AGP Executive Report

Education & Heritage: The Hifikepunye Pohamba Education Centre was inaugurated in Okanghudi, with plans to preserve culture and heritage and support learning and research, including a push for national heritage site status. Trade & Local Business: Ongwediva Trade Fair marks 25 years, celebrating its role in connecting entrepreneurs, innovation and regional economic activity. Liberation Solidarity: Namibia’s National Solidarity Committee with Cuba and the National Council both mark Andimba Toivo ya Toivo’s legacy and continue Cuba support through donations and solidarity messaging. Sports & Youth: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre, framing sport as a pathway for talent, jobs and community development. Inclusive Education: UNAM’s charity gala raised over N$1 million for students with disabilities, while the Students with Disabilities Grant programme has supported 689 learners so far. GBV & Mental Health: One Economy Foundation’s Game Changers event in Windhoek tackled gender-based violence, femicide, mental health and sexual/reproductive health, including a “Barbershop Corner” for men’s support. Culture & Tradition: Olufuko 2026 kicks off in Outapi with 120 girls set for initiation and a cultural dialogue on culture’s role in shaping Namibia’s future. Sustainability & Hospitality Tech: Gondwana Collection Namibia is testing containerised green hydrogen tech that turns wastewater into clean water and renewable energy at Kalahari Anib Lodge. Safety & Community: A baby’s partly decomposed body was discovered in the Goreagab river, with the suspect unknown. Higher Education Admissions: Swapo Youth League and the Student Union of Namibia want Namibia’s new higher education admission point system delayed to give schools and learners more time to adjust.

Sports & Youth Investment: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the Helao Nafidi Sports Centre in Ohangwena, calling it a community investment that can unlock talent, jobs and wider local economic growth. Education Standards & Hostels: The Ministry of Education launched new Norms and Standards Framework for Schools and National Minimum Standards for hostel operations, aiming to strengthen quality, safety and accountability as AI reshapes learning. GBV, Mental Health & Safe Spaces: One Economy Foundation’s “Game Changers” event in Windhoek tackled gender-based violence, femicide, mental health and sexual and reproductive health, including a “Barbershop Corner” for men to talk openly. Higher Education Access Debate: The Student Union of Namibia urged government to delay proposed higher education admission standardisation, warning short-notice changes could disadvantage learners from under-resourced schools. Inclusive Education Support: Vice President Lucia Witbooi highlighted the Students with Disabilities Grant, with 689 beneficiaries supported so far and funding rising to N$12.4 million for 2026/27. Culture & Creative Economy: Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma pushed for treating creatives as entrepreneurs and job creators, while Goethe-Institut Namibia opened a new Windhoek home to expand language, arts and community programmes. Repatriation & Heritage: Liberation heroes’ remains and 84 ancestral remains arrived at Hosea Kutako Airport, framed as a dignity-restoring homecoming after delays. Community Services in the Regions: NamPost opened an Nkurenkuru branch and launched a CSR initiative to connect communities with services, information and support. Local Governance Pressure: Khomas Region’s report flagged ongoing land, housing and school capacity strains despite infrastructure progress. Art Scene Spotlight: Bank Windhoek Triennial awards celebrated Namibian identity through visual art, with prizes and a strong creative turnout.

GBV & Mental Health Push: One Economy Foundation’s Game Changers event in Windhoek brought people together to talk gender-based violence, femicide and mental health, with a “Barbershop Corner” for men to open up and seek support. Education Standards Update: The Education Ministry launched a new Norms and Standards Framework for schools, including hostel procedures, to improve quality, safety and accountability with 31 performance indicators. Higher Education Admission Debate: The Student Union of Namibia urged government to delay new higher education admission requirements, warning short-notice changes could disadvantage learners from under-resourced schools. Disability Grant in Action: Vice President Lucia Witbooi highlighted the Students with Disabilities Grant, which has supported 689 students so far, with funding rising to N$12.4m for 2026/27. NamPost Reaches Nkurenkuru: NamPost opened a new branch in Nkurenkuru and rolled out its CSR initiative, linking communities to services and support. Namibia–Congo Cooperation: Namibia and the Republic of Congo signed MoUs to deepen ties in health and culture/arts. Cuba Solidarity Grows: Kavango West pledged support to Cuba’s “Namibians in Solidarity with the People of Cuba” campaign amid the ongoing crisis. Local Governance Watch: Khomas’ report flags ongoing land, housing and school capacity pressures, including learners still without placements. Firearms Amnesty Results: 86 firearms and 3,197 rounds were surrendered during last year’s amnesty, as Namibia ramps up Firearm Amnesty Month. Cultural Homecoming: The repatriation of liberation heroes’ remains and 84 ancestral remains from South Africa continues to be celebrated as a restoration of dignity and identity.

