AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Science: Namibia is hosting Africa’s first international nuclear-test verification exercise. About 250 participants are testing technologies and procedures to investigate suspected nuclear activity in the Erongo region through 20 November. Energy Infrastructure: Dangote Industries has launched its $2.5 billion Walvis Bay fuel-storage and regional pipeline project, intended to improve fuel distribution across Southern Africa. AI for Health: Namibian innovators have until Friday to apply for a competition offering US$50,000 in prizes for responsible AI solutions to improve access to family-planning information and services. Geoscience and Communities: New research highlights the need for Namibian geoscientists to engage communities on mining, groundwater and environmental impacts as the resource sector grows. Sports Science: Namibia’s new Olympic partnership with South Korea opens opportunities for exchanges in sports science, medicine, coaching and high-performance training.

Energy Infrastructure: Dangote has launched a $2.5 billion fuel-storage and pipeline project at Walvis Bay, planned to supply Namibia and neighbouring markets. Nuclear Science: Namibia is hosting the first African edition of a major international nuclear-test investigation exercise, using Erongo’s landscape to test how teams detect and verify suspicious activity. AI and Security: NamRA is exploring drones and artificial intelligence for border surveillance, alongside training for customs officials in Russia. Digital Access: Cabinet has approved a revised broadband policy targeting rural access gaps, affordability and digital skills. Health Innovation: Young Namibians can apply to an African award supporting responsible AI solutions for family-planning information and services. Research and Communities: Namibian geoscientists are examining how scientists can better engage communities on mining, water and environmental impacts.

AI for Health: Namibian youth have until Friday to enter a competition offering US$50,000 for AI tools that improve access to family-planning information and services. Border Technology: NamRA is exploring drones and AI to improve surveillance and reduce the cost of monitoring Namibia’s borders, with staff training planned in Russia. Nuclear Science: Namibia is hosting the first African edition of a major international nuclear-test verification exercise in Erongo, testing how experts investigate suspicious activity. Research: A study of reported elephant crop raids in Namibia warns that conflict could grow as farmland expands and conditions become drier. Digital Access: Cabinet has approved a revised broadband policy targeting rural access gaps, affordability and digital skills. Marine Science: Fisheries monitoring is under pressure as outdated funding limits observer deployments and scientific sampling.

Digital Access: Cabinet has approved a revised National Broadband Policy to tackle rural-urban gaps, affordability and digital skills barriers. Border Technology: Namibia Revenue Agency is exploring drones and AI to improve border surveillance and reduce patrol costs, alongside plans to train customs officials in Russia. Wildlife Research: A study using elephant crop-raid data from 38 Namibian communal conservancies warns that Southern Africa’s high-risk conflict areas could grow by 33% to 100% by 2085, with expanding human land use the biggest driver. Nuclear Science: Namibia hosted an international exercise to investigate nuclear tests, putting the country at the centre of specialist monitoring work.

Cybersecurity: A reported PHP flaw could threaten 92% of Namibian websites, putting pressure on site owners to review their security. Connectivity: Paratus says it is expanding mobile and fibre networks, while Telecom Namibia has opened network facilities to IUM students for practical learning. Science and Conservation: Research is helping shape a turtle-protection plan, adding local science to wildlife conservation efforts. Youth Technology: RobotSchool Namibia has opened holiday-camp registration, offering children hands-on experience in robotics, coding and engineering. Nuclear Science: Namibia hosted an international nuclear-test investigation exercise, strengthening expertise in detecting and responding to nuclear events.

Young Innovators: RobotSchool Namibia has opened holiday camp registration, giving children hands-on opportunities to build and code robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. Uranium Technology: Rosatom says it has approval to drill test wells for its proposed in-situ uranium recovery project in Omaheke. But Namibia’s environmental portal still lists the pilot application as under review, leaving the scope of the approval unclear amid concerns about the Stampriet aquifer. Nuclear Monitoring: Namibia hosted the CTBTO’s first large-scale African field exercise, where international teams practised using specialist procedures, personnel and technology to investigate a suspected nuclear explosion. Officials stressed the scenario was simulated. Cybersecurity: A warning that a PHP flaw could threaten 92% of Namibian websites highlights the need to keep web software secure and updated.

