict-related sexual violence survivors and called for tighter cooperation among countries sharing rivers.

ACC Leadership & Accountability: Namibia’s National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb as the new ACC director-general, with MPs across parties warning against “selective justice” and promising close oversight to restore public confidence. Anti-Corruption Expectations: The same debate pushed for a fearless, well-resourced ACC that tackles big fish as well as small offenders, while stressing corruption’s wider damage to institutions and livelihoods. Pension Rules vs Housing Access: A Financial Institutions and Markets Act implementation is creating uncertainty for pension-backed housing loans, as the RFS stops processing direct loans unless first-mortgage bond rules are met or NAMFISA exemptions are secured. Fuel Market Oversight: Minister Modestus Amutse confirmed approval of the Nasan Energies merger after NaCC conditions were suspended, following Nasan’s acquisition of 52 Engen/Shell service stations. Namibia–China Deal Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China visit produced new cooperation agreements spanning economic partnership, healthcare, TVET, green minerals and broader investment ties. Education & Skills: NTA committed N$1.05m to strengthen pre-vocational education at seven schools to close the skills mismatch. Agriculture Capacity Boost: China–FAO signed a N$28.5m trust fund to deploy agricultural experts and transfer modern farming know-how. Public Procurement Transparency: CPBN began livestreaming bid openings to improve access and trust in procurement processes. Regional Trade Snapshot: Intra-African exports hit N$5.9bn in May, showing Namibia’s trade is heavily regionally concentrated.

EU Democracy Funding: Parliament, the National Planning Commission and the EU have wrapped up Namibia’s six-year Enhancing Participatory Democracy programme, investing €6m (about N$127m) to strengthen oversight and citizen participation. Robben Island Repatriation: Namibia has started a five-day mission to South Africa to exhumate and repatriate remains of two Robben Island prisoners, with cultural and logistical steps underway until 14 July. ECN Under Fire: Comment and debate continue over ECN leadership and election logistics after the endorsement of Gerson Sindano to replace Elsie Nghikembua as chair, with critics arguing rule of law must beat politics. Pensioners’ Losses: Former clients of Wealth Management Solutions say at least N$250m (possibly N$350m) was lost after alleged misuse of pension and savings funds, raising fresh accountability questions. Education Hit by Power Cuts: Unreliable electricity is disrupting evening study in government secondary schools, undermining learning time and safety. China State Visit: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s China trip ends with a “shared future” partnership, focusing on energy, mining, green minerals, infrastructure, skills and governance exchanges. High Court on Cannabis: A bid to legalise cannabis possession and use failed in the Windhoek High Court, with the court saying the issue is mainly for the executive and legislature. Water Woes: Saline water continues to hinder borehole efforts; the agriculture ministry says a mini desalination plant is planned. Housing Crisis: A rental-driven housing breakdown is worsening youth prospects, with a backlog estimated at 300,000 units.

China-Namibia State Visit: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s week-long trip to Beijing culminated in Xi Jinping and Namibia jointly elevating ties to a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era,” with new cooperation documents spanning energy, mining, agriculture, healthcare, education and skills. Mining & Value Addition: China is pushing deeper mineral beneficiation with Namibia prioritised for uranium, lithium and rare earths, while Namibia also signals it wants “add value, not just extract.” Debt & Borrowing Debate: A Walvis Bay roundtable questioned Namibia’s domestic borrowing strategy, warning it may worsen debt costs and squeeze workers via higher taxes and interest burdens. ECN Appointments Fight: Opposition parties and MPs are resisting Gerson Sindano’s ECN chair appointment, demanding full nomination documents before parliament votes. Nuclear Policy Consultations: The Atomic Energy Board is consulting on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill to modernise Namibia’s nuclear and radiation regulatory framework. Water Security Pressure: The agriculture ministry says saline water is still undermining borehole efforts, with plans for mini desalination and borehole replacements. Repatriation of Liberation-Era Remains: Namibia is sending a delegation to South Africa to exhume and repatriate Robben Island prisoners’ remains ahead of Heroes Day. Environment & Plastics Revenue: Government says the lightweight plastics levy has raised nearly N$250m over five years to fund waste management and green initiatives. Youth & Skills: A Kharas governor urged young people to stop “excuses,” use available education and vocational opportunities, and avoid unaccredited training. Local Governance & Housing: PM Ngurare says Windhoek homelessness plans will be revisited with a national response involving central government and the City.

