AGP Executive Report

AI & Skills for Namibia: A new “Human Advantage National Masterclass 2026” argues Namibia can’t just buy AI tech; it must build human capability alongside digital tools. Green Industry Push: At the African Green Industries Summit in Swakopmund, Namibia’s planning chief and energy minister stressed green hydrogen as an industrialisation enabler, while calling for green financing that builds productive capacity and jobs. NOVA AI Training: Namibia’s NOVA is positioning itself to meet Africa’s AI technician demand with practical programmes in AI/ML, robotics and 3D modelling. Education Startups with AI: Injini is funding an $125,000 AI venture builder for African classrooms, selecting teams across Southern Africa to pilot AI-powered EdTech. Copper, Data Centres & AI: Mining analysts link AI-driven data centre growth to renewed copper optimism, with prices hitting record levels. Wildlife Tech in Namibia: GPS tracking in Etosha and Botswana flips the lion–hyena story: male lions track hyenas, while hyenas keep distance. Cyber Safety & Inclusion: Cybercrime awareness reached communities, and a digital disability assessment system faces concerns about rural connectivity and follow-up support. Local Investment & Projects: NIPDB hosted an investment forum at AGIS to match Namibian green projects with investors and technology partners. Road Safety Hotspots: Windhoek flagged its most crash-prone intersections, pointing to traffic volume and driver non-compliance. Fisheries Governance: Namibia announced a review of expiring fishing rights, with worries about “paper” ownership and real economic control.

AI Skills Push: Namibia’s NOVA launches practical AI training (machine learning, robotics, 3D fabrication) to close the gap between graduates and formal jobs. Media & Digital Cooperation: Namibia and China open talks on a Windhoek communication centre to boost newsroom collaboration and wider digital distribution. Green Finance for Industry: Namibia calls for innovative green financing models to fund industrialisation, jobs and expanded electricity access. Solar Tech Update: Namibia and Germany test a porous solar-glass coating that cuts reflection and heat, nudging panel efficiency higher. Wildlife Science: GPS collar data flips the lion–hyena story in Etosha and Botswana—male lions track hyenas, while hyenas keep distance. Connectivity for Remote Tourism: Q-KON expands Twoobii smart satellite services for low-latency fibre-like connectivity to eco-lodges. Public Service Digitalisation: PM Ngurare urges online job applications to end rural queueing and manual paperwork. Fisheries Reform Pressure: Namibia reviews expiring fishing rights amid concerns about “paper” ownership and real economic control. Procurement Controversy: CPBN faces backlash after cancelling a veterinary cordon fence tender and awarding via emergency procurement. Capital Markets Upgrade: NSX moves toward demutualisation into a share-capital company structure. Clean Energy Recognition: DBN wins a green finance award for investing over N$1.58bn in clean energy projects.

Overhead Cranes for Mining: Condra is ramping up production of very large overhead cranes for African mining demand, including orders for Zambia and a Namibian mine—highlighting how heavy engineering supply chains are tightening across the region. Cyber Safety in Communities: Bethanie residents received practical guidance on avoiding bank and family impersonation scams, with warnings that “nothing is free” and tips on stronger password habits. Fisheries Reform Under the Microscope: Namibia’s fishing rights are set for review as officials question “paper quota” control, while stakeholders at the Walvis Bay Fisheries Indaba push for science-led Total Allowable Catch decisions, better observer coverage, and ecosystem-aware management. Digital Disability Assessments: Namibia’s new digital disability assessment system faces rural connectivity and follow-up support concerns, with advocates urging accessible pathways to real services. Connectivity via LEO Satellites: CRAN is considering 2–3 pilot sites to test Low Earth Orbit satellite connectivity for underserved agricultural and community areas. Green Hydrogen in Walvis Bay: Siemens-backed CMB.TECH has commissioned an integrated green hydrogen facility combining solar, electrolysis and battery storage—aiming to make clean industrial fuel a reality now. Solar Glass Coating Trial: Namibia and Germany researchers are testing porous solar glass that boosts light intake and heat release, potentially nudging panel efficiency upward. Namibia’s Public Exchange Goes Corporate: The NSX is moving toward demutualisation into a public company structure with share capital, separating ownership from trading membership. Driver Penalty Points Abroad: Zimbabwe is moving toward a camera-based driver penalty points system to suspend or cancel licences for repeat offences.

