AGP Executive Report

Public Finances: Namibia’s outlook is worsening: Simonis Storm expects this year’s budget deficit to exceed Treasury’s forecast, while the government has cut its 2026 growth estimate to 2.3%. Consumer confidence has also hit a record low as inflation and borrowing costs squeeze households. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Restrictions are disrupting Windhoek kapana vendors and threatening an estimated N$2.4 billion in livestock value-chain losses over six months. More than 50,000 cattle have been vaccinated in Zambezi, where farmers and checkpoint staff have raised concerns about resources. Trade and Investment: China’s zero-tariff policy could open new markets for eligible Namibian exports. Namibia is also seeking closer energy and technology ties at the Russia-Africa Summit. Mining: The US$353 million Etango uranium project has received final investment approval, with first production targeted for 2028.

Livestock Crisis: Foot-and-mouth disease restrictions are threatening jobs and markets, with the Namibia Agricultural Union warning losses could reach N$2.4 billion in six months. South Africa’s feedlot industry has also rejected Namibian cattle and beef, adding pressure on farmers seeking supervised livestock movements. Pohamba’s Loss: Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba has returned to Ohangwena after the death of his wife, Penehupifo. Tributes remembered the former First Lady for her humanitarian work and support for rural families. Russia Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is in Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit, seeking trade and investment partnerships. Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet her on Thursday. Mining and Growth: Namibia’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 2.3% as mining revenues weaken, while partners have approved full-scale construction of the Etango uranium project. First production is targeted for 2028.

Russia-Africa Summit: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has departed for Moscow, seeking stronger trade and investment ties for Namibia. Economic Outlook: The 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 2.3% from 3.1%, as weaker first-half performance and risks including foot-and-mouth disease weigh on the outlook. Mining: The $353 million Etango uranium project has received the go-ahead, with first production targeted for late 2028 and annual output expected at 3.5 million pounds. Livestock: The industry has set aside N$500,000 to bring in an expert to help restore Namibia’s foot-and-mouth-free status and reopen export markets; more than 42,000 cattle have been vaccinated in Zambezi. Baynes Dam: Ovahimba and Ovatjimba leaders are demanding a halt to project activities until affected communities are properly consulted, warning the proposed dam could flood ancestral land and threaten livelihoods and sacred sites. Climate Policy: Proposed amendments would make climate action a legal duty across government and allow new greenhouse-gas standards.

Livestock Threat: Foot-and-mouth disease could cost Namibia’s livestock industry N$2.397 billion in six months, the Namibia Agricultural Union warns, as the outbreak threatens jobs and farm incomes. Energy: The N$1.5 billion Diaz wind plant has been inaugurated near Lüderitz. Its 44 megawatts are expected to supply about 6% of the country’s electricity and reduce reliance on imports. Pohamba’s Legacy: Namibia paid tribute to former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba at a state memorial, honouring her work in nursing, maternal health and support for vulnerable communities. She will receive a special funeral. Economy and Diplomacy: Namibia’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 2.3% as mining revenue weakens. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to seek Russian investment and cooperation in technology, industry and mineral processing at the Russia-Africa Summit. Genocide Reparations: German MP Charlotte Neuhauser has called for meaningful reparations for Nama and Ovaherero victims, rejecting the proposed €1.1 billion package as inadequate. Local Governance: Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has threatened action over Keetmanshoop’s financial crisis, including mounting water debt and concerns it may not pay staff.

Wildfire Threat: Fires have affected 3,513 square kilometres — about 16% — of Etosha National Park. Nearly 80 people are fighting the blazes as extreme heat and strong winds threaten to hamper containment; no casualties have been reported. Economic Outlook: Namibia’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 2.3% from 3.1%, reflecting weaker-than-expected first-half performance and pressure on mining revenues. Russia Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to seek investment and cooperation in energy, technology and industry at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow. Pohamba Farewell: Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has been granted a special funeral, with a memorial on 30 October and burial the following day at Okangudi. EU Funding Probe: The European Union is investigating possible misuse of N$140,000 in funds for a higher-education project involving NANSO; the allegations have not been established. Cricket: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus hit an unbeaten 156 as Namibia beat Ireland by 31 runs to level their ODI series 1-1.

