AGP Executive Report

Health & Training Capacity: UNAM nursing students are being turned away from clinical placements as clinic supervision capacity can’t keep up with growing student numbers, prompting renewed scrutiny of training quality and accreditation. State Visit & Trade: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah heads to China for a week-long investment-focused visit, with talks spanning trade, mining beneficiation, renewables, green hydrogen, agriculture and infrastructure. Tax Fraud Pressure: Namibia Revenue Agency says nearly N$1bn was lost to fraudulent income tax and VAT refund claims over four years, with hundreds of cases registered and recoveries of about N$144m. Energy Fund Watch: Industries minister Modestus Amutse insists the National Energy Fund is stable after a N$1.3bn fuel-price cushioning spend, alongside a shift toward bulk fuel procurement to cut premiums. Green Power Investment: Ultra Special Energy pumps N$17m into biomass processing equipment to supply NamPower’s Oshikoto biomass station. Cement Jobs & Merger: Cheetah Cement halts planned retrenchments after approval of its Ohorongo Cement merger, though operational changes and possible staff relocation are expected. Border Biosecurity: A semi-automated vehicle disinfection system is installed at Ariamsvlei to strengthen foot-and-mouth disease controls. Mining & Capital: Deep Yellow expands its uranium footprint in Australia via a Cooper Creek JV stake while keeping Namibia’s Tumas project central. Youth & Digital Health: One Economy Foundation launches an online SRH platform for youth, adding confidential support and self-screening tools. Business Finance Signals: Business lending shows further strain in May, with corporate credit growth slowing and overdraft borrowing easing. FIC Finances: Financial Intelligence Centre assets rise to N$87.4m as receivables from the Bank of Namibia increase.

China Investment Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will embark on a week-long state visit to China (05–11 July) to deepen trade and investment ties after bilateral trade hit a record N$40.64bn in 2025 and N$14.79bn in the first four months of 2026, with talks spanning industrialisation, energy security, tech transfer and jobs. Water Security Deal: Namibia launched the Erongo SUNAM desalination project, a N$2.1bn water-security venture aimed at unlocking growth after more than 21 years of planning and commercial restructuring. Fuel Price Relief: Government’s July–September fuel procurement arrangement is set to buy imports at Basic Fuel Price, easing pressure on the National Energy Fund after months of absorbing global price shocks. Business Lending Strain: Analysis shows business lending remains under strain, with other loans and advances to businesses recording a third straight month of annual decline in May. Mining & Energy Developments: Namdeb reports broadly stable diamond reserves; Hope and Gorob Mining breaks ground on a copper-gold project near Gobabeb; and Namcor welcomed Capricornus-1A’s appraisal results in the Orange Basin, strengthening offshore oil confidence. Governance & Courts: The High Court shut down a bid to revive a cancelled school feeding tender, reinforcing strict procurement timelines. Private Banking Move: FNB Namibia appointed Colaindunn von Luttichau to lead Private Clients and Private Wealth.

Fuel Relief & Import Overhaul: Namibia cut July fuel prices—petrol down N$1/litre and diesel by N$4/litre—after a N$1.3bn relief bill, alongside a July–September procurement arrangement to remove import premiums. Public Service Delivery Push: PM Elijah Ngurare warned of a “culture of poor implementation” and urged tighter accountability and faster execution of priority programmes. No E-Tolls: Works minister Veikko Nekundi told MPs there’s no government policy to introduce electronic tolls. Anti-Corruption Leadership Change: Namibia’s first ACC director general Paulus Noa handed over after 20 years; Bryan Eiseb is nominated as successor. Health Sector Compliance: Health Professions Act regulations now set clearer rules for serving notices on practitioners. Energy & Power Watch: Electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May as tariffs continued climbing. Offshore Oil Update: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to Capricornus-1X, strengthening appraisal work in the Orange Basin. Uranium Exploration Boost: Noronex confirmed a broad uranium system at Etango North after maiden drilling results. Youth & Finance: Khomas governor Sam Nujoma urged youth entrepreneurs to use available finance and build public-private partnerships. Digital Learning Expansion: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support 500,000+ learners across six African countries including Namibia. Microlending Snapshot: Namibians borrowed less from microlenders, but average loan sizes rose as the sector adjusts post-PDMS disruptions. Sports & Community: Namibia Padel co-founder Francois Wahl says more courts and full evenings/weekends are key to growing the sport nationwide.

