FMD Alert: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in Zambezi, the second affected region. Vaccination and surveillance are under way, while livestock movement and trade have been suspended. Student Loans: NSFAF recovered just N$21.5 million in 2024/25—less than 1% of its debtors—while its loan book stood at N$11.7 billion. Auditors flagged weak recovery efforts and record-keeping. Procurement: A High Court judge declined to halt emergency fence construction in //Kharas but criticised the procurement board for giving inadequate reasons for cancelling the original tender, warning that urgency does not set aside the rule of law. Energy: Namibia has appointed John Titus as its first nuclear commissioner to coordinate preparations, including work on safety, funding and radioactive-waste management. Oil and Gas: TotalEnergies says its proposed Venus project could direct about N$33 billion to local procurement and fund an N$827 million socio-economic programme. World Cup: The 2027 Cricket World Cup ticket ballot has drawn more than 15 million applications in 12 days; Namibia will co-host with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
AGP Executive Report
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| Animal Health: Namibia has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease on Kalala Island in Zambezi, its second affected region after 17 farms were reported infected in | Kharas. Authorities have suspended livestock movements in Zambezi, while Meatco has placed about 400 production workers on three weeks’ leave with full pay. International Role: Namibia is hosting Africa’s first CTBTO field exercise, bringing about 250 experts to Erongo to practise investigating a suspected nuclear test. The exercise runs until 20 November. Mining and Trade: Construction has begun on Namibia’s first germanium plant at the Tsumeb smelter, with operations expected in 2028. Mining also helped lift August exports 18.8% from July to N$12.7 billion, narrowing the trade deficit to N$3.9 billion. Energy: Germany has committed about N$103 million to Namibia’s energy transition and green industrialisation, including support for sustainable energy access and critical-minerals value chains. Agriculture: A new milling plant at Ombanje Farm is drawing government backing as Namibia seeks to expand local food processing, while poultry imports still exceeded exports in August. |
| Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia has confirmed FMD at Kalala Island in Zambezi, its second affected region after | Kharas. Emergency vaccination is under way, and livestock movements and raw animal products are restricted across Zambezi. Energy and Industry: Germany has signed a N$103 million deal to widen access to sustainable energy and support local value addition in critical minerals. Namibia aims to raise modern energy access from 59.3% to 70% by 2030. National Airline: Government plans to launch Namibia Air in December, but an N$20 million feasibility study remains undisclosed. An IPC MP is demanding its release and asking why earlier Air Namibia plans were not considered. Mining Benefits: PDM leader McHenry Venaani wants 2% to 5% of mining royalties channelled to communities through trusts; the proposal would require a change from the current system, where royalties go to state revenue. Education and Jobs: Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge urged learners to gain practical skills and create businesses, while Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp called for stronger teaching, foundational literacy and responsible use of technology. Festival Changes: Mariental’s trade festival will proceed from 22 to 24 October, but its livestock show is cancelled under FMD restrictions. |
| Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia has confirmed FMD in Zambezi, the second affected region, after an outbreak spread to 17 farms in | Kharas. Authorities have begun emergency vaccination in Zambezi, suspended livestock movements and started building a disease-control fence in | Kharas. Mineral Value-Addition: Namibia has adopted a beneficiation strategy to encourage local processing of minerals, with export restrictions on unprocessed critical minerals intended to create jobs and retain more value at home. Farm Support: Government has made N$70 million available to buy surplus maize, but the Agronomic Board says N$120 million is needed to purchase all available grain. Public Funds: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah says GIPF’s reported N$922 million impairment is not a confirmed loss; a dispute over an investment accounts for about N$815 million. Cricket World Cup: More than 1.1 million ticket applications arrived during the opening weekend for the 2027 tournament, co-hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. |
Jobs: UNAM’s first Chinese-language job fair brought about 30 companies to campus, linking students and graduates with work, internships and training opportunities. Mental Health: Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia plans five mental health units by 2037, as the country relies on just two facilities and faces widespread unmet need. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The High Court has allowed emergency construction of a southern border fence to continue, while criticising the procurement board’s handling of the tender. The outbreak has also cost Namibia its FMD-free status and prompted temporary EU restrictions on some livestock products. Governance: A High Court ruling against the minister’s approval of the cement merger has renewed questions about political influence over the Competition Commission. Regional Diplomacy: Namibia is among 10 African countries pressing for permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