Young Innovators: RobotSchool Namibia has opened holiday-camp registration, giving children hands-on experience building and coding robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills. Uranium Research: Rosatom says it has permission to drill test wells for its proposed uranium-recovery project in Omaheke, after IAEA approval of its in-situ leaching method. But Namibia’s environmental portal still lists the application as under review, and the scope of the reported permission remains unclear. Digital Infrastructure: Paratus says it has added nearly 600 kilometres of fibre, taking its Namibian network beyond 5,000 kilometres, and invested N$600 million in its mobile rollout. Namibia also ranks above the African average on the ITU’s ICT Development Index. Nuclear Monitoring: Namibia hosted the continent’s first large-scale CTBTO field exercise, where international teams tested the procedures, skills and technology used to investigate a suspected nuclear explosion. Uranium Mining: Bannerman Energy has made a final investment decision on developing the Etango mine, with construction moving into full-scale activity and first uranium output expected in 2028.

Digital Skills: Namibia’s education deputy minister says AI competence is becoming essential for young people entering the workforce, while researchers and technology leaders urge practical use of the tools to solve local problems. Nuclear Science: Namibia hosted the CTBTO’s first large-scale African field exercise, where international teams practised investigating a simulated nuclear explosion in Erongo. Separately, Russia’s Rosatom says it is in detailed talks with Namibia and three other countries on floating nuclear power plants; no deal has been announced. Uranium: Bannerman has approved development of its Etango mine, with construction work under way and first output expected in 2028. Deep Yellow, meanwhile, has postponed its Tumas investment decision, citing weak equity markets. Connectivity: Paratus says it has expanded its fibre network by about 600 kilometres and is investing N$600 million in a nationwide mobile rollout.

Nuclear Energy: Russia says it is in advanced talks with Namibia and three other countries about floating nuclear power plants, as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pushes for stronger technology and trade ties. Nuclear Monitoring: Namibia hosted the continent’s first large-scale CTBTO field exercise, where international experts practised investigating a simulated nuclear explosion and building response skills. Telecoms: Paratus says it has added nearly 600km of fibre, bringing its network beyond 5,000km, and is rolling out a mobile network backed by N$600 million in investment. AI and Media: NAMPA’s Confidence Musariri says the agency uses AI to cut costs and speed up news delivery, while calling for African media to share content directly. Climate and Health: Namibia’s health minister contributed to a policy paper warning that El Niño could trigger a public health emergency in Africa and urging stronger international coordination.

Nuclear Technology: Russia’s Rosatom says it is in advanced talks with Namibia and three other African countries about floating nuclear power stations. The proposal could offer coastal countries another power option, but no deal has been announced. Nuclear Monitoring: Namibia is hosting the CTBTO’s first large-scale nuclear test investigation exercise in Africa. Experts are testing inspection skills and technology in Erongo; officials stressed the simulated explosion is not real. Uranium: Bannerman Energy has approved full-scale construction of its Etango mine, which is expected to produce its first uranium in 2028. Connectivity: Paratus says it has expanded its fibre network beyond 5,000 kilometres and invested N$600 million in a mobile rollout over the past two years. AI in Media: NAMPA is using AI to lower production costs, speed up delivery and reach wider audiences, its acting editorial manager says.

Nuclear Safety: Namibia is hosting the CTBTO’s first large-scale nuclear test investigation exercise in Africa, near Valencia in Erongo. Experts are testing inspection skills and technology; officials stressed that the suspected explosion is only a simulation. AI in Media: NAMPA’s Confidence Musariri says the agency uses AI to speed up production and reduce costs, while urging Global South newsrooms to share content and challenge stereotypes. Nuclear Energy: Rosatom says it is in detailed talks with Namibia, Egypt, Tanzania and Togo on floating nuclear power plants. No deal has been announced. Uranium: Bannerman Energy has approved full-scale development of the Etango mine, adding to Namibia’s uranium sector; first output is expected in 2028. Connectivity: Paratus says it has expanded its fibre network beyond 5,000 kilometres and is investing N$600 million in a nationwide mobile rollout.

