AGP Executive Report

Housing Affordability: A UN Habitat-based comparison puts Namibia’s home price-to-income ratio at 5.2 years, ranking it among the world’s less affordable markets. Local Mining Support: Naloba urges stronger backing for Namibian-owned mining and exploration firms ahead of the Mining Expo in Windhoek (4–6 Aug). Northern Business Logistics: Plastic Packaging opens a new Oshakati branch to speed deliveries and improve packaging availability for central and north-western customers. Social Protection & Jobs: Namibia hosts the AU STC on Social Development, Labour and Employment (27–31 Jul) with 450+ delegates pushing practical policy on unemployment and poverty. Trade & Tariffs: Namibia is reportedly spared from Trump’s latest 12.5% US tariff list, though the broader uncertainty around AGOA remains a concern. Oil & Gas Participation: A Youth in Oil & Gas Summit in Walvis Bay highlights skills, financing and local content as Namibia moves toward offshore investment decisions. Banking Leadership: Bank Windhoek appoints Leon Koch to lead Retail Banking Services from 1 Jul 2026. Public Health Alarm: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is again in the spotlight after claims of sewage-contaminated maize, raising food safety and investment fears. Food & Exports: Meatco secures an additional Norwegian beef quota after earlier utilisation, targeting further export earnings. Visa Policy Shock: The US says routine visa processing will end at Abuja and 24 other African missions, shifting applicants to regional hubs. Infrastructure Pressure: Windhoek warns rapid urbanisation needs over N$15bn for road rehabilitation and N$600m for ageing water systems. Rare Earths Investment: Japan’s Jogmec and Toyota Tsusho plan up to C$47.7m for a heavy rare earth project in Namibia’s Kunene region. De Beers in Asia: De Beers launches its Desert diamonds campaign in Shanghai, backed by its biggest marketing spend in 15 years.

Pension Pressure: GIPF’s annual pension bill has topped N$4.3bn, with over 54,000 annuitants drawing N$362m a month—raising the stakes for retirement-fund sustainability. Skills & Jobs: Government has started rolling out the National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy to close the graduate skills gap by embedding workplace learning into TVET and higher education. Agri-Food Push: Namibia is translating its STAS agri-food strategy into investment programmes, with development partners and industry pledging support to boost food security and jobs. Water & Infrastructure: NamWater is upgrading the ageing Kuiseb coastal pipeline with a final phase costing about N$84m, aimed at more reliable supply for coastal towns. Energy & Oil: Namibia has approved TotalEnergies’ asset swap with Galp, making TotalEnergies operator across Venus and Mopane in the Orange Basin. Food Security Watch: FAO says 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, while Namibia’s undernourishment remains high at 20.1% (2023–2025). Governance & Data: Bank of Namibia and NSA marked Statistics Awareness Day, warning that weak funding for quality data can delay better decisions. Trade & Investment: Namibia ranked 2nd globally and 1st in Africa for greenfield FDI performance relative to economy size, driven by Orange Basin oil and green hydrogen plans. Regulation Update: Under FIMA, retirement funds must publish Investment Policy Statements and improve transparency for members. US Visa Shift: The US will end routine visa processing at Abuja and 24 other African posts from 1 August, moving routine services to regional hubs. Local Land Tensions: Ombalantu Traditional Authority warns against illegal communal land sales after reports of a N$27m mansion being advertised for sale.

Visa & Mobility: The US will stop routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African posts from 1 August 2026, citing tighter security screening and cost control. Power Market Rules: GreenCo urges SADC governments to harmonise cross-border electricity trading rules, warning inconsistent regulation is slowing investment in new generation. Electricity Export Freeze: Namibia’s Electricity Control Board renewed the moratorium on generation licences for electricity export until 5 January 2029 (or until transmission constraints ease). Payments & Finance: Namibia’s instant payments went live mid-June, placing the country among the world’s top 50 fast-payment systems; PAN also reported N$10.62m revenue in 2025. Housing & Urban Services: Prime Minister Ngurare told Windhoek to speed up land allocation and cut delays, as the housing backlog exceeds 300,000 units nationally. Youth & SMEs: Young entrepreneurs were urged to drive growth at the Nkurenkuru Expo; a Windhoek run/walk fundraiser backed the Under-19 hockey team while boosting local vendors. Trade & Investment: Chinese firms are eyeing Namibia after the state visit, with manufacturing and agriculture flagged as priority areas. Local Business Spotlight: Navachab Gold Mine increased its Navachab Half Marathon support to nearly N$1.5m, lifting prize money to about N$530,000.

