AGP Executive Report

Namibia–Angola Diplomacy: Namibia’s ambassador to Angola, Leonard Iipumbu, reaffirmed “excellent” bilateral ties in Cunene, citing shared liberation history and cultural links. Namibia–South Africa Bond: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and SA President Cyril Ramaphosa met in Johannesburg to reiterate strong cooperation across trade, defence, energy and regional integration, anchored by the Bi-National Commission and 150+ agreements. Energy & Infrastructure: VP Lucia Witbooi commissioned an electrification project in Gibeon’s Sunrise settlement, connecting 15 households to the national grid, while MPs pushed for reforms to protect civil servants from direct salary deductions by microlenders. Governance & Finance: NAMCOR defended its fuel procurement arrangement amid scrutiny, saying it balances affordability, supply security and sustainability; Bank of Namibia hosted Internal Audit Awareness Day; and GIPF urged to invest more at home as it launches its 2026–2029 strategy. Business & Markets: Spar says it will lean harder into private-label products to lift margins; Alexforbes is consolidating fund administration systems regionally. Transport & Digital: Windhoek expanded cashless bus payments via PayPulse; cable theft and vandalism continue to disrupt telecom services; and stray animals on the B1 corridor are set to get reflective gear. Justice: In the Ondangwa prosecutor attack case, accused Abner Mateus told the court he concealed his arrest from his nephew and argued it would be unfair to keep Petrus Shikwaya in custody. Agriculture & Trade: Hardap redistributed 253 sheep under the Small Stock Revolving Scheme, with more planned; Namibia’s April imports show petroleum oils were the biggest spend item. Regional Watch: US moves to curb birth-tourism networks by revoking hundreds of visas.

GIPF & Property: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged the Government Institutions Pension Fund to invest more in Namibia to protect its reputation, as the fund discloses its Goreangab Mall exposure and pushes a new 2026–2029 strategy. Governance & Oversight: Bank of Namibia hosted Internal Audit Awareness Day, stressing internal audit’s role in risk management and accountability. Telecom & Digital Growth: Telecom Namibia’s overhaul and fibre ambitions continue, while Angola plans to connect universities internationally to boost research and innovation. SME Financing: A new SME Fund under the ProSME project was launched to back women- and youth-led businesses with growth potential. Infrastructure Under Pressure: Cable theft and vandalism are disrupting telecom services, while stray animals on the B1 in Khomas will get reflective gear to cut night-time crashes. Energy & Trade Costs: Namibia’s April imports were led by petroleum oils, and analysts warn higher inflation pressure may follow oil-price shocks. Critical Minerals: ReconAfrica begins production testing at Kavango West-1, and Aldoro reported compelling assays at Kameelburg REE/niobium. Justice & Rule of Law: Namibia’s Prosecutor-General appointment process is under scrutiny, with calls to complete it without delay.

Oil & Inflation Watch: A Hormuz-linked oil price jump is expected to lift Namibia and South Africa’s inflation temporarily, with analysts pointing to a supply shock and weak demand keeping the cycle from turning persistent. Trade & Transport: Sea freight stayed Namibia’s top export route in April, carrying N$3.8bn (39% of exports), even as export volumes fell sharply; the trade deficit widened to N$4.4bn as uranium, nickel and gold earnings weakened. Telecom & Connectivity: Telecom Namibia and Angola’s space programme signed deals to test and trial Angosat-2 satellite services for remote areas, aiming to scale internet, voice and VPN access. Mining & Capital Markets: ReconAfrica has started production tests at Kavango West-1, targeting results by late July, while Ongwe Minerals closed its Namibian capital raise early after strong demand. Energy Governance: Namcor defended its three-month fuel supply arrangement with Vitol as “commercially beneficial,” amid parliamentary concerns about sidelining the state oil firm. Labour Rights: The ILO adopted a landmark treaty setting binding standards for gig work in the platform economy. Housing Finance: The Bankers Association warned that calls to shorten mortgage terms could price many households out of home ownership. Tourism & Diplomacy: Botswana raised concerns that more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism; meanwhile, Namibia’s diplomats pushed for economic content in new bilateral ties with several countries.

