AGP Executive Report

Land & restitution debate: A new piece argues Namibia can’t rely on “willing-seller, willing-buyer” to fix colonial land dispossession, saying it was never built to deliver restitution. Cuba ties under pressure: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare rejects calls to distance Namibia from Cuba, citing Cuba’s role in Namibia’s liberation and urging UN action against the US embargo. Fishing & phosphate legal fight: The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations threatens court action over Namibia Marine Phosphate’s environmental clearance, while the Competition Commission moves to investigate unfair pricing in fishing and has already found no price-fixing in horse mackerel. Public assets crackdown: Works minister Veikko Nekundi orders tighter oversight of government flats after reports of misuse and “kambashus,” pushing the Public Assets Management Agency to recover and professionalise assets. Jobs pressure: The IMF warns Namibia’s growth is too weak to cut unemployment and poverty, and IPC pushes back on using debt to justify public-servant salary cuts. Connectivity & finance: Standard Bank launches direct access to China’s CIPS payment system, and Africa Online and Radio Electronic explore OneWeb satellite connectivity for rural Namibia. Conservation update: Updated counts show large carnivores remain vulnerable, with calls for coordinated national action to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Sport governance & development: NFA completes its first-ever administrative course for futsal, while Namibia’s corporate CSI Mukopano is set for 3 September with Nandi-Ndaitwah expected to headline.

Genocide & Reparations: The Ovaherero Traditional Authority vows to fight Namibia-Germany’s 1904-08 genocide joint declaration “to the end,” saying descendants were excluded and insisting “no individual, no faction” can negotiate away Ovaherero rights. Economy & Jobs: The IMF warns Namibia’s growth is too weak to cut unemployment and poverty, projecting only 2.1% growth in 2026 as diamonds, gold and fuel pressures bite. Public Finance & Wages: IPC warns the government against using rising public debt to justify salary cuts for public servants, arguing the crisis is governance-driven, not just a wage-bill problem. Labour Disputes: Gendev’s wage talks remain deadlocked as the company offers 70% of guaranteed hours during non-operational periods; in Tsumeb, the union rejects a 4% municipal offer and warns of retrenchments. Housing & Oversight: At Opuwo, 24 Mass Housing Development Programme homes are handed over, while the ministry flags weak policy alignment and calls for stronger councillor oversight. State Assets: Government sets up the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia (PAMA) to commercialise and better account for state property. Health Supply: N$178m is approved to expand medical storage after medicine stock levels fell to about 60%. Connectivity & Development: Namibia and Botswana plan 13 more 4G sites along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor at an estimated N$52m. Sports Diplomacy: South Africa names a second-string Proteas squad for Namibia’s T20 tri-series and ODI tour, with Bjorn Fortuin captaining and Duan Jansen earning his maiden call-up.

Public Finance Pressure: A new analysis says about N$16 of every N$100 collected by the state goes to interest payments, with interest rising faster than revenue and crowding out basics like clinics and roads. Governance & Accountability: An editorial and reporting focus on transparency after Minister Nekundi’s NAC board dismissal, alongside interim board appointments for PAMA and NAC aimed at tighter public-asset management. Parliament Watches Debt: MPs hold a public hearing on household debt and lending practices in //Kharas, probing whether laws protect people from exploitation. Energy & Trade Links: Zambia’s cabinet backs new pipeline projects (including a Namibia-Zambia refined products pipeline) to strengthen regional fuel supply. Human Development Moves: Namibia expands TVET cooperation with China and South Africa, and MoHSS-UNAM health research training ties. Health Access: The Onamafila clinic opens in Ohangwena (N$21.7m), bringing care closer to remote villages. Environment & Industry Clash: Sandpiper phosphate gets an environmental clearance, reigniting political and conservation debate. Regional Diplomacy: PM Ngurare pushes deeper Namibia-Cuba cooperation during a Havana visit. Sports & International Cricket: Cricket Scotland and the Netherlands board slam the ICC’s last-minute ODI World Cup 2027 format change affecting associate pathways.

