AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: Namibia’s marine conservation is still critically low, with UNEP Target Tracker figures showing only 1.69% of marine areas under protection; Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia is working to declare more Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas to meet the CBD “30 by 30” goal. Renewables Safeguards: Environmental lawyers warn Namibia’s shift to solar and wind must be backed by strong, enforced environmental safeguards, or biodiversity and ecosystems could be harmed even as emissions fall. EV Charging Step: The Ministry of Works and Transport has launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, meant to test feasibility for a wider national charging network. Oil & Gas Policy Focus: Namibia’s fourth Oil and Gas Strategic Conference (NOGC 2026) is set to bring together policymakers and investors to turn sector plans into a practical roadmap. KAZA Wildlife Talks: KAZA states meeting in Victoria Falls are pushing a united front on wildlife conservation and elephant trade, with EU funding supporting updated plans and livelihoods. Rural Waste-to-Value Funding: Capricorn Foundation approved an extra N$1.2m for Rural Revive in Maltahöhe, backing waste management and desert-based horticulture systems. Budget Reform Workshop: Finance officials are rolling out outcome-based budget reforms as debt and tighter fiscal space collide with higher costs from Middle East tensions.

Youth & Jobs: Swakopmund wrapped up its Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, backing 85 young entrepreneurs after 2,489 applications, with N$1m in equipment handed over. Renewables & Biodiversity: Namibia’s environmental lawyers warn that the push for solar and wind must come with strong, enforced safeguards, or ecosystems and biodiversity could be harmed even as emissions fall. Water & Dams: A new global study says over half of the world’s freshwater reservoirs could become “functionally dead” by 2060 from sediment build-up, with Namibia’s dams flagged as highly at risk. Ocean Awareness: On World Ocean Day, a survey highlights widespread public gaps in ocean knowledge, while Namibia’s hake fishery is cited as an example of stock recovery through science-based management. GMO Governance: Namibia’s Biosafety Act is under review as NCRST consults agencies ahead of changes to better manage GMO risks amid rising imports. Energy Transition Watch: Lawyers also caution that “green power” projects need monitoring and legal foundations to protect nature. Mining & Power Planning: Koryx Copper reports progress on Haib’s pre-feasibility and infrastructure plans, including grid power plus hybrid solar and battery storage, and water sourcing from the Orange River. Wildlife Trade Debate: South Africa moves to expand rhino horn trade via CITES exemptions, reigniting conservation concerns across the region.

Climate and health: A South African malaria surge is being linked to shifting weather patterns, with Mpumalanga cases jumping fourfold in January and the wider region facing renewed pressure on elimination plans. Marine recovery: New research compiling decades of sightings reports increasing sightings of Antarctic blue whales and fin whales in the South-East Atlantic, suggesting slow recovery after industrial whaling. Biodiversity and conservation: Namibia-linked SLR has acquired Anchor Environmental Consultants, expanding natural capital and biodiversity advisory capacity across southern Africa, including Namibia. Wildlife news: In India’s Kuno National Park, the Indian-born cheetah KGP11 has died during treatment, with officials awaiting post-mortem results. Waste and pollution: Oshikoto’s land-use assessment flags disposable nappies as a growing waste problem, with many households burying nappies due to limited disposal options. Governance and transparency: Namibia’s Presidency rejects claims of involvement in a N$612m solar project tied to the Tsumeb smelter, while opposition continues to demand full disclosure. Community environment conflict: Protesters in Oshana’s Iiheke Ya Nakele accuse leaders of allowing development on disputed land, including grazing areas, water sources and cultural sites. Media and rights: Namibia’s media freedom debate continues, with calls to protect journalists and reduce fear-driven reporting gaps.

