AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Edelweiss launched the first non-stop Zurich–Windhoek commercial flight, landing 285 passengers at Hosea Kutako on 1 June, with services twice weekly (Mondays/Fridays) and a third weekly flight planned from mid-July. Governance & Justice: Namibia’s ombudsman says poor oversight of police holding cells by senior officers is allowing alleged abuse to go unchecked, while the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute faces a 7,000 DNA case backlog that is slowing investigations and court cases. Civil Registration: Birth certificates coverage remains low, with only 53% of children registered, as poverty, distance and missing fathers continue to block access. Parliament Watch: As the National Assembly resumes, the land bill is expected to take centre stage alongside petroleum and other key legislation. Energy & Fuel Politics: Opposition parties demand answers over the energy ministry’s three-month exclusive fuel supply deal with Vitol, while businessman Mathews Hamutenya denies political links to the arrangement. Business & Finance: Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda is set to head CRASA from 1 July, and NamRA is stepping up extractives tax compliance focus. Crime: A Windhoek couple pleaded guilty to fraud, theft and money laundering totalling nearly N$10m.

Genocide Reparations Push: A newly launched Genocide Reparations Advocacy Forum (GRAF) in Windhoek says it will complement efforts demanding German government reparations for the 1904–1908 genocide. Border Rules: South Africa’s new SARS requirement for foreign-registered vehicles takes effect from 1 June, forcing travellers to declare vehicle details (including VIN) before crossing. Responsible Gambling: Namibia’s Namibian Woman Initiative and the Namibian Development Foundation (Namdef) are driving fresh attention on gambling addiction, with a Windhoek “Responsible Gambling Conversation” set for 8–9 June. Food Security & Farming: President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised full land use at the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East and highlighted Sikondo’s garlic trial in Kavango West. Education Funding: SUN urges the Ministry of Education to speed up non-tuition NSFAF payments so students can cover accommodation, transport and meals. Finance & Governance: Namfisa appoints a new board to strengthen oversight of Namibia’s non-bank financial sector. Security & Trust: Home Affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu warns that failures at border posts are eroding public trust and calls for better discipline and communication.

Inflation Watch: Namibia’s inflation outlook for 2026 is still under pressure, with FNB economists pointing to rising transport costs and global geopolitical tensions pushing prices higher; headline inflation hit 3.1% year-on-year in April. Reserves Update: Bank of Namibia reserves climbed 13.6% in April to N$58.8bn, boosted by SACU inflows and foreign currency placements, supporting about 3.7 months of import cover. Border Control: A fresh push to fix broken border posts is framed as a trust and economic issue, with delays and inefficiencies costing citizens and investors alike. Fuel Supply Shock: Government has directed fuel companies to source bulk petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol for July–September 2026, citing “emergency arrangements” and aiming to avoid premiums—while critics question transparency and possible conflicts. Health & Regulation: The health ministry removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines and appointed Frieda Shiweda from 1 June, with sources alleging the change is linked to resistance to approving substandard medicines. Justice: A Windhoek High Court sentenced Mecthilde Karomo to an effective 35 years for murder and arson, and a teacher was found guilty of murdering his wife. Consumer Protection: Namibia’s consumer credit bill is nearing completion after consultations, aiming for tougher affordability checks and stronger borrower rights. Sports: FC Ongos Ladies won the FNB Women’s Super League title, while City of Windhoek topped the NALASRA local authority sports games. Immigration Reform: Namibia is reviewing its 1993 immigration law, with plans to let travellers submit information before arrival to modernise border management.

