AGP Executive Report

Youth & Jobs: Swakopmund has wrapped up its Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, backing 85 young entrepreneurs after 2,489 applications, and handing out equipment worth N$1 million. Media & Gender: National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fair, fact-based reporting on women leaders, saying controversy-focused coverage undermines confidence and accountability. Transport & Security: TransNamib opened a theft case after a break-in at its CEO’s office in Windhoek; laptops were allegedly stolen and the matter is with police. Energy & Industry: ReconAfrica and partners NAMCOR and BW Energy have started production testing at Kavango West 1X, targeting six intervals to assess hydrocarbon phase and deliverability. Sports & Governance: Namibia denied it is part of a proposed Southern Africa bid to host AFCON 2028, saying no approval or budget commitments were made. Health: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new NICU costing over N$50 million to boost neonatal survival. Connectivity: CRAN ordered Telecom Namibia to stabilise its network after repeated nationwide outages, giving it four months for short-term fixes. Economy & Reform: PM Elijah Ngurare says Namibia will accelerate budget reforms as Middle East tensions raise inflation, trade costs and growth pressure.

Telecom Crackdown: CRAN has ordered Telecom Namibia to fix nationwide network instability, giving it four months to stabilise service after repeated outages blamed on equipment failures, power issues, fibre breaks and copper theft. Jobs & Local Economy: President Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the N$270m Goreangab Mall, saying it created 300 jobs during construction and will add nearly 400 permanent posts, with services bringing relief to Katutura residents. Gender in Security: Women outnumbered men for the first time at Namibia’s Police Basic Training Course graduation in Gobabis, with 382 female and 288 male cadets. Road Safety: The Roads Authority is installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek, with one lane closed at a time between Katutura Hospital and Lafrenz. Health Upgrade: Erongo’s Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, including intensive care beds and a mothers’ lodge. Sports Drama: In the NFA Cup, Square 7 stunned Blue Waters on penalties and Unam eliminated African Stars, while women’s Round of 16 set up fresh quarterfinal match-ups. Media & Democracy: Namibia launched the African Media Barometer report on media freedom, stressing that protections need constant vigilance.

Fuel Supply Controversy: Energy minister Modestus Amutse’s move to grant Swiss trader Vitol an exclusive fuel-import mandate has sparked fresh claims of market capture and bypassing competition rules, with parliament now clarifying that “there is only one Vitol.” Local Governance & Land Disputes: In Oshana, the Iiheke Ya Nakele community protested a controversial development they say ignores earlier resolutions and threatens grazing, water sources and cultural sites. Skills Development: Oshikoto’s Omuthiya vocational training centre has been approved, with Phase 1 set to start this September and a planned N$200m-plus build to train more than 1,700 learners. Regional Accountability: Namibia’s 14 governors will begin State of the Region Addresses from Monday, linking national priorities to grassroots implementation. Child Protection: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to ending violence against children, highlighting child participation platforms like the Children’s Parliament. Public Service Media: NBC marked 35 years of informing, educating and uniting the nation, including reflections on the early days of sports broadcasting. Police & Security: 670 police cadets graduated in Omaheke, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi urging integrity and dedication as Namibia’s security needs evolve.

Fuel & cost-of-living pressure: UNAM students say government fuel-price relief measures are barely easing daily expenses, with some cutting classes as transport costs rise. Municipal finance crunch: Councils are scrambling as government debts of over N$162m come due, with threats of water and electricity cut-offs for defaulting entities. Pension verification fallout: Over 15,000 old-age grants were suspended after missing mandatory verification, leaving elderly people turned away at payout points. Governance & procurement row: The Presidency rejects IPC claims linking President Nandi-Ndaitwah to a N$612m Sinomine solar project, while Parliament also hears clarifications on Vitol’s “sole supplier” fuel arrangement. Katutura development: Goreangab Mall opens as a jobs-and-opportunity boost, with the President calling it a symbol of reversing apartheid exclusion. Health services: A new dialysis unit in Walvis Bay will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing long-distance travel. Wildlife & environment: Namibia-linked coverage includes growing whale sightings off the West Coast and a warning on Oshikoto’s disposable nappy waste problem.