Meatco & Beef Exports: Namibia secured an additional Norwegian beef quota, adding about N$100m to 2026 earnings and lifting projected Norwegian exports to roughly N$365m after earlier quota use beat last year’s schedule. Labour & Policy: The labour ministry will run nationwide consultations from 10 August to 16 September to amend the Employment Services Act, aiming to improve employment services, access and regulation of agencies. Road Safety Tech: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi says digital vehicle number plates and automated traffic enforcement are planned, with tougher penalties and stronger powers for traffic officers, starting with Oshakati’s new enforcement unit. Governance & Parliament: IPPR calls for longer parliamentary hours to clear a growing backlog of bills and urges a stronger, more effective legislative process. Business & Skills: FNB Namibia hosted SME financial literacy support for credit, compliance and risk awareness, while Keetmanshoop’s VTC seeks to align training with the oil and gas skills pipeline. Energy & Investment: Namcor says the Venus oil project could create about 12,000 jobs and inject over N$36bn into the economy as development approval nears. Social Services Pressure: Omusati residents complain of long delays in ID processing, leaving people without access to services and work. International Trade Scrutiny: Namibia was not included in a US forced-labour trade investigation list, according to a new US presidential memorandum.

SME Finance Boost: FNB Namibia held an SME Financial Literacy Day in Ongwediva, urging entrepreneurs to strengthen credit records, tax compliance and risk awareness to improve long-term resilience. Agri-food Push: Government says STAS is entering its “implementation” phase and is calling on development partners to align funding and technical support to speed up agri-food transformation. Road Safety Tech: Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced digital vehicle number plates, automated traffic enforcement and tougher powers for traffic officers to curb Namibia’s rising crash toll. Governance Scrutiny: Questions are growing over whether annual State of the Region Addresses deliver real results or stay largely ceremonial. Livestock Protection: Farmers’ unions launched a unified campaign to fight foot-and-mouth disease, targeting N$50m and already securing over N$12m in pledges. Meatco Results: Meatco reported profit despite a 53% drop in cattle throughput, highlighting resilience and turnaround gains. Tourism Friction: Etosha tour operators accuse park management of restricting access with empty vehicles, saying it has hurt bookings and jobs. Financial Inclusion Reality Check: Analysis shows Namibia’s financial inclusion rose to 86%, but formal savings are falling and household resilience hasn’t improved enough. NamPost Balance Sheet: NamPost received a N$407m windfall after restructuring, lifting profit before tax and supporting its next phase. International Spotlight: Namibia’s Ambassador Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus was appointed Deputy Director-General at the OPCW, a major disarmament milestone.

Meatco Recovery: Namibia’s state meat processor says it posted a N$40.5m profit for the year to 31 January 2026 despite a 53% drop in cattle throughput, with revenue falling to N$1.1bn and cash reserves rising to N$128.3m. Prime Minister Backs Meatco: Dr Elijah Ngurare visited Meatco’s Windhoek abattoir, backing its recovery plan, beef export quota delivery to Norway and livestock procurement progress (about 29,000 cattle by mid-July). Deep Yellow Uranium Push: ASX-listed Deep Yellow advanced its Tumas uranium project, with engineering 79% complete, bulk earthworks done and two civil/concrete contracts awarded to Namibian contractors; FID is targeted for Q4 2026. Rare Earth Processing Funding: Namibia Critical Metals secured C$11m (about N$130m) to boost processing at Lofdal, aiming to produce higher-value rare earth carbonates and de-risk expanded feasibility work. Financial Inclusion Update: Namibia’s 2025 survey shows 86% of adults are financially included, up from 78% in 2017, with affordability still a key barrier. Unclaimed Benefits Reform Debate: Calls are growing to overhaul Namibia’s unclaimed pension, insurance and death benefits system, with pressure for better tracing and tougher penalties. FMD Defence Drive: Farmers’ unions launched an FMD Support Fund campaign targeting at least N$50m to protect the national herd and safeguard export markets. Namibia Air Appointments Denied: The Ministry of Works and Transport says no leadership positions at the planned Namibia Air have been filled, dismissing appointment speculation and stressing recruitment procedures. Alexforbes Namibia Fees: Alexforbes reported Namibia generated N$169m in fee and commission income in the year to 31 March 2026, up 8.3%. Local Land Tensions: Gobabis residents plan to block the sale of 100 unserviced plots, arguing locals should get first preference over private developers.