Offshore Oil Boost: QatarEnergy reports another successful offshore well in Namibia’s Orange Basin (PEL 39), the eighth success there, strengthening the case for Namibia’s growing oil sector. Fuel Pressure on Mining: High fuel prices since March are squeezing Namibia’s mining costs, with the Chamber of Mines pointing to transport inflation and noting some mines are switching to electricity where feasible. Green Hydrogen Push: //Kharas governor Gaob Gertze urges communities to shape green hydrogen projects like Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, focusing on local participation, jobs, safeguards and infrastructure. Digital Cooperation: Namibia and Angola are deepening digital ties at ANGOTIC 2026, with telecoms exploring partnerships and shared undersea-cable redundancy. Agribank x Germany Deal: Agribank signs a cooperation agreement with Germany’s DSIK to expand financial inclusion, SME support, training and agri-business financing in Southern Africa. Procurement Integrity Watch: A minister warns public entities are bypassing Namibia’s procurement price benchmarks via vague exemptions, threatening transparency and value for money. Housing Finance Debate: A fresh argument on home-loan terms highlights the tension between affordability and loan structures as Namibia faces a housing emergency. Education Ranking: Namibia places 4th in Africa for participation in lifelong learning, based on ILO indicators. Oil Deal Scrutiny: Government’s Vitol strategic fuel supplier decision is drawing renewed attention amid claims of a wider fuel network. Water Governance: Namibia appoints a new NamWater board and reiterates its commitment to global water governance and investment.

AfCFTA/AIDA Push: Namibia launched its Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa and AfCFTA Country Impact Assessment in Windhoek, flagging major unrealised export potential and urging integration into national planning. Mining Deal Watch: Bezant signed definitive financing and offtake terms for its Hope and Gorob copper-gold project, targeting first concentrate production in Q3 2026. Water Governance: Namibia reaffirmed commitment to global water governance, with officials pointing to water security as central to health, food, growth and resilience. Migration Reform: Public consultations on a new Migration Bill have concluded, with plans to modernise immigration through digital visas, permits and tracking. Diamond Beneficiation: Andre Messika Diamonds highlighted local cutting and polishing, jobs and worker ownership after a presidential factory tour. Fuel Procurement Politics: The IPC criticised the Vitol three-month fuel supply arrangement, questioning pricing, competition and the state’s guarantee stance. SME Funding Boost: A new Namibia SME fund offers grants of N$50,000–N$100,000 for eligible micro, small and medium firms, with extra support for women- and youth-led businesses. Pensions Strength: GIPF assets rose to N$221.1bn with a 119% funding level, and nearly half invested locally. Governance & Audit: Bank of Namibia hosted Internal Audit Awareness Day, stressing audit’s role in accountability and risk management. Transport Friction: Windhoek’s speed-hump controversy is reigniting debate over road safety and wider urban transport affordability.

Oil & Gas Discoveries: QatarEnergy says its Merlin-1X well in Namibia’s Orange Basin (PEL 39) hit light crude and strong reservoir data, the eighth successful well in the licence, while NAMCOR welcomed the find as further proof of Orange Basin potential. Petroleum Testing: ReconAfrica has started production testing at Kavango West 1X, moving the Damara Fold Belt closer to a commerciality call. Mining & Critical Minerals: Andrada Mining reports new high-grade lithium results from Lithium Ridge, while Bezant Resources secured US$7m financing and an offtake deal to push Hope and Gorob copper toward first production later in 2026. Banking & Retail Access: Bank Windhoek opened its Goreangab Mall Digital Banking Hub, bringing services closer to Katutura and surrounding areas. Trade Watch: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$4.4bn in April as imports outpaced exports, with petroleum oils and vehicles among the biggest import drivers. Local Governance: Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa warned councils not to expect bailouts if they fail to submit audited statements, collect revenue and improve service delivery. Marine Conservation: Namibia protects just 1.69% of marine territory, far short of the 30% “30 by 30” goal. Road Safety: IPC MP Nelson Kalangula criticised speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass as reactive and harmful to a key economic corridor. Community & Social Policy: Rural women’s groups urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy; meanwhile, the first gentleman pushed for better education outcomes for boys.