Namibia’s solar upgrade: Researchers at the University of Namibia and Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are testing a porous solar glass coating that lets panels pass about 91% of sunlight and releases heat more efficiently, nudging efficiency from ~20% to ~20.25%—a small gain that could matter for clean power returns. Green hydrogen in Walvis Bay: Siemens says Namibia’s CMB.TECH facility is Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen setup, pairing a 5MW solar park, a 5MW electrolyser and 5.9MWh battery storage in an off-grid model for industrial and transport use. Connectivity push: CRAN is considering 2–3 pilot sites for Low Earth Orbit satellite connectivity, targeting underserved agricultural and community areas via the Universal Service Fund. Fisheries science drive: Namibia’s National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay pushed for TAC decisions to follow scientific advice and for ocean ecosystem data to be included, while stakeholders called for expanded observer coverage and an end to secrecy around fishing rights. Digital public services: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged immediate digitalisation of public service job applications to end queues and manual paperwork. Capital markets reform: The Namibia Securities Exchange is moving toward demutualisation, shifting from rights-based membership to share ownership. Mining exploration boost: Kaoko Metals raised A$20m to expand diamond drilling at its Chalkos copper-silver project in north-west Namibia. Sports & tech culture: Windhoek’s Nedbank Citi Dash crowned Matias Simon and Tuuli Angala in elite races, with youth participation highlighted.

Green Hydrogen in Walvis Bay: Siemens says Namibia’s CMB.TECH has commissioned Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility, pairing a 5MW solar park, a 5MW electrolyser and 5.9MWh battery storage in an off-grid setup that uses its own hydrogen for immediate demand. Fisheries Science Push: At Walvis Bay’s National Fisheries Indaba, fisheries leaders urged the ministry to base Total Allowable Catch decisions on scientific stock assessments and to include ocean ecosystem and chemistry impacts, while the Fisheries Observer Agency called for better observer coverage to strengthen compliance and data. Fishing Transparency Drive: Namibia is turning to a digital dashboard to improve transparency on who benefits from the sector, as calls grow to end secrecy around fishing rights and quota holders. Cybersecurity for a Digital Africa: Namibia hosted the Global Cybersecurity Initiative in Windhoek, aiming to build a trusted digital ecosystem across Africa’s 54 markets and tackle cybercrime and skills gaps. AI EdTech Venture Builder: Injini launched an eight-month AI venture builder to help teams build classroom-relevant AI education products across nine Southern African countries. Health & Environment Alert: Scientists warn of an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, with risks to people, wildlife and tourism. Mining & Exploration: Kaoko Metals raised A$20m to expand diamond drilling at its Chalkos copper-silver project in north-west Namibia, following early visible copper hits. HIV Funding Shift: The US plans to phase down HIV funding to Namibia, leaving over 29,000 people at risk of losing critical support services. Mobile Data Cost Study: A UK-focused broadband study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile data cost at $0.27 per 1GB.

Namibia Fisheries Transparency: Namibia is turning to a digital dashboard to make fishing sector performance visible “at the press of a button,” aiming to curb secrecy and ensure real economic benefits for Namibians. Environmental Scrutiny: An independent fisheries scientist says Namibia Marine Phosphate’s Environmental Clearance Certificate is incomplete because shore impacts for the Sandpiper operation still need proper assessment and approvals. Cybersecurity Push: A Global Cybersecurity Initiative has been launched in Windhoek to build a trusted digital ecosystem across Africa, tackling cybercrime losses and the skills gap. AI for Education: Injini opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, requiring teams to include people with classroom experience. Wildlife Health Alert: Scientists report an unusual rabies outbreak among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem, urging the public not to touch sick or dead animals. Mining & Exploration Funding: Kaoko Metals raised A$20m to expand diamond drilling at its Chalkos copper-silver project, following early visible copper hits. Disability Support Reform: Government launched a new guideline and digital programme to fix delays and inconsistencies in medical disability assessments, to unlock social protection faster. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, including Namibia.

