AGP Executive Report

Public Enterprises Discipline: Finance minister Ericah Shafudah told state-owned enterprises to stop leaning on more state funding and instead improve how they use existing allocations, urging trend analysis of government contributions and pushing for private-sector partnerships for sustainability. National Carrier Step Forward: Namibia Air received Air Service Licences after the Transportation Commission approved its applications, clearing a key milestone toward launching the long-awaited national carrier. NAC Board Fight: Fired Namibia Airports Company directors say they will appeal to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over alleged unauthorised ministerial interference and sudden board removals tied to vehicle sales to executives. Housing Access Push: Social activist Michael Amushelelo launched a 10,528-plot airport-estate development near Windhoek, pitching monthly payments from about N$1,500 to ease the housing squeeze for working Namibians. Trade Pressure: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record N$18.3bn, while exports fell short at N$12.9bn. Fraud Warning: Standard Bank warned of rising investment scams and online marketplace fraud, urging consumers to verify offers and advisers before paying. Breastfeeding Drive: Deputy health minister Hambelela Ndjaleka said only 49% of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months and called for stronger workplace and clinic support. Aviation Safety Incident: Two Cape Advanced Engineering Namibia workers died at Windhoek’s Gammams Water Care Works during wastewater plant work; the city says an investigation is underway. US Visa Processing Shift: Namibians must now travel to South Africa for US visa interviews and processing, following US embassy restructuring into fewer visa “hubs,” raising costs and delays for applicants.

Livestock Trade Boost: Namibia’s live cattle exports jumped 47.4% and live sheep exports rose 58.1% in the first half of 2026, with export-approved abattoirs also increasing throughput, as disease pressures reshape regional supply chains. US–Namibia Genetics Push: Namibia and the US are exploring a livestock breeding partnership via a roadshow linking the LLPBN and stud breeders with US livestock genetics and USDA/FAS officials. Public Health & Skills: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah highlighted UNAM’s Veterinary Academic Hospital as a national asset, citing its role in zoonotic disease control and food safety. Trade Watch: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5bn in June as imports hit a record N$18.3bn, while exports were N$12.9bn. Fraud Alert: Standard Bank warned of rising investment scams and online marketplace fraud, urging consumers to verify offers before paying. Governance in Aviation: Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi defended the removal of five NAC board members, saying it was needed to strengthen governance and stability. EU Minerals Funding: The EU is considering financing options for Namibia’s critical minerals exploration under Global Gateway, with early-stage funding flagged as a key hurdle. Workplace Support: Standard Bank introduced a “mommy’s room” to support breastfeeding employees. Energy & Transport: Namibia Air says it has licences for five years but still needs aircraft funding before its December launch.

Road Works Under Fire: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway has turned into a pothole trap, with only 73.4km (17%) opened to traffic by end-July despite a 10-month promise, and MPs accusing authorities of stalling. IMF Debt Warning: The IMF urges Namibia to cut the wage bill as rising public debt and deficits could lift borrowing costs, strain the financial sector and worsen currency volatility. EU Critical Minerals Funding: The EU is exploring how to finance early-stage mineral exploration in Namibia under Global Gateway, with Namibia flagged as needing support before mines can open. Fuel Price Watch: July diesel fell by N$4 to N$24.36/l, but the report notes levies and logistics still shape the final pump price. Airline Funding Gap: Namibia Air says it has licences for five years and expects an AOC before launch, but aircraft procurement funding is still undecided by Cabinet. Beef Export Boost: Botswana’s FMD-hit unused Norwegian beef quota unlocked about N$100m for Namibia, adding 344,766kg to Meatco’s 2026 exports. Governance Clash at NAC: Works minister Veikko Nekundi defends sacking five NAC board members and appointing an interim board, while the dismissed directors dispute the legality. Food Trade Snapshot: Namibia recorded a N$743m food trade surplus in June, even as the overall trade deficit widened to a record N$5.5bn. Breastfeeding at Work: Standard Bank Namibia launched a “mommy’s room” in Windhoek to support breastfeeding employees with privacy and storage. Public Enterprises Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah gave SOEs 24 months to identify implementable strategic projects and reforms to unlock growth.