National Mourning: Former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba has been granted a special funeral. A memorial service is set for October 30, with her burial on October 31 in Ohangwena. Etosha Fires: Wildfires have affected about 16% of Etosha National Park. Nearly 80 people are fighting the blazes as extreme heat and strong winds threaten to hamper efforts; no casualties have been reported. Economy and Budget: Namibia’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 2.3% from 3.1%. PDM leader McHenry Venaani says the mid-year budget fails to ease pressure on households facing high living costs. State Enterprises: Parliament has passed a bill reshaping oversight of state-owned enterprises, assigning them to sector ministers while giving the Prime Minister powers to issue binding directives. Local Investment: Keetmanshoop is developing infrastructure for 30 industrial plots in a N$19.3 million project financed by a private investor and Standard Bank Namibia. Foreign Relations: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is due in Moscow for talks on trade, energy, technology and investment. Health: Blood demand at Namibian hospitals is rising 6%, while only 1.2% of the population donates annually. Cricket: Gerhard Erasmus’ unbeaten 156 powered Namibia to a 31-run win over Ireland, tying their ODI series 1-1.

Russia Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will attend the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on 28–29 October, where Namibia hopes to deepen cooperation in energy, technology, education and skills. Economic Outlook: The mid-year budget cuts Namibia’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.3% from 3.1% and reduces expected revenue by N$1.5 billion, while lifting the budget to N$88.6 billion. Unemployment remains a major concern: Namibia’s broad rate of 52.7% is the highest among small states with available data. Football: African Stars are out of the CAF Champions League after Orlando Pirates beat them 4–0 in the second leg, advancing 5–0 on aggregate. Oil and Gas: Namibia is looking to Angola’s experience in exploration, production, refining and distribution as it develops its petroleum sector. Youth Governance: An interim National Youth Council board is expected by month’s end to help restart disrupted assembly elections and resolve outstanding grievances.

African Football: African Stars’ CAF Champions League run ended with a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Orlando Pirates, but captain Ronald Ketjijere says the tie gave younger players valuable experience against top continental opposition. Economic Outlook: Namibia has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 2.3% from 3.1%, with weaker mining performance, soft diamond demand and foot-and-mouth disease among the pressures. Budget Debate: PDM leader McHenry Venaani says the mid-year budget does too little for farmers, housing and sanitation, and questioned allocating more to diplomacy than agriculture. Mining: The Etango uranium joint venture has approved full-scale construction, with production targeted for 2028 and the project expected to create jobs and business opportunities. Agriculture and Trade: Meatco plans two days of limited domestic slaughter as export disruptions from FMD continue; meanwhile, Namibia has secured approval to export table grapes to China. Diamonds: Namibia and Angola are urging African producers to unite against competition from synthetic diamonds and ensure natural resources bring greater value to the continent.

Economic Outlook: Namibia has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 2.3% as weaker mining revenue weighs on the economy. Mining: The US$353 million Etango uranium project has secured a final investment decision, clearing the way for construction and first production targeted for 2028. Trade: At SWAiTEX, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibia to turn Walvis Bay and its transport corridors into gateways for regional trade. Namibian table grapes and wild aquatic products have also been approved for export to China. Jobs: Despite N$140 billion in foreign investment since 2021 and nearly doubled exports, unemployment remains 36.9%, with youth unemployment at 44.1%, an ILO roundtable heard. Agriculture: South African feedlots have rejected weaner-calf imports from Namibia and Botswana over foot-and-mouth disease risks, dealing producers another setback. Cricket: Ireland beat Namibia by 55 runs in the opening ODI in Windhoek, with Gavin Hoey taking three wickets.

Budget Outlook: Namibia has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 2.3% from 3.1% after a weak first half. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah projects public debt of N$201.7 billion, or 68.7% of GDP, and a deficit of 5.5%. Mining Revenues: Diamond taxes and royalties are expected to plunge to N$414 million this year, from N$5.8 billion in 2023/24, exposing the risks of relying on commodities. Government plans N$179 million to manage foot-and-mouth disease, while Agribank lent N$366.9 million to farmers from April to August. Angola Ties: Angola’s president has invited Namibia to consider a stake in the under-construction Lobito refinery; Windhoek says it must first assess the proposal’s costs and benefits. Cricket: Ireland beat Namibia by 55 runs in the first of five ODIs in Windhoek, despite Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton taking four wickets and Ruben Trumpelmann scoring 50.

