AGP Executive Report

Wildlife: A photograph taken in Namibia’s Huab River Valley has won Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026. It shows a female elephant carrying her dead calf; researchers say such behaviour may reflect grief or an understanding of death. Urban Resilience: Windhoek aims to become disaster-resilient by 2030, as floods, severe weather and fires threaten a growing city where about a third of residents live in informal housing, often in vulnerable areas. Trees and Climate: Namibia’s draft tree-planting strategy targets one million trees by 2030 and two million by 2035. The environment minister urged councils and developers to protect existing trees and replace those removed. Farming and Heat: Forecasters warn that heatwaves and El Niño conditions could put livestock, crops and soils under greater strain. Livestock are especially vulnerable to heat stress, while Namibia’s reliance on dryland farming heightens risks to production.

Tree Restoration: Namibia’s draft 2026–35 strategy targets one million trees planted and maintained by 2030, and two million by 2035. It sets a 70% survival goal, shifting focus from planting ceremonies to long-term care. Energy Transition: Germany has committed N$103 million to expand sustainable energy access and develop local value chains for critical minerals. Namibia aims to raise energy access from 59.3% to 70% by 2030. Nuclear Oversight: Namibia’s first nuclear commissioner will coordinate preparations for possible nuclear power, including assessment of environmental risks, safety and radioactive waste management. Mining and the Coast: Namibia has granted an environmental certificate to a phosphate mining project long opposed by the fishing industry, renewing questions about balancing development with marine livelihoods. River Stewardship: A youth club near Rundu is cleaning stretches of the Kavango River and hopes to manage Kayengona Beach sustainably as visitor numbers grow. Drilling Waste: Namibia’s hazardous drill-waste burden remains a concern as oil and gas exploration advances.

Community Clean-ups: A youth environmental club near Rundu is cleaning Kayengona Beach and wants to organise the popular Kavango River site, with access fees helping locals benefit from visitor numbers. Energy Transition: Namibia and Germany signed a N$103 million deal for projects to expand modern energy access and support responsible critical-mineral value chains and local processing. Wildlife: Namibia’s revised human-wildlife conflict policy emphasizes land-use planning, prevention, research and community engagement; the country’s community-led conservation model is also being recognised for linking wildlife protection with local benefits. Mining and Pollution: Namibia granted environmental clearance to a phosphate project long opposed by the fishing industry, while hazardous waste from oil drilling remains a growing concern.

Tree-Planting Drive: Namibia marked Arbor Day under a campaign to plant one million trees by 2030, with Swakop Uranium supplying gardening equipment to seven Hardap schools to support tree care and environmental education. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A revised national policy puts greater emphasis on land-use planning, prevention, research and community engagement, as Namibia and Botswana share wildlife data and coordinate patrols. Wildlife Conservation: A review of trophy-hunting studies across 13 African countries found 65% of reported outcomes positive for conservation and local well-being, but 26% negative — underscoring that results depend on how hunting is managed. Green Industry: Germany and Namibia agreed on N$103 million for projects to expand electricity access and develop more sustainable, locally beneficial critical-mineral value chains. Energy Transition: NamPower is targeting 80% domestic electricity self-sufficiency and a 70% renewable share by 2030, with rising industrial demand adding urgency.

Wildlife: Namibia’s revised human-wildlife conflict policy prioritises land-use planning, prevention, research and community engagement; officials say Namibia and Botswana also coordinate wildlife surveys and patrols. Green Investment: Germany and Namibia agreed on N$103 million for projects to expand electricity access and build more sustainable critical-mineral value chains. Park Access: The environment ministry says approved game-drive routes in Bwabwata remain open, with only illegal tracks closed, amid complaints from local guides. Restoration: Seven Hardap schools received gardening equipment to support tree planting and environmental education. Climate: September was Earth’s second-hottest on record, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus. Energy: NamPower aims for 80% electricity self-sufficiency and a 70% renewable share by 2030, as industrial demand is expected to rise. Mining Pressures: Namibia granted environmental clearance to a phosphate project opposed by fishing interests, while reports also flag hazardous drill-waste challenges from oil and gas exploration.

