Elephant Trophy Tension: The U.S. issued 300-plus elephant trophy import permits in 2025 under Donald Trump’s second term—despite earlier Trump-era claims that trophy hunting was a “horror show”—as Safari Club International now pushes to weaken protections. Tourism Deal-Making: At Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, Chinese and African tourism operators chased new partnerships, with Namibia and others spotlighting regional connectivity and growth. Trade & Transport: Namport says cross-border cargo in 2025 was dominated by South Africa and Zambia, reinforcing Namibia’s “gateway” role; meanwhile Air Botswana suspended the Gaborone–Windhoek route, cutting direct options. Conservation & Oceans: The Benguela Current Convention approved a new marine protection plan for Angola, Namibia and South Africa, while Namibia and WWF are set to sign a conservation funding deal worth over N$1 billion. Road Safety Pressure: A UN-backed report says most daily travel for low-income Namibians relies on walking and cycling—yet sidewalks and crossings remain patchy, as crash deaths and injuries mount. Local Lives, Local Friction: Rundu homeowners say they’ve been paying mortgages since 2022 for unfinished houses, and residents report unsafe, unfinished