Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The outbreak has reached Zambezi, prompting Windhoek to cancel its meat-focused kapana festival until 2027. The veterinary service also left N$13.1 million unspent last year, despite growing disease-control needs. Public Spending: An audit found N$323 million in child grants went to ineligible or deceased recipients, including N$28.8 million in duplicate payments. Health Services: Windhoek Central Hospital cardiologist Fenny Shidhika has resigned amid a bullying investigation; she says health officials pressured her, while the inquiry cites complaints from medical officers. Football Governance: The NFA suspended its finance director as it investigates alleged financial irregularities, following concerns about World Cup ticket sales. City Planning: Windhoek aims to boost disaster resilience by 2030 as growth and informal housing increase risks from floods, severe weather and fires. Energy Policy: Namibia has appointed its first nuclear commissioner to coordinate preparations for a possible nuclear energy programme.
AGP Executive Report
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| Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia has confirmed FMD in Zambezi, the second affected region after | Kharas. Animal movements and trading are suspended in Zambezi, while Meatco has sent about 400 production workers on three weeks’ full-pay leave. Cost of Living: Annual inflation rose to 5.4% in September, driven chiefly by transport costs, up 14.9%; fuel prices surged 30.4%. Nuclear Security: Namibia is hosting Africa’s first major CTBTO field exercise, with about 250 international experts training in Erongo until 20 November. Mining and Jobs: Sinomine has begun building Namibia’s first germanium plant at Tsumeb, a N$4 billion project expected to start operating in 2028. Kokoseb drilling has also extended the gold project’s underground exploration potential. Pension Risk: GIPF faces a possible N$815 million loss tied to a South African tax dispute, though Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah says the matter remains before the courts and no loss has been confirmed. |
| Foot-and-Mouth Alert: Namibia has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in Zambezi, its second affected region after | Kharas. Emergency vaccination and surveillance are under way, with livestock movements suspended across Zambezi. Nuclear Test Readiness: About 250 international experts are in Erongo for Africa’s first nuclear test verification field exercise, running until 20 November. Energy Transition: Germany has committed N$103 million to expand energy access and support local value chains for critical minerals, building on cooperation that includes Ruacana’s rehabilitation. Mining Benefits: McHenry Venaani wants 2% to 5% of mining royalties directed to communities near mines through trusts. Navachab, meanwhile, says its proposed expansion could require N$6.6 billion. Workers’ Concerns: Fishing workers facing the end of a government employment programme say they fear job losses and want negotiations before it is terminated. Club Rugby: Wanderers claimed Namibia’s 2026 club title with a 52-27 win over Kudus, while Wanderers Bokkies and UNAM Reserves also took their league crowns. |
| Animal Health: Foot-and-mouth disease has spread to Zambezi, where all 12 tested cattle samples were positive. Movement and livestock sales are suspended as vaccination and surveillance begin; in | Kharas, cases have reached 17 farms and construction of a disease-control fence is under way. Public Finances: Finance Minister Erica Shafudah says GIPF has not confirmed a reported N$922 million impairment as a loss; most relates to an unresolved South African tax dispute. Business and Jobs: Old Mutual has opened applications for its N$130,000 entrepreneurship competition, now open across all 14 regions until 30 October. Namibia has also adopted a mineral beneficiation strategy to encourage local processing and jobs. Trade: Hapag-Lloyd has opened its own office in Walvis Bay, bringing the shipping company closer to Namibian customers. Digital Skills: Namibia’s National ICT Summit opens in Ongwediva today, focusing on how technology can support jobs and reduce poverty. |
| Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia has confirmed FMD in Zambezi, the second affected region after | Kharas. Vaccination is under way, with livestock movement and sales suspended across Zambezi. Emergency Controls: The High Court has allowed work to continue on the southern border’s FMD fence, while criticising the procurement board’s handling of the original tender. Mental Health: Health Minister Esperance Luvindao says Namibia plans five new mental health units by 2037; currently, only Windhoek and Oshakati have facilities offering mental healthcare. Returnees’ Hardship: About 72 Namibians repatriated from South Africa say promised reintegration support has not arrived, leaving some without work, money or identity documents for their children. Jobs and Connectivity: UNAM’s first Chinese-language job fair linked students and graduates with about 30 companies, while Ethiopian Airlines marked 10 years of flights to Windhoek, with the tourism minister calling for more connections. |
Roads Contractor Company: Acting CEO Dasius Nelumbu alleges political pressure led to N$17 million being paid for fuel that was never delivered. The company is investigating about N$30 million in fuel payments; Nelumbu, now on forced leave, wants a commission of inquiry. FMD Fence: The High Court has allowed emergency work on the southern border fence to continue as foot-and-mouth disease threatens to spread, while faulting the procurement board’s handling of the original tender. Mental Health: Namibia recorded more than 100,000 mental-health service contacts in 2024/25, with suicide rates above the regional average. The government has pledged annual funding increases and more treatment units, but the country has only four psychiatrists. Cancer Care: Namibia had an estimated 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 2024. An Ongwediva imaging centre is offering free breast screening through state hospitals this month. Green Industry: Germany and Namibia signed a N$103 million agreement for projects focused on electricity access and sustainable critical-minerals value chains.