Katutura’s retail boost: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the newly opened Goreangab Mall as a symbol of economic transformation, saying it created about 300 construction jobs and is expected to sustain nearly 400 permanent jobs, while bringing services closer to residents and cutting transport costs. Public health closer to home: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients in Erongo, reducing long travel to private facilities as Namibia tackles rising kidney disease. Fuel price pressure: University of Namibia students questioned how well government fuel relief measures are working, saying costs are still biting into attendance and daily living. Gender and media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged the media to portray women leaders more fairly, warning that negative coverage discourages women from public life. Livestock protection: The Livestock Producers Organisation urged farmers to tighten biosecurity and follow animal health rules as foot-and-mouth disease remains a border threat. Wildlife news: An Indian-born female cheetah, KGP-11, died during treatment at Kuno National Park, with India’s cheetah count now at 52.

AI Speech Hoax: An AI-faked presidential speech by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah went viral for its anti-corruption and anti-exploitation message, but the president has rejected it as a fabrication—highlighting how much people crave moral leadership. Education & Gender: Namibia’s University of Namibia enrolment has surged from under 5,000 students in 2000 to nearly 30,000 in 2024, with women consistently outnumbering men and education/human sciences remaining the biggest faculty. Trade & AfCFTA Push: Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Windhoek business leaders to master AfCFTA to expand beyond Namibia, pointing to low intra-Africa trade and the need for value-chain growth. Housing Crisis Pressure: IPC wants Namibia’s urban housing backlog declared a national emergency, citing slow land servicing and affordability problems affecting most households. Local Government Due Process: NALAO questioned Omaruru CEO Valentinus Sindongo’s suspension, warning it may breach fair labour practices and due process. Energy Deal Scrutiny: IPC president Panduleni Itula renewed questions over a N$612m solar project tied to the Tsumeb smelter, demanding full public disclosure. Media & Democracy: The ombudsman warned fear still limits freedom, while NBC marked 35 years and reaffirmed its public service mandate. Business Summit Buzz: DJ Sbu and Sheldon Tatchell are set to headline Namibia’s 2026 Business Summit in Windhoek. Food Prices Watch: Tiger Brands warns some food prices may rise as fuel and input costs squeeze manufacturers.

Paralympic Spotlight: Windhoek hosted Namibia’s first blindfolded 100m running challenge, featuring Paralympic stars Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala and Lahya Ishitile, with organisers saying it boosted awareness and raised funds. Commonwealth Games Team: Namibia’s National Olympic Committee unveiled a 39-member Team Namibia for Glasgow (23 July–2 August), with 23 athletes across six codes, while noting several notable absences. Road Safety Push: The Roads Authority started installing speed humps on Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to cut pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures and temporary delays expected. Telecom Namibia Under Pressure: CRAN says Telecom Namibia’s instability won’t be fixed short-term and calls for significant capital investment to modernise and stabilise the network. New Airline Feasibility: Parliament heard Namibia Air’s revival feasibility study is complete and under review, after the government allocated N$20m for the work. Mining and Power: Koryx Copper says it has signed a NamPower grid connection MoU and advanced water planning for the Haib Copper Project. Labour Rights Call: TUCNA urges urgent labour law reforms after Namibia was flagged in the ITUC Global Rights Index for gaps affecting union rights and the right to strike. Environment Day Message: Namibia marked World Environment Day with a call to use nature-based solutions—forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands—to fight climate change.

Fuel & energy politics: Namibia’s Mines and Energy minister Modestus Amutse told MPs Vitol doesn’t need a local operating licence for a short-term fuel mandate, arguing it works through licensed Namibian entities—while opposition questions the legality of the deal. Municipal finance pressure: An editorial-style debate follows a directive to disconnect water and electricity to government and big firms that don’t pay municipal debts, raising fears for essential services. Youth & skills: JA Africa and ExxonMobil Foundation launched STEM Africa 2.0, adding 4,000 learners across Africa, including Namibia, with STEM and AI mentorship. Governance spotlight: The NYS board has reportedly been below the legal minimum for over a year, prompting concerns about compliance and governance risk. Health watch: Namibia confirmed an mpox outbreak in Swakopmund, with surveillance and contact tracing activated. Trade & integration: Swakopmund was highlighted as a key AfCFTA trade hub at Invest in Africa 2026. Sports & community: Tour de Windhoek 2026 was launched, and Namibia was named in the regional volleyball qualifier mix.