Housing Affordability: Lawyers and other professionals say Windhoek’s home dream has slipped out of reach, with the crisis now spreading beyond informal settlements. Public Enterprises Reform: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has given SOEs 24 months to identify ready-to-implement investment projects and specific reforms to unlock growth. Airline Revival Watch: Namibia Air has received licences to operate, but the IPC warns this is not the same as an Air Operator Certificate and questions the December flight target. Governance Under Scrutiny: NAC says it cooperated with a ministry investigation into its vehicle scheme and other governance issues, while former NAC board members argue their sacking was unlawful. Procurement Integrity: CPBN becomes the first Namibia procurement body to earn the CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark. Trade & Agriculture: Botswana’s unused Norwegian beef quota unlocks about N$100m for Namibia’s Meatco. Transport Infrastructure: Works and Transport plans 40km of new rail yearly for five years, plus major upgrades and maintenance. Forestry Enforcement: Kavango regions report 3,556 illegal planks confiscated and fines/cases launched to curb illegal logging. Skills for Jobs: Namibia moves to align qualifications with future economy needs as the NQA wraps up its awareness campaign on qualifications standards. Climate & Water Security: Namibia warns El Niño could worsen Lower Orange River water shortages, urging basin-wide planning.

Gold Exploration: Ongwe Minerals says its Nguni prospect now shows a continuous six-kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly, with 50 samples returning assays above 300ppb and a top result of 1,310ppb, and it will start a maiden 5,000-metre diamond drilling programme in August to test whether the surface signal continues underground. Mining & Finance: Bank of Namibia urged the financial sector to build technical expertise, governance and risk management for oil and gas opportunities, while Nedbank Namibia highlighted mining-led growth at the Mining Expo and the Chamber of Mines reported 2025 gains in sales, taxes, royalties, investment and local procurement. Green Industry Funding: Namibia’s National Planning Commission opened public consultations on a draft Sectoral Transformation Investment Plan to unlock up to US$250m in concessional climate funding via the CIF Industry Decarbonisation Programme. Household Strain: Bank data shows Namibians increasingly rely on overdrafts as household overdraft borrowing jumped 12.5% year-on-year in June, pointing to tighter budgets. Water Security: Namibia warned ORASECOM that a possible return of El Niño could worsen Lower Orange River water shortages, calling for stronger basin-wide planning and adaptation. Youth Entrepreneurship: Government approved N$118.5m for 353 youth-owned businesses under the National Youth Development Fund, covering sectors from manufacturing to renewable energy. Local Business & Infrastructure: Karibib residents complain residential roads were damaged by diverted construction traffic, and Omaruru pushes for a TVET centre to cut youth unemployment by speeding up practical training.

Housing & Land Reform: A new critique says Namibia’s housing crisis is really about serviced land, not just loans, arguing government faith in house-building is a “myth” amid stalled land delivery. Governance & State Assets: Works minister Veikko Nekundi orders the return of 19 Namibia Airports Company vehicles “donated” to executives after only a N$5,000 admin fee. Diplomacy & Hiring Claims: The foreign ministry denies favouritism or nepotism after reports of family ties emerging in recruitment. Disability Policy Push: Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge pledges to champion the Revised National Policy on Disability (2025-2035) with costed implementation plans. Finance & Credit Risk: Microlender Entrépo freezes new lending after government ends payroll deduction management, with reports of staff cuts and pressure to adapt. Mining & Investment Signals: Ongwe Minerals reports strong early results at its Nguni gold prospect in Namibia and plans a maiden 5,000m diamond drill program in August. Corporate & Banking: Nedbank Namibia says 91% of customers use digital banking channels, supporting transaction growth and inclusion. Public Enterprise Performance: Namibia’s public enterprises face aging infrastructure and are urged to modernise and digitalise to stay competitive.