| Mental Health: Namibia recorded more than 100,000 mental-health service contacts in 2024/25, while its suicide rate remained above the African average. Government has pledged annual funding increases and more treatment units; the country currently has only two mental-health facilities and four psychiatrists. Wildlife Management: A revised national policy aims to curb human-wildlife conflict through better land-use planning, prevention and community engagement. Green Industry: Germany and Namibia signed an N$103 million deal for energy access and sustainable critical-minerals projects, with a focus on local value addition. Housing: Government allocated N$146 million to the Shack Dwellers Federation to expand affordable housing. Livestock and Trade: Foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed on 17 farms in | Kharas, while Namibia’s trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion in August. Football Funding: Namport pledged N$90 million to football over three years, with the President and Prime Minister stressing the need for accountability. |
| Livestock Crisis: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed on 17 farms in | Kharas, while EU restrictions on Namibian meat imports deepen pressure on farmers and exporters. Housing: Government allocated N$146 million to the Shack Dwellers Federation in 2025/26; about 1,864 homes and 250 rural sanitation facilities were completed during the year. Public Accountability: Namport’s N$90 million football sponsorship—paid over three years—comes with calls from the President and Prime Minister for transparent use of the funds. Trade and Minerals: Namibia’s trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion in August, with uranium the leading export. The country has also joined a five-year UN programme to help Southern African nations capture more value from critical minerals. Jobs and Investment: A South African electrical supplier opened its first Namibian express shop in Windhoek, hiring 20 local workers and aiming to grow its workforce. |
| Judiciary: Namibia farewelled former Chief Justice Johan Strydom at a state funeral. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised his role in building the country’s constitutional justice system. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The outbreak has spread to 17 farms in | Kharas, with 129 positive animal samples. Veterinary teams are stepping up surveillance and movement controls to contain it. Public Finances: An Auditor-General’s report found a N$50 million double-reporting error in the agriculture ministry’s land purchases and flagged more than N$101 million in unspent funds. Energy: NamPower aims to generate 80% of Namibia’s electricity needs domestically by 2030, with renewables supplying 70%, as demand from mining and other industries is expected to rise. Trade: Namibia’s August trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion from N$5.9 billion in July, but imports still exceeded exports. Land Reform: The government has ordered a five-year audit of resettlement farms to assess allocations, productivity and unused land. |
FMD Emergency: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed on 17 farms in //Kharas, with 129 positive animal samples reported by 6 October. Veterinary teams are stepping up inspections and movement controls as the EU suspension of Namibian meat imports threatens a key export market. Mining Jobs: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is pressing the sector to deliver real employment, while Minister Modestus Amutse warned companies against cycling workers through short-term contracts to cut labour costs. Land Reform: A five-year audit will examine how many farms were acquired and allocated, whether they are productive and what support beneficiaries need. Football Funding: Namport’s N$90 million, three-year sponsorship is set to support the game nationwide, but the President says every dollar must be accounted for and deliver measurable benefits. Infrastructure: Works Minister Veikko Nekundi opened the N$231.6 million final stretch of Windhoek’s Southern Link dual carriageway, connecting key roads and bridges.
TransNamib Accountability: IPC says disciplinary hearings for two senior executives accused of property-related irregularities have still not begun, months after their reinstatement. Oil Governance: MPs are questioning whether a bill shifting petroleum powers to the President protects state royalties and guarantees meaningful local participation. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Cases are rising and the EU has suspended some Namibian meat imports, deepening pressure on farmers and exporters. Education: NUST is working with medical laboratory science students on academic and practical training options after concerns over accreditation and capacity. Football Funding: NamPort has pledged N$90 million over three years; President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the football association to spend responsibly and pay players on time. Infrastructure: Works Minister Veikko Nekundi opened the final section of Windhoek’s Southern Link, completing a N$231.6 million road project.
Trade: Namibia’s trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion in August from N$5.9 billion in July, as exports climbed 18.8% to N$12.7 billion. Government has also tabled a bill to establish an International Trade Commission with powers to set tariffs and investigate unfair trade. Sovereign Fund: A review warns the Welwitschia Fund Bill is not ready for Parliament, citing missing rules on deposits and withdrawals and excessive power for the finance minister. The fund held N$508.47 million at the end of July. Livestock: Foot-and-mouth disease cases have risen to 127, and the EU has suspended Namibian meat imports, putting pressure on farmers and exporters. Business: Capricorn Group made a binding R788.3 million offer for an 81.6% stake in South Africa’s Centrafin, advancing its regional expansion. Football: Namport pledged N$90 million over three years to support the Namibia Football Association’s men’s and women’s leagues.