Namibia–China Diplomacy: Chinese Ambassador Zhao Weiping held a press briefing on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent state visit to China, highlighting a push to deepen ties into a “community with a shared future.” Port Upgrade & Trade Logistics: COSCO SHIPPING dispatched 17 ZPMC rubber-tyred gantry cranes to Walvis Bay, a major boost for container handling capacity. Seabed Mining Row: Namibia Marine Phosphate’s environmental clearance has reignited the phosphate-on-the-seabed debate, with fishing-sector fears and calls for compensation and livelihood safeguards. Fisheries Policy: Government plans a high-level fishing indaba in Walvis Bay in September to tackle quota allocation, jobs, sustainability and value addition. Housing Finance Legal Fight: Namfisa rejected claims that FIMA blocks retirement-funded housing access, as lawyers dispute how the “first mortgage” rule will work in practice. Skills & Standards: Khomas hosted public awareness on Namibia’s National Policy on Qualification Standards, pushing alignment with labour-market needs. Public Sector Awards: Nipam defended the 2026 Public Sector Awards criteria after online criticism. Mining Governance & Procurement: Reports flag slow government decisions delaying mining projects, and higher procurement thresholds for major state entities. Regional Digital Cooperation: Namibia and Botswana signed an ICT MoU covering cybersecurity, connectivity and digital skills. Cricket & National Hosting: Cricket Namibia launched an FNB T20 tri-series with South Africa and Zimbabwe in August/September, feeding into a wider Africa Cup plan.

Charcoal & Mining Policy: Environment minister Indileni Daniel urged Namibia to stop exporting raw biomass and push local processing, as the charcoal sector supports about 14,500 jobs and N$1.5bn in annual export value; meanwhile, mining firms warn slow government decisions could delay new projects. Public Procurement & SOEs: Finance minister Ericah Shafudah told state-owned enterprises to stop leaning on more state funding and use existing resources better, while government raised procurement thresholds so some high-value tenders can be handled internally. National Carrier Progress: Namibia Air received air service licences, a key step toward launching the national carrier. Energy Infrastructure Recognition: NAMCOR leadership figure Shiwana Ndeunyema was nominated among Africa’s top infrastructure influencers. Breastfeeding Push: Health officials say exclusive breastfeeding remains below half of infants and call for workplace and clinic support. Regional Diplomacy: PM Elijah Ngurare renewed Namibia–Cuba cooperation and urged youth exchanges. Tech Watch: Starlink’s direct-to-cell service is set to challenge traditional mobile networks.

Public Enterprises: Finance minister Erica Shafudah told state-owned enterprises to stop leaning on more state money and focus on better management and partnerships to reach NDP6 goals. Aviation & National Carrier: Namibia Air received scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences, a key step toward launching the national carrier. Parastatal Governance Clash: Fired Namibia Airports Company board members say transport minister Veikko Nekundi interfered and are considering an appeal to the president. US Visa Processing Shift: Namibians applying for US visas must now travel to South Africa for interviews and processing, as Washington restructures visa “hubs.” Mining & Value Addition: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged mining-led growth with real local value addition, as the Chamber of Mines reports strong mineral sales despite diamond pressure. Breastfeeding Push: Health officials reported low exclusive breastfeeding rates and called for workplace and clinic support, including breastfeeding-friendly policies. Environment Data: Namibia launched a multilateral environmental agreements monitoring and reporting platform to strengthen planning and reporting. Livestock Trade: Namibia and the US explored a livestock breeding partnership amid disease pressures, while live cattle and sheep exports rose sharply in 2026. Housing: Amushelelo launched a 10,528-plot airport estate aimed at making land ownership more accessible for working Namibians.