Repatriation & Heritage: Namibia welcomed the remains of 84 ancestral figures plus two former Robben Island political prisoners, Festus Nehale and Simon Petrus Niilenge, marking a major “homecoming” and setting up consultations with traditional authorities for final reburial plans. GBV & Public Health: NamPol clarified 4,965 GBV cases were recorded in 2025/26 (not 18,500), with Khomas, Ohangwena and Omusati topping reports—while a separate report alleges inmates were beaten after raising concerns about cell conditions. Culture & Creative Economy: Goethe-Institut Namibia opened its new Windhoek home, while Khomas governor Sam Nujoma urged treating culture as a business engine; Bank Windhoek Triennial also honoured artists for “Namibian Identity.” Music & Youth Culture: Nascam launched a 24-month copyright education and research project, and The Dogg Legacy show is set for 4–5 September at Zoo Park. Local Governance & Money Woes: MPs probed household debt and cash-loan exploitation, and public accounts hearings flagged systemic financial weaknesses in local authorities. Community & Events: Webtickets celebrated 10 years in Namibia’s events scene, and the 25th Ongwediva Trade Fair opens with 487 exhibitors.

Goethe-Institut Windhoek: The German cultural centre has opened its new home in Simeon Shixungileni Street, promising more language, literature, theatre, music, film and community programmes, including BookSprint Namibia and a Silent Book Club. Creative economy push: Khomas governor Sam Nujoma says Namibia must treat culture as business too, backing creatives as job creators and entrepreneurs, not just heritage keepers. Repatriation & dignity: 84 ancestral remains and the mortal remains of Robben Island liberation heroes Festus Nehale and Simon Petrus Niilenge have arrived home, with reburial consultations set to begin with traditional authorities. Household debt pressure: Parliament’s economy committee is probing cash loans and micro-lenders after warnings that over-borrowing is trapping families in a cycle that harms mental health. Gender equality check-in: Southern Africa’s expanded gender index scores 58% overall, showing gains alongside rising political, legal and financial pressure on women’s rights. Youth & education pathways: Namibia unveiled revised school standards with stronger digital literacy and AI, plus hostel minimum standards through 2030. Boys’ welfare drive: The DEN Impact Foundation was launched to support boys and young men through education, sports and vocational training. Oil talk, but for people: PETROFUND urges skills and local jobs as Namibia moves from oil discoveries toward real dividends. Culture on the move: Nascam launches a 24-month copyright education and research project to support reforms and help artists protect and monetise their work.

DEN Impact Foundation: Namibia’s First Gentleman, Epaphras Ndaitwah, launched the DEN Impact Foundation to back boys and young men through education, sports, agriculture and vocational training, with a four-year plan and community-led programmes. Education & gender: New UNAM research presented at the launch points to persistent gaps: boys repeat grades and leave school earlier more often, while women dominate tertiary enrolment. Oil skills for locals: PETROFUND says Namibia must turn oil and gas momentum into “barrels of skills and opportunities”, citing partnerships that already placed more than 60 Namibians in internships and jobs. Creative sector boost: The Education Ministry and ICT Ministry signed an MoU to fund a National Soap Opera and regional short films, aiming to create about 470 jobs across the creative value chain. Tourism with a cultural twist: Khomas governor Nujoma urged Windhoek to stop acting as a mere tourist transit stop and become a cultural destination that keeps visitors longer. School standards modernised: Namibia unveiled revised school norms and minimum hostel standards, with stronger focus on digital literacy and AI. Mental health spotlight: Health officials reported 11,489 mental health admissions in 2024/25 and warned stigma and limited skills in schools are holding back early support. Culture & heritage: South Africa repatriated 84 Namibian ancestral remains and two political prisoners’ remains, adding personal items tied to Namibian communities. Road safety reminder: City Police urged parents to ensure children use seat belts and proper restraints, warning of fines and real crash risks.