Foot-and-Mouth Crisis: Namibia will vaccinate rather than cull infected cattle, with 100,000 doses being moved south as cases reach 127 across 15 farms. The EU has suspended some meat imports, while farmers face lost markets and mounting costs; opposition leader McHenry Venaani is calling for emergency relief. Mining and Jobs: Sinomine’s N$4 billion expansion in Tsumeb, including Namibia’s first germanium plant, could create up to 1,600 jobs. But mining contracted 3.1% in the second quarter, and the diamond sector is also grappling with weaker demand. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has raised its outlook for sub-Saharan Africa to positive, naming Namibia among countries with improving prospects, though debt, climate and security risks remain. Sacu revenue continues to make up a major share of Namibia’s tax take. State Honours: Former Cabinet minister Jerry Ekandjo wants the committee that recommends burial honours for prominent Namibians disbanded and replaced with an ad hoc panel.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia is racing to contain an outbreak that had reached 127 cases across 15 farms by 5 October, as the EU suspends meat imports and farmers warn of lost export markets. Youth Investment: One Economy raised N$4.9 million for programmes supporting young people, while Standard Bank pledged N$600,000 for skills training and health innovation. Mining: The sector contracted 3.1% in the second quarter, despite strong mineral prices cushioning export earnings. A Dutch investor and local partner plan to restart the Elizabeth Bay diamond mine, with investment expected to reach US$50 million. Development: Germany committed about N$822 million to Namibian projects in 2025, including vocational training, green energy and urban development.
EU Trade Shock: The EU has suspended some Namibia meat imports and beef exports after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with fresh shipments and certain processed products affected while “most stringent” treatments may still qualify. FMD Response: Namibia says it has tested over 27,000 animals in the Karasburg district, with vaccination and a containment zone approved as authorities plan a gradual restart of livestock auctions. Food Security & Livelihoods: The Namibia Agricultural Union warns the market recovery must be treated with the same urgency as FMD control, stressing weekly losses for farmers and workers. Governance & Corruption Risks: IPPR says new procurement rules raise the risk of political pressure and collusion, while RCC has placed an acting CEO on leave over a N$17m fuel deal linked to alleged wrongdoing. Education Push: Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti admits a digital divide in basic education but says connectivity, ICT infrastructure and devices are being rolled out to 1,699 schools. Housing Demand: Walvis Bay faces rising housing pressure as a new Kuisebmond extension project sells out its first phase. International Ties: Namibia and Germany will deepen cooperation on water security, biodiversity and a just green energy transition. New Mobility: BYD has entered Namibia through Pupkewitz Motors, bringing several electric models to Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva. Sports Spotlight: The Super Eagles staged a late comeback to draw Russia 3-3, while World Cup 2027 ticket demand has surged past one million, led by India vs Pakistan.
Cricket World Cup 2027 Ticket Rush: The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup ballot has topped 1.1 million applications in just days, with India vs Pakistan the biggest draw (over 110,000) and the ballot open until 21 November across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. FMD Shock for Namibia’s Meat Exports: The EU has temporarily suspended imports of fresh cattle, sheep and goat meat from Namibia after the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Karasburg, with Namibia’s livestock movement and exports already under restrictions. FMD Containment in Focus: Namibia’s Cabinet approved a Karasburg containment buffer zone and border fencing measures as authorities step up surveillance and testing, while Windhoek keeps informal-market slaughtering prohibited. Power and Cost Pressure: Namibia’s energy ministry urged NamPower to cut reliance on imported electricity, expand access and improve affordability using more local renewables. Business and Trade Push: Government launched Namibia’s first Exporters’ Guide to help MSMEs move beyond the small domestic market and tackle export procedures, standards and logistics. Finance and Markets: Sanlam has moved to take full control of Santam with a cash offer of N$505 per share and plans to delist from the JSE, NSX and A2X.