Police & Security: PDM MP Winnie Moongo has questioned the home affairs minister over police vehicle shortages and maintenance delays, saying some border patrols have been suspended for long periods due to transport constraints. Media & Misinformation: NAMPA launched the Effective Communicators Conference 2026, with APRA and China Media Group joining as partners, as ICT minister Emma Theofelus stressed the need to fight misinformation and improve crisis communication. Fuel Supply & Competition: Mines and Energy minister Modestus Amutse told MPs Vitol does not need a local operating licence for its July–September exclusive fuel supply, amid renewed scrutiny of the deal’s legality and competition concerns. Family Law Reform: Namibia’s no-fault divorce dispensation takes effect today, with irretrievable breakdown now the sole ground, while adultery is no longer an independent basis. Youth & Health: Germany funds N$1.9m for NAPPA’s “Pamwe” project to tackle teenage pregnancy and expand youth-friendly SRHR services in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati. Women in Politics: Theofelus says online trolling is pushing women politicians into self-censorship, reducing their engagement on public platforms. Transport Transition: Government installed an EV charging station at the Works and Transport ministry as a free pilot to guide a nationwide network. Agriculture: President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Kavango East green schemes, praising improved yields despite heavy rainfall and noting equipment constraints. Sports: Tour de Windhoek 2026 was launched for 13–16 August, while Zimbabwe unveiled squads for LA28 Olympic qualifiers in Harare starting 7 June.

Fuel & Economy: Namibia’s Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease only gradually as new rules bed in, after banks earned N$15.9bn last year and a big share came from fee income. Social Protection: Government temporarily suspended 15,825 old-age pension grants over unverified names on the National Population Registry, with reinstatement and back pay promised. Family Law: Adultery is no longer a standalone ground for divorce as Namibia moves to a no-fault, “irretrievable breakdown” model. Land Reform: Opposition MPs rejected the Land Bill in its current form, warning it concentrates power in the executive and leaves urban housing crises outside the reform. Energy & Business: Namibia’s emergency fuel deal with Vitol for July–September continues to draw questions about procurement and process. Agriculture: The Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East has reached full utilisation of its agricultural land for the first time. Sports: African Stars face Unam FC in the NFA Cup Round of 16, while Namibia’s university sport decline is blamed on weak funding and limited marketing. Regional Spotlight: ANOCA Zone VI gender forum opened in Victoria Falls, with Namibia among participating Olympic committees.

Fuel & economy: Namibia’s emergency fuel deal with Vitol has sparked fresh questions in Parliament over whether the three-month supply was awarded fairly, as the government says it will save about N$1bn amid Iran-linked price shocks. Banking costs: The Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease gradually, with new rules and safeguards, while noting banks earned N$15.9bn last year and fee income remains a major share of earnings. Family law: Adultery is no longer an independent ground for divorce, with Namibia moving to a no-fault system based on irretrievable breakdown. Migration safety: Namibia urges citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid xenophobic attacks and to use consular support if needed. Energy & regulation: Fima is now fully implemented to modernise oversight of Namibia’s non-banking financial sector, aiming for stronger consumer protection and market confidence. Transport safety: TransNamib says an independent investigation into the Rovos derailment supports continued rail safety reforms. Security in Erongo: Police have intensified patrols and community policing, urging tourism operators to report security gaps quickly.

Governance & Accountability: In the National Assembly, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda questioned why the Registrar of Pharmacists post was not advertised, while Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao said consultations were done and a legal opinion clarified the process. Public Enterprises Oversight: MPs debated the Public Governance Amendment Bill after the Assembly resumed, with critics warning it centralises control of public enterprises in the Office of the Prime Minister. Trade & Growth Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged full AfCFTA implementation at the Invest in Africa Expo in Swakopmund, pointing to low intra-African trade and Namibia’s exports under the agreement. Food Security in Focus: The President praised Kavango East green schemes, including Uvhungu-Vhungu, for improved land utilisation and production progress despite weather setbacks. Regional Development: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to build responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains, including Namibia. Justice & Welfare: Namibia’s DNA backlog stands at about 7,000 cases, while the Ministry of Education ordered universities to let NSFAF-funded students sit exams and access results amid funding delays. Transport & Connectivity: Edelweiss launched the first non-stop Zurich–Windhoek commercial flight, with twice-weekly services starting and plans to add a third weekly flight.

