AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Energy Policy: Namibia’s fuel market stays under the microscope as government defends a temporary exclusive supply arrangement with Vitol, while MPs and critics question competition and licensing compliance. Competition & Mining: NaCC approved CNNC’s minority stake in Bannerman Energy’s Etango uranium project, but added conditions focused on jobs, skills and Namibian participation; it also cleared TotalEnergies’ licence interest exchanges. Shipping & Trade: A new study links higher shipping traffic in South African waters to whale strike risks, with rerouting limited by missing offshore whale data—raising pressure for coordinated maritime measures. Renewables & Engineering: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a utility-scale wind turbine in Namibia using a crane-less approach, a potential cost and speed boost for remote wind projects. Local Industry & Jobs: Dis-Chem reported stronger revenue across retail and wholesale in Namibia (Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay) despite earnings pressure from investments. Water & Infrastructure: NamWater rescheduled a Von Bach Treatment Plant outage to 5 June, affecting Windhoek and other key customers. Skills & Youth: ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa 2.0 launched with a focus on STEM and AI for 14–17-year-olds, building on prior Namibia participation.

Aquaculture Push: A Blue Food Innovation Summit says Africa could become aquaculture’s next growth frontier, citing strong seafood demand (with many countries importing) and the need for better feed, seed and management inputs. Local Jobs & Skills: In Swakopmund’s Mondesa, a woodworking project using discarded pallets has grown into steady work for youth, turning craft training into real income. Food Security Watch: President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured Kavango East green schemes, praising improved yields despite heavy rainfall, while flagging ageing equipment and transport/market access as bottlenecks. Fuel Market Scrutiny: Government defended consolidating Namibia’s fuel imports under a temporary Vitol arrangement, but questions remain around competition, transparency and conflicts of interest. Oil & Gas Deals: Namibia’s Competition Commission approved a TotalEnergies licence interest exchange, while also clearing CNNC Overseas’ Etango uranium-related investment with conditions for jobs, skills and local SME participation. Uranium Investor Access: Atomic Eagle upgraded its US trading to OTCQX to broaden North American investor reach as nuclear demand themes build. Labour Rights: Namibia’s Justice ministry welcomed an ICJ advisory opinion affirming the right to strike under international labour law. SME & Finance: The Bank of Namibia says easing banking fees will take time as new rules roll out, with banks still earning heavily from fee income. Infrastructure & Trade: Swakopmund upgraded mole facilities for SMEs and safety, and Namib Poultry Industries is among those affected by a planned Von Bach water outage. Sports & Community: Tour de Windhoek 2026 was launched for 13–16 August, with Pupkewitz Megabuild continuing as title sponsor.

Fuel & Competition: Namibia’s emergency fuel deal with Vitol for July–September is drawing political heat over how a sole-supplier arrangement was awarded, with MPs questioning process and market concentration. Banking Costs: The Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease only gradually as new rules roll out, while banks’ fee income remains a major share of earnings. Oil & Gas Local Content: A new Namibia-focused explainer argues SMEs must get ready for upcoming oil contract opportunities, from camps supply and logistics to engineering and safety services. Inflation Watch: Fuel-driven transport costs are pushing inflation higher, with analysts warning May pressures could persist if Middle East tensions escalate. Agriculture & Food Security: Kavango East’s Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme has reached full utilisation of agricultural land, supporting maize, wheat and horticulture. Financial Regulation: Namibia’s Fima implementation marks a push for stronger oversight and consumer protection in the non-banking sector. Mining & Industry: Haib Copper’s update highlights process flow improvements using coarse particle flotation to boost grade and cut waste. Transport & Safety: TransNamib received an independent report on the Rovos Rail derailment, reinforcing rail safety and operational reforms. Digital Skills: ExxonMobil Foundation launched STEM Africa 2.0 to train 4,000 learners in STEM and AI across Namibia and neighbouring countries. Aviation & Tourism: Edelweiss starts nonstop Zurich–Windhoek flights, adding capacity from July. Regional Trade: Swakopmund’s Invest in Africa summit pushed AfCFTA implementation beyond policy promises toward logistics, finance and industrialisation.