Mining Jobs Push: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah says mining is expected to deliver 18,000 jobs and about US$2.86bn in new investment, urging the sector to move from dialogue to delivery at the Chamber of Mines Mining Expo. Local Procurement Drive: She also set a hard end-of-August deadline for ministries to report on reforms to improve Namibia’s business environment, after mining contributed N$24bn to local procurement. Mining Expo Momentum: General Mining Services (GMS) rebranded at the Expo and highlighted N$1.2bn spent on local procurement since 2021, with over 500 jobs (90% Namibians). Regional Investment Planning: Ohangwena unveiled an Investment Map and Action Plan (2025–2030) to attract capital into agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and infrastructure, with a focus on keeping local entrepreneurs central. Connectivity for Industry: Paratus showcased fibre, satellite and LTE connectivity plus cybersecurity and managed network services at the Mining Expo, targeting remote mine operations. Governance Watch: Windhoek approved new dog control regulations, while an editorial spotlighted communal land fencing crackdowns as a deeper governance test. Business & Community: Ongwediva’s mayoral fund donated N$20,000 in building materials to three fire-affected families; coastal women also secured spots in the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off finale.

Aviation & Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their reciprocal codeshare, adding nine destinations including Windhoek, Harare and Victoria Falls, with single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage. Mining Policy & Worker Protection: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the mining sector to move from dialogue to delivery, citing 14% GDP contribution and higher 2025 tax take, while pushing for a fast-tracked Occupational Health and Safety Bill and post-retirement medical schemes. Investment Climate: The US told Namibia it wants long-term, transparent mining and energy partnerships focused on local jobs, skills and value-chain development. Foreign Investment Push: Namibia ranked 2nd globally for greenfield FDI performance (fDi Intelligence), but the report warns benefits must translate into jobs and local business access. Labour & Courts: Magistrates’ pay and perks disputes reached the High Court as the Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association challenges executive control. Labour Rights: Wholesale and retail employers owed workers over N$1.5m after labour complaints, highlighting unpaid wages and unlawful deductions. Oil & Gas: Shell Namibia said investment attraction is the immediate priority as oil production remains more than a decade away. Energy/Tech & Security: INTERPOL flagged AI-driven cybercrime growth across Africa, while Namibia steps up public outreach ahead of the national digital ID rollout. Mining Exploration: Kaoko Metals begins Chalkos drilling as it tests copper-silver prospectivity. Culture & Creative Economy: The National Arts Fund awarded N$1.25m to 28 artists across music, visual arts, theatre and film. Corporate Governance: A ministerial report recommended removing NAC boss Bisey /Uirab after an April probe.

Air Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their codeshare, moving to a reciprocal arrangement and adding nine new routes, including three domestic South African links (Johannesburg–Cape Town, Durban–Port Elizabeth) plus regional services to Kinshasa, Gaborone, Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls—tickets now available. Digital Economy & Cybersecurity: INTERPOL warns that AI is accelerating African cybercrime, with 2025 losses rising to $484m and more victims reported, while Namibia’s business side gets a boost as NCCI and CRAN sign an MoU to drive digital transformation, cybersecurity and e-trade. Mining & Investment: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Chamber of Mines Expo to push mining-led growth and jobs, while Andrada Mining received NaCC approval for a Brandberg West earn-in deal that could unlock staged funding up to $51m. Oil & Gas Skills: NOGC and NYEF renew their partnership to prepare young Namibians for the sector ahead of the Windhoek conference (18–20 August). Local Business Growth: Elisenheim gets a retail fuel licence for a new service station, and Okahao’s TEZER Printing and Embroidery targets local uniform demand. Sports & Youth: Bank Windhoek Open beach volleyball crowns new champions, and junior hockey player Simon Salamon needs N$16,000 to travel for the Zimbabwe Junior Test Series. Governance: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi removes five NAC board members and appoints an interim board to stabilise the state-owned company.