China-Namibia Diplomacy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Beijing state visit culminated in leaders announcing a “China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era,” with Xi Jinping stressing deeper political dialogue, governance experience-sharing, and higher-level economic cooperation. Parliament & Electoral Commission: Opposition parties and MPs are still pushing back on Gerson Sindano’s ECN chair appointment, demanding full nomination documents before any vote, while MPs continue oversight work during the recess. Nuclear Policy Consultations: The Atomic Energy Board is consulting Kavango West communities on a draft Nuclear Energy Bill aimed at replacing the current radiation act and setting up new regulatory and institutional structures. ECN Appointment Court Threats: Lawmakers and parties are escalating legal pressure around ECN appointments, arguing parliament can’t decide without interview minutes, score sheets, and selection recommendations. Local Industry & Skills: Gobabis VTC has started producing vehicle loading rails locally, using trainees to support import substitution and practical vocational training. Homelessness in Windhoek: PM Ngurare says government will re-activate a national response plan with local authorities after MPs raised concerns about visible street homelessness. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Namibia is bracing for a potentially severe El Niño-linked dry spell, with water and crop risks highlighted. Culture & Royalties: Nascam’s newly confirmed board says it will target higher royalty collections and cut administrative costs after long-running complaints about low or missing payouts.

China-Namibia State Visit: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Beijing talks with Xi Jinping elevated ties to a “China-Namibia community with a shared future,” with pledges on governance exchanges and deeper cooperation across trade, mining and development. Foreign Relations & Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign ministry engagement also included high-level legislative diplomacy, as China’s top legislator Zhao Leji met Nandi-Ndaitwah and signalled stronger parliamentary links. ECN Appointment Court Fight: Opposition parties are escalating legal pressure over Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) commissioner appointments, with IPC figures challenging the process at the High Court and MPs seeking access to selection records. Local Government Oversight: MPs say they will keep doing oversight visits and constituency work during the National Assembly recess, despite sittings being suspended. Liberation-Era Repatriation: Namibia has launched a mission in South Africa to plan the exhumation and repatriation of liberation-era figures’ remains ahead of Heroes’ Day reburial. Agriculture Cooperation: A FAO-China South-South project phase in Namibia reported measurable gains in skills, technology transfer and capacity building for farming and fisheries. Electricity Regulation: Namibia received continental recognition for its distributed generation and net metering regulatory framework, positioning it as a model for other African states. Green Hydrogen & Jobs: Nandi-Ndaitwah met Hyphen Hydrogen leadership in Chengdu, pushing cooperation aimed at scaling Namibia’s green hydrogen economy with local participation. Education Pressure: The Teachers’ Union of Namibia warned teacher welfare problems are undermining education quality, citing financial strain and worsening conditions. Local Council Pay: Councillors’ allowances are set to rise after the urban development ministry approved adjustments, citing strained local authority revenues.

ECN Chair Fight: Parliament is scrutinising President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s nomination of Gerson Sindano as Electoral Commission of Namibia chair, as opposition figures demand transparency on how nominees were selected and threaten court action if records aren’t released. Namibia–China Pivot: In Beijing, the President met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, with talks focused on infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, new energy and expanded trade, while Namibia pushes for value addition rather than raw extraction. Smart City Scrutiny: The IPC questions a N$245m China-backed smart city grant, warning it could compromise digital sovereignty and data control unless full terms are published. Uranium Value-Add Push: Namibia says it wants domestic uranium processing and fuel-chain development with CGN, as China ties deepen. Local Governance: City of Windhoek warns residents and businesses against illegal water connections, threatening disconnection, fines and possible imprisonment. Health Supply Relief: Health ministry says Namibia’s condom shortage has been resolved after months of rationing. Early Childhood Funding: Capricorn Foundation commits N$5m over three years to an outcomes-based early childhood development fund. Sports Commission Uncertainty: Namibia Sports Commission faces operational risk after four commissioners’ contracts expired.