GBV & care systems: A UN Women mission in Namibia spotlighted how ending violence against women and girls is now tied to stronger care systems, social protection and women’s economic empowerment, building momentum around the AU-CEVAWG framework. Education upgrades: Namibia unveiled revised school standards and new national minimum hostel standards, with a big push for digital literacy and AI-ready teaching, plus clearer health, nutrition and safety rules for state boarding facilities. Mental health pressure: Namibia recorded 11,489 mental health admissions in 2024/25, with stigma and limited awareness still blocking early diagnosis and support, and suicide risks flagged as especially high among men. Oshana crime snapshot: Oshana’s reported crime fell to 10,267 cases in 2025/26, but rape, assault, robbery, theft and domestic violence remain concerns, with late reporting delaying justice. Colonial healing: South Africa returned 84 Namibian ancestral remains and two Robben Island political prisoners in Cape Town, with the repatriation framed as restoring dignity and identity. Boys’ education focus: The DEN Impact Foundation launched to tackle widening gaps for boys and young men, citing research showing higher repetition and earlier school leaving for males. Safety & community: Mukwe hostel children face days without food, while Otavi residents were warned against consuming recovered vodka drinks after a truck accident. Policy for investors: Namibia introduced a new employment permit to conduct business from 1 September, potentially valid up to five years for NIPDB-confirmed investors. Culture & sport: Windhoek’s National Library hosts a Dambudzo Marechera commemoration, and Namibia’s tennis development gets a boost as a coach-in-training pathway opens for a local player.

Road Safety at Home: Windhoek’s City Police are urging parents to buckle up children and use proper child restraints, warning that carrying kids on laps or without restraint is illegal and can cost N$500. Youth & Education Equity: The DEN Impact Foundation was launched by First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah after new University of Namibia research showed boys are falling behind—higher repetition and school-leaving rates, while girls dominate graduations. Repatriation & Heritage: Namibia welcomed 84 ancestral remains and two former Robben Island prisoners back from South Africa in a dignity-focused handover ceremony. Community Development in Oshana: Oshana’s 2025/26 progress report highlights jobs, infrastructure spending and education gains, but flags unemployment and delays. Local Culture & Commemoration: The 103rd Samuel Maharero commemoration is set for Okahandja, with calls for unity across the Ovaherero community. Environment & Accountability: A Windhoek bush-clearing dispute at Avis Dam raises concerns about unnecessary tree destruction during electricity works. Boys’ Support Through Sport & Skills: The DEN foundation’s pillars—agriculture, sport, education, and vocational training—aim to keep young men engaged without sidelining girls’ progress. Health Warning in Otavi: Residents were told not to consume vodka cans recovered after a truck accident, especially warning parents about risks to children. Business & Policy Watch: Namibia’s new Employment Permit to Conduct Business is set to simplify investor processes from 1 September 2026. Mining Tensions: Uis small-scale miners are crying foul over “illegal” branding and barriers to selling gemstones.

LGBTQ+ Rights in the Region: The US ambassador to Zambia condemned a 15-year prison sentence for a gay couple under a colonial-era sodomy law, calling it an attack on human rights. Repatriation & Heritage: South Africa returned ancestral remains of 84 Namibians, including two Robben Island political prisoners, in a Cape Town ceremony marking long-overdue closure. Youth & Culture: Namibia’s Children’s Parliament urged young people to honour fallen heroes through storytelling, school projects and publishing ahead of Heroes Day. Education Access: Kavango East and West schools face weak internet and mobile coverage, with new towers delayed by power-grid connections. Health & Safety: Otavi Town Council warned residents not to consume or sell vodka cans recovered from an accident scene, after reports children fell ill. Debt & Borrower Protection: MPs held public hearings on whether Namibia’s lending laws protect borrowers from exploitation and unfair repayment terms. Mental Health Law: Parliamentarians backed a new mental health bill but warned it could fail without funding, staff and facilities. Women’s Rights & Education: A ministry report says 66% of teenage pregnancies come from rural areas, and rural girls face bigger reintegration barriers after pregnancy. Community Support: The DEN Impact Foundation was launched to empower boys and young men through education, sport, agriculture and mentorship. Climate Policy Update: Namibia is revising its National Policy on Climate Change to better protect livelihoods, water, health and food security. Creative Jobs Boost: Government plans a N$17.5m local content push to create 470 jobs in the creative industry.