Fuel Relief & Procurement Overhaul: Namibia cut July fuel prices—petrol down N$1/litre and diesel (50ppm & 10ppm) down N$4/litre from 3 July—while announcing a coordinated July–September 2026 fuel supply arrangement to remove import premiums above the Basic Fuel Price, after a N$1.3bn relief bill. Energy Pressure: The National Energy Fund is nearly depleted after that N$1.3bn spending, with only about N$200m–N$300m left, as electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May and tariffs keep climbing. Governance & Public Service Tech: PM Elijah Ngurare urged strategic execution and digital transformation in government, including clearer thinking on AI, data governance and “digital sovereignty,” while also pushing TVET graduates into minor maintenance work to tackle unemployment. Infrastructure & Costs Watch: Windhoek’s Independence Stadium renovation is tied to a consultant fee controversy, with allegations of N$337m earnings versus far lower government budgeting. Finance & Consumer Protection: Namibia’s international reserves slipped 5.8% to N$55.4bn; microlending shows fewer loans but higher average borrowing; and non-banking firms paid N$1.7m in compensation after 98 complaints in Q1. Mining & Deals: Northern Graphite completed relocating its Okanjande processing plant for a 2027 restart; Kaoko Metals found new copper mineralisation at Bootless; and RPZ commissioned a new SAG mill to double throughput. Trade & Regional Integration: SACU leaders were urged to accelerate reforms and push regional value chains, while Namibia and Poland agreed to deepen cooperation across green industry, renewables, mining and agriculture. Digital Access & Skills: MBRGI-backed Digital School plans to support 500,000+ learners across six African countries including Namibia.

Mining & Industry: Rosh Pinah Zinc (RPZ) has commissioned its new SAG mill, the key final component of the RP2.0 expansion, designed to double throughput to 1.4 million tonnes a year and lift zinc and lead concentrate output. Digital Skills & Jobs: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative targeting more than 500,000 people across Namibia and five other African countries, with support for schools, teacher capacity and youth job readiness. Cybersecurity: Nam-CSIRT reported a 31.3% drop in detected vulnerabilities and a 47.3% fall in cyber threat events in Q1 2026, while warning that remote management and legacy network services remain risky. SME Finance: A new N$18m grant fund under the Pro-SME Project will help youth and women-led businesses formalise and grow, with the first application round closing 24 July. Energy & Power Access: Windhoek residents and activists say electricity shortages in informal settlements are driving illegal connections, as the City plans removals from September. Healthcare & Governance: Namibia’s NHP says it strengthened reserves and governance after a 2025 surplus, while FIMA also redefines the principal officer’s role in retirement fund oversight. Policy & Regional Ties: Namibia reiterated it will handle immigration violations through law and institutions, amid calls for protests linked to xenophobia tensions in South Africa. Healthcare Deal Watch: Remgro’s full takeover of Mediclinic Southern Africa follows regulatory approvals, reshaping private healthcare operations across South Africa, Namibia and Mauritius.

Offshore Energy & Investment: Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas has received final approval to transfer its 85% stake in Namibia’s PEL 98 to Lamda Energy, moving the farm-out toward completion and signalling continued momentum in Namibia’s offshore exploration. Oil Appraisal Update: Rhino Resources’ Capricornus-1A appraisal well in the Orange Basin reached 4,818m and encountered oil-bearing rock linked to Capricornus-1X, strengthening confidence for next appraisal steps. Mining Deals & Output: Celsius Resources agreed to sell its Opuwo copper-cobalt project to Chinalco (Xiong’an) Mining for N$250m (US$15m), while Andrada reported record Uis tin output (286 tonnes) and secured N$98m strategic funding for ore-sorting upgrades. Telecom Regulation & Consumer Trust: CRAN will run independent technical testing into complaints about “disappearing” mobile data and billing issues after engagements with MTC, which says it’s working with the regulator. Corporate Governance: Telecom Namibia appointed Armando Perny as acting CEO for one month following CEO Stanley Shanapinda’s resignation, with other executive contract changes noted. Public Sector & Social Impact: Namibia targets export growth from N$102bn to N$168bn by 2030 and plans value-add industrialisation; NBC also committed over N$7m to commission local productions under Mukurob Film Project Phase 2. Health & Safety: Omaheke police held a mental health conference for officers, urging men to seek help and highlighting suicide prevention. Brand & Business: Namibia Dairies’ Nammilk won Most Admired Namibian Brand (non-alcoholic beverages) at Brand Africa 100, while Anglo American reported its Namibia tax and economic contribution fell 21% to US$432m in 2025.