Oil & Gas Finance: ReconAfrica plans to raise about N$174m via a bought-deal offering to fund a horizontal sidetrack and production testing at Namibia’s Kavango West 1X well, with warrants sweetening the deal. Oil & Gas Operations: TotalEnergies has received Namibian approval to become operator of the Mopane discovery area, taking a 40% operated interest in PEL83 and positioning for a major production push (with FID expected in 2028). AI in Namibia: V5 Digital launches an AI Academy in Windhoek to help organisations assess readiness, train staff, and implement AI responsibly. Cybersecurity: Namibia officially launches the Global Cybersecurity Initiative, aiming to connect African players to tackle rising cyber threats. Education & Skills: East China Normal University students are extending technology education practice to Namibia and other African countries, reaching over 1,000 learners and educators. Mining Watch: Kaoko Metals’ early Namibia drilling results have sparked major investor excitement on visible copper mineralisation. Public Health & Data: Namibia and the US announce a phased reduction of US HIV funding, shifting toward technical cooperation as Namibia integrates its response into national systems. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, including Namibia.

Parliament Watch: A fresh call for order in Namibia’s House warns that democracy needs debate, not chaos, and puts the Speaker at the centre of keeping MPs free to question government while stopping deliberate disruption. Water & Food Security: Windhoek’s rainfall is highly variable, and the real risk is when drought overwhelms system resilience—so planning must focus on what happens during repeated dry seasons, not just averages. Wildlife Monitoring: Across Africa, conservation groups are using cross-border wildlife censuses with aerial counts, camera traps and tracking to track populations under pressure from climate and habitat loss. Fisheries Reform Push: At Walvis Bay’s National Fisheries Indaba, Minister Inge Zaamwani says the sector can’t afford more talk and demands a reform roadmap with accountability and action. AI for Namibia: V5 Digital launches an AI academy in Windhoek to help organisations move from interest to implementation, while the Electricity Control Board rolls out a digital portal for embedded rooftop solar applications. Cybersecurity for Youth: Namibia’s Global Cybersecurity Initiative urges young people to turn cyber awareness into practical habits as vulnerabilities and incidents keep rising. Oil & Space Tech: TotalEnergies gets approval to operate Namibia’s Mopane discovery (PEL83), and Namibia is drafting a Space Science Act and agency framework to support R&D and possible commercialisation.

Fisheries Reform Push: Zaamwani opened Namibia’s National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay with a clear message: stop talking and deliver a reform roadmap with accountability and action. Legal Education Meets Work: NARETU and Welwitchia University signed an MoU to place law students into practical labour-law internships, linking classroom theory to dispute resolution and workplace advocacy. Sustainable Use Debate: Namibia’s seal population is back on the agenda, with calls for an ecosystem-based approach that balances conservation with fish-stock protection and livelihoods. AI for Windhoek: V5 Digital launched an AI academy in Windhoek to help organisations assess readiness, train staff, and implement AI in daily operations. Cyber Safety for Youth: Namibia launched the Global Cybersecurity Initiative in Windhoek, warning young people to move from recognising threats to using safer habits online. Powering Rooftop Solar Faster: The Electricity Control Board rolled out an Embedded Generation Online Application Platform to speed up and standardise approvals for rooftop solar and battery connections. Space Policy in the Making: Namibia is developing a Space Science Act and agency framework to support research, cooperation, and possible commercialisation. Oil Sector Update: TotalEnergies received approval to become operator of Namibia’s Mopane discovery (PEL83), positioning it to lead two of the country’s largest oil discoveries. Water Tech Trial: A 50,000-volt fog-water harvesting device was tested along Namibia’s coast, showing promise but highlighting real-world challenges like salt and wind. Solar Boom, Hidden in Plain Sight: A new analysis says Africa’s solar growth is largely distributed and often missed in official stats, with Namibia’s region set to benefit from wider adoption.

Cyber Safety: UNICEF reports 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face exposure to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse, with Namibia among the countries flagged. AI & Skills: V5 Digital launches a Windhoek AI Academy to help organisations assess readiness, train staff and implement AI in daily operations. Digital Security: Namibia officially launches the Global Cybersecurity Initiative, urging youth to turn cyber awareness into practical protection as NAM-CSIRT logs massive vulnerabilities. Energy & Power: The Electricity Control Board rolls out an Embedded Generation Online Application Platform to speed up rooftop solar and battery connection approvals. Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies gets government approval to become operator of Namibia’s Mopane discovery (PEL83), with FID expected in 2028 and first oil likely by 2033. Space Policy: Namibia begins public engagement for a Space Science Act and agency framework to enable research and possible commercialisation. Water Diplomacy: GWPO and partners launch a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week 2026. Conservation Tech: A maths team uses Namibia’s Etosha as a case study to win a global modelling award for wildlife protection planning. Fisheries Governance: Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani calls for a science-led, balanced approach to manage the growing seal population’s impact on fish stocks.