Repatriation & Restorative Justice: Namibia’s government welcomed the remains of 84 Namibians, including two freedom fighters, repatriated from Cape Town after a decade-long search—an emotional closure for families and a push for dignity and access to struggle history for young learners. Regional Policy & Integration: SADC leaders backed a renewed agenda on industrialisation, infrastructure, agricultural transformation, critical minerals, regional trade and integration—priorities Namibia says align with its mining, energy, green hydrogen and oil-and-gas plans. Community & Inclusion in Sports: Special Olympics Namibia’s growing momentum got a boost through international partnership support, while Afrocat volleyball secured its third overseas donation to strengthen grassroots development. Mental Health Reform Watch: MPs support the Mental Health Bill but warn it will fail without funding, trained staff and services reaching rural communities—not just Windhoek. Education & Child Protection: Child marriage cases were flagged in Kavango West, and Namibia also reported no further Covid-19 cases at the Delta hostel after a positive caretaker case. Culture & Creative Economy: Namibia’s creative sector received a major boost for targeted jobs, with calls for NBC to prioritise local talent. Oil & Jobs Promise: The US pledged support to turn Namibia’s offshore oil discoveries into long-term prosperity, jobs and skills—starting with the hard work beyond the first investment decisions. Local Governance Tension: A Katutura land dispute halted construction after residents raised safety concerns about another bar near a school route. Visa & Mobility Updates: The US announced changes to visa services in Nigeria and other African countries, shifting routine processing to regional hubs. Faith & Literature: Monika Tangeni-Omua launched her debut book in Windhoek, sharing a message of faith, resilience and purpose.

Repatriation & Restorative Justice: Namibia’s government is set to receive the remains of former political prisoners Simon Niilenge and Festus Nehale from Cape Town, with officials framing it as dignity, family closure and healing after apartheid-era exile. Local Governance & Safety: A Katutura land dispute has halted construction after neighbours fear another bar will raise risks for learners walking past the site. Creative Economy Boost: Namibia’s creative sector gets a N$17.5m Local Content Plan to fund a national soap opera, TV series, regional short films and equipment access—aiming for about 470 jobs and more home-grown content. Culture & Community: The AME Church in Keetmanshoop is remembered for its anti-apartheid role, highlighting how faith communities pushed for education and freedom. Women & Youth Protection: Kavango West recorded child marriage cases, including an alleged attempt to remove a girl from school to marry her off. Tourism & Compliance: The Namibia Tourism Board steps up tourism levy compliance checks, warning operators to regularise outstanding returns and payments. Work & Migration Rules: Namibia will introduce a 5-year employment permit for qualifying foreign investors, while the US shifts routine visa processing in parts of Africa to regional hubs. Sports for Girls: Bearlina 3×3 spotlights U/18 girls’ basketball in Windhoek, building momentum toward the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Education Equity: Research briefing at State House shows boys increasingly underparticipate from grade 6 onward, with First Gentleman Ndaitwah calling for evidence-led interventions. Business & Jobs Debate: A fresh look at unemployment argues Namibia must build an economy that creates real opportunities, not just GDP growth.

Cultural restitution: Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie invites media to a solemn 19 August Cape Town repatriation ceremony returning two Namibian political prisoners and ancestral remains, grave goods and body casts to their rightful cultural context. Youth sport: Windhoek’s inaugural Bearlina 3×3 Girls Basketball Tournament at DHPS gave 50 U/18 players a spotlight, aligned with the build-up to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Tourism & compliance: The Namibia Tourism Board steps up its Tourism Levy compliance drive, warning operators with outstanding payments or returns to regularise quickly. Creative jobs: A N$17.5m Local Content Plan aims to create about 470 jobs and boost film production across all 14 regions, including a national soap opera and regional short films. Performing arts rules: Namibia’s Home Affairs says international musicians and performers need the right employment authorisation before travelling, even for short engagements. Regional ties: Ghana–Namibia leaders push people-centred cooperation in trade, tourism and youth opportunities, with education and entrepreneurship at the core. Road safety: Police launch an integrated road safety operation targeting B1 and B2 corridors during holiday travel. Culture spaces: Goethe-Institut Namibia opens new Windhoek premises for language, literature, theatre, music and children’s book projects.

SADC Summit Fallout: Anti-migrant group March and March plans a march and picket in Durban under “It’s time to fetch your people,” demanding stricter visa controls, tighter asylum rules and action against employers hiring undocumented workers. Regional Integration Push: At the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting, leaders including President Ramaphosa urged faster integration, more intra-regional trade and industrialisation beyond exporting raw materials. Traditional Leadership Tension: Ovaherero Traditional Authority rejects calls to scrap the paramount chieftaincy as rival factions battle in court over leadership after the death of Vekuii Rukoro. Local Governance Watch: Lüderitz residents demand permanent council leadership and up-to-date financial reporting after years of acting appointments and delayed audits. Culture & Exchange: Goethe-Institut Namibia opens new Windhoek premises as a shared space for language, literature, theatre, music and film projects. Road Safety Focus: Police launch an integrated road safety operation targeting B1/B2 corridors during holiday travel, citing high crash and fatality figures. Inflation Update: Namibia’s inflation holds at 4.4% in July, with transport, housing and food driving the pressure on households. Youth & Tech: Education and youth leaders urge young Namibians to embrace technology and create solutions, while Namibia’s “learning passport” expands digital learning access.