Orange Basin Oil Update: Shell, with QatarEnergy and Namcor, says its Merlin-1X well in PEL 0039 offshore Namibia delivered the most promising subsurface results so far—good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas—pushing the Orange Basin closer to commerciality. Fuel Deal Scrutiny: Parliament grilled the government over a N$7.2bn emergency fuel contract awarded to Vitol Bahrain, with concerns raised that bypassing Namcor could weaken Namibia’s downstream competitiveness and fuel security. High Seas Treaty Stance: Namibia will only accede to the UN High Seas Treaty once it has the capacity to implement and benefit from marine biodiversity protections beyond national waters. Telecom Overhaul: Telecom Namibia appointed Synercap Capital for a strategic transformation and restructuring review, aiming to modernise operations, improve customer experience and identify new revenue opportunities. National Airline Plans: Government says a feasibility study for a new national airline is completed and under review, with a steering committee now driving the process. Local Governance & Payments: Karibib Town Council faces a claim of over N$300,000 for unpaid excavation work, including alleged “retention” withholding and extra instructions outside the original scope. Blue Economy Move: AGL Energies Namibia and Kelp Blue signed a cooperation framework to build sustainable coastal logistics and value chains, anchored in Lüderitz. Business & Finance: FNB was named Africa’s Best SME Bank for 2026, while Bank Windhoek launched its first Coffee Extravaganza drawing strong public turnout. Energy Sector Context: South Africa’s energy minister Gwede Mantashe urged more refining capacity and strategic fuel stocks, warning against a rushed shift away from conventional fuels. Social Issues: Namibia’s new no-fault divorce law took effect on 3 June, with traditional leaders weighing how it will mesh with customary practices.

Offshore Oil Update: Shell-led partners (with QatarEnergy and NAMCOR) struck oil at PEL 0039 offshore Namibia after drilling Merlin-1X, reporting good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas—its best subsurface results so far, boosting Orange Basin confidence. Student Finance: Government injected an extra N$247m into NSFAF to speed up delayed student payments under the Stef model, with non-tuition allowances processing starting in April and disbursements expected this week. Banking & Inclusion: Bank Windhoek opened the Goreangab Digital Banking Hub in Windhoek, bringing in-person support plus self-service options to Katutura/Goreangab residents and creating new access points during the mall’s launch. Public Debt Watch: Bank of Namibia warned debt could climb to about 70% of GDP if spending reforms stall; debt is already at 65.2% of GDP. Critical Minerals & Mining: Askari Metals reported “outstanding” Phase I trenching results at its K9 pegmatite target at Uis, highlighting tin, lithium, tantalum and more in a key district. Uranium Growth: Elevate Uranium lifted its Marenica resource by 31% to 52.8 Mlb U3O8 via infill drilling. Media Cooperation: NBC and NAMPA renewed their partnership to deepen content sharing and newsroom collaboration. Green Hydrogen Planning: Kharas stakeholders consulted on Namibia’s Climate Investment Fund plan to unlock up to $250m for green hydrogen, with a focus on local benefits and skills. Transport Safety Push: A new piece argues Namibia’s public transport sector should pioneer passenger protection insurance. Health Warning: WHO/IAEA/IARC imPACT mission highlights Namibia’s cancer cases could rise sharply by 2045 without stronger prevention and early detection.

Oil & Gas: QatarEnergy says its Merlin-1X well offshore Namibia (PEL 0039) hit light oil with good reservoir quality and limited associated gas, the tenth well under the licence and the strongest results so far, boosting confidence in the Orange Basin. Public Finance Oversight: A SADC model law on public funds management is gaining traction as lawmakers push for stronger accountability and better parliamentary capacity to scrutinise spending. Anti-Corruption: Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned a ministry of health tender official linked to allegations of procurement manipulation and pharmaceutical theft. Fiscal Risk: The Bank of Namibia warns public debt could climb to around 70% of GDP if spending reforms stall, with interest costs already set to bite into revenue. Health & Human Capital: Namibia could see 6,300+ new cancer cases annually by 2045 (up 84%), as officials cite late diagnosis and weak rural screening. Mining & Critical Minerals: Andrada Mining reports further high-grade lithium at Lithium Ridge (up to 3.46% Li2O) alongside tin and tantalum, while Ongwe Minerals flags a new multikilometre gold anomaly at Omatjete. Trade & Regional Integration: Namibia’s April trade shows Africa remains central—over half of exports and imports are with African partners. Housing Finance: Prime Minister Ngurare questions long repayment periods in housing finance, calling for reforms to make homeownership affordable for young people. Digital Connectivity: CRAN received 624 reconsideration applications after its Starlink licence decision, reflecting intense public interest in telecom competition. Agribusiness & Jobs: A N$40m push advances Namibia’s offshore salmon farming plans near Lüderitz, with underwriting agreements moving the project forward.