Community Land Rights Clash: Members of the Iiheke Ya Nakele community in Oshana protested a controversial construction by an Oshakati businessman, alleging plots are being allocated in disputed areas like grazing land, water sources and cultural sites, despite a 2019 Uukwambi Traditional Authority hearing ordering sand mining and construction to halt pending a final dispute. Child Protection Commitment: Namibia reaffirmed its push to end violence against children, citing ongoing risks including online sexual exploitation and calling for stronger child protection systems and child participation through platforms like the Children’s Parliament. Marine Life Recovery: New research using decades of sightings and strandings reports increasing sightings of Antarctic blue and fin whales in the South-East Atlantic, suggesting slow recovery after industrial whaling. Waste & Pollution Pressure: Oshikoto’s growing waste problem is highlighted by how disposable nappies are being improperly disposed of in villages, with limited formal facilities driving littering and illegal dumping. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Hungry elephants displaced by climate stress in Zambia are raiding crops, underscoring how extreme weather is pushing wildlife into conflict with farmers. Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Namibia marked World Environment Day with a reminder that protecting forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands can help tackle climate change through nature-based carbon storage and cooling. Local Conservation Science: Tsau //Khaeb’s brown hyena population is reported stable since 1997, but researchers warn fences and busy roads could disrupt coastal wildlife corridors.

Waste & Pollution: Oshikoto’s disposable nappies are piling up as rural households lack proper disposal sites, with the Oshikoto land-use plan warning of littering and illegal dumping in constituencies like Onyaanya, Oniipa and Onayena. Wildlife & Health: In Kuno National Park, India-born cheetah KGP11 has died after intensive treatment following injuries found on 1 June; a post-mortem is planned to determine the cause. Marine Life Recovery: A UCT-led study reports increasing sightings of Antarctic blue whales and fin whales in the South-East Atlantic, suggesting slow recovery after industrial whaling. Conservation & Community Support: A mobile eyewear programme in Namibia’s Kunene Region screened nearly 500 people, fitting corrective glasses for conservancy members and improving daily livelihoods. Urban Safety & Social Issues: Windhoek is moving to address children begging at intersections, with the city set to coordinate interventions to protect both children and road users. Climate & Nature Solutions: Namibia marks World Environment Day with a push for nature-based climate action, highlighting forests, rivers, oceans and algae as key carbon and ecosystem supports.

Whale Recovery Watch: New research using decades of confirmed sightings and strandings reports increasing sightings of Antarctic blue whales and fin whales in Namibia and South Africa’s south-east Atlantic, suggesting slow recovery after 20th-century whaling. Wildlife Health Update: A 27-month-old Indian-born cheetah, KGP11, died during treatment at Kuno National Park after serious injuries, with a post-mortem planned to determine the cause. Conservation & Community Care: A mobile vision and eyewear programme delivered corrective glasses to nearly 500 people in Namibia’s Kunene Region, improving daily life for conservancy members and remote residents. Human-Wildlife Pressure: In Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya area, hungry elephants displaced by climate stress raided a farmer’s maize field overnight, highlighting growing conflict between wildlife and livelihoods across the Kavango-Zambezi landscape. Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Namibia marked World Environment Day by stressing “inspired by nature” approaches—protecting forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands to support climate action and healthier cities. Biodiversity Monitoring: Brown hyena numbers in Tsau //Khaeb National Park are reported stable since 1997, with researchers warning that fences and busy roads could disrupt coastal wildlife corridors.

World Environment Day & Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Namibia’s deputy environmental commissioner Caroline Garus-Oas says protecting forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands is key to tackling the climate crisis, highlighting how trees and even algae help absorb carbon and how climate-smart cities can cut emissions. Conservation Update: Tsau //Khaeb National Park’s brown hyena population is reported stable (about 200–300 animals), with researchers warning that fences and busy roads could disrupt coastal wildlife corridors. Rural Livelihoods & Waste: Capricorn Foundation approved an extra N$1.2m for RuralRevive at Maltahöhe, backing horticulture, waste management, logistics and community hubs to scale a desert-based local economy. Solar Transparency Row: IPC leader Panduleni Itula questions a proposed N$612m solar deal tied to the Tsumeb smelter, calling for full public disclosure of ownership and licensing details. Telecom Namibia Network Strain: CRAN says Telecom Namibia needs significant capital investment to modernise and stabilise its network after repeated nationwide service disruptions, including issues linked to power, fibre and copper theft. Food Security at Market Day: Shoprite Market Day showcased Namibian community gardens selling fresh produce, supporting small-scale growers with retail training and market access. Energy Transition Minerals (Regional): A SADC project launched in Lusaka aims to keep energy-transition minerals value in the region by building environmentally responsible, inclusive supply chains across countries including Namibia.