Green Hydrogen Race: Morocco is pushing to become a green hydrogen hub with its “Offre Maroc” plan, targeting up to one million hectares for hydrogen projects and banking on solar, wind and port build-out—while competition across Africa (including Namibia) heats up. Fuel Supply & Competition: Namibia’s emergency fuel deal with Vitol for July–September is drawing political scrutiny over process and market concentration, as Parliament questions whether a single-supplier approach undermines competition. Financial Sector Reform: Bank of Namibia says banking fees will ease gradually under new payment and financial regulation, with progress expected over the next three years. Banking & Inflation Pressure: FNB flags inflation risks from fuel-driven transport costs even as private sector credit growth improves, with overdrafts rebounding. Agriculture & Food Security: President Nandi-Ndaitwah reports full utilisation at Uvhungu-Vhungu and strong projected output across Kavango East green schemes, including maize and winter crops. Regulation & Markets: Namibia’s Fima law is now in force, strengthening oversight and consumer protection in non-banking finance. Mining & Energy Projects: Paladin shares jump on uranium momentum tied to Namibia’s Langer Heinrich ramp-up, while Koryx Copper updates Haib development progress. Transport & Safety: TransNamib receives an independent report on the Rovos derailment, pointing to continued rail safety reforms. STEM Skills: ExxonMobil Foundation launches STEM Africa 2.0 to train 4,000 learners in STEM and AI across Namibia and other countries.

Energy & Mining Dealmaking: Aura Energy says it’s targeting a final investment decision by end-2026 for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania after signing an MoU with a “major” nuclear utility, with funding talks including U.S. DFC senior debt and a potential cornerstone equity move. Power Finance: Fitch rates NamPower in better liquidity and leverage shape than Eskom, noting Eskom’s heavier reliance on government support amid tariff and municipal-debt pressure. Extractives Tax Focus: NamRA is stepping up extractives-sector tax compliance, using ATAF technical support to better spot risks like transfer pricing, VAT refunds and aggressive planning. Fuel Supply Politics: Opposition is demanding answers on Namibia’s three-month exclusive fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, questioning the lack of competitive tendering and pricing terms. Agriculture & Food Security: President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised strong performance at Kavango green schemes, including full land utilisation at Uvhungu-Vhungu and output gains at Kavango East’s SHADIKONGORO Green Scheme. Retail & Consumer Goods: Lewis Group plans 40 new stores in 2027 after earnings rose 18%, signalling continued consumer demand and credit-driven sales growth. Telecom Regulation: Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda was appointed Executive Secretary of CRASA, pushing regional regulator harmonisation as network modernisation continues. Governance & Industry Oversight: Namibia’s National Assembly is set to prioritise land, petroleum and public enterprises governance bills as MPs resume.

Fuel & inflation watch: Namibia’s inflation outlook is turning more worrying as fuel and transport costs feed into prices; FNB lifted its 2026 average inflation forecast to 4.7% and flagged a cost-driven squeeze on households. Balance of payments: The current account deficit widened to N$10.4bn (14.5% of GDP) in Q4 2025 as service payments and income outflows rose, even with gold and uranium export strength. Mining jobs: Namibia’s mining sector sustained 166,000+ direct and indirect jobs in 2025, with strong local procurement and continued project momentum in uranium, gold and copper. Agriculture under pressure: Musese Green Scheme maize output fell to about 4,800 tonnes after excessive early rainfall; meanwhile, President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised full land utilisation at Uvhungu-Vhungu and highlighted a garlic trial at Sikondo. Energy & fuel supply: Government and industry continue to juggle fuel supply arrangements and costs, with new short-term supply deals and debate around who should supply Namibia. Regulation & finance: Namfisa appointed a new board to strengthen governance and oversight in the non-bank financial sector. Digital safety: South Africa topped Africa for suspected digital fraud in 2025, a reminder for Namibia’s fintech and consumer protection agenda. STEM & innovation: Merck’s Curiosity Cube brought hands-on science to Pretoria learners, while South Africa’s TIA 2.0 pushes a systems-based innovation model. Trade & industry links: Namibia’s industries keep looking outward, from AfCFTA growth talk at Swakopmund to Amutse’s Manufacturing Indaba panel in Johannesburg.