| Mental Health: Namibia plans annual funding increases, more treatment units and specialist training, as officials report over 100,000 mental-health service contacts in 2024/25 and a suicide rate above the African average. Cancer Care: Namibia recorded an estimated 4,205 new cancer cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 2024; an Ongwediva imaging centre will offer free breast screenings through state hospitals this month, while health leaders urge stronger palliative and paediatric heart care. Housing: Government injected N$146 million into low-income housing in 2025/26, helping complete about 1,864 homes and 250 rural sanitation facilities. Livestock: Foot-and-mouth disease remains a serious threat, with 127 cases reported nationally and 17 infected farms in | Kharas. Government is pursuing vaccination, while the EU has suspended some meat imports from Namibia. Economy: Namibia and Germany signed N$103 million in energy and critical-minerals projects; uranium led August exports, with France and China buying N$3.4 billion. Football: Namport’s N$90 million, three-year NFA sponsorship comes with calls from the president for accountable spending. |
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia has confirmed infections on 17 farms in //Kharas, with 129 animal samples positive by 6 October. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and livestock movement controls. Education: NUST is working on remedies for its medical laboratory science students after admitting 150 in 2025 without enough training capacity. Eluwa Resource School faces a stark shortage too: 600 children are waiting for just 64 places next year. Land Reform & Accountability: A five-year audit will assess whether resettled farms are productive and beneficiaries received land. Separately, the Auditor-General flagged a N$50 million land-purchase accounting error and underspending at the agriculture ministry. Economy: Namibia’s August trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion, while oil exploration fees reached N$37.9 million—nearly four times budget. National Service: Chief Justice Johan Strydom was laid to rest at a state funeral, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging the nation to uphold judicial independence and access to justice.
| Foot-and-Mouth Disease: The outbreak has reached 17 farms in | Kharas, with 129 positive animal samples reported. Namibia is tightening movement controls and coordinating with South Africa and Botswana as export restrictions threaten farmers and meat-sector jobs. Energy and Industry: NamPower aims to generate 80% of its electricity domestically by 2030, with renewables supplying 70%, as demand from mining, oil and gas is expected to grow. Football Funding: Namport’s N$90 million, three-year commitment is a major boost for the sport, but President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says every dollar must be accounted for and deliver benefits nationwide. Land Reform: A five-year audit will assess how many beneficiaries received farms, whether the land is productive and what support is needed. Trade and Investment: Moody’s has shifted its outlook for Namibia and several other sub-Saharan economies to positive, citing reforms and stronger commodity prices, while warning that debt risks remain. |
Public Safety: Police are investigating after a woman’s dismembered body was found near Daan Viljoen, outside Windhoek. Her identity has not been confirmed. Foot-and-Mouth Crisis: The outbreak is threatening jobs at Beefcor, which is considering 393 retrenchments, while the EU has suspended imports of some Namibian meat. Unions are urging the company to wait for the situation to improve. Health and Education: Namibia’s first paediatric cardiologist has resigned, citing pressure and humiliation. More than 120 NUST medical laboratory science students have also demanded written answers about deregistration, exams and their academic futures. Energy Oversight: MPs are questioning whether proposed changes to the petroleum law adequately protect state revenue as powers shift to the President’s office. Sport: Namport’s N$90 million, three-year football commitment is the largest annual sponsorship in Namibian football; President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the NFA to ensure professional competitions and timely payments. Windhoek Services: The city records about 2,000 fire call-outs a year, with fire services responding to 99%, Mayor Sakaria Uunona said.
