FATF Update: Namibia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s “grey list” after addressing money-laundering and terrorism-financing deficiencies, a move expected to lift investor confidence and reduce external scrutiny. Digital Identity Debate: Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu rejected claims that Namibia’s e-ID system is meant for “microchip tracking,” saying the cards support secure identity verification and digital transformation. Tax & Compliance: NamRA extended the 30 June tax filing deadline to 31 August as ITAS disruptions are gradually resolved, while government also tabled legislation to create an independent Tax Court to strengthen tax dispute resolution. Monetary Policy: The Bank of Namibia raised the repo rate to 6.75% amid inflation risks linked to the Middle East conflict and to manage interest-rate gaps with South Africa. Water & Industry: Namibia Breweries cut water use to 3.5 litres per litre of beer in 2025 and says it invested N$35m since 2015 to improve water security. Mining & Energy: De Beers CEO says its diamond sale could be completed within weeks; Kaoko Metals will start maiden Chalkos drilling within six weeks; and Namibia is being positioned as a key player in global energy supply chains through uranium projects. Local Economy & Jobs: Etosha Fishing received a horse mackerel quota allocation after months of worker disruption. Connectivity: Telecom Namibia expanded subsea and satellite connectivity with Angola through new agreements. Governance Watch: An Omaruru acting CEO is suspected of “cooking the books” amid a financial probe, while Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi dismissed calls for a forensic audit of tenders to foreign nationals. Reparations Diplomacy: Namibia’s leadership continued pushing reparatory justice at a Ghana conference, including calls for truth, acknowledgement and concrete action.