SADC Summit & Immigration Tensions: As South Africa hosts the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban, the “March and March” movement plans a final-day march and picket demanding stricter immigration controls, visa tightening, asylum reviews, action against employers hiring undocumented workers, and limits on access to public services for undocumented migrants. Cultural Restitution: Namibia’s Minister Gayton McKenzie will host a historic repatriation ceremony in Cape Town on 19 August, returning two Namibian political prisoners and ancestral remains, grave goods and body casts as restorative justice. Goethe-Institut Opens New Space: Goethe-Institut Namibia has unveiled new Windhoek premises for language, literature, theatre, music, film and community projects, including BookSprint Namibia for children’s books. Education Under Pressure: A call for urgent curriculum review argues Namibia’s education system is still built for yesterday, while another report highlights Namibia’s shortage of social workers across regions. Health & Safety Focus: Swakopmund State Hospital faces overcrowding and resource strain as leaders push for quality healthcare, and NamPol launches an integrated road safety push for Heroes’ Day and school holidays targeting the B1/B2 corridors. Resource Wealth & Local Value: Namibia and Botswana continue dialogue on turning resource wealth into diversified, inclusive prosperity, stressing local value addition and saving for future generations. Women’s Support & Dignity: Ovahimba women businesses get funding support, and hygiene dignity kits are delivered to girls in Tsumkwe to keep them in school. International Travel Update: Namibians face tougher US entry rules, with visa bond requirements and interview travel shifts to Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Health & Care Shortage: Namibia is short at least 49 social workers at constituency level, with Omusati facing the biggest staffing gap, adding pressure to already stretched welfare services. Liberation Day Stories: As Heroes Day nears, one Ohangwena woman recalls risking her life to feed PLAN fighters and how the apartheid army’s brutality tore her family apart. Healthcare Focus: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Swakopmund State Hospital, pledging quality healthcare for all while staff point to overcrowding, medication shortages and limited beds. Road Safety Push: NamPol’s integrated road safety operation targets the B1 and B2 corridors, citing 1,747 crashes and 279 fatalities so far this year. Travel & Visas: Namibians face tougher US visa rules, including higher visa bond requirements and interviews shifted to Cape Town or Johannesburg. Education for Youth: The Namibia Learning Passport launches to expand digital learning access for young people beyond the classroom. Culture & Sports: The National Elite Championships kick off in Windhoek for school athletes, with corporate sponsors backing the pathway to higher competition. Cuba Solidarity: President Nandi-Ndaitwah renewed calls for the unconditional lifting of the US embargo on Cuba during Fidel Castro centenary events.

Violence and justice: An Omaheke man, Jacobus Gawaseb, was sentenced to 22 years for murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Gobabis, with the court stressing that domestic killings must not be ignored. Health and fairness at work: In Kavango West, cleaners at Tondoro Health Centre say they were told to build an administrative block because funds ran short—without pay agreements—while the ministry confirms staff were asked to assist. Sports leadership: Alfeus Benjamin takes interim chairmanship at the Namibia Sport Commission, bringing a background spanning coaching, football administration and sports development. Youth and education: Nanso is seeking N$445,000 after government funding cuts to host its 19th National Students Congress, while the Namibia Learning Passport is rolling out digital learning access for rural youth. Road safety: NamPol’s integrated road safety operation targets B1 and B2 corridors during school holidays and Heroes’ Day, after 1,747 crashes and 279 fatalities were recorded up to 9 August. Culture and community giving: Swakop Uranium supports Ovahimba women businesses and school needs, and FLECHAS donated reusable hygiene kits to girls in Tsumkwe. Namibia–Cuba ties: President Nandi-Ndaitwah renewed calls for the complete lifting of the US embargo on Cuba during Fidel Castro’s centenary events. Creative economy: The Creative Industry Institute Africa launched a mapping and registration campaign to better document Namibia’s creatives and grow the sector’s economic role. Sports calendar buzz: Reports say the ICC may start the 2027 ODI World Cup on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, with Namibia among co-hosts.