Livestock Risk Management: Namibia’s four recognised farmers’ unions have launched a joint N$50m FMD Support Fund, aiming to protect the livestock industry and export markets as Foot-and-Mouth Disease threats grow across the region. Corporate Governance: Letshego Holdings Namibia announced the resignation of board chair Maria Nakale, effective 30 September 2026, and says it has started the process to appoint a replacement. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers and senior officials are converging in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session (July 28–29), with Namibia’s Selma Ashipala-Musavyi among the arrivals. Public Accountability in Education: Kavango East Governor Hambyuka demanded full accountability for the N$22.5m Cocoma Primary School upgrade, warning against “abandoned projects” and insisting communities must see real progress. National Infrastructure & Services: Namibia reported improved safe water access to 91.4% and expanded sanitation during 2025/26, but gaps remain in rural and peri-urban areas, with some boreholes still awaiting equipping. Labour & Cost Pressure: FirstRand Namibia and the Namibia Bank Workers Union agreed a 5.71% wage increase from 1 August 2026. Housing Demand: Yambuka Housing says more than 2,000 people registered interest in its affordable prefabricated homes in Windhoek, with prices starting at N$99,950.

Editorial: Namibia’s call for “pragmatism over populism” targets policy that actually delivers jobs, tax revenue and growth. Regional Manufacturing: The PM is pushing to speed up regional manufacturing momentum. Digital Policy: GSMA backs the Abuja Declaration on meaningful connectivity and supports satellite spectrum reform, including ATLAS Umoja AI. Tech vs Culture: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urges Namibians to embrace AI and modern tech while protecting cultural identity. Space Bill Consultations: Kharas residents question how the Draft Space and Science and Technology Bill will benefit communities, including training and the role of the NSA. Housing: Yambuka Housing says over 2,000 people registered for affordable prefabricated homes in Windhoek, with prices from N$99,950. Ports & Oil: Namport rejects a Ghanaian-led N$4bn Lüderitz oil-and-gas supply base proposal. Water Disruption: A burst pipe limits supply to Otjituuo; repairs expected to take time and tankers will assist. E-IDs: Namibia plans to roll out electronic identity cards in September 2026 to boost secure digital services. TB Innovation: A Stellenbosch-led project (AddiCAD) aims to speed TB diagnosis using AI plus a finger-prick blood test. Trade Governance: Namibia advances an International Trade Management Commission to handle trade remedies and tariff investigations. Rural Safety: Police and farmers’ unions sign a 10-year deal to curb stock theft and related rural crimes.

Oil & Gas Deal: Namibia has approved TotalEnergies’ Orange basin move, giving the firm operatorship of Galp’s Mopane complex and a minority stake in the Venus development—clearing the way for 2027 drilling and a Venus final investment decision targeted for late July. Water Security: Namibia reports 98% safe water access in towns and 83% in rural areas, but flags sanitation coverage at 60% and pushes innovation and new financing; meanwhile a burst pipeline has disrupted Otjituuo supply. Digital Identity: Government says electronic ID cards will roll out in September 2026 to speed secure digital services and verification. Labour & Wages: Nasawu rejects Gendev Fishing’s N$6,700 pay offer, arguing it rebrands normal working hours as an “increase,” while workers’ rights remain a key theme around the TotalEnergies transition. Housing Pressure: A legal firm urges government to release empty state houses for affordable rentals as Windhoek’s rent crunch deepens. Financial Inclusion: New NSA findings show borrowing is rising and many working Namibians rely on credit to buy food, underscoring the debate on universal support. Skills for Capital Markets: Mumi Investment Managers and Nifa launch a three-year programme to train Namibia’s next investment professionals with international certifications and internships. Education & Governance: Separate commentary warns about stalled law-making for nearly 16 months and classroom gaps as practical subjects roll out without labs or computers.

Cross-Border Trade Costs: A Southern African Transport Conference study puts South Africa’s border disruption bill at about R15bn–R16bn a year, with trucks losing thousands of hours to queues at key gateways like Lebombo and Beitbridge. Digital Government Push: Namibia plans to roll out electronic ID cards in September 2026 to speed up secure verification and online access to public and private services. Water & Infrastructure: NamWater says a burst pipe between Otjituuo and Elandspan cut supply to Otjituuo, with repairs expected to take time and tankers dispatched as an interim measure. Public Service & Aviation Tech: Namibia Airports Company installs a N$1.3m flight information display system at Walvis Bay to improve real-time passenger updates. Health & Innovation: Stellenbosch-led AddiCAD aims to speed up TB diagnosis by combining AI chest X-ray reading with a finger-prick blood test, including partners from Namibia. Agriculture Security: Police and four farmers’ organisations sign a 10-year deal to curb stock theft and related rural crimes. Diamonds Watch: Namibia’s rough diamond output held around 531,000 carats in Q2 as higher-grade work at Namdeb offset disruptions elsewhere. Trade Policy: Namibia advances plans for an International Trade Management Commission to handle trade remedies, tariff investigations and import/export controls.