SADC Regional Integration: Justice ministers and attorneys general meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA expected to top the agenda, aiming for a unified visa to boost seamless travel and tourism across the bloc. Fuel Security & Prices: Namibia’s National Energy Fund will absorb about N$47.2m in June fuel costs to keep petrol prices unchanged, while the government says fuel supply remains secure amid Middle East-driven market pressure. Fuel Import Overhaul: The state has appointed Vitol as Namibia’s sole bulk fuel supplier for July–September 2026, with Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse insisting the move is temporary, in the national interest, and meant to prevent steep pump hikes. Safety Milestone: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility marks 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, highlighting stronger safety culture in a high-risk sector. Energy & Business: Homegrown launches its 2026 T-shirt competition finalists (top five) to turn young designers into “design-preneurs,” with public sales driving commissions. Crime Watch: Police report three murders over the weekend, including a stabbing in Swakopmund and a girlfriend’s killing in Windhoek. Sports: FC Ongos Ladies clinch the 2025/26 FNB Women’s Super League title after a final-day swing, while Martin “Alligator” Mukungu stops Flame “Special One” Nangolo to win the WBO Africa Junior Lightweight belt in Windhoek.

Fuel Watch: Namibia’s Mines and Energy minister Modestus Amutse says June fuel prices will stay unchanged and insists July–September supply plans are about protecting consumers from rising costs after Middle East tensions, with a state-coordinated bulk import system planned by end-September to cut premiums and improve efficiency. Food & Health Oversight: Residents in Kunene complain about standard meal packs during long-distance referrals, while the Justice and Labour ministry marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, citing rising psychosocial cases and new mining-sector safety procedures. Crime & Public Safety: NamPol reports three murders over the weekend, including a fatal stabbing in Swakopmund and the arrest of a man linked to the killing of his girlfriend in Windhoek. Genocide Education & Memory: Activists and descendants raise alarm over the lack of genocide content in school curricula ahead of commemorations, while traditional leaders also demand seats in Germany reparations talks. Local Development: Luderitz Waterfront pushes a “smart city” drive as new conference facilities open, and Goreangab Mall (N$270m) brings jobs and closer shopping for Windhoek residents. Sports & Culture: Windhoek boxer Martin Mukungu wins a rapid title fight, and a new theatre production, “Coming Home Dead,” aims to keep the 1904–1908 genocide story alive.

Local Governance & Housing: Windhoek’s cashless parking rollout is drawing heavy backlash, with motorists complaining about confusion, extra costs, and limited payment options that leave many residents struggling to access KPI cards or bank services. Public Health & Industry: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Fabupharm as Namibia battles medicine shortages, urging stronger local manufacturing to secure supply for hospitals and clinics. Wildlife Conservation: A new Black Rhino Association of Namibia (BRAN) platform has been launched to coordinate black rhino custodianship, improve data sharing, and strengthen conservation across communities. Trade & Diplomacy: Namibia is set to host a China trade mission and export webinar ahead of a presidential visit, targeting sectors from agriculture and ICT to clean energy and logistics. Energy & Fuel Policy: Namibia says fuel supply arrangements for July–September 2026 are transparent and in the national interest, while Vitol is named the only permitted importer for that period. Genocide Remembrance: Across Namibia, Genocide Remembrance Day coverage continues to focus on unmarked graves, memory, and calls for unity and justice, including through theatre and community commemorations. Sports: Windhoek hosts a WBO title fight after boxers made weight, while traditional sports federation activities are set to restart under an interim committee.

Fuel Relief: Namibia keeps June fuel pump prices unchanged after a review, with the ministry citing adequate stocks despite global market pressure. Budget Watch: Government gazettes the Appropriation Act for 2026/27, allocating N$87.93 billion, with education, health and finance among the biggest shares. Rail Accountability: TransNamib’s northern railway line faces “severe” challenges despite a N$1.17b investment, with calls for board accountability after derailments. Mining Funding: Andrada secures conditional N$98m debt financing for Uis Mine expansion and ore-sorting upgrades, alongside expanded drilling at Lithium Ridge. Agriculture Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah tours Omusati’s Etunda Green Scheme, stressing food security, value-addition and youth jobs, while noting fruit-fly concerns. Water Safety: City of Windhoek says discoloured water in Katutura/Okuryangava is linked to NamWater pipeline repairs and pressure changes, but remains safe after testing. Genocide Remembrance: Namibia marks Genocide Remembrance Day with renewed calls for unity, justice and preserving history, as debate continues around how remembrance is handled. Disability Inclusion: Vice President Witbooi visits Nakayale Rehabilitation Centre, citing infrastructure and equipment shortages affecting persons with disabilities.