Sports & Governance: Namibia has denied it will form part of any Southern African co-hosting bid for the 2028 AFCON, saying no government approval, authorisation or budget commitments have been made. Energy & Investment: ReconAfrica has begun production testing at its Kavango West 1X discovery, planning six zone tests over about 420 metres to assess commercial oil and gas potential in the Damara Fold Belt. Marine Conservation: Namibia’s marine protection remains very low, with only 1.69% of marine areas under conservation protection, as the country pushes to meet the “30 by 30” target. Health & Policy: The WHO has launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and financing, with recommendations to strengthen cancer control. Telecom & Finance: MTC reported interim results showing revenue up 7.1% to N$1.95bn and profit after tax up 1.6% to about N$512m, alongside an interim dividend of N$358.35m. Transport Transition: Government launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, aimed at informing a possible nationwide charging network. Public Finance: The finance ministry hosted an outcome-based budget reform workshop as fiscal space tightens amid rising debt and geopolitical risks. Oil & Gas Sector: A Namibia Oil and Gas Strategic Conference (NOGC 2026) is set to bring together policymakers and investors to shape a roadmap for maximising value from the sector. Retail Fuel Dispute: Fuel retailers accuse Nasan of failing to honour supply and cash-incentive promises, while the company faces formal notice from FAFA. Solar Governance Row: The Presidency rejected claims linking President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s family to a proposed N$612m solar project tied to the Tsumeb smelter. Rural Development: Capricorn Foundation approved an additional N$1.2m for Rural Revive to consolidate systems and scale rural livelihoods in Maltahöhe.

Youth & Jobs: Swakopmund wrapped up its Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative with 85 young entrepreneurs supported, 2,489 applications received, and N$1 million in equipment handed out. Health & Skills: Hope Home-Based Health Care and Welwitschia University signed an MoU to expand practical training placements for nursing and social work students. Media & Gender: National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer media coverage of women leaders, saying reporting often targets personal conduct over performance. Energy & Environment: Environmental lawyers warn Namibia’s renewable push must be backed by strong enforcement to protect ecosystems; they stress implementation, monitoring and legal safeguards. Broadcasting Partnership: NBC and MultiChoice Namibia reaffirmed plans to strengthen access to NBC content via DStv and digital platforms. Oil & Gas Watch: ReconAfrica has started production testing at Kavango West 1X, moving closer to assessing commercial viability in Namibia’s Damara Fold Belt. Electricity Costs: The Electricity Control Board says Namibia’s geography and grid coverage challenges help drive high power costs, while renewable adoption could ease pressure. Telecom Reliability: CRAN ordered Telecom Namibia to stabilise its network, giving it four months to address nationwide outages linked to equipment failures, power issues, fibre breaks and copper theft. Sports & Economy: Namibia denied involvement in a proposed Southern Africa AFCON 2028 bid, saying no authorisation or budget commitments were made. Housing Crisis Ideas: A Bank of Namibia symposium highlighted five pathways to tackle Namibia’s housing deficit, including incremental upgrading and self-help models. Trade & Value Chains: Namibia’s hides and skins exports remain dominated by raw hides, with South Africa taking the largest share. Energy Transition Finance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said Namibia will accelerate budget reforms as Middle East tensions raise inflation, trade costs and growth risks.

Korea–Africa ties: Namibia joined a Seoul meeting of African and Korean foreign ministers to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, agriculture and sustainable development, with AfCFTA integration and food-security concerns high on the agenda. Fuel market controversy: In Parliament, Energy Minister Modestus Amutse clarified that “there is only one Vitol” entity supplying Namibia’s fuel, after questions over which Vitol unit won a sole-supplier mandate worth about N$2.4bn a month. Credit conditions: FNB reports Namibia’s private-sector credit growth improved in April to 4.8% year-on-year, driven mainly by a rebound in overdraft lending, while longer-term borrowing demand stayed subdued. NamPost leadership: NamPost appointed Rivan Meyer as Executive: Financial Services to strengthen financial offerings and accelerate digital transformation. Local business & jobs: Pupkewitz Goldwagen opened a new Windhoek parts branch, creating 17 jobs and expanding access to vehicle parts and services. Governance & accountability: 14 regional governors will begin State of the Region Addresses from Monday, linking national priorities to grassroots implementation. Uranium outlook: A market analysis argues the 2026 uranium deficit is larger than expected as supply tightens and demand rises, including from AI-driven data centres. Media freedom: Namibia’s Seventh African Media Barometer on the country highlights that media freedom needs constant vigilance, not complacency.