Governance Legacy: Young Namibians were urged to protect President Hage Geingob’s governance legacy by strengthening institutions, defending constitutional values and pushing for accountable leadership, not just remembrance, at the inaugural Dr Hage Geingob Town Hall at UNAM. Constitutional/Legal Tensions: Namibia’s political parties are calling on Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb to reject a Tanzanian post-election violence commission role, arguing the process risks being politically driven and lacks clear terms. Livestock & Food Security: Namibia-US talks are exploring a livestock breeding partnership to secure better genetics amid disease pressures; meanwhile, Namibia reported strong live cattle and sheep export growth in the first half of 2026. Economy Watch: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5 billion in June as imports hit a record N$18.3 billion, even as food exports still delivered a N$743 million surplus. Public Finance Warning: The IMF urged Namibia to cut the wage bill as rising debt could tighten borrowing conditions and strain the financial system. State-Owned Oversight: Works minister Veikko Nekundi defended the removal of five Namibia Airports Company board members as necessary for governance and stability. Education & Youth: The First Gentleman urged the boy child to embrace education, while UNAM’s Veterinary Academic Hospital was hailed as a national asset for public health and research.

Traditional Authority Engagement: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met Ovambanderu leaders to speed reintegration for repatriated community members from Botswana, including ID access, social grants and welfare support. Public Finance Watch: The IMF warned Namibia to rein in rising debt and cut the wage bill, warning higher borrowing costs and spillovers from South Africa’s tighter financial conditions. State-Owned Governance: Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi defended the removal of five Namibia Airports Company board members, saying it was needed for stronger governance and continuity via an interim board. Cost of Living / Energy: July diesel prices fell by N$4 to N$24.36/l, but the story is still about levies, logistics and how fuel costs ripple through mining, farming and freight. Economy & Trade: Namibia posted a N$743m food trade surplus in June even as the overall trade deficit widened to a record N$5.5bn. Transport & Aviation: Namibia Air received five-year air service licences, but its December launch still hinges on securing aircraft funding and an air operating certificate. Regional Justice: Tanzania ordered a new probe into 2025 election violence, with a commission that includes a Namibian judge—prompting Namibian political parties to question the nomination process. Security Cooperation: Namibia and Serbia signed an MoU to boost cooperation against terrorism financing, cybercrime, organised crime and money laundering. Sports Diplomacy: Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe confirmed a T20I tri-series in Windhoek from Aug 28 ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Community Development: Aminuis leaders pushed for investment to unlock agriculture, salt harvesting and tourism, citing underground water but calling for infrastructure and support. Workplace Policy: Standard Bank Namibia introduced a “mommy’s room” to support breastfeeding employees with private space for expressing and storing milk.

Cricket Diplomacy: Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will kick off a T20I tri-series in Windhoek on 28 August, with all matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground, as a stepping stone to an Africa Cup in 2027. Public Enterprise Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has given state-owned enterprises 24 months to identify ready-to-implement strategic projects and reforms, promising to “disrupt” barriers. Governance Clash at NAC: Sacked Namibia Airports Company board members have hit back after Minister Veikko Nekundi’s dismissal, while NAC says it cooperated with the ministry’s investigation and disputes some media portrayals. Media Sector Support: NAMPU urged an open-door relationship with the NBC, including AI training and mental health support for journalists. Housing Pressure: A new piece highlights how even salaried professionals are struggling to buy homes, with the crisis spreading beyond informal settlements. Transport Infrastructure: Namibia’s transport ministry says it will build 40km of rail annually for five years, alongside upgrades and maintenance. Communal Land Enforcement: Authorities continue removing illegal communal fences to protect grazing access and rural livelihoods. Health Access: Onamafila Primary Health Centre in Ohangwena finally opens after years of delays, easing long trips for care. Winter Relief: Donkerhoek elders received blankets and food parcels funded by the Chinese Embassy.

Public Enterprise Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has given State-Owned Enterprises a 24-month deadline to table investment-ready projects and identify reforms to unlock performance, warning she will “disrupt” to remove obstacles. Oil & Gas Readiness: Bank of Namibia Governor Ebson Uanguta urged the financial sector to build technical expertise, governance and risk controls for oil and gas—while stressing coordination across ministries, regulators and public bodies. Mining & Jobs Momentum: The Namibia Chamber of Mines says the Mining Expo hit a record with all space booked, as 2025 mineral sales rose to over N$64bn and local procurement reached N$24bn, alongside calls for mining-led growth. Youth Finance: Government approved over N$118.5m for 353 youth-owned businesses via the National Youth Development Fund, rolling out across all 14 regions. Criminal Justice & Courts: Windhoek High Court Judge Dinah Uusiku dismissed a bid to recuse herself in a murder trial, after arguments that the court prejudged issues in a trial-within-a-trial. Regional Diplomacy: SADC’s 46th summit is underway in Durban, with senior officials meeting ahead of Heads of State deliberations. Sports & Nation Branding: Namibia will host South Africa and Zimbabwe for a T20I tri-series in Windhoek, followed by a South Africa ODI series—using the new Namibia Cricket Ground as the hub.