World Environment Day, nature-based climate solutions: Namibia’s deputy environmental commissioner Caroline Garus-Oas says the theme “Inspired by Nature for Climate and Our Future” is a reminder that forests, rivers, oceans and even algae can help absorb carbon, while greener cities and renewable energy support climate-smart living. Wildlife conservation: Tsau //Khaeb National Park’s brown hyena population is reported stable at about 200–300 animals since 1997, with researchers warning that fences and busy roads could disrupt coastal wildlife corridors. Community food security: Shoprite Market Day in Windhoek showcased vegetables from Namibian community gardens, giving small-scale growers a retail platform and linking the event to World Hunger Day. Telecom Namibia network crisis: CRAN says Telecom Namibia’s nationwide service disruptions can’t be fixed with short-term fixes and calls for significant capital investment and structural reform to modernise and stabilise the network. Energy transition minerals in the region: A SADC project launched in Lusaka aims to keep critical energy-transition minerals value in the region through environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised value chains (including Namibia). Clean energy build breakthrough: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a crane-less wind turbine in Namibia, pointing to faster, cheaper deployment for remote wind sites. Cheetah treatment update: In India’s Kuno National Park, cheetah KGP11 is receiving intensive care after internal haemorrhage was found; officials say her condition is stable but key updates are expected in days. Namibia’s cycling spotlight: Tour de Windhoek 2026 was launched for 13–16 August, with organisers framing cycling as youth development and healthy living.

Whale-Safe Shipping: A new study links higher ship traffic in South African waters to whale strikes, urging urgent measures as rerouting isn’t currently possible due to missing offshore whale data. Clean Energy Build Speed: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a utility-scale wind turbine in Namibia using a crane-less method, pointing to faster, cheaper clean power in remote, windy sites. Uranium Value-Chain Jobs: Namibia’s competition regulator (NaCC) approved CNNC’s minority stake in Bannerman Energy tied to the Etango Uranium Project, adding conditions on employment, skills and Namibian participation. Local Water-Energy Debt Pressure: A ministerial push to disconnect services over municipal debt is sparking debate over accountability versus the risk to essential public services. Green Schemes Food Security: President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Kavango East green schemes, citing improved yields despite heavy rainfall and plans to diversify crops. Coastal Livelihoods at Risk: Namibia’s small-scale fishers face a legal vacuum under the Marine Resources Act, limiting sales and increasing socio-economic and environmental pressures. Youth Health & Rights: Germany funded N$1.9m for NAPPA’s “Pamwe” project to tackle teenage pregnancy and expand youth-friendly SRHR services in rural regions. Skills for a Greener Economy: UNAM and Idaho State’s advanced life skills training for midwives enters its final phase in the Zambezi region, targeting fewer maternal and neonatal deaths.

Aquaculture push for Africa: Panelists at the Blue Food Innovation Summit say Africa could become aquaculture’s next growth frontier, citing strong seafood demand and untapped potential, but stressing the need for better feed, seed and management support. Green schemes boost food security: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Kavango East green schemes, praising improved yields despite heavy rainfall, with plans to diversify crops and continued scrutiny of performance. Teen pregnancy and SRHR funding: Germany invested N$1.9m in NAPPA’s “Pamwe” project across Kavango, Kunene and Omusati to expand youth-friendly health services and tackle teenage pregnancy. Wildlife crime awareness drive: MEFT launched Ministerial Sports Games in Grootfontein to raise awareness on poaching and human-wildlife conflict, urging regions to actively discuss anti-poaching strategies. Small-scale fishers’ legal squeeze: A report highlights how Namibia’s Marine Resources Act leaves small-scale fishers unrecognised for selling their catch, trapping them in informal middlemen as environmental and economic pressures rise. Sustainable urban land delivery: Karibib plans to sell 100 unserviced plots to support housing for employees, with servicing led by a local NGO focused on sustainable urban development. Human-wildlife coexistence in focus: The anti-poaching and coexistence message ties into broader efforts to protect wildlife while supporting communities.