Infrastructure: Works Minister Veikko Nekundi opened the final section of Windhoek’s N$231.6 million Southern Link, connecting Auaspoort Interchange to the B1 toward Rehoboth. The project includes N$50 million for SMEs. Football: Namport pledged N$90 million over three years to support football across all 14 regions. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called it a major boost for youth development and urged strong oversight. Public Safety: Police are investigating after a dismembered woman’s body was found in a riverbed near Daan Viljoen. They are seeking information and cautioning against speculation. Economy: Namibia’s trade deficit narrowed to N$3.9 billion in August as exports rose 18.8% month-on-month to N$12.7 billion. Livestock: Foot-and-mouth disease remains a pressing concern, with the EU suspending some Namibian meat imports as cases rise; government has opted for vaccination over culling. Trade Policy: A bill to establish an independent trade commission has been tabled, giving it proposed powers over tariffs and investigations into unfair trade practices.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Namibia will vaccinate infected cattle rather than cull them, with about 100,000 doses being moved south. Cases have reached 127 across 15 farms. The EU has suspended imports of Namibian meat, putting export earnings and industry jobs under pressure, while backing efforts to open markets to northern farmers if disease-free status is achieved. Cricket: Namibia scored 298 against the USA in a record high-scoring ODI, but lost by four wickets in Dallas. Jobs and Exports: Sinomine’s new germanium plant in Tsumeb is expected to create up to 1,600 jobs at peak construction. A new NIPDB export guide aims to help local businesses reach regional and international markets. Diamond Trade: An international review team is assessing Namibia’s controls and certification of rough diamond exports.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Cases have risen to 127 across 15 farms, prompting tighter surveillance and livestock movement controls. EU restrictions on some Namibian meat exports are adding pressure, and Beefcor is considering cutting 393 jobs at its Okahandja abattoir. Diamond Industry: Namibia is joining other diamond-producing countries under the Luanda Accord to address falling demand; the government says it is working to protect industry jobs, though recovery may take until 2029. Digital Education: The government says it is expanding connectivity, devices and digital services across 1,699 public schools, but regional leaders warn budget constraints remain. Mining Investment: A Dutch investor and local partner plan to restart Elizabeth Bay diamond mine, with a proposed US$50 million investment expected to support jobs and exploration.
FMD fallout eases for Namibia’s meat trade: Meatco says an EU clarification on temporary animal-health measures will let eligible fresh-meat consignments certified before 23 September enter for 90 days, helping reduce immediate pressure on the livestock value chain. Local governance and regulation: In //Kharas, stakeholders validated amended Lotteries and Gambling regulations, including new fees and a 4% monitoring fee plus a 1% maintenance fee to strengthen oversight. National affairs: Government has accorded late Chief Justice Gert Johannes Strydom a state funeral, with Chief Justice Peter Shivute calling him a key architect of Namibia’s judiciary. Economy watch: Namibia’s growth outlook for 2026 was revised down to 2.1% as inflation and higher interest rates weigh on the economy. City and infrastructure: Windhoek’s cash position is reported to have grown to N$1.1b, while Namibia Air’s December launch faces certification and readiness concerns. Housing demand: Walvis Bay is pushing serviced land and affordable housing as urban pressure rises. International spotlight: BYD has officially launched in Namibia via Pupkewitz Motors, bringing new EV models to Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva.
Cricket Fever: Namibia is part of the host mix for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, with ticket demand blasting past one million applications since the ballot opened on Oct 1; the India vs Pakistan clash on Oct 10 in Johannesburg leads with more than 110,000 requests, followed by South Africa vs India (over 92,000) and India vs Australia (over 86,000). FMD Shock to Trade: The EU has suspended some Namibian meat imports after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Karasburg area, affecting fresh beef, sheep and goat meat and some processed products like biltong and jerky, while shipments certified before Sept 23 may still enter under conditions. Education Push: Government says it aims for every learner to be taught by a qualified teacher by 2030, as teachers mark World Teachers’ Day, but officials warn infrastructure funding is lagging. Competition Court Win: Namibia’s High Court blocked a cement merger approval, restoring the Competition Commission’s prohibition. Energy Modernisation: NamPower plans a digital transformation over 2026–2030, using AI, automation and smart-grid tools to improve trading, maintenance and service delivery. Banking Update: Bank Windhoek retains a strong lending market position and reports improved ratings and staff benefits.