Housing & Land Reform: A new argument says Namibia’s housing crisis is really about serviced land, not just loans, pushing back on the idea that government can simply “build houses” to solve it. Foreign Ministry Integrity: The international relations and trade ministry denies favouritism or nepotism in hiring after a Namibian Sun investigation flagged addit… NAC Vehicle Recovery: Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi orders the return of 19 Namibia Airports Company cars transferred to executives and managers after only a N$5,000 admin fee. Health Workforce Rules: The health ministry gazettes updated nurse admission requirements, tightening entry after concerns over nursing school “mushrooming” and weak national assessment results. Disability Policy Push: Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge commits to championing the Revised National Policy on Disability 2025-2035 through regional awareness and implementation planning. Public Enterprises Pressure: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah tells state enterprise leaders she will be “disruptive” to remove service-delivery obstacles and demands specific reforms ready within 24 months. Public Finance Snapshot: NamRA reports N$17.09bn net revenue collected in Q1 2026/27, about 20.7% of the annual target. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Congo’s foreign minister highlights the gap between peace deals and ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, with Namibia named in the long-running regional agreement framework. Cybercrime Warning: Interpol says AI is driving more than 55% of reported cybercrimes in Africa, stressing low AI readiness in law enforcement. Aviation Update: Namibia Air receives five-year operating licences effective 6 August, with first flights targeted for early December.

Communal Land Enforcement: Namibia is stepping up the removal of illegal communal fences, with operations expanding from Omaheke to Kavango East/West and now Oshikoto, as officials say unauthorised fencing restricts grazing and fuels disputes. Mining-Led Jobs Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told the Chamber of Mines Expo that ministries must deliver business-environment reforms by end-August, while the mining sector is expected to contribute 18,000 jobs and about US$2.86bn in new investment. Airports Governance Shake-up: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi relieved five Namibia Airports Company board members and appointed an interim board to keep the entity running. Local Development & Services: Windhoek started a N$5m pipeline replacement in Groot Aub to tackle water interruptions and low pressure; Ongwediva’s mayoral fund also donated N$20,000 in building materials to fire victims. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia’s foreign minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi signed the Africa Minerals Development Centre statute at the AU Executive Council, backing a continent-wide minerals agenda. US Investment Signal: The US renewed support for Namibia’s mining and energy sectors, stressing rule of law and transparent policies as key investor confidence factors.

Governance Shake-up: Namibia Airports Company (NAC) board members were dismissed after a works and transport ministry probe recommended the axing of NAC boss Bisey /Uirab, signalling fresh pressure on state-linked entities. Mining Policy Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 2026 Mining Expo urging faster job creation, local value addition and diversification, while also calling for the Occupational Health and Safety Bill to be fast-tracked and for post-retirement medical schemes for mine workers. Legal Clash Over Judicial Independence: Magistrates’ pay and allowances are back in court, with the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association challenging parts of the Magistrates Act as unconstitutional for giving the executive too much control. Digital & Environmental Governance: Namibia launched a multilateral environmental agreements monitoring and reporting platform in Windhoek, and Home Affairs continued community outreach ahead of the national digital ID rollout. Public Safety & Labour Rights: Police warned of online trafficking scams using fake job adverts; labour inspections recovered over N$1.5m for workers after complaints of unpaid wages and unlawful deductions. Energy & Partnerships: The US embassy pitched long-term partnership with Namibia’s mining and energy sectors, while Namibia also signed nine cooperation agreements with China covering energy, mining, infrastructure and green minerals. Regional Justice Link: Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb was nominated to join Tanzania’s inquiry into post-election violence. Culture & Economy: The National Arts Fund awarded N$1.25m to 28 creatives, backing music, visual arts, theatre and film.