Regional Accountability: Namibia’s 14 governors will start delivering State of the Region Addresses from Monday, linking national priorities to grassroots delivery and outlining budgets, projects and social progress. Fuel Market Politics: Energy Minister Modestus Amutse’s move to grant Vitol an exclusive fuel import mandate has sparked fresh claims of market capture and bypassing competition rules, with parliament clarifying “there is only one Vitol.” Katutura Retail Push: Goreangab Mall’s opening is being framed as economic transformation, with claims of hundreds of jobs and better access for residents—plus reduced transport costs. Municipal Cash Crunch: Councils face a looming deadline as government ministries and businesses owe more than N$162m, with threats of service cut-offs for non-payment. Pension Disruptions: Over 15,000 pensioners reportedly had old-age grants suspended after missing verification, leaving some families without income. Waste & Health: Oshikoto’s disposable nappy disposal problem is worsening, with illegal dumping and limited facilities highlighted in regional planning. Mining & Jobs: Pupkewitz Goldwagen opened a new Windhoek parts branch, creating 17 jobs and expanding vehicle parts access.

Fuel & energy governance: Namibia’s Presidency rejects IPC claims linking President Nandi-Ndaitwah to a N$612m Sinomine solar project, saying the matter concerns private arrangements and regulatory processes. Tender clarity: Minister Modestus Amutse says there is “only one Vitol” for Namibia’s sole fuel supply arrangement, despite multiple entities. Local government cash crunch: Councils are chasing over N$162m as service cut-offs loom over unpaid municipal bills by ministries, institutions and businesses. Housing pressure: IPC tables a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing crisis a national emergency, citing a backlog of 300,000+ units and slow land servicing. Social protection strain: Over 15,000 pensioners face suspended old-age grants after missing verification, raising humanitarian concerns. Business & jobs: Goreangab Mall opens in Katutura, hailed as economic transformation with hundreds of jobs and improved access for residents. Student cost-of-living: UNAM students question the impact of fuel-price relief measures on daily expenses. Regional trade push: President urges Namibian business to use AfCFTA to expand trade beyond borders. Crime update: Windhoek reports a 14% drop in murders in early 2026, with theft and armed robberies mixed.

Ship Repair & Offshore Energy: Ghana’s Takoradi Floating Dock Project (Shiprite) secured US$9.7m funding to expand West Africa’s ship repair capacity, with financing led by Afreximbank and support from PIDG and other development banks. Windhoek Safety: Murders fell 14% in Windhoek in the first five months of 2026, alongside drops in robberies, theft and break-ins, though armed robberies and vehicle theft rose. Gender & Media: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged NBC to portray women leaders more fairly, warning biased coverage discourages women from public life. Retail & Jobs in Katutura: President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the new Goreangab Mall as a symbol of economic transformation, citing job creation and improved access for residents. Fuel Relief Under Scrutiny: UNAM students questioned whether government fuel-price cushioning is easing daily costs, saying the impact is limited for students and low-income households. Student Funding Update: Education Ministry says NSFAF is clearing outstanding payments and will process non-tuition fees weekly from mid-June. Housing Crisis Push: IPC tabled a motion to declare Namibia’s urban housing backlog a national emergency, citing slow land servicing and affordability constraints. Local Business Recognition: Roof of Africa Craft Brewery won gold and silver at the 2026 African Beer Cup, reinforcing its brand momentum.

AI & Politics: A fake AI-generated presidential speech went viral, but the president has rejected it as fabrication—highlighting how hunger for moral leadership can spread misinformation fast. Housing Crisis: IPC wants Namibia’s urban housing backlog (over 300,000 units) declared a national emergency, citing slow land servicing and affordability pressures. Energy & Industry: Opposition leader Panduleni Itula questions a N$612m solar deal tied to the Tsumeb smelter, alleging links to the president’s sons and calling for full disclosure. Business & Trade: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged firms to use AfCFTA to expand beyond borders, pointing to low intra-Africa trade. Mining & Power: Koryx Copper signed an MoU with NamPower for grid connection planning for the Haib project, advancing its pre-feasibility work. Finance & Markets: Namibia Asset Management marked 30 years, with the sector urged toward deeper financial inclusion and literacy. Media & Governance: NBC reaffirmed its public service mandate at 35, while the ombudsman warned fear still limits freedom and participation. Food Prices: Tiger Brands warned some categories may face price hikes as fuel and input costs bite. Local Economy: Capricorn Foundation added N$1.2m to RuralRevive to scale desert-based rural development in Maltahöhe.