Bwabwata Wildlife: The environment ministry says approved game-drive roads remain open, clarifying that only illegal tracks were closed after tour guides raised concerns about access to wildlife-viewing areas. School Greening: Seven Hardap schools received gardening equipment from Swakop Uranium to support environmental education and care for trees and gardens. Clean Energy: NamPower aims to reach 80% electricity self-sufficiency by 2030, with renewables supplying 70% of its energy mix, even as industrial demand is expected to rise. Climate Resilience: Namibia and Germany plan to focus cooperation on climate-resilient water access, biodiversity conservation and green energy, with attention to rural adaptation. Mining and Nature: Namibia has been included in a five-year UN programme to promote environmentally and socially responsible critical-mineral supply chains. Separately, environmental clearance for a marine phosphate project has drawn opposition from the fishing industry. Rising Heat: September was the planet’s second-hottest on record, with 2026 also tracking as the second-warmest year to date.

Tree Planting: Swakop Uranium has supplied gardening equipment to seven Hardap schools to support environmental education and tree care, part of a national push to plant one million trees by 2030. Hardap has also committed to planting 75,000 trees. Water and Biodiversity: Namibia and Germany will focus their development partnership on climate-resilient water security, biodiversity conservation, green energy and skills for the green economy, with rural climate adaptation a priority. Mining and the Environment: Namibia has granted an environmental certificate to a phosphate mining project long opposed by the fishing industry, while a separate report flags the country’s growing challenge of managing hazardous oil-drilling waste. Climate and Energy: NamPower aims for renewables to supply 70% of its energy mix by 2030, even as expected industrial demand from oil, gas and mining could put added pressure on the grid. Globally, September was the second-hottest on record.

Climate Partnership: Namibia and Germany will focus development cooperation on climate-resilient water security, biodiversity conservation, green energy and skills for the green economy. Climate Plan: Namibia’s new 10-year climate plan is costed at N$230 billion, with N$202 billion expected from international financing. It targets emissions cuts and adaptation to drought, heat, floods and wildfires. Mining and Environment: Namibia has granted an environmental certificate to a phosphate mining project opposed by the fishing industry, renewing questions about the balance between resource development and marine protection. Green Growth: Khomas has launched a green growth and circular economy roadmap, while concerns over hazardous drill-waste management highlight the environmental challenges accompanying oil and gas activity. Nature and Communities: Hardap has pledged to plant 75,000 trees, and reusable nappies are being promoted to help protect the Kavango River. Namibia’s communal conservancies also continue to create jobs and income while supporting conservation.

Green Partnership: Namibia and Germany are prioritising climate-resilient water security, biodiversity conservation, green energy and skills for the green economy, with rural climate adaptation a key focus. Climate Action: Namibia’s new 10-year climate plan is estimated to cost N$230 billion, including N$202 billion expected from international funding. It targets emissions cuts and adaptation to drought, floods, rising temperatures and wildfires. Mining and Marine Protection: Namibia has granted environmental clearance to a phosphate mining project opposed by the fishing industry, renewing concerns over potential impacts on the coast. Separately, hazardous waste from oil and gas drilling is adding pressure to an already difficult waste-management challenge. Wildlife: A global assessment reports that monitored wildlife populations in Africa fell by an average of 80% between 1970 and 2022. The figure tracks changes in monitored populations, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife.

Climate Action: Namibia’s NDC 3.0 sets out a 10-year response to drought, heat, erratic rainfall, floods and wildfires, with an estimated N$230 billion price tag; N$202 billion is expected from international financing. Mining and Marine Environment: Approval of an environmental certificate for a phosphate project opposed by fishing interests, alongside concerns over hazardous oil-drilling waste, puts pressure on how Namibia manages extractive industries and coastal risks. Wildlife: A new global report finds monitored wildlife populations in Africa fell by an average 80% from 1970 to 2022. That measures population trends in tracked species, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife. Community Conservation: Namibia’s communal conservancies are generating jobs and income through tourism, crafts and wildlife management, giving communities a stake in protecting natural resources.