Oil & Gas Deal: TotalEnergies has been approved to take over as operator of Namibia’s Mopane discovery by acquiring 40% operated interest in PEL83, while Galp takes 10% in PEL56 (Venus) and 9.39% in PEL91—setting up appraisal with probable first oil around 2033. Space Policy: Namibia is drafting a Space Science Act and agency framework to boost space research, cooperation, and possible commercialisation after adopting a national space policy in 2021. Power & Solar: The Electricity Control Board launched a digital embedded generation application portal to speed up rooftop solar and battery connection approvals, replacing paper processes. Cybersecurity: DS Tech Namibia launched the Global Cybersecurity Initiative in Windhoek to connect African businesses and governments against rising cyber threats. Water From Fog: A 50,000-volt electrostatic fog-harvesting device tested near Namibia’s coast showed promise in controlled trials but struggled with salt, wind and weather. Fisheries & Seals: Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani urged stakeholders to use science-based, ecosystem governance to balance seal conservation with fish-stock protection. HIV Funding Shift: Namibia and the US announced a phased reduction of US HIV-AIDS funding, transitioning to technical cooperation as Namibia sustains gains. Circular Economy: GreenCycle expo returns in late October with a “Proof of Impact” focus and a target of 5,000-plus green jobs by 2030.

Oil & Gas Deal: TotalEnergies got Namibian approval to buy a 40% operated stake in PEL83 (Mopane discovery), making it operator of Namibia’s two biggest oil discoveries; it swaps with Galp for 10% in PEL56 (Venus) and 9.39% in PEL91, with FID expected in 2028 and probable first oil by 2033. Space Policy: Namibia is drafting a Space Science Act to promote space science and tech, research and development, and possible commercialisation, building on its 2021 Space Science & Technology Policy. Power & Solar Access: The Electricity Control Board launched DigiNam’s embedded generation online application platform, replacing paper processes so households and businesses can apply, track, and get approvals faster for rooftop solar and battery connections. Cybersecurity Push: DS Tech Namibia launched the Global Cybersecurity Initiative in Windhoek to connect African businesses, governments and innovators, aiming to scale across 52 countries by 2029. Circular Economy Jobs: GreenCycle expo returns 30–31 October targeting “Proof of Impact” and 5,000-plus green jobs by 2030, with workshops, investor meetings and a pitch arena. Coastal Safety: Namibia’s fisheries ministry is investigating dead fish at Henties Bay and urges the public not to eat affected fish until scientific results are out. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (12–17) in 21 countries face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with social media involved in more than half of cases. Local Innovation: A self-taught inventor in Oshakati is appealing for support to develop locally made machines and equipment, including a small aircraft he says he built in 2026.

