AGP Executive Report

Digital Skills Push: Huawei’s ICT Congress in Windhoek put AI, cloud and “smart infrastructure” front and centre, with a five-year plan to grow Namibia’s digital workforce (1,000 ICT learners and 50 engineers targeted) and links to NUST’s secure high-performance computing work. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: A new “Internet of Animals” satellite-style tracking concept is being tested to spot poaching intrusions in real time, using GPS-tagged wildlife and orbit-based monitoring. Media & Labour: The Namibia Media Professionals Union elected new leadership, vowing to defend journalists’ rights and enforce labour laws. Corporate Strategy: OL unveiled a major “One OL” rebrand tied to Vision 2029 targets, including N$2.5bn EBIT ambitions. Food & Jobs Pressure: FAO says Namibia still imports nearly half its mahangu, even as a new OCOP push aims to lift production and value chains. Maritime Enforcement: The Namibian Navy intercepted an illegal fishing vessel near the Angola border, with crew facing court.

Africa Day Reality Check: An Africa Day op-ed calls out the “montage” of pride versus the daily baseline of survival—unemployment, food price pressure, weak infrastructure, energy insecurity and debt—arguing the continent’s strength is being tested, not celebrated. Debt & Development Risk: Fitch’s warning that Namibia’s debt could hit 66% of GDP in 2026, with interest swallowing 18% of revenue, puts hard limits on spending choices. Food Security: FAO says Namibia still imports nearly half its mahangu, even though it’s the staple for most people—production gaps tied to drought and low yields. Energy Transition Finance: GreenCo lands US$10m equity from Sanlam Alternative Investments, backing regional renewable power trading and expansion across Southern Africa. Legal & Corporate: Meatco pushes to raise its Liebenberg lawsuit claim to over N$7.5m, alleging a “cash cow” scheme. Safety & Readiness: Walvis Bay airport upgrades firefighting capacity; firefighters mark International Firefighters Day while warning equipment and mental health support remain critical.

Aviation Safety Upgrade: Walvis Bay International Airport just got a new Rosenbauer rescue-and-firefighting vehicle, aimed at boosting emergency response capacity and helping the airport handle larger aircraft while meeting evolving international standards. Regional Trade Tension: A fresh pushback on Botswana’s SACU agricultural import bans argues they’re protectionism in disguise—disrupting South African farmers and raising costs for Botswana consumers unless there’s a real disease or risk trigger. Maritime Enforcement: Namibia’s Navy intercepted a foreign-flagged vessel for suspected illegal fishing near the northern border, with 22 crew expected to face charges. Business Strategy & Earnings: OL set a Vision 2029 target of N$2.5bn EBIT and unveiled a major “One OL” rebrand; Oceana reported improved Namibia performance despite lower horse mackerel landings, supported by stronger pricing and fuel hedging gains. Health & Skills Pressure: Medicine shortages remain a political and operational headache, while Namibia’s green hydrogen push is being tied to urgent education and skills reform. Conservation & Food Security: Young Namibians were urged to protect bees on World Bee Day, and a new “Namibia for Life” finance-for-permanence deal is set to secure long-term conservancy support.

Medicine Supply Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured Fabupharm in Otjiwarongo, praising local pharma as a way to cut import dependence—while admitting medicine shortages are giving her “sleepless nights” as public stock levels sit around 60% and doctors warn patients are still being turned away. Fiscal Pressure: Fitch says Namibia’s government debt could climb to 66% of GDP in 2026, with interest costs taking 18% of revenue, even as growth is expected to stay modest. Land Reform Reset: The Ministry of Agriculture appointed new Land Reform Advisory Commission members for a four-year term (1 May 2026–30 April 2029), aiming to tackle inequality and speed up redistribution. Green Hydrogen Governance: IPPR’s Green Hydrogen Monitor urges real community dialogue before projects roll out, flagging transparency and local benefit concerns. Energy Trade Context: South Africa’s Eskom exported nearly twice as much electricity as it imported in 2024 as load-shedding eased—an external backdrop for Namibia’s own power and cost pressures. Youth & Skills: Omaheke youth are training in scriptwriting and filmmaking via NBC Drama School, while a separate initiative looks to turn youth centres into multi-purpose hubs.