Fuel Procurement Shake-up: Namibia’s Industries, Mines and Energy has directed fuel companies to source bulk petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol for July–September 2026, with the minister saying it avoids premiums and taxpayer support—while critics question transparency and possible conflicts. Energy Fund Pressure: The National Energy Fund is “almost exhausted”, with government absorbing about N$47.2m in June fuel costs to keep pump prices unchanged. Inflation Watch: FNB expects transport and global tensions to keep price pressure elevated, with headline inflation rising to 3.1% in April. Reserves Update: SACU inflows lifted international reserves to N$58.8bn in April, improving import cover to 3.7 months. Mining Jobs: Chamber of Mines reports 166,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2025, plus N$23.97bn local procurement. Agriculture & Jobs: President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Sikondo’s garlic trial as a high-value crop, and a youth group in Windhoek has set up 700+ backyard gardens. Regulation & Markets: Namfisa appointed a new board; Namibia is also reviewing its 1993 immigration law to modernise pre-arrival processing. Regional Trade & Health: LPO calls for a united front against FMD to protect Namibia’s export access.

Fuel Supply & Pricing: Namibia will keep June fuel prices unchanged as the National Energy Fund absorbs about N$47.2m in under-recoveries, while the state moves to centralise imports to cut costs. Emergency Procurement: For July–September 2026, Vitol has been appointed sole bulk supplier, with Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse saying the deal avoids premiums and public funding. Energy Security: The National Oil Storage Facility hit 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, underscoring operational safety in a volatile market. Consumer Credit Reform: Namibia’s proposed consumer credit bill is nearing finalisation after consultations, aiming for tighter affordability checks, better disclosure, and stronger rules for credit providers and debt collectors. Agriculture & Jobs: President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Ekoka Green Scheme and related projects, while the Etunda Feedlot is expected to be completed by September to boost beef value chains. Mining & Exports: Namibia produced about 2,723 bullion of gold in the first three months of 2026, with uranium also exported for refining. Trade & Industry: Namibia pushes AfCFTA industrial growth and trade facilitation, while USMEF says AGOA market access is blocked by restrictions— including Namibia’s ban on U.S. red meat imports. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara for a second term to fight illegal fishing across member states.

Fuel & Energy Policy: Namibia says June fuel prices will stay unchanged, while Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse defends the July–September 2026 emergency fuel plan—calling it an “emergency of cost,” not supply, and pointing to a state-coordinated approach to cut premiums; he also insists Vitol’s role as sole bulk supplier is transparent and in the national interest. Competition & Retail Markets: The Competition Commission approved Nasan Energies’ takeover of 52 Shell/Engen stations, with a five-year supply restriction to prevent near-monopoly control and protect market independence. Agriculture & Food Security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in Ohangwena, highlighting irrigation upgrades and crop readiness (mahangu, maize, cowpeas, sorghum) aimed at rural jobs and stronger local food production. Trade & Industrial Growth: Namibia pushes AfCFTA implementation and plans a China trade mission (6–10 July) focused on agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, clean energy, and transport/logistics. Renewables & Engineering: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed Africa’s first crane-less wind turbine using a Total Self Erecting System, a boost for remote wind projects. Workplace Safety: Namibia marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work, stressing mental wellbeing and stronger inspections, including new mining-sector procedures for occupational diseases.

Fuel Reform & Costs: Namibia says it’s an “emergency of cost, not supply” and plans a state-coordinated petroleum import system from July to September to cut premiums and stabilise pump prices. Competition & Retail Reshuffle: The Competition Commission approved Vivo Energy’s Engen takeover by Nasan Energies, but forced divestments and a five-year supply restriction to prevent a near-monopoly. Energy Infrastructure: MTC budgets about N$624.9m for network expansion and coverage upgrades, while Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed Africa’s first crane-less wind turbine using a new self-erecting approach. Agriculture & Food Security: President Nandi-Ndaitwah inspected the Ekoka Green Scheme and Etunda Green Scheme, pushing irrigation-led farming, jobs, and value-add projects. Mining & Finance: Andrada secured conditional N$98m for Uis Mine expansion, and TransNamib flagged severe challenges on the N$1.17b northern rail line. Trade & Industry Growth: Namibia promotes AfCFTA industrialisation and prepares a China trade mission focused on agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, clean energy, and logistics. Local Business & Jobs: Goreangab Mall opens in Windhoek with N$270m investment and hundreds of jobs, while the Oshakati Totem Expo model is being pushed to other towns. Regional Livestock Health: Namibia’s livestock leaders urge stronger Southern African cooperation to fight Foot and Mouth Disease.