Fuel Watch: Namibia’s industries minister Modestus Amutse says there will be no change to June fuel prices, keeping petrol at N$23.48/l and diesel at N$28.26–28.36/l, with the National Energy Fund continuing to cushion consumers. Retail & Jobs: Goreangab Mall in Windhoek officially opened as a N$270m shopping and transport hub, with over 40 tenants, about 340 construction jobs and 360 permanent roles expected to bring services closer to Katutura. Genocide Remembrance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged Namibians to preserve 1904–1908 genocide sites as sacred sanctuaries, warning against “slick public relations” that could dilute history, as communities across the country marked the day with calls for unity and reparatory justice. Competition Commission: Namibia Competition Commission approved 15 mergers and acquisitions, including Mediclinic-related deals with conditions and a three-year moratorium on merger-specific retrenchments. Business & Energy: Stimulus Investments will sell its 50% stake in Khomas Solar Saver for N$155.7m after NaCC approval, with the deal expected to take effect on 19 June. Transport: Public passenger operators were told to stick to the approved 15% fare increase after it took effect on 18 May, with commuters encouraged to report overcharging. Sports: The MTC Winter Cup race meeting at Tsjaka Ben Hur is set for Saturday with about 70 horses and 19 races.

Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marks the second annual 28 May commemoration of the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide, with leaders across regions urging unity, historical truth, and justice beyond words, including calls to protect Shark Island from “erasure” and to keep youth engaged with memorial sites and education. Fuel & inflation pressure: The US–Israel conflict in Iran is pushing up shipping costs and fuel prices, feeding into higher transport costs and headline inflation rising to 3.1% year-on-year, with analysts warning of further pressure from second-round effects. Telecom investment: MTC commits N$624.9m to expand and modernise Namibia’s network, including new towers, transmission upgrades and power infrastructure for resilience. Local business in fuel retail: Nasan Energies takes over several Engen and Shell service stations from Vivo Energy, triggering brand replacements and reshaping Namibia’s petroleum retail competition. Mining exploration: Askari Metals launches Phase I exploration at EPL 7626 near the Uis Tin Mine, targeting buried tin and tantalum-bearing pegmatites. Sports: FNB Women Super League title race heads to the final tomorrow as Mighty Gunners and FC Ongos go head-to-head.

Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marked 28 May with calls for unity, justice and reconciliation over the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide, as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged young people to learn the history and reject tribalism. Legal debate on justice: Human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe argued the 1948 Genocide Convention should not be used to deny accountability, stressing human rights apply regardless of when crimes occurred. Remembering through place and research: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare highlighted the Ozombuzovindimba heritage site tied to extermination orders, while speakers across regions pushed for documentation, archives and academic work so remembrance doesn’t fade. Local development link: President Nandi-Ndaitwah also linked the Omaludi Festival theme to NDP6 goals, saying “Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth” can create jobs and preserve culture. Infrastructure and connectivity: MTC announced a N$624.9m network upgrade plan to expand coverage and improve resilience, especially in remote areas.

Genocide Remembrance Day: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the 1904–1908 genocide pain is still felt today, urging Namibians to commemorate victims and push for truth, justice, healing and reparations. Parliament on justice: National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila echoed that remembrance must go beyond speeches, calling for unresolved recognition and reparations to be addressed. Local commemoration tensions: The Okandjoze Chiefs’ Assembly on Genocide wants a “business unusual” approach, saying descendants and government remain divided and that symbolic talks have not delivered action. Housing crisis: Central bank research shows only under 10% of workers owe banks home loans, with 70% of Namibians unable to afford formal housing due to low incomes and limited mortgage access. Regulation and investor losses: Namibia’s Supreme Court ordered Namfisa to pay N$35.1m over insufficient oversight of Prowealth Asset Management, with funds meant for long-ago investors. Media fees: CRAN proposes new fixed regulatory levies, lowering the burden on small radio broadcasters while keeping telecom contributions higher. Wildlife documentary: A new short film, “Unseen Line,” will premiere 8 June on World Ocean Day, spotlighting seal rescue efforts along Namibia’s coast. Cross-border sport: Drag racing “race wars” between South Africa and Namibia drew a huge crowd at Tony Rust Race Track near Windhoek.

Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia’s National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged unity and reflection on the 1904–1908 atrocities, calling for ongoing work on recognition and reparation to heal and build a prosperous, inclusive nation. Liberation history in focus: Miss Namibia Top 10 finalists visited Charles Hill in Botswana to learn how Dr Sam Nujoma was sheltered during exile and later petitioned the UN to end colonial rule—highlighting Botswana’s role in Namibia’s independence story. Accountability at State House: A commentary piece scrutinises the State House security breach, questioning who truly holds the President to account when failures occur and warning that unanswered questions keep suspicion alive. TransNamib leadership returns: Two suspended TransNamib executives—Webster Gonzo and Alynsia Platt—returned to work after a ministerial directive, with disciplinary hearings continuing. Court orders Namfisa payout: The Supreme Court ordered Namfisa to pay N$35 million to liquidators linked to the Prowealth Asset Management fraud case. Energy transition push: Namibia is advancing green hydrogen plans, with officials pitching partnerships and jobs, while a consortium prepares green hydrogen locomotive testing on Namibian rail. Local economy & jobs: Minister Sanet Steenkamp warned that excluding youth from governance and opportunities risks future instability. Energy sector deal: Vivo Energy completed the sale of 52 Engen and Shell service stations to Nasan Energies, ending the divestment process.

Housing Crisis: The Bank of Namibia warns Windhoek’s housing is getting out of reach as urbanisation races ahead of serviced land and planning, with the country now 53% urbanised and average house prices in the capital above N$1.4 million. Telecom Pressure: Telecom Namibia admits broadband and mobile disruptions are tied to infrastructure and system issues after CRAN summoned it over recurring failures, promising a full briefing and resilience fixes. Transport Watch: TransNamib is back in the spotlight after the works minister ordered suspended executives to return to work, while the rail operator says procurement for new locomotives is set to restart following a technical evaluation. Land & Culture: Traditional leaders in Kavango fear communal land reforms could weaken customary authority and increase pressure on ancestral land, even as government moves to strengthen land administration. Conservation & Sport: Namibia’s sports push scored a big win at the RASA awards, and conservation funding and local tourism efforts continue to grow.

Namibia–China Push: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged stronger Namibia–China investment ties that create jobs, boost local value addition and transfer technology, pointing to cooperation in trade, agriculture, green energy and digital transformation. Child Protection Reform: Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act now lets mothers in crisis safely abandon a newborn at approved places (like police stations, hospitals or schools) without criminal charges if strict conditions are met. Telecom Under Pressure: Telecom Namibia admitted broadband and mobile disruptions are linked to infrastructure and system faults after CRAN summoned it over recurring failures. Court Watch: The High Court heard arguments on the Ovaherero “Paramount Chief” dispute, focusing on whether there was urgency to elect a new chief and the need for a transitional committee. Infrastructure Update: Ondangwa Stadium construction has moved into phases two and three, with access roads, ablutions and grandstands progressing and a new contractor approved. Governance: Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered suspended TransNamib executives back to work after property mismanagement allegations. Environment & Health: Namibia launched a major conservation financing push for over 20 million hectares and also flagged rising reliance on expatriate nurses in rural hospitals.

Universal Health Coverage: Namibia has unveiled a five-year plan to close healthcare access gaps, starting with a N$28.7m rollout aimed at getting services to more people. Energy & Markets: Sanlam Alternative Investments becomes the first private institutional shareholder in Africa GreenCo, buying a 10% stake for $10m to help scale bankable power trading across Southern Africa. Sports: Mighty Gunners end a long wait, beating UNAM 2-1 to win the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup and bring N$600,000 home. Mining & Exploration: Askari Metals kicks off a licence-wide field campaign at EPL 7626 near Uis, targeting buried tin and tantalum pegmatites and other strategic minerals. Tech & Regulation: Starlink’s Namibia licence comes amid taxation and sovereignty concerns, as regulators push for clearer compliance. Regional Spotlight: Namibia’s karate team shifts focus to Algeria after strong results in Angola, while Africa Day messages keep urging unity and homegrown solutions.