Trade & Investment Reform: Namibia is moving ahead with a draft international trade management bill to set up an International Trade Management Commission, covering trade remedies, tariff investigations and import/export controls, while an investment promotion and facilitation bill is also in preparation after public consultations. Public Service & Governance: Namibia Air leadership appointments are still not in place, with the Works and Transport ministry saying no executive posts have been filled and any names being discussed are premature. Health Tech: A Stellenbosch-led project called AddiCAD will combine AI chest X-ray analysis with a finger-prick blood test to speed up TB diagnosis, with partners including Namibia. Infrastructure & Transport: Namibia Airports Company rolled out a N$1.3m Flight Information Display System at Walvis Bay to improve real-time passenger updates. Water Finance: NamWater posted a N$128.3m loss for 2024/25 despite revenue rising to N$2.22b, driven by higher costs and expected credit losses. Diamonds: Namibia’s rough diamond output held steady at 531,000 carats in Q2, even as market weakness continues to pressure the sector. Business & Jobs: PETROFUND says more than 60 young Namibians have secured oil-and-gas internships and jobs through partnerships with operators. MSME Focus: Nedbank Namibia announced a Future of Business conference aimed at boosting MSMEs through practical guidance and networking.

Afreximbank Leadership: Peter Olowononi has been appointed Afreximbank Regional Director for Southern Africa, with a five-year push on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition, backed by partnerships across 14 countries. Water & Utilities: NamWater posted a N$128.3m net loss for 2024/25 despite revenue rising to N$2.22b, hit by higher operating costs and a jump in expected credit losses. Diamonds: Namibia’s rough diamond output held steady at 531,000 carats in Q2, as Namdeb’s higher-grade mining offset disruptions at Debmarine. Banking & Fraud: Bank Windhoek warned customers that fraudsters increasingly target trust via fake messages and pressure tactics, urging people to stop, think and verify before sharing any PIN/password/OTP. Labour & Wages: Gendev and NASAWU remain deadlocked after the union rejected a proposed pay jump, with workers striking while talks continue. City Economy: Windhoek street vendors in Chinatown demanded written clarity after removals, warning the disruption is hurting small-business trade. Housing & Jobs: Yambuka Housing launched a prefabricated housing model aimed at moving low-income families from shacks, creating jobs and training certified installers. Sustainable Finance: The Bank of Namibia is starting a climate data diagnostic study, citing gaps in data and capacity as key hurdles to scaling sustainable finance. MSME Growth: Nedbank’s Future of Business Conference targets MSME expansion with talks and networking for entrepreneurs.

Oil & Sovereignty: Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse says Namibia won’t bend petroleum laws or grant exemptions to foreign oil firms, setting the tone for how future oil deals will be governed. Financial Inclusion & Living Costs: Namibia’s 2025 Financial Inclusion Survey shows 86% of adults are financially included, but 54.1% earn N$2,000 or less monthly and 63% struggle to keep up with commitments—income pressure remains the real constraint. Consumer & Cyber Fraud: Bank Windhoek warns fraudsters increasingly target people’s trust via fake messages and pressure tactics, urging customers to stop, think and verify before sharing any PIN/password/OTP. Sustainable Finance Data: The Bank of Namibia is running a national climate data diagnostic study after gaps in climate information and capacity were flagged as major hurdles to mobilising sustainable finance. Housing Push: Yambuka Housing launched a new prefabricated housing model aimed at moving low-income families from shacks to durable homes while creating jobs and training certified installers. Transport & Infrastructure: NAC installed a N$1.3m flight information display system at Walvis Bay airport, while the Road Fund Administrator allocated N$439m for Windhoek road maintenance and upgrades. Local Labour Dispute: Gendev Fishing Group and Nasawu remain deadlocked over a wage offer, with workers striking after the latest proposal was rejected.