| FMD Response: Namibia is stepping up Foot-and-Mouth Disease containment in | Kharas, with surveillance on 29,313 animals across 68 farms and 127 confirmed positives, while Cabinet approved a Critical Containment Response Plan including a buffer zone and border-fence repairs. Meat Industry Hit: Savanna Beef has suspended cattle deliveries and bookings as slaughter restrictions bite, leaving butcheries scrambling and workers placed on leave. Local Governance: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged Rundu Town Council to fix land ownership documents for a site donated to the Centre for the Visually Impaired, warning that without title deeds, development funding stalls. Space Ambitions: Namibia marked World Space Week, pushing a legal framework and partnerships to grow a domestic space economy and build skills for young people. Digital Regulation: CRAN is in Geneva for ITU-R talks on spectrum and preparations for WRC-27, while regional ICT regulators in Nairobi focus on AI, cyber risks and digital inclusion. Sports & Business: Namibia’s mining outlook stays subdued as output falls, and in regional sport the Super Eagles face Russia after a 6-0 thrashing of Namibia—while Sanlam’s bid to buy out Santam at R505 a share could end Santam’s long JSE listing. |
World Teachers Day: Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp pledged support for teachers, citing gaps in specialised staffing, housing, electricity and connectivity, plus heavy workloads and large classes, while pointing to a 2025–2030 plan focused on mentoring and professional development for Namibia’s 36,000-plus teachers. FMD Shock to Livestock Trade: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in //Kharas is driving tighter controls, with farmers warned against independent vaccination or animal movement; government earmarked N$190m for containment, Agribank will assess repayment relief case-by-case, and the EU temporarily suspended Namibian fresh and some processed meat imports. Digital and AI Push: Namibia is reviewing the AfCFTA digital trade framework to build a national action plan, and launched a National Artificial Intelligence Institute under NCRST with four centres for research, datasets, software and innovation. Road Safety and Connectivity: The N$552m Karibib–Usakos road upgrade is complete, alongside a N$60m traffic surveillance and emergency response facility to intercept reckless drivers. Diplomacy with Deliverables: President Nandi-Ndaitwah told diplomats to turn ties into jobs, investment and opportunities, commissioning Namibia’s ambassador to Switzerland and UN Geneva.
Russia-Namibia Football: Russia sent a blunt warning ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with Nigeria, thrashing Namibia 6-0 in Yekaterinburg, with goals from Sadulaev, Prutsev, Tyukavin, Glushenkov, a penalty by Petrov and an own goal by Ndisiro. Economy & Jobs: Namibia cut its 2026 growth forecast from 3.1% to about 2.1%, while President Nandi-Ndaitwah said wealthier Namibians are facing a growing stream of requests because too few people are economically empowered. FMD Response: The Agriculture ministry says it needs about N$190.2 million to contain foot-and-mouth disease in //Kharas, including a 290km disease-control fence and intensified surveillance and movement controls. Governance & Justice: Outgoing ACC boss Paulus Noa warned against expecting convictions in every corruption case, saying courts must follow the law and evidence. Local Life: Windhoek’s Okahandja Park informal settlement faces a sanitation crisis, with dysfunctional public toilets pushing some residents to “privatise” facilities. Sports & Youth: Namibian youth wrestlers won 22 medals at South Africa’s Youth Championships, and cyclist Qara Volschenk grabbed two golds at the SA Schools MTB finals.
FMD Crisis: Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture says it needs about N$190.2 million to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas (Karasburg) area, including building a 290km disease-control fence and ramping up surveillance, testing and movement controls after 79 positive samples were recorded on 11 farms. Education & Skills: UNESCO reports progress on AI and coding education across Africa through a train-the-trainer model with Codemao, noting 200 teachers from countries including Namibia completed initial international coding training. Business & Trade: Windhoek’s 72nd Industrial and Agricultural Show went ahead without the usual livestock component due to FMD, but still helped exhibitors connect with customers and test market demand. Uranium Watch: ROSATOM says it expects Namibia’s decision on the Wings uranium mining project in Omaheke within the next few months. Cricket Spotlight: Namibia will host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup opener series, with Windhoek set to stage six matches in total.
Road Watch: The N$552 million Karibib–Usakos road (31km) has been officially opened, with wider lanes, improved drainage and upgraded bridges aimed at boosting connectivity and safety. Road Safety Tech: A N$60 million Emergency Response and Arandis Management Centre is now set to monitor the Usakos–Swakopmund corridor around the clock, with cameras linked to emergency and traffic enforcement. Women & Youth Finance: DBN urged Erongo women and young entrepreneurs to tap into funding, including the “DBN for Her” push to close the long-standing lending gap. Environment & Communities: The Environment Ministry says communal conservancies and community forest programmes are designed to protect wildlife while creating jobs and tourism income for local communities. Mental Health Focus: Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, youth cleaned the Windhoek mental health facility, citing high admission and case numbers and the need to tackle stigma. Sports: Namibia lost 6-0 to Russia in an international friendly as preparations continue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Cricket Buzz: South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 188* in T20 to break Chris Gayle’s record, while Namibia’s role as co-host for the 2027 ODI World Cup qualifiers remains in the spotlight. Business & Finance: Namibia’s unlisted investment market is growing fast, with N$6.4bn committed and N$4.9bn already invested, led by agriculture and utilities.
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