Maritime Diplomacy: Russia’s naval training ship Perekop has docked at Walvis Bay, prompting scrutiny of the visit’s wider significance as Russian and Namibian officials meet. Mining: Uranium exports jumped 438% to N$3.36 billion in August, but diamond output fell 12% and overall mining production declined. Livestock: Foot-and-mouth disease remains confined to 18 farms in //Kharas; vaccination has covered more than 1,296 cattle as restrictions threaten farmers and export earnings. Energy Investment: Dangote Industries says it is pursuing petroleum distribution projects in Namibia as it expands pipelines and storage across Africa, though no local investment details were announced. Petroleum Bill: Parliament advanced the exploration and production amendments despite opposition concerns about oversight and powers placed in the Office of the President. Jobs and Growth: A Windhoek roundtable highlighted a stark gap between rising investment and persistent unemployment, especially among young people. Traditional Leadership: Seventeen of Namibia’s 53 recognised traditional authorities are operating without leaders, amid calls to resolve succession disputes.

Namibia–Angola: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah returned from a state visit that produced seven agreements and renewed calls to turn longstanding ties into trade, investment and jobs. Communal Land: Nandi-Ndaitwah warned traditional leaders that selling communal land as personal property could lead to criminal cases, urging fair and transparent allocations. Energy Policy: Parliament passed the Petroleum Amendment Bill’s second reading with 50 votes in favour, despite an opposition walkout and concerns over executive power and oversight. Mining: Namibia’s diamond output fell nearly 7% year-on-year to 495,000 carats in the third quarter, while tin producer Andrada Mining reported an 80% revenue rise and a return to profit, driven by higher prices and production at Uis. Livestock: South Africa’s feedlot association rejected Namibian cattle and beef imports over foot-and-mouth disease concerns, adding pressure on a sector already seeking urgent relief and trade talks. Rule of Law: Namibia ranked second in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2026 World Justice Project index, behind Rwanda.

Namibia–Angola: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah returned from Luanda after the countries signed eight cooperation agreements, including plans for a one-stop border post at Oshikango and Santa Clara. Energy, water, transport and trade are also on the agenda, with both leaders urging action to deliver tangible benefits. National Mourning: Namibia continues to remember former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, a liberation-era midwife and health advocate, who died aged 78. Jobs and Industry: The investment board has opened 130 cruise-ship jobs to Namibians, while local voices are calling for more opportunities for young engineers and greater processing of raw materials at home. Economic Pressures: Foot-and-mouth restrictions threaten N$1.6 billion in livestock revenue. Deep Yellow has also delayed its final investment decision on the Tumas uranium project, citing weak equity markets, though early works remain funded.

Namibia–Angola Ties: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is urging both countries to turn more than 60 agreements into practical gains. Eight new cooperation instruments include plans for a one-stop border post and closer work on energy, water and transport. Economic Outlook: Namibia’s current-account deficit has widened to N$12.1 billion, while analysts project the fiscal deficit could reach 6.5% of GDP in 2026/27 amid lower revenues, rising debt costs and pressure from drought and foot-and-mouth disease. Livestock Concerns: Unattended cattle have been reported near Otjiwarongo plots despite a municipal warning and impoundment charges, raising road-safety concerns as livestock movement restrictions remain in force. Health Infrastructure: Officials have outlined delays and practical hurdles facing the N$3.2 billion Havana hospital project, planned as a 500-bed facility to ease pressure on Windhoek’s hospitals. National Mourning: Namibia continues to pay tribute to former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, remembered for her public service and advocacy for women and children.

Penehupifo Pohamba Mourned: National leaders are consoling former president Hifikepunye Pohamba after his wife’s death. The former first lady is remembered for her nursing, public service and work supporting women and children. Traditional Leadership: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged chiefs to help tackle poverty, drought and food insecurity. Minister James Sankwasa warned leaders against misusing state funds and said he had received 15 chieftainship applications. Agriculture: Stakeholders called for long-term investment, stronger local production and agro-processing as drought, rising temperatures and foot-and-mouth disease threaten farmers and markets. Angola Ties: Nandi-Ndaitwah urged ministers to deliver tangible results from more than 60 bilateral agreements, saying citizens need to see benefits in daily life. Fuel Costs: Namibia passed on less of the recent international price increases than many regional peers: 64% for petrol and 79% for diesel, according to an IMF comparison.