Fuel Supply & Pricing: Namibia’s Industries, Mines and Energy says fuel supply is secure, but costs are the problem—so it has moved to protect consumers and avoid public-money commitments. Single-Supplier Import Plan: Minister Modestus Amutse says Vitol will be the only fuel importer for July–September, with no extra premiums. June Pump Prices: Fuel pump prices stay unchanged for June (petrol N$23.48/l; diesel 50ppm N$28.26/l; diesel 10ppm N$28.36/l), with adequate stocks reported. Energy Infrastructure & Industry: Fortescue Nabrawind installed Africa’s first crane-less, full-scale wind turbine in Namibia using a new deployment method. Mining Investment: Andrada secured conditional N$98m debt financing for Uis Mine expansion and ore-sorting upgrades. Rail Freight Pressure: TransNamib’s N$1.17b northern line faces “severe” challenges, with calls for board accountability after derailments. Telecom Expansion: MTC committed N$624.9m to upgrade network and digital infrastructure. Retail & Jobs: Goreangab Mall opened in Windhoek with a N$270m investment, creating construction and permanent jobs. Competition Watch: Namibia Competition Commission approved 15 mergers and acquisitions, with three cleared with conditions. Local Business Boost: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged more trade fairs and expos like Oshakati Totem Expo to grow grassroots enterprise.

Mining Finance: Andrada Mining secured conditional N$98m debt financing (two N$49m loans) from Bank Windhoek and the Development Bank of Namibia to expand Uis Mine, including ore-sorting and crushing upgrades, alongside its April N$180m equity raise. Rail & Logistics Accountability: TransNamib’s northern line—despite a N$1.17b investment—faces “severe” challenges and derailment-linked pressure for board accountability, with ongoing needs in upgrades, rolling stock and regulatory support to shift more cargo from road to rail. Fuel & Energy Costs: Namibia kept June fuel pump prices unchanged after a ministry review, with petrol at N$23.48/l and diesel at N$28.26–N$28.36/l, citing stable stocks and no immediate shortage risk. Telecom Digital Push: MTC committed N$624.9m to upgrade telecommunications and digital infrastructure, including network modernisation, towers, transmission expansion and support for underserved areas. Budget & Public Spending: Government gazetted the 2026/27 Appropriation Act, authorising N$87.93b across ministries—education leads with N$28b, followed by health (N$13.1b) and finance (N$12.9b). Trade & Transport Corridors: Walvis Bay Corridor Group reported cargo movement over 2.4m tonnes in 2024/25 and Namport container throughput of 253,996 TEUs (up 33% YoY), underscoring momentum for regional logistics. Local Industry & Retail Jobs: Goreangab Mall opened in Windhoek after a N$270m investment, creating about 340 construction jobs and 360 permanent roles with major retailers including Shoprite and Clicks. Youth & Oil/Gas Skills: Lüderitz will host a first Oil & Gas Youth Open Day on 20 June to connect young people and SMEs to offshore opportunities, procurement and career pathways. Competition Watch: Namibia Competition Commission approved 15 mergers and acquisitions, with three cleared with conditions including a Mediclinic Windhoek-related deal. Mining Market Pressure: Petra Diamonds warned of structural stress in the rough diamond market, cutting jobs and restructuring after weak demand for smaller stones. Critical Minerals Exploration: Askari Metals launched Phase I exploration at EPL 7626 near Uis Tin Mine, targeting buried tin and tantalum-bearing pegmatites.

Retail & Jobs: Goreangab Mall in Windhoek officially opened after a N$270m investment, bringing 340 construction jobs and 360 permanent roles, with major tenants like Shoprite, Clicks and Cash Crusaders—aimed at cutting the need for Katutura residents to travel far for basic retail. Telecom Infrastructure: MTC says it will pour N$624.9m into network optimisation, tower builds and power upgrades to extend coverage to remote areas and improve resilience. Competition Watch: Namibia’s Competition Commission cleared 15 mergers and acquisitions, with three approved with conditions including a Mediclinic Windhoek-related deal that includes a three-year moratorium on merger-specific retrenchments. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Namibia’s fuel branding is set for change after Nasan Energies took over several Engen and Shell sites from Vivo, while wider regional jet fuel disruptions tied to the Middle East are pushing up transport costs and feeding inflation risks. Tourism-Agri Link: President Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Omaludi Agricultural Festival to push “agriculture and tourism” as a rural jobs engine, stressing culture-led visitor spending and productivity gains in existing schemes. Mining & Critical Minerals: Askari Metals launched Phase I exploration at its Uis tin project, targeting buried tin and tantalum-bearing pegmatites.