Brand Reset: OL has unveiled a reinvented identity built around “One OL” — one culture, one persona and a merged integrated mark — in what it calls its biggest visual change in over 100 years. Land Reform Push: Namibia has appointed a new Land Reform Advisory Commission to tackle historical inequality, running from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2029. Mining Jobs Fallout: Industries minister Modestus Amutse says his ministry will investigate claims that CVs submitted for jobs linked to a Karibib mining contractor were dumped in the open. Copper Prospecting with AI: Botswana Minerals reports AI-assisted work in northern Botswana flagged 36 copper anomalies across six corridors, with fieldwork to follow. Local Value Chains: Mangetti-based cooking oil production is gaining traction in Kavango West as seed buying ramps up. Youth Centres Upgrade: A youth initiative will turn existing youth centres into multi-purpose hubs for skills, enterprise and jobs, starting with pilots in Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Gobabis. Energy Trade Watch: South Africa exported almost double the electricity it imported in 2024 as load-shedding eased, but prices stayed high.

Haib Copper Drilling Update: Koryx Copper says it’s now running 14 rigs at the Haib project, reporting 17 infill and expansion holes that confirm consistent copper mineralisation and could lift average grades—an updated MRE is set to feed an updated PEA before mid-2026. Fuel Shock & Cost Pressure: Across Africa, volatile oil prices are pushing up transport, food and power costs, with governments scrambling subsidies and tax cuts as public anger grows. Mahangu Boost: Namibia launched an FAO-backed US$250,000 project in Oshakati to raise pearl millet (mahangu) productivity and move it from subsistence to a more commercial value chain, running to August 2027. Medicine Shortage Fight: Doctors at public hospitals dispute the health ministry’s claim that medicine stocks are improving, saying patients are still being sent home without lifesaving drugs. Windhoek Tap Safety Scrutiny: Residents are demanding lab results after a suspected murder victim was found at a water treatment facility, raising fresh questions about oversight and transparency. Bees for Food Security: President Nandi-Ndaitwah marked World Bee Day with a call to protect pollinators amid threats from climate change, pesticides and habitat loss. Windhoek Ride-Hailing Permits: Drivers warn a Road Transport Authority permitting backlog is threatening their ability to earn, even after they’ve submitted required documents. Bank of Namibia Watch: BoN is preparing for Namibia’s oil future, sharing lessons with central banks in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

Energy Deal: Shell’s Uruguay offshore push just got a boost as QatarEnergy bought stakes in three blocks from Shell’s subsidiary, marking QatarEnergy’s first upstream entry into the country and deepening ties with Shell. Health & Governance: In Windhoek, residents are demanding lab results after a suspected murder victim was found at a water treatment facility, while doctors at public hospitals dispute the health minister’s claim that medicine stocks are improving—saying patients are still being sent home without lifesaving drugs. Transport & Cost of Living: Windhoek ride-hailing drivers warn a permitting backlog could strip compliant operators of income, and a new taxi fare increase is landing unevenly, with drivers in smaller towns saying it barely covers costs. Finance & Markets: Trustco urges caution as its delisting process continues, and Bank of Namibia officials are benchmarking East African central banks on digital finance and oil-sector readiness. Trade & Industry: Namibia’s export strategy gets a spotlight as China’s zero-tariff access expands, while Swakopmund gears up for an AfCFTA-focused trade and investment expo.

Green Ammonia Deal: Coega’s green ammonia push just locked in Danish Topsoe for about R16.7bn to supply electrolyser cell tech, aiming for 1-million tonnes by 2030 and setting up front-end engineering in Q3 2026. Agriculture Skills Upgrade: Namibia’s Agriculture Ministry says it will convert agricultural centres into full training centres by 2027, starting with work at Tsumis to boost farmer skills and food self-sufficiency. Inclusive Training: The CBPVS graduation spotlights a two-year pre-vocational pathway for learners with special educational needs, designed to bridge skills gaps into work and further training. Fuel, Cost of Living Pressure: Taxi operators report the new N$15 fare brings little relief outside Windhoek, while the wider fuel-price squeeze continues to hit students and low-income households hardest. Mining Earnings Watch: B2Gold posted stronger Q1 results, with Namibia’s Otjikoto Mine beating internal expectations on ore grades despite lower output. SADC Consumer Strain: Famous Brands’ SADC profits fell as discretionary spending weakens in markets like Botswana and Zambia. Legal Tensions: Josef Andreas escalates defamation claims over Facebook posts, while Nasan appeals a fuel sourcing ban tied to its recent station acquisition.