Digital Trust for Namibia: CRAN launched DigiNam: Trust is Now Digital, built on Namibia’s National Public Key Infrastructure, to secure digital identities, signatures and trusted online transactions with CRAN as the Root Certification Authority. Marine Phosphate Tension: Namibia’s agriculture ministry is challenging an Environmental Clearance Certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate’s Sandpiper project, with President McHenry Venaani accusing poor government coordination and late awareness of the clearance. Oil & Gas Deal: TotalEnergies completed its stake swaps with Galp, taking a 40% operated interest in Namibia’s PEL83 (Mopane) and strengthening its operator role across major Orange Basin discoveries. Gold Reserves Watch: The World Gold Council reports central banks added 23 tonnes of gold in July, led by China and Poland, as reserve diversification continues. Child Online Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children across 21 countries face online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with social media driving most cases. Namibia Tech & Mining: Askari Metals is ramping up exploration at its Uis critical metals project, with soil sampling nearing 75% completion and trenching advancing at the Kestrel target. Coastal Health Alert: Namibia’s fisheries ministry is investigating dead fish at Henties Bay and urges the public not to consume them until scientific results are out. Conservation Coexistence: A new IUCN-focused push highlights community-led human-wildlife coexistence as species recover and overlap with livelihoods.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children in 21 countries face online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with more than one in five youths aged 12–17 targeted; social media drives over half of cases and reporting to authorities is extremely low. Namibia Digital Trust: CRAN launches DigiNam: Trust is Now Digital, built on Namibia’s National Public Key Infrastructure to secure digital identities, e-signatures and trusted online transactions, with CRAN as the Root Certification Authority. Critical Minerals Exploration: Askari Metals ramps up work at its Uis project, with soil sampling nearing 75% completion, trenching advancing at Kestrel, and plans for reverse circulation drilling across multiple pegmatite targets. Marine Health Watch: Scientists warn of rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem and a virus linked to sardine deaths, urging communities not to touch sick or dead animals. Local Tech & Skills: Nanso unveils a new executive and research-focused agenda, while Namibia’s vocational trainees push toward WorldSkills in Shanghai. Energy & Industry: OL Energy targets gigawatt-scale renewables by 2029, and Deep Yellow weighs funding options for its Tumas uranium project ahead of a likely FID.

Rare Earth Processing Deal: Lindian Resources signed a partnership with Carester SAS for an oxide separation facility in Kazakhstan, plus a long-term offtake covering 70% of mixed heavy rare earth output, with a feasibility study aimed to finish by end-2026. Namibia Critical Metals Push: Askari Metals is ramping Uis exploration, with soil sampling nearing 75% completion, trenching advancing at the Kestrel pegmatite target, and reverse-circulation drilling planning for multiple prospects. Copper Drilling Momentum: Kaoko Metals surged after early Chalkos Copper-Silver drilling intersected broad visible copper zones; assays are expected in 4–6 weeks, while the ASX issued a “speeding ticket” after the rapid jump. Marine Health Warning: Scientists reported rabies among seals in the Benguela Current ecosystem and a virus in sardines, while Namibia-linked coastal sardine mortality continues to trigger public health and wildlife monitoring. Energy & Uranium Updates: OL Energy targets gigawatt-scale renewables by 2029, and Deep Yellow is evaluating funding options for its Tumas uranium project ahead of an expected Q4 final investment decision. Digital Safety & Education: UNICEF highlights online sexual abuse risks for youths, while Namibia’s education and ICT efforts continue through skills and teacher digital training initiatives.

Mining Policy Clarity: Namibia’s Cabinet is pushing a clearer, more investment-friendly mining framework while insisting on strict environmental, safety and ethics standards, with uranium in Erongo cited as proof extraction and protection can go together. Petroleum Local Content: The Presidency has taken control of upstream petroleum local content by appointing the Upstream Petroleum Unit as the regulator, a move parliamentarians question for shifting oversight away from the energy ministry. Uranium Project Funding: Deep Yellow is weighing government support, convertible bonds, strategic debt and equity for the Tumas uranium project ahead of an expected Q4 final investment decision. Renewables Scale-Up: OL Energy targets a gigawatt-scale renewable project by 2029, building on its Schönau Solar and battery storage plan and aiming to export power via SAPP. Digital Trust & Identity: Namibia launched its National Public Key Infrastructure (DigiNam) to enable more secure online identity authentication and electronic signatures, with Veridos involved in implementation. Public Service Digitisation: Home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu says digital transformation should stop citizens from repeatedly carrying certified documents between offices. Transport & Permits: Windhoek’s new heavy vehicle access and permit system starts with enforcement from 1 October, using camera monitoring and fines to protect roads. Housing Affordability: A Simonis Storm analysis says most Namibians can’t afford homes because serviced land delivery and incomes lag, estimating a monthly income of about N$43,765 is needed for the average house. Aquaculture Push: Lüderitz could get a N$4bn Atlantic salmon project, with plans for rapid start-up and thousands of jobs, pending remaining requirements. Wildlife & Fisheries Health: Sardine deaths in South Africa are linked to pilchard herpesvirus, raising pressure on quotas and concerns for African penguins. Labour & Skills: NUST academic staff secured a 5% pay rise with TUN, effective from 1 January 2026.