Wildlife: Africa’s monitored wildlife populations have fallen by an average 80% since 1970, a new report says. That measures changes in tracked populations, not an 80% loss of all African wildlife. Oil and Waste: Namibia’s two main hazardous-waste sites are under strain as offshore drilling expands, raising questions about the country’s capacity to safely handle drill waste. Marine Mining: The Sandpiper seabed phosphate project has received environmental clearance, renewing opposition from fishing groups and environmental advocates concerned about potential harm. Green Growth: Khomas Region has launched a roadmap to improve waste management, grow the circular economy and build climate resilience. Community Conservation: Namibia says communal conservancies support jobs and incomes through tourism and wildlife protection; Germany’s renewed partnership also prioritises biodiversity, water security and climate resilience.

Oil and Mining Pressures: Namibia’s hazardous-waste sites are nearing capacity as offshore drilling expands, raising concerns about how drill waste will be handled. The Sandpiper marine phosphate project has also received environmental clearance, despite long-running objections from fishing groups and environmental advocates. Mining Oversight: The High Court set aside Xinfeng Investment’s lithium mining licence, finding misleading technical information in its application; the company plans to appeal. Green Growth: Khomas Region launched a roadmap focused on waste management, circular-economy jobs and climate resilience. Water and Biodiversity: Namibia and Germany renewed cooperation on water security, biodiversity and climate resilience. In Kavango, a pilot programme is providing reusable nappies to help reduce pollution in the river. Tree Planting: Hardap has pledged to plant 75,000 trees as part of Namibia’s national target of two million by 2035.

Marine Mining Clash: Namibia has issued an environmental clearance certificate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, a move that renews fierce opposition from the fishing sector and environmental groups over seabed mining risks. Climate & Water Partnership: Namibia and Germany agreed to deepen cooperation on climate-resilient water security, biodiversity, livelihoods, and a just green energy transition after a Strategic Dialogue in Opuwo. Circular Economy Push: Khomas launched a Sustainability, Green Growth and Circular Economy Roadmap to tackle waste management, boost jobs, and strengthen climate resilience, with a waste-focused expo set for 8–9 October. Waste Reduction in Kavango: A pilot is supplying reusable nappies in Kamutjonga to cut plastic pollution in the Kavango River and reduce health and disposal concerns. Forestry Drive: Hardap committed to planting 75,000 trees as Namibia ramps up its push toward two million trees by 2035. Water Monitoring: ORASECOM has started the Fourth Joint Basin Survey (JBS4) to assess water quality and ecosystem health across the Senqu and Orange river systems through 15 December. Education & Digital Access: The education ministry acknowledged a persistent digital divide but says it is expanding connectivity, ICT infrastructure and devices across 1,699 schools. Electric Mobility Arrives: BYD launched its new energy vehicle brand in Namibia via Pupkewitz Motors, bringing multiple electrified models to Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva.

Tree-planting push: Hardap Region has pledged to plant at least 75,000 trees as Namibia ramps up its national drive to plant two million trees by 2035, with Arbor Day activities in Rehoboth and seedlings set to be distributed to schools and communities. River pollution fight: The Kavango Wilderness Project is piloting reusable nappies in Kamutjonga Village to cut plastic waste and protect the Kavango River from harmful disposal practices. Marine phosphate legal storm: Namibia’s Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project received an environmental clearance certificate valid until 2029, triggering strong opposition from the fishing industry and political leaders, with appeals lodged by the agriculture minister through the Attorney General. Energy transition, data and grids: NamPower says digitalisation will be central to its 2026–2030 transformation, using AI, automation and smarter grid control to speed up maintenance and improve service as the market liberalises. Wildlife conservation: Cheetah conservation news continues to ripple regionally, with plans to expand cheetah habitats in India, including a new third habitat at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Fisheries transparency call: A fisheries management scientist argues Namibia should make quota and fishing-right allocation decisions more transparent so applicants and the public can see how access to marine resources is determined.