Telecom Infrastructure Push: MTC has committed N$624.9m capex for 2025/26 to modernise networks, expand coverage to remote areas, and strengthen power resilience for tower sites. Healthcare Diversification: Life Healthcare says it offset hospital pressures by leaning into diagnostics and renal growth, reporting 2.4% revenue growth to R12.4bn despite funding headwinds. Namibia Agriculture Meets Tourism: President Nandi-Ndaitwah backed Omaludi’s theme, “Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” arguing festivals can drive jobs across transport, accommodation and small business. Broadcasting Fees Update: CRAN proposes new fixed regulatory levy rates—2.25% for telecoms and 1.2% for broadcasters—after considering small broadcasters’ financial position. Housing Affordability Gap: Central bank data highlights that only under 10% of workers can realistically afford home loans, with 70% priced out of formal housing. Mining Governance Tension: The Chamber of Mines says relations with government strained over proposed mandatory 51% local ownership for mining licences. Critical Minerals Exploration: Askari Metals launched Phase I field exploration at its Uis tin/tantalum licence, targeting buried pegmatites and future drill-ready targets. Energy Transition Finance: AFSIA says battery storage is key to making solar projects bankable across Africa, with Namibia flagged among key markets.

Strait of Hormuz shock: Global jet fuel flows are being rerouted after the strait’s closure, pushing up prices and forcing costly detours for aviation fuel buyers. Southern Africa logistics: The Lobito Corridor is set to cut traditional sea routes and weaken South Africa’s copper export logistics edge, even as Walvis Bay still handles a meaningful share of regional minerals. Namibia energy transition: Namibia is pushing green hydrogen as a development agenda, while a CMB.TECH-led consortium plans testing a green hydrogen-powered locomotive in Namibia to enable lower-carbon freight. Solar bankability: Battery storage is being flagged as the key to making solar projects financeable across Africa, with Namibia named among priority markets. Mining governance: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines says mining can’t work in isolation and must be planned alongside agriculture, energy and water—while tensions continue over proposed local ownership rules. Housing affordability: A housing seminar and central bank data show 70% of Namibians can’t afford formal homes due to low incomes and limited mortgage access. Broadcasting regulation: CRAN defends lower proposed levy rates for broadcasters, setting fixed fee percentages for telecoms and radio licensing. Mining sector leadership: Namibia’s Chamber of Mines confirms its 2026–2027 executive committee after its AGM.

Cross-Border Motorsport Buzz: Windhoek’s Tony Rust Race Track drew a bumper crowd for South Africa–Namibia “race wars” drag racing, with 65 entries and major support from local bodies and sponsors, and talk of a follow-up. Horticulture Exports: Namibia’s push to make GLOBALG.A.P. certification compulsory for horticulture exports by 2027 is hitting cost and capacity snags, including levy limits, expensive farm assessments, and costly lab testing. Mining Governance Tension: The Chamber of Mines confirmed its 2026–2027 leadership after its AGM, while relations with government remain strained over proposed mandatory 51% local ownership for mining licences. Agriculture Wages Data Gap: Participation in the 2026 agricultural wage survey stayed low at 421 completed questionnaires (about 20% of members), despite incentives. Energy & Industry Focus: Schneider Electric named a new Southern Africa segment director as the region accelerates electrification and green hydrogen ambitions. Green Hydrogen Logistics Test: CMB.TECH says a green hydrogen-powered dual-fuel locomotive test is set for Namibia, linked to Walvis Bay freight routes. Telecom Oversight: CRAN is assessing Telecom Namibia’s service quality after broadband disruptions and has summoned the operator for an urgent briefing. Rural Growth via Agri-Tourism: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stronger agriculture–tourism integration at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival to boost jobs, youth activity, and rural enterprise. Mining–Agriculture–Energy Nexus: Chamber CEO Fabian Shaanika argues Namibia’s mining future must be planned alongside water, energy and agriculture needs. Energy Trading Investment: GreenCo secured a US$10m, 10% stake from Sanlam Alternative Investments to scale bankable power-market infrastructure. AfCFTA Still Early Days: Namibia has issued only nine AfCFTA certificates of origin since launching preferential trade, highlighting how far implementation still has to go. Mining Rights & Community Justice: African church leaders are calling for stronger protections for communities facing mining impacts, including land rights and informed consent. Mining Sector Contribution: The Chamber and sector coverage continue to underline mining’s role in government revenue, even as policy debates intensify.