AI Governance: The UN and ITU are launching the “AI for Good” Global Commission, co-chaired by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Rwanda President Paul Kagame, with a first Geneva meeting on July 8 and major tech leaders including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Microsoft’s Brad Smith. Mining Finance: Ongwe Minerals secured about N$300m (CAD$23m) to accelerate gold exploration in Namibia’s northwestern belt after strong investor demand. Household Costs: Namibia’s repo rate increase (linked to South Africa’s 25-basis-point hike) is set to push up home and vehicle loan repayments—an early signal after nearly three years of declines. Local Content & Telecom: Namibia rejected Starlink’s bid to operate, citing failure to meet the 51% local ownership requirement. Education & Infrastructure: Government plans to build 500+ new schools and expand classrooms under a decongestion push. Fisheries Pressure: Industry warns a proposed jump in the bycatch levy (from 15% to 50%) could threaten vessel operations and jobs. SME Credit: Africa Bitcoin Corporation’s Altvest Credit Opportunities Fund grew SME lending exposure to N$363m, supporting more SME borrowers. Energy & Trade: Namibia eyes stronger agricultural ties with the Netherlands, while South Africa’s trade deficit widened on higher oil imports.

Minerals & investment: Chinese firms are widening stakes across Namibia’s uranium, copper, cobalt, tantalum and fluorspar projects, signalling deeper competition for critical minerals. Oil & gas: Rhino Resources says its Capricornus-1A appraisal well in the Orange Basin confirmed an oil-bearing sandstone reservoir in pressure communication with the earlier Capricornus-1X discovery, strengthening the case for further appraisal. Mining expansion: Northern Graphite completed relocation of its Namibia processing plant to the Okanjande mine site, a key step toward a planned 2027 restart. Copper story: Koryx Copper won fresh analyst support after wide drill intersections at its Haib project, with work aimed at upgrading resources ahead of a prefeasibility study. Telecom regulation: Namibia rejected 624 Starlink licence review requests after the company failed to meet the country’s 51% local ownership requirement. Fraud & finance: A woman’s N$40m fraud and money-laundering bail appeal was dismissed, while authorities also froze 20 accounts linked to suspected N$61m fraud. Fisheries pressure: Industry warned that a proposed bycatch levy jump from 15% to 50% could force vessel shutdowns and job losses. Governance & institutions: NIPDB appointed Julia Muetudhana as acting CEO from 1 July, and NIPAM rolled out a N$4.2m Local Authorities Support Programme to strengthen council planning and service delivery. Public health: Namibia interrupted transmission of cVDPV2 after a campaign that reached over 90% of targeted children.

Telecom Namibia: Armando Perny has been appointed acting CEO from 1 July for one month after Dr Stanley Shanapinda’s resignation, as the board starts the search for a substantive chief executive; Perny’s role is aimed at keeping operations stable while the CCO and CFO resignations take effect. Land & resettlement: Government launched the Revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033), shifting land reform toward higher productivity, support services, and a pathway from leasehold to freehold for successful beneficiaries. SACU funding: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion from the Common Revenue Pool to back development projects across member states. Finance credibility: Namibia’s FATF Grey List exit was framed as a major boost for investment confidence, correspondent banking and trade finance. Mining & deals: Celsius agreed to sell its 95% Opuwo cobalt-copper interest to Chinalco for US$15m, while Deep Yellow expanded its uranium footprint via a Cooper Creek JV stake acquisition. Tourism: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025, with safety concerns cited—especially a sharp drop from Germany. Cross-border risk: Namibian truck drivers and firms are pulling back from South Africa ahead of 30 June amid fears of xenophobic violence, threatening supply chain disruption. Governance & tradition: The Gciriku Traditional Authority crowned a new Hompa after a seven-year court dispute, and a minister reiterated communal land remains state property.

Energy & Water Security: Namibia’s electricity sales rose 2.8% in Q1 2026, with water subsector growth offsetting weaker electricity output as own generation fell 15.3% and imports jumped 32.9%. Infrastructure & Investment: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare launched the N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination project, targeting 20bn litres of water a year, with a final investment decision expected in July for the new joint venture. Economy Outlook: Simonis Storm says Namibia’s Q1 GDP growth of 2% signals stabilisation, but mining weakness (down 12.2% in the quarter) and higher interest rates remain key risks. SME Development: Omuthiya Business Expo secured a N$626,026 boost to support its October expo aimed at building competitive local SMEs and value chains. Governance & Policy: The Ministry of Agriculture denied claims that removing the Veterinary Cordon Fence (“Red Line”) is impossible, stressing disease-control readiness and market systems before any gradual removal. Public Finance & Procurement: A health ministry N$1bn medicine tender was blocked over concerns that bypassing public tender rules could invite abuse. Business & Finance Abroad: Moody’s flagged Absa’s proposed R4bn Kenya stake increase as credit positive, citing earnings upside despite higher regional risks. Security & Consumer Protection: Police in Rehoboth are investigating a lottery scam after a woman lost N$15,490 via phone instructions to “receive” winnings. Education & Skills: The Namibia Mathematics Olympiad Alumni Association was launched to mentor STEM learners nationwide, while Zambezi Region honoured top exam performers and pledged support for a top learner. Sports & Corporate Wellness: NamPower and the Roads Authority are stepping up for the 2026 Public Enterprise Games in Rundu (2–4 July).