Municipal Enforcement: Windhoek says it has resolved the Havana informal settlement dispute by revising conditions for an unapproved house—allowing only approved completion works while the owner must demolish and rebuild at the correct site if they want to use the property. Transport Costs: A new N$15 taxi fare takes effect nationwide, but drivers in Katima Mulilo and Oshakati say it brings little relief outside Windhoek, with commuters still pushing down prices. Legal Pressure on Business Reputations: Joseph Andreas is pursuing defamation claims over Facebook posts, demanding apologies, takedowns and N$250,000 damages per respondent. Fuel Market Rules: Nasan Energies appeals a Namibian Competition Commission decision blocking it from sourcing fuel from Vitol and related firms for five years, arguing the conditions are too restrictive. Energy & Industry: Anglo American agreed to sell its Australian steelmaking coal business for up to US$3.875bn as it reshapes its portfolio. Housing Affordability: FNB’s index puts the average Namibian home at N$1.44m, driven by supply shortages and strong demand. Health Supply Watch: The health ministry says medicine deliveries are improving, but stock levels remain below target.

Courtroom Shock: Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni’s criminal case was struck off the roll after the prosecutor failed to appear, abruptly ending proceedings in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court where he and others faced money laundering and extortion charges. Exploration Push: Kaoko Metals has kicked off field work at its Chalkos copper-silver and Karibib gold-copper-tungsten projects, following a $6.5m IPO. Health Pressure: Namibia’s health ministry says several essential medicines are understocked or out of stock, with emergency procurement and bulk supplies underway. Housing Fallout: Rundu residents say they’ve been paying mortgages since 2022 for unfinished homes, while the developer cites delays beyond its control. Water Tech Hope: Stanford researchers report a solar-powered hydrogel that can produce drinking water from air and last for 190+ cycles. Agriculture Skills: Namibia and China/FAO are training farmers at Tsumis Arid Zone Agricultural Centre as agricultural centres move toward training institutions by 2027. Energy & Trade: EU/Namibia financing progress is still slow on a €500m EIB framework loan, while NSX trading hit N$52.4m for the week.

Food Security Push: Namibia is looking to Kenya’s zero-grazing dairy model to boost milk output and strengthen mixed farming, with Kenya’s smallholders showing how cut-and-carry feeding can support families even as insecurity and funding gaps bite. Health Pressure: The health ministry says essential medicines are understocked or out of stock, triggering emergency procurement and longer-term bulk supply plans—while the opposition Asoli Progressive Party accuses the presidency of “deafening silence.” Agriculture Skills: Namibia and China, with FAO, are training farmers at Tsumis Arid Zone Agricultural Centre, including poultry biosecurity and feed management, as agricultural centres are set to become training institutions by 2027. Critical Minerals & Water: Kazera says interest is growing in its Aftan tantalum-lithium project, while Rosh Pinah Zinc commissioned a new water treatment plant to cut reliance on Orange River water. Marine Protection: The Benguela Current Convention approved a new 2023–2028 marine protection plan for Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Digital & Connectivity: MTC is expanding service access in Windhoek’s Okuryangava with a temporary retail structure while permanent plans progress.

Digital Push: ICT Minister Emma Theofelus says Namibia can’t wait for “ideal conditions” to unlock its digital economy, urging faster adoption and stronger public-private collaboration—especially to build ICT skills for women. Green Industry Setup: Cabinet has approved a Green Industries Council to steer Namibia’s green industrialisation, jobs and diversification, chaired by the National Planning Commission DG. Mining & Investment Signals: Koryx Copper reports wide, consistent Haib drill intercepts as it ramps up rigs and processing work, while Appian Capital buys 95% of the Omitiomire copper project, targeting production and major investment. Sports & Community: Windhoek’s Power Pedal cycling series drew strong fields on the airport road circuit, and Namibia’s beef sector is still holding access to lucrative markets despite pressure. Finance & Fraud: A major fraud complaint pattern involving Standard Bank is again in the spotlight, with victims alleging opaque handling and settlement demands. Fishing Watch: Namibia temporarily eased horse mackerel trawling depth rules to 150m, drawing sustainability and trade concerns.