Road & Trade Corridor: Namibia’s neighbours get a boost as government secures funding to restart and accelerate the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and widening, with 73.4km already surfaced and contractors set to mobilise again into August. Urban Markets: Windhoek approves 20 temporary informal trading sites under its market development masterplan, aiming to ease pressure on street trading while the city plans longer-term upgrades. Digital Economy & Cybersecurity: NCCI and CRAN sign a three-year MoU to push digital transformation and cybersecurity, including e-trade facilitation, digital literacy and regulatory standards. Mining & Local Value: Namibia pledges support for foreign mining investors that create jobs, transfer skills and deepen local participation, as Industries, Mines and Energy calls for stronger mineral beneficiation and localisation beyond headcount. Cybercrime Watch: Interpol warns AI is industrialising cybercrime across Africa, with Namibia flagged among countries seeing rising ransomware and data-breach activity. Investment Signals: Namibia ranks second globally for greenfield FDI in 2026, with investor confidence linked to energy discoveries and a more business-friendly environment. Transport Costs: Commuters on the Walvis Bay–Swakopmund route report taxi fares above the approved rate, adding pressure to household budgets. Energy/Environment: Dangote begins the environmental approval process for a planned 1.6m-barrel fuel storage terminal at Walvis Bay, a step toward expanding regional fuel distribution. Governance & Institutions: NUST installs its new substantive vice-chancellor, while Namibia Airports Company sees five board members relieved and an interim board appointed.

Nationhood & Identity: Namibia’s Nationhood and National Pride plan says the National Identity and Nation Branding pillar is performing above average, but stakeholders warn it’s still not enough to boost patriotism; gaps include inconsistent placement of presidential portraits and weak rollout of the Government Corporate Identity Manual. Political Accountability: NDP leader Lukato Lukato urged citizens to give honest feedback to leaders, linking parliamentary motions to health referrals and rail expansion. Housing & Cost of Living: An economist argues Windhoek’s housing market is structurally excluding most residents as prices and rentals outpace incomes, raising questions about whether rent control will ever land. Water & Infrastructure: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is blamed on an aging system that has outgrown capacity, while government also broke ground on an N$83.9m coastal pipeline replacement to secure affordable water. Energy & Fuel Politics: The government defended appointing Vitol as exclusive fuel supplier amid opposition calls for a probe, as petrol and diesel rise by N$2/litre. Agri-food Transformation: STAS implementation is moving into a practical phase with priorities and investment packages aimed at cutting food insecurity from 25% to 12%. Mining & Critical Minerals: Namibia Mining Expo opens in Windhoek, while Arcadia’s Swanson tantalum project advances toward production on higher prices and Aldoro expands Kameeelburg rare earth resources. Business & Finance: Trustco says it’s working to restore its reporting timetable and complete outstanding audits after its trading suspension. Local Economy & CSR: Brama Brama Fishing donates laptops to Oshilungi school; Meatco honours top livestock producers; Nors Namibia wins UD Trucks SSA Importer of the Year.

Oil & Gas Governance: The IPC is demanding full transparency from government and Namcor on Namibia’s offshore petroleum deals after Galp’s TotalEnergies transaction details, including how Namcor’s financial obligations and revenue expectations will play out. Capital Markets: Africa Bitcoin Corporation (ABC) plans a secondary listing on the Aquis Growth Market in the UK from 17 August, after raising £250,000 for working capital. Energy Policy & Costs: Namibia’s National Energy Fund is under pressure as fuel prices rise from 5 August, with Petrol 95 and diesel increases linked to the re-instatement of the 50% energy levy. Infrastructure Watch: Windhoek’s N$381m Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road is already deteriorating before handover, with the City saying the developer and engineer remain responsible for rectification. Agribusiness & Jobs: The Agripreneurial Innovation Challenge awarded N$150,000 to a women-led farm (Orevia Green Farms) and N$280,000 to three climate-smart innovators. Financial Inclusion: A new survey shows 86% inclusion, but high banking costs and lack of savings still keep many Namibians unbanked. Regional Trade & Payments: Angola’s kwanza has joined the SADC payment system alongside the rand, easing cross-border settlements. Mining & Diamonds: De Beers rough diamond output rebounded strongly in Q2, while Namibia’s production stayed broadly flat.