Connectivity: Namibia ranks above the African average on infrastructure-focused ICT measures, Paratus says, after adding nearly 600km of fibre to its network, now more than 5,000km long. Its mobile rollout represents N$600 million in investment over two years. Energy Technology: Russia’s Rosatom says it is in advanced talks with Namibia and three other African countries about floating nuclear power plants. No construction deal has been announced. Cybersecurity: PHP security flaws could put 92% of Namibian websites at risk, according to a warning published this week. Digital Skills: Namibia’s education deputy minister says AI literacy is becoming essential for young people entering the workforce, renewing calls to build practical digital skills.

Telecoms: Paratus says it has invested N$600 million in Namibia’s mobile and fibre networks over two years, including 595 km of new fibre. AI Skills: Education officials say AI competence is becoming an essential employment skill for young Namibians. Nuclear Energy: Rosatom reports advanced talks with Namibia on floating nuclear plants, but no construction deal has been announced. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also urged Russian companies to invest and transfer technology. Cybersecurity: Reports warn that PHP flaws could put 92% of Namibian websites at risk. Agritech: A Namibia-China project trained 2,351 people in farming and fisheries through 79 sessions, with women making up just over half of participants. Local Processing: Arandis Dry Fish Factory has invested N$1.4 million in an industrial dehydrator to improve horse mackerel processing and product quality. Digital Skills: More than 5,000 young Namibians have gained robotics and coding skills.

Energy Technology: Rosatom says talks on 100MW floating nuclear plants include Namibia, but no contracts, costs or timelines have been announced. Green-Tech Skills: Young people at Windhoek’s Green Industries Youth Forum urged a role in shaping emerging sectors, highlighting cybersecurity and other skills beyond engineering. Digital Safety: A reported PHP vulnerability could put 92% of Namibian websites at risk. Digital Economy: Local Hatch Platform is exploring ways to help creators earn from digital content, while Namibia’s ICT minister has discussed monetisation with Meta, Microsoft and Google. Technical Training: A Namibia-China vocational college plans to start offering manufacturing automation and construction technology courses in 2027; Telecom Namibia has also opened network facilities to IUM students. Science: Namibia’s first scientific sea-turtle study recorded more than 2,100 sightings and 10 mating events at the Kunene River mouth, informing a planned protection strategy.

Agricultural Skills: A China–FAO–Namibia project trained 2,351 people in farming and aquaculture, with women making up 51.3% of participants. Energy Technology: Rosatom says Namibia is among four African countries in talks over floating nuclear plants, but no contracts have been awarded and key costs and timelines remain unknown. Marine Research: Namibia’s first scientific sea-turtle study recorded more than 2,100 sightings and 10 confirmed mating events near the Kunene River mouth, helping guide a proposed protection plan. Digital Skills: More than 5,000 young Namibians have gained robotics and coding skills. Connectivity and Security: Satellite firm Q-KON has expanded approved services into Namibia for businesses in remote areas, while reported PHP flaws could put 92% of Namibian websites at risk. Local Digital Economy: Namibian startup Hatch is exploring ways to help creators earn from online content, as the ICT minister engages Meta, Microsoft and Google on monetisation opportunities.

Creator Economy: Namibia is exploring ways to help local creators earn from digital content. The locally built Hatch Platform combines livestreaming, advertising and sponsorship, while ICT Minister Emma Theofelus has discussed monetisation requirements with Meta, Microsoft and Google, including YouTube. Cybersecurity: A PHP flaw could leave up to 1,310 of Namibia’s roughly 1,425 hosted websites vulnerable, highlighting the need for urgent checks and updates. Skills and Training: A new Windhoek vocational college, developed by Welwitchia University and China’s Nantong Vocational University, plans to begin courses in mechanical automation and construction technology in 2027. Separately, more than 5,000 young Namibians have gained robotics and coding skills. Connectivity: Satellite provider Q-KON has launched approved services in Namibia, targeting businesses in remote areas such as mining, agriculture and tourism.