Earth Science Breakthrough: Researchers say a new tectonic plate boundary may be forming in Zambia, with mantle gases rising through hot springs along the Kafue Rift—strong signs the rift is truly active. Banking Fraud Fallout: Namibia and South Africa are facing a fraud crisis tied to Standard Bank’s handling of complaints, with victims describing fast account drains and settlement offers linked to “silence.” Fisheries Policy: Namibia has eased horse mackerel trawling depth limits for a wet-landed sector, triggering fresh sustainability and fairness concerns as quotas were also adjusted. Health & Skills: IUM is building a 120-bed private hospital near Ondangwa, while a new National Work Integrated Learning policy aims to tighten the link between classroom training and workplace experience. Industry Push: Cabinet approved a Green Industries Council to steer green industrialisation and jobs. Agriculture & Trade: Namibia’s beef sector is holding strong on export access, even as climate and cost pressures rise.

Budget Push for Youth & Sports: Namibia’s National Council approved N$750m for sports, youth and national service, but MPs want more—especially for multipurpose youth centres across all 14 regions and a stronger arts-and-culture angle to reach young people beyond academics. Rural Electrification Pressure: In the same budget debate, lawmakers urged MIME to accelerate rural power rollout so communities, schools and even kindergartens can “be in the light,” warning some localities are left out without transformers. EU Partnership Extended: Namibia and the EU extended their Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, doubling down on renewable hydrogen and critical minerals value chains. Mining Momentum: Koryx Copper reported standout Haib drill results, with wide copper intercepts and byproduct credits, while ReconAfrica says Kavango West-1X production testing starts before month-end. Energy & Trade Shock Context: With global shipping rerouting after Strait of Hormuz disruption, West Africa is seeing a surge in marine fuel and logistics demand.

Maritime Pivot: With Strait of Hormuz disruption reshaping global trade, shipping firms are rerouting around Africa and pouring into West Africa for refuelling, repairs and logistics—pushing marine fuel demand higher and drawing new players like Minerva Bunkering into Mauritania. Mining Momentum: Koryx Copper says 17 Haib drill holes delivered consistent, wide intercepts up to 599m, with CuEq grades above its earlier resource estimate—while ReconAfrica moves toward Kavango West-1X production testing within weeks. Power & Cost Pressure: Namibia’s diesel prices remain a key inflation driver, and rural electrification is back in the spotlight as NC members urge faster, more affordable rollout beyond schools and far-remote localities. Insurance for Resilience: Africa Re warns weak insurance markets are quietly slowing industrialisation and urges governments to treat insurance and reinsurance as core development tools. Food & Trade Strain: Namibia’s potato imports still dominate consumption, and the wider region continues to feel the knock-on effects of energy and shipping shocks. Policy & Governance: MPs push for mining wealth to translate into local development, not “peanuts,” as governance gaps keep recurring across sectors.

Ocean Finance Push: Blue bonds are growing fast globally, but Namibia’s ocean-and-climate funding gap remains—issuance is still tiny versus the wider sustainable bond market, with project pipelines and investor rules holding it back. Media Exchange: Lesotho’s TV chief visited NBC to learn how Namibia is converging radio and TV news into a more digital, integrated newsroom model. Trade Independence Call: Namibia’s VP Lucia Witbooi urged Africa to cut dependence on external markets and push intra-African trade and industrialisation through practical partnerships, not just agreements. Film Support: The Namibia Film Commission opened applications for festival and market backing—covering travel, accreditation, visas and subsistence for May 2026–March 2027 events. Health Supply Shock: With medicine shortages hitting hospitals, a “sangoma economy” narrative is gaining traction as people turn to traditional healers while pharmacies struggle. Connectivity Upgrade: A new Atlantic subsea cable plan (Via Africa) aims to boost resilience and bandwidth diversity across West Africa. Energy Reality Check: Ruacana’s water flow is still the swing factor for Namibia’s power imports, with local generation dipping below half in early 2026. Mining Watch: ReconAfrica says Kavango West 1X production testing is edging toward late May, while Oceana extended CEO Neville Brink to end-2027.