Public Finance Watch: Namibia’s economy grew 2.0% in Q1 2026 to N$70.9bn, but mining dragged performance as mineral production fell; meanwhile, a World Bank projection flags widening fiscal pressure with deficits expected to run at 5.2% of GDP in 2026. Water & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Ngurare launched the N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination project, with July financial close targeted and June 2028 operations planned to boost climate-resilient water supply. Digital Sovereignty: CRAN rejected Starlink’s licence bid, saying Namibia’s statutory ownership requirements were not met, keeping the regulator’s stance firm despite appeals. Trade & Regional Integration: SACU leaders heard calls for deeper regional cooperation as global trade and supply chains shift; Botswana starts its SACU chair term from July 15. Agriculture & Livestock Markets: The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated that gradual removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence remains policy, while Parliament heard the Equalisation Fund for NCA farmers will be operationalised this year. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: Namibia Qualifications Authority engaged stakeholders on qualification standards, with concerns about accreditation and the gap between graduation and employment. Green Economy Scrutiny: A debate on “hope, hype or greenwashing?” challenges whether Namibia’s green hydrogen promises match on-the-ground delivery. Business & Innovation: Namibia became the first WIPO member state to launch the IPAS 4.0 Copyright Module, enabling creators to register works online. Youth & Food Security: #BeFree Grow Gardening Project marked its first harvest, training out-of-school youth and feeding produce into its meals programme.