Namibia Economy Outlook: Namibia’s growth remains cautiously positive, but economists flag weaker 2025 performance (1.7%) and higher inflation after fuel-driven price pressures, with the Bank of Namibia lifting the repo rate to 6.75% to protect reserves and the rand peg. Banking & Markets: The NSX overall index rose 1.87% last week, led by real estate (+5.39%), while international reserves climbed to N$56.4bn by end-June, supporting about 3.5 months import cover. Water Infrastructure: Erongo governor /Goagoses says the N$83.9m Swakopmund–Schwarzekop pipeline replacement must deliver lasting value and include local authorities, businesses and youth in implementation. SME Funding Scam Alert: NIPDB warns of fake SME Fund emails pressuring applicants for banking details, urging people to use verified NIPDB/SME Fund channels only. Corporate Appointments: NamPost appoints Willem Mouton as CEO from 1 August for five years, as the postal operator pushes growth and transformation. Labour & Skills: MUN marks 40 years and calls for preparing workers for automation and the energy transition, shifting from only defending rights to building future-ready skills. Crypto Regulation Watch (Region): South Africa proposes stricter rules for cross-border crypto transactions, with authorised providers and reporting requirements. US Visa Bond Policy: The US makes a refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring up to $20,000 from nationals of 50 countries, including many African states.

US Visa Bonds: Washington has made its refundable visa-bond programme permanent, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including 30 African states, effective 3 August 2026—aimed at tightening compliance and reducing overstays. Local Crime & Scams: A Klein Windhoek man was allegedly tricked into handing over N$11,000 in gaming gear after a fake Bank Windhoek SMS notification; another scam victim in Etanga lost N$4,500 after prize-call instructions. Water Infrastructure: Erongo’s governor urged quality on the nearly N$87m Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement, warning against short-lived workmanship and pushing for skills-building for Namibian engineers. Skills & Jobs: COSDEF’s Oyetu craft innovation drive says funding gaps are blocking artisans from scaling into sustainable businesses, calling for stronger local investment. Municipal Finance: City of Windhoek will resume overdue debt collection using internal resources after RedForce’s contract ended, with 20% interest and disconnection fees. Women’s Economic Participation: SWAPO SG Sophia Shaningwa urged women’s full economic empowerment and 50/50 representation as she wrapped leadership and women’s council seminars. Oil & Gas Labour: Namibia’s Presidency launched an urgent probe into TotalEnergies EP employment conditions after workers alleged unfair contract terms during a transition from Apos. Road Costs: Road users and operators criticised Roads Authority fee hikes of up to 20%, warning of added pressure on already strained businesses and commuters.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent: The U.S. has turned its visa bond pilot into a permanent rule, letting consular officers require refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourism applicants from 50 countries, including Namibia and 29 other African states. Namibia Immigration Shift: Namibia has also ended visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and others (30+ countries), citing reciprocity and warning travellers to obtain visas before arrival. Anti-Corruption Push: Namibia’s new ACC director general Bryan Eiseb flags unexplained wealth as a key corruption warning sign, urging lifestyle audits and asset tracking. Oil & Gas Labour Tensions: The Presidency is probing TotalEnergies workers’ alleged “raw deal” over contract terms and benefits. Transport Costs: Road users and operators are angry at Roads Authority fee hikes of up to 20%, saying they will hit already-stressed businesses and commuters. Water Infrastructure: NamWater begins the final phase of the Kuiseb–Swakopmund (CSS) pipeline rehabilitation with an N$83.9m contract, targeting completion within a year.

Water Infrastructure: NamWater has kicked off the final phase of the Kuiseb–Collector 2–Schwarzkuppe–Swakopmund (CSS) pipeline rehabilitation, with N$83.9m (excl. VAT) for remaining bottlenecks and completion targeted within 12 months, commissioning by mid-2027. Coastal Water Upgrade: Construction has also started on the Omdel–Wlotzkasbaken pipeline replacement (N$86.6m), part of a broader push to strengthen central-coast supply. Energy & Jobs: A new Energy Sector Skills Strategy report flags Namibia’s biomass expansion (bush encroachment turned into charcoal, biochar, feed and energy) and warns the oil-and-gas pipeline will need rapid skills scaling—currently only about 45% of required competencies are available. Local Business Finance: Kavango East entrepreneurs questioned DBN’s regional impact and asked for clearer proof of how funding reaches local SMEs. Policy & Trade: Analysis argues Namibia’s industrialisation push is constrained by SACU’s structure, despite policy tools that should protect infant industries. Visa Costs for Namibians: The US is making its visa bond programme permanent for selected countries, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants—raising the cost of travel planning. Labour Migration Data: A Windhoek-launched Africa labour migration report says the continent’s labour force topped 509m in 2022, with migration concentrated in informal, labour-intensive sectors.