Oil & Skills Push: Namibia’s Youth in Oil & Gas Summit in Walvis Bay says the real race is local participation—training, entrepreneurship, financing and local content as offshore projects move toward final investment decisions. Northern Business Boost: Plastic Packaging Namibia opens a new Oshakati branch with a 2,100m² warehouse and retail outlet to cut delivery times and improve service for central and north-western customers. Public Procurement Interest: CPBN receives 422 applications for its bid evaluation committee database, with women making up 56%, as reforms aim to strengthen transparency in government buying. Katima Sanitation Alarm: Katima Mulilo’s sewage crisis is worsening, with reports of sewage-contaminated maize raising food safety fears and renewed calls for urgent action. US Visa Overhaul (Namibia Included): From 1 August 2026, the US ends routine visa processing at Abuja and 24 African posts including Windhoek, routing applicants to regional hubs. Women in Sport Leadership: Nawisa and the Namibia Sports Commission launch a train-the-trainer programme in Ongwediva to grow women’s leadership in sport governance. e-ID Reassurance: Home affairs says the upcoming e-ID rollout in September is a practical digital service, dismissing “mark of the beast” claims and stressing no chip insertion into people. Namibia–South Africa Cooperation: Cabinet approves MoUs to deepen ties on social development, gender equality and legal affairs. HIV Milestone: UNAIDS data places Namibia among 11 countries meeting 95-95-95 HIV targets, while warning funding cuts could threaten progress. Local Governance & Growth: Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa urges local authorities to act as catalysts for investment and jobs, spotlighting Nkurenkuru Expo 2026. Travel & Culture: De Beers launches its Desert diamonds campaign in Shanghai, linking Namibia’s diamond story to a new fine-jewellery trend in China.