Mining-Led Growth Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the Chamber of Mines Mining Expo, urging progress from “dialogue to delivery” as Namibia targets mining-led jobs and investment. Oil & Gas Local Readiness: Former mines minister Tom Alweendo warned that discoveries won’t translate into prosperity unless local banks and financial institutions are ready to plug into the value chain. Governance Shake-Up at State Entity: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi removed five Namibia Airports Company board members and appointed an interim board to stabilise oversight. Legal Ruling in Walvis Bay Trial: A Windhoek High Court upheld a challenge to oral admissions in a rape and murder case, ruling the State failed to prove informed, voluntary rights were explained. Cybercrime Alert: INTERPOL says AI is accelerating African cybercrime, with weak reporting and cross-border cooperation leaving financial and government sectors exposed. Sports & Youth: NFA confirmed the 2026/27 season dates, while a junior hockey player’s family appealed for N$16,000 to reach a Zimbabwe test series. Community & Inclusion: Ohangwena invited investors to submit proposals under a regional investment plan, and Namibia’s creative youth got a boost with the Whoos Nextt Festival return.

Land Reform Debate: An editorial warns land reform can’t be “paused” while Namibia chases new economic priorities. Mining Governance: Namibia’s mine safety regime still rests on the 1968 Mines, Works and Minerals Ordinance, keeping pressure on regulators to modernise enforcement. Higher Education Leadership: NUST installs Prof. Frednard Gideon as its new substantive Vice-Chancellor, pledging academic excellence and stronger national development partnerships. Presidential Legacy: Hundreds gather at the Hage Geingob Medical Campus to honour Geingob’s 85th birthday and launch a legacy town hall dialogue centred on constitutionalism, unity and inclusivity. Digital Economy & Cybersecurity: NCCI and CRAN sign a three-year partnership to boost digital transformation and cybersecurity capacity. Road & Transport Costs: Walvis Bay–Swakopmund taxi fares are reported above the approved rate, while motorists can now pay expired admission-of-guilt fines via EFT during a court amnesty. Public Oversight: Parliament leaders push to strengthen oversight of the executive. Health & Social Policy: Breastfeeding reforms roll out “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” as exclusive rates remain low. Infrastructure Stress: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is blamed on an aging system that has outgrown its design capacity. Economy & Investment: Namibia ranks second globally for greenfield FDI performance relative to economy size. Oil & Gas Local Participation: Tom Alweendo urges local banks to fund Namibia’s offshore oil and gas value chain. Governance Shake-up: Nekundi fires five Namibia Airports Company board members and appoints an interim board.

Parliament Oversight Push: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and committee leaders in Swakopmund renewed calls to strengthen scrutiny of the executive and put citizens first, stressing Namibia’s separation of powers. Breastfeeding Reforms: Health officials launched a nationwide rollout of the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” after exclusive breastfeeding remains low (49% nationally; 25% in Khomas). Water Infrastructure: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis was blamed on an aging system that has outgrown capacity, while government also broke ground on the Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund pipeline replacement to secure coastal water. Coastal Fuel Politics: Minister Modestus Amutse defended Vitol’s exclusive fuel-supply deal amid IPC calls for a parliamentary probe, as petrol and diesel rose by N$2/litre. Housing Pressure in Windhoek: An economist warns soaring prices and rentals are pushing home ownership out of reach for most Namibians, with rent control still pending. Agri-food Transformation: The STAS implementation framework moves into a practical phase to cut food insecurity and malnutrition, with investment and clearer work streams. Youth Service Debate: An MP challenged NYS entry criteria as too high for disadvantaged youth. Trans-Kalahari Railway: Namibia and Botswana pressed to turn plans into an execution roadmap before year-end. Mining & Local Jobs: The Namibia Mining Expo opens with a focus on procurement, local empowerment and job creation. Commonwealth Games Wrap: Namibia ended Glasgow 2026 with one silver and two bronze medals, all from boxing.