Public Enterprise Games Prep: NamPower and the Roads Authority are among public enterprises stepping up readiness for the 2026 Public Enterprise Games in Rundu (2–4 July), using internal league matches to fine-tune teams. Traditional Leadership: Arwita Kayoka has been coronated as the new Hompa of the Gciriku Traditional Authority in Kavango East, ending a seven-year leadership vacuum and calling for community unity and reconciliation. Health Procurement Watch: Namibia’s health ministry procurement committee has blocked a proposed N$1bn medicine buy without a public tender, warning emergency processes could be abused. Water Access Data: A new global map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for millions, with Namibia among countries facing wide gaps. Corporate Social Responsibility Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah says investors may face a law forcing community development contributions if companies don’t act voluntarily, urging clinics, roads and sport facilities. Skills-to-Jobs Concern: Stakeholders at an NQA session in Katima Mulilo urged tighter oversight of training institutions and clearer pathways from qualifications to employment. China-Namibia Funding: Namibia and China signed a RMB 200m (about N$486m) grant for school, healthcare and water-related development priorities. Uranium Economy: Namibia remains a top uranium producer, with export earnings and price recovery keeping the sector central to national revenue.

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.

Skills & Jobs: Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) held a public session in Katima Mulilo on the National Policy for Qualification Standards, with stakeholders pushing for tighter oversight of training institutions and clearer routes from graduation to employment. Public-Private Push: The National Planning Commission (NPC) called for stronger public-private partnerships, stressing trust, dialogue and shared delivery to meet Vision 2030 and the Six National Development Plan. Macroeconomy: Namibia’s economy grew 2.0% in Q1 2026 to N$70.9bn, led by services (notably trade and financial services) while mining dragged performance as diamond and gold output fell. Digital Services: Road Fund Administration (RFA) launched new digital self-service platforms, including a fuel levy refund portal and mobile tools for mass distance charge clients, to cut delays and improve road funding efficiency. Regulation & Connectivity: CRAN upheld its rejection of Starlink’s licence bid, saying Namibia’s statutory ownership requirements were not met. SACU Finance: SACU leaders approved a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and backed a 15-year AGOA extension, with governance and project pipeline work now underway. Public Enterprises Pay: Prime Minister Ngurare appointed Tangeni Amupadhi to a task force reviewing salary structures across public enterprises (1 July–30 September 2026).

Digital Sovereignty: CRAN has upheld its rejection of Starlink’s licence bid, saying the company failed Namibia’s statutory ownership requirements and that appeals lacked grounds to reverse the decision. Economy Watch: Namibia’s GDP grew 2.0% in real terms in Q1 2026 to N$70.9bn nominally, with services up (trade +9.3%, financial services +7.2%) while mining and manufacturing dragged (mining -12.2%). Regional Trade: At the SACU summit, leaders backed a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and pushed for a 15-year AGOA extension, with Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attending. Markets & Corporate Moves: Agra appointed Simonis Storm Securities as its new NSX sponsor; Brand Africa ranked Namibia’s top brands with MTC taking the Grand Prix and Windhoek Beer second. Agriculture & Fisheries: Controlled agronomy output rose in Q1 (white maize, wheat), but fish landings fell even as export earnings increased. Public Finance & Compliance: Namibia improved its Basel AML Index score to 4.78 in 2025, with the FIC reporting hundreds of intelligence disclosures and forfeitures. Water Security: Government committed N$200m equity toward the Erongo Sunam desalination project, targeting 20m m³ of climate-independent water annually.

Education & Jobs: Oshana says it produced 3,010 graduates in 2025/26, plus 2,500 practical-skill learners and 124,000 library visits, as leaders push for more skills and employment. Women & Inclusion in Business: Windhoek-based Mrs Okafor’s Kitchen spotlights women’s empowerment through training, turning financial inclusion into real livelihoods. Tourism & Trade: Namibia Tourism Board targets stronger partnerships with Chinese stakeholders to grow arrivals, even as 2025 tourist numbers fell 3.2% amid safety concerns. Transport & Safety: Yango and AA Namibia trained 50 drivers on safer, gender-sensitive service for women commuters. Governance & Integrity: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms, including stronger independence for anti-graft bodies and faster shift to electronic procurement. Water & Infrastructure: Government commits N$200m equity to the Erongo SUNAM desalination project (total N$2.1bn) to boost climate-independent water. Finance & Risk: Namibia’s AML exposure improved in the Basel index, with the FIC reporting expanded intelligence outputs. Regional Ports: Namibia’s consul urged deeper Namibia–Walvis Bay and Namibe port cooperation to share operational know-how. Sports & Corporate Support: FDH Bank pledged K100m for Malawi’s CUCSA games participation, while Namibia’s public enterprises gear up for the Rundu Public Enterprise Games.