Oil & Sovereignty: Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse says Namibia won’t dilute petroleum laws or grant special concessions to foreign oil firms, stressing the “oil is ours” test is governance, not just discovery. Household Pressure: Namibia’s 2025 Financial Inclusion Survey shows 86% of adults are financially included, but 63% struggle to meet financial commitments and borrowing among adults rose to 49%—mostly for food, education and transport. MSME Trade Push: NIFA and the Namibia Trade Forum signed an agreement to help MSMEs translate AfCFTA and access markets, while NIPDB urges eligible firms to apply for the N$18m SME Fund. Decentralisation in Action: Parliament is running a capacity workshop in Gobabis to strengthen decentralisation and local service delivery under NDP6. Water Affordability Debate: NamWater defended its tariffs, saying prices haven’t changed since 2019 and that municipal charges drive much of the bill impact. Ports & Digital Efficiency: Prodevelop will pilot digital port call optimisation at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz to cut vessel waiting times and reduce ship emissions. Urban Governance: Windhoek says it will keep enforcing by-laws in Chinatown while working with informal traders on safer, cleaner alternatives. Demographic Focus: UNFPA launched Namibia’s Demographic Future Report alongside NBC coverage on teenage pregnancy realities.

Middle East Risk Watch: Oxford Economics says reopening the Strait of Hormuz could lift the Philippines’ sovereign risk profile, but prolonged closure would worsen risks; it flags Namibia among the most exposed economies due to imported energy dependence and thin forex buffers. Diamond Output: De Beers reported Q2 rough diamond production up 88% to 7.8m carats, with Namibian output broadly flat at about 0.5m carats, even as market conditions stay pressured. Regional Trade & Transport: Botswana and Namibia are advancing the Trans Kalahari Railway, aiming to link Botswana freight to Walvis Bay and cut transport costs through a dedicated corridor. Airport Upgrade: Namibia Airports Company installed a new N$1.3m flight information display system at Walvis Bay International Airport to improve real-time passenger information and operations. Energy Infrastructure Push: SADC called for more investment in energy infrastructure as the region lags on electrification, highlighting cross-border transmission projects including Namibia’s interconnector plans. Oil & Gas Milestone: ReconAfrica says Kavango West 1X has produced natural gas to the surface, with samples sent for analysis and further testing moving to shallower zones. Local Business Support: NIPDB urges eligible MSMEs to apply for the SME Fund before 24 July, offering grants plus coaching, with priority for youth, women, social enterprises and export-ready firms. Water Security: NamWater launched the N$219.7m Naute–Keetmanshoop pipeline replacement to secure long-term supply for Keetmanshoop and surrounding areas. Housing Pressure: Namibia’s housing deficit is estimated at about 300,000 units, with Windhoek’s informal growth and delivery shortfalls driving the widening gap. Tourism Demand: Hospitality Association of Namibia data shows June occupancy at 58.54%, above pre-pandemic levels, as the prime safari season boosts bed-nights sold. Creative Sector Funding: The Ministry will inject N$1.6m into eight creative entrepreneurs via the Creative Futures Grant, with mentorship support from Basecamp Business Incubator. Governance in Sport: Experts say fixing Namibian sport needs stronger governance—transparency, accountability and audited reporting—beyond funding alone.

SME Support Push: NIPDB urges eligible MSMEs to apply for the SME Fund before 24 July, offering grants of N$50,000–N$100,000 plus coaching and advisory support, with priority for youth, women, social enterprises, cooperatives and export-ready firms. Water Security Upgrade: NamWater has launched a N$219.7m replacement of the Naute–Keetmanshoop pipeline (36km, 18 months) to cut leaks and bursts and protect supply for //Kharas. Banking Stability Check: Bank of Namibia says the sector stayed well capitalised and liquid in Q1 2026, with assets up 3.8% to N$195.1bn and improving credit risk. Housing Pressure Mounts: Namibia’s housing backlog is now about 300,000 units, with urban demand—especially Windhoek—outpacing formal delivery. New Airline Fares: Namibia Air proposes one-way regional fares under N$2,000 as it nears approval, including Windhoek–Johannesburg at about N$1,881.88. Oil & Gas Workforce Tension: TotalEnergies workers report “take-it-or-leave-it” contract changes, while the company says new terms improve pay and benefits. Critical Minerals Race: A US defence order tightens oversight of critical mineral supply chains, raising the strategic role of African producers. Rural Jobs Funding: Government allocates N$10m for Food/Cash-for-Work to support vulnerable households and create community assets.