Aviation & Tourism: Edelweiss has launched the first-ever non-stop commercial Zurich–Windhoek link, with the inaugural Airbus A350 flight landing at Hosea Kutako on 1 June and the route set for twice-weekly service (Mondays and Fridays), with a third weekly flight planned from mid-July. Parliament & Policy: As the National Assembly resumes, MPs are expected to prioritise the land bill alongside mental health, public enterprises governance and the petroleum bill, with analysts warning reforms must protect citizens’ rights. Justice & Forensics: Namibia’s Police Forensic Science Institute says a DNA backlog of about 7 000 cases is hampering investigations and prosecutions, with clearing costs estimated far above current funding. Education & Student Funding: The education ministry has ordered universities and TVET centres to let NSFAF-funded students sit exams and receive results while funding processes are finalised. Economy Watch: Namibia’s current account deficit widened to N$10.4bn in Q4 2025 as service payments and income outflows rose, while mining and manufacturing contracted. Food Security: WFP reports 105 813 households received rice assistance in May, warning that multiple shocks keep needs elevated.

Food Security & Agriculture: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Sikondo Green Scheme irrigation project in Kavango West, praising a garlic trial and other crop pilots as key to productivity, jobs and rural growth. Governance & Service Delivery: Home Affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu inspected Zambezi border posts, warning that border failures and weak discipline are eroding public trust, while highlighting shortages in cells, patrol boats and water infrastructure. Education Funding: The Students Union of Namibia urged faster payment of NSFAF non-tuition fees, saying delays hit accommodation, transport and meals, and calling for interns to speed processing. Economy & Policy: President appointed economist Shali Shindume as Economic Advisor; Namibia’s inflation outlook remains pressured by transport and fuel costs, while SACU inflows lifted reserves to N$58.8bn. Digital Safety: A TransUnion report says South Africa saw the highest suspected digital fraud rate in Africa in 2025, with generative AI likely boosting scams. Sports: Dynamo Fredericks’ Jwaneng Galaxy won Botswana’s FA Cup for a third straight year; Namibia’s Martin Mukungu eyes defending his WBO Africa title at Rundu.

Inflation Watch: Namibia’s 2026 inflation outlook is under pressure as transport costs and global geopolitical tensions are expected to keep prices rising; headline inflation hit 3.1% year-on-year in April, up from 2.1% in March, with transport the biggest driver. Reserves Boost: The Bank of Namibia says international reserves climbed 13.6% in April to N$58.8bn, supported by SACU inflows and foreign currency placements, keeping import cover at about 3.7 months. Border & Migration Reform: The Home Affairs ministry is reviewing Namibia’s 1993 immigration law, with plans for pre-arrival information submission to modernise border management and support investment and travel. Fuel Supply Shake-up: Government says it will keep June fuel prices unchanged by absorbing costs via the National Energy Fund, but fuel procurement for July–September is set to be consolidated with Vitol—sparking questions over transparency and possible conflicts. Food Security Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Etunda Green Scheme as work continues on the Etunda Feedlot Project, aimed at boosting beef quality and reducing reliance on imports. Justice & Health: Namibia’s DNA backlog stands at about 7,000 cases, while the Thanzi Programme secured a grant to expand health policy research into Namibia and Zambia. Sports: City of Windhoek won the NALASRA national local authority sports games; FC Ongos Ladies clinched the FNB Women’s Super League title.

Fuel Watch: Namibia’s fuel prices will stay unchanged for June, even as the Middle East keeps oil markets under pressure, while Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse defends July–September bulk supply arrangements and says Namibia is facing an “emergency of cost” not supply. Energy Policy: Government is also finalising rules for a state-coordinated petroleum import system by end-September to cut premiums and stabilise costs. Agriculture & Food Security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in Ohangwena, where irrigation-based farming is already producing mahangu, maize, cowpeas and sorghum ahead of harvest. Trade & AfCFTA: Women are being urged to lead AfCFTA trade as Namibia hosts an Invest in Africa expo and summit in Swakopmund, pushing deeper intra-African market access. Genocide Memory: Activists and descendants again raised concerns about missing genocide curriculum content, while communities demand broader inclusion in reparations talks. Sports: Martin “Alligator” Mukungu stunned Flame “Special One” Nangolo in Windhoek to win the WBO Africa junior lightweight title, and FC Ongos clinched the FNB Women Super League in a last-day thriller.