Wildlife Crime & Coexistence: Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism kicked off ministerial sports games in Grootfontein to raise awareness on anti-poaching and day-to-day human-wildlife conflict, urging regions to actively discuss and strengthen local anti-poaching strategies. Green Schemes Progress: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed follow-up visits to Kavango East green schemes, praising full land utilisation at Uvhungu-Vhungu and reporting strong projected maize output at Ndonga Linena, alongside winter crop preparations and ongoing operational challenges. Critical Minerals With Cleaner Rules: UN Economic Commission for Africa launched a €15m, five-year SADC project (including Namibia) aimed at building environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains for energy transition minerals. Water & Mining Oversight: Osino Gold applied for an Environmental Clearance Certificate to build a sand storage dam on the Khan River in Erongo, seeking to improve water security for its Twin Hills Gold Project. Fisheries Enforcement: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Namibia’s fisheries observer chief as chair and prioritising vessel registers and capacity to curb illegal fishing. Tourism & Access: Edelweiss launched direct Windhoek–Zurich flights, offering a new Europe gateway for travellers.

Wildlife Protection Push: Namibia’s anti-poaching awareness drive in Otjozondjupa kicks off through the MEFT’s ministerial sports games in Grootfontein, with organisers urging regions to actively discuss and strengthen wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict strategies. Green Schemes Deliver: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reports full utilisation of agricultural land at the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East, and highlights strong maize and winter crop plans at Ndonga Linena, while noting ongoing operational and market challenges. Water & Mining Oversight: Osino Gold seeks an Environmental Clearance Certificate to build a sand storage dam on the Khan River in Erongo, aiming to improve water security for its Twin Hills project. Critical Minerals, Cleaner Standards: UN ECA launches a €15m SADC project to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across Namibia and neighbours. Biodiversity Discovery: An Angola expedition on the Lisima plateau finds dozens of new species, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity and river-fed ecosystems. Fuel Supply Scrutiny: Parliament faces renewed debate after IPC alleges a sole bulk petroleum supplier deal with Vitol could entrench market concentration and affect fuel availability. Food Security Support: WFP says 105,813 households received rice assistance in May as climate-related shocks continue to strain vulnerable communities.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC has renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Namibia’s Fisheries Observer Agency CEO Stanley Ndara as chair for a second term, with priorities including the Regional Register of Fishing Vessels to curb illegal fishing. Water & Uranium Safety: Russian state firm Rosatom’s Namibia subsidiary Headspring Investments claims groundwater in the Stampriet Basin aquifer is already contaminated, citing uranium levels far above WHO drinking-water guidelines, while awaiting an IAEA independent report on the proposed in situ leaching test. Food Security Support: The WFP says 105,813 Namibian households received rice assistance in May and warns climate-related shocks still threaten vulnerable families, calling for continued funding and stronger early-warning systems. Green Farming Progress: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East for fully using all land, with maize planted on all 311 hectares and expected harvest of 1,900–2,000 tonnes. Corruption Allegations: A whistleblower complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission alleges corruption and irregular hiring at Namibia’s NIPDB during Nangula Uaandja’s tenure, though claims have not been independently verified. Health & Youth SRHR: Germany and Nappa back the “Pamwe” project with N$1.9m to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people, including those with disabilities, in Kavango, Kunene and Omusati.