| City Governance: Windhoek residents are frustrated that City Council meetings keep getting stuck on procedural items like minutes, while petitions and motions on housing, sanitation, street trading and service delivery are left unresolved. FMD Crisis: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia is stepping up Foot-and-Mouth Disease containment in | Kharas with surveillance teams, roadblocks and a buffer zone around Karasburg, while warning the outbreak could trigger prolonged financial distress. Food Security & Trade: The FMD outbreak is already reshaping regional meat markets, with reports that Namibia’s livestock export suspension could push up South Africa’s red meat prices. Public Accountability: An opinion piece argues Namibia’s fisheries quota and fishing-right allocation process should be more transparent, so applicants and the public can see how decisions are made. Digital & Inclusion: UNDP highlights Namibia’s AI language gap, warning underrepresented languages like Kwangali and Kuanyama risk being left behind as Namibia pilots local-language AI tools. Space Inspiration: Namibia marks World Space Week with ESA astronaut Dr Matthias Maurer inspiring learners across the country. Transport Safety: Opposition and transport stakeholders back secure number plates to curb fraud, but warn the rollout must not burden struggling operators. Justice: Two | Kharas men have been found guilty on child-rape and trafficking charges in the Windhoek High Court. |
Mining Outlook: Namibia’s mining sector is expected to stay subdued in 2026 as lower gold and zinc output weighs on growth, though gold and uranium prices offer some support and expansion plans could lift activity in 2027. FMD Shock to Trade: The EU has temporarily suspended fresh and some processed meat imports from Namibia’s previously FMD-free zone after an outbreak in //Kharas, while Namibia ramps up containment and warns farmers not to act independently. FMD Response for Farmers: Agribank says it will consider repayment relief for affected clients case-by-case, as government identifies N$190m for containment including fencing. Energy & Oil Moves: Chevron-linked Harmattan Energy is set to take Trago’s 10% stake in PEL 90 for US$11m, and Eco (Atlantic) has received final clearance for its farm-down to bp in three Namibian licence blocks. Digital Push: Namibia is reviewing the AfCFTA digital trade framework and has launched a National Artificial Intelligence Institute to build local AI research, datasets and innovation. Road Safety Upgrade: A N$552m Karibib–Usakos road upgrade is now paired with surveillance and emergency response to intercept reckless drivers. Banking Stability: GCR has affirmed Bank Windhoek’s AA+ rating with a stable outlook. Wildlife Note: India’s cheetah population reached 60 after five cubs were born at Kuno—an international conservation milestone with Namibia-linked lineage.
Pan-Africanism Interview: Professor Hakim Adi says today’s push for African unity still echoes the Pan-Africanist fight against external interference and dependency, with debates shaped by US policy and far-right trends. Cricket Spotlight: South Africa’s Lhuan-dré Pretorius rewrote T20 history with an unbeaten 188 for the Titans, breaking Chris Gayle’s record, and the talk now turns to whether he can sustain that rise for the Proteas. Football—Namibia in the spotlight: Russia sent a warning ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with Nigeria by thrashing Namibia 6-0, piling pressure on the Super Eagles as they deal with club refusals and injuries. FMD and Farm Costs: A contested N$122m FMD border fence was awarded as the outbreak spreads to more farms, while FMD-hit farmers are still required to pay the national minimum wage. Windhoek Living Conditions: A sanitation crisis persists in Okahandja Park, where broken public toilets and lack of water are pushing residents toward unsafe coping methods. Diplomacy: Namibia’s ambassador-designate Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati was commissioned to Switzerland, as the country continues to deepen international ties. Sports—Local youth: Namibian wrestlers and cyclists delivered strong results at South African youth and schools events, adding medals and momentum for the next generation.
FMD Response: Namibia says it needs about N$190.2 million to contain the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in //Kharas, including a 290km disease-control fence and intensified surveillance, tracing and movement controls after SAT 1 was confirmed. Uranium Watch: Russian nuclear giant Rosatom expects Namibia to approve its “Wings” uranium mining proposal in Omaheke within the next few months. World Cup Build-Up: Namibia will host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super Series and group matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, boosting tourism and youth interest. Local Governance & Records: Home Affairs says some married people are still listed as single because marriage officers allegedly delay submitting registers, causing document delays. Social Trends: Churches urge stronger father responsibility as Namibia’s census shows 53.4% of never-married women are already mothers. Education & Skills: UNESCO and a Chinese coding platform are expanding AI education in Africa, including training teachers in Namibia. Sports (Namibia): Russia beat Namibia 6–0 in a friendly, with Namibia’s coach blaming second-half panic. Business & Trade: Zimbabwe’s ZimTrade plans an export mission to Windhoek to connect local buyers with Zimbabwean services and FMCG firms.
Road Safety & Infrastructure: The N$552 million Karibib–Usakos road (31km) has been officially opened, with the Works and Transport Ministry warning that benefits depend on drivers obeying rules and not overloading trucks. Emergency Response: A new N$60 million Emergency Response and Arandis Management Center is set to monitor the Usakos–Swakopmund corridor around the clock, with cameras and links to emergency and law enforcement agencies. Justice Services: Magistrates’ Courts are rolling out electronic payments with point-of-sale facilities via First National Bank, aiming to cut cash handling and speed up court fees and fines. Health & Community: Namibia marked World Patient Safety Day with a renewed push for safe, respectful, patient-centred care, while World Mental Health Day preparations included youth-led cleaning of a Windhoek mental health facility. Environment & Wildlife: The Environment Ministry says communal conservancies and community forest programmes are designed to protect wildlife, create green jobs and ensure communities benefit from tourism and regulated hunting. Sports: Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 188* to break Chris Gayle’s T20 record; Namibia also suffered a 6-0 friendly defeat to Russia. Business & Finance: Bank Windhoek concluded salary talks with NAFINU, securing a 6% salary increase and a 20% transport allowance adjustment. Regional Economy: Access Bank received full authorisation to operate as a commercial bank in Namibia.
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