Food Security & Climate Resilience: WFP says 105,813 Namibian households received rice support in May (2,326 tonnes), but warns vulnerable families still face climate-related shocks and needs remain high even after drought response ended. Water & Uranium Risk: Rosatom’s Namibian subsidiary Headspring claims uranium levels in a Stampriet Basin aquifer are about 300 times above WHO drinking-water guidelines, while awaiting an independent IAEA report before Cabinet. Agriculture & Land Use: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East for fully using all 311 hectares, expecting 1,900–2,000 tonnes of maize despite outages and storm damage. Green Schemes & Production: Nandi-Ndaitwah also inspected Sikondo Green Scheme in Kavango West as part of broader efforts to boost local output. Biodiversity & Heritage: Forensic archaeology work linked to German colonial concentration camps at Swakopmund and Lüderitz highlights how environmental change and development threaten genocide-linked landscapes. Policy & Delivery: Namibia’s 2026/27 budget is now law, shifting focus to implementation and delivery—while IPC demands better execution. Regional Livestock Health: LPO calls for stronger cross-border cooperation to protect Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease-free status and safeguard beef exports. Energy Safety: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility hits 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, underscoring safety culture in fuel security operations.

Food Security Watch: WFP says Namibia still needs continued funding to lock in food security gains, warning vulnerable households remain exposed to climate shocks even as conditions improve; it highlights support to 105,813 households with rice and calls for stronger early-warning and emergency preparedness. Transboundary Animal Health: Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation urges a united regional front against foot-and-mouth disease, stressing the country’s FMD-free status must be protected through cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities and farmers. Water & Land Under Pressure: Researchers say the disputed Stampriet Transboundary System is a basin, not a single aquifer, with uranium exposure concerns raised by baseline sampling from boreholes on farms. Energy Safety Milestone: Namibia’s National Oil Storage Facility logs 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, underscoring fuel security and risk management at Namcor’s key logistics hub. Green Tech in Action: CGN held a multi-country Open Day, with Namibia media visiting the Husab Uranium Mine to discuss community investment, ecological restoration and water security. Wildlife Conservation Coordination: Namibia launches BRAN, a new platform to strengthen black rhino custodianship through collaboration and data sharing. Agriculture Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured the Ekoka Green Scheme and related projects, including irrigation expansion and the Etunda Feedlot, aimed at boosting local production and jobs. Migration Reform: Namibia is reviewing its 1993 immigration law, proposing pre-arrival information submission to modernise border control and support investment and travel.

Transboundary Livestock Health: Namibia’s Livestock Producers’ Organisation vice-chair Dawie Kok says the country can’t protect its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status alone, urging stronger cross-border cooperation with veterinary authorities and farmers as outbreaks threaten regional trade. Fisheries Monitoring: SADC reappointed Fisheries Observer Agency CEO Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and phase out destructive nets. Water & Uranium Concerns: A media engagement on the disputed Stampriet Transboundary System says the area is a basin (with multiple aquifers), and warns farmers may be drawing water without testing how uranium ore impacts it. Food Security Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ekoka Green Scheme and related projects, including irrigation farming and the Etunda Feedlot, aimed at boosting local production and reducing import dependence. Energy Safety Milestone: Namcor’s National Oil Storage Facility hit 1,004 consecutive days without a lost-time injury, highlighting fuel-security operations and safety culture. Malaria in the Zambezi: Zambezi region reports high malaria burden and calls for early treatment, net use, repellents, indoor spraying and removing standing water to cut deaths. Wildlife Conservation Coordination: Namibia launched BRAN, a new platform to strengthen collaboration and data sharing among black rhino custodians. Night-Sky & Light Pollution: A feature highlights how light pollution limits stargazing for most people, pointing to Namibia’s dark-sky potential and the need for protection. Wind Power in Namibia: Fortescue’s Nabrawind installed a crane-less wind turbine in harsh Namibian conditions, showing how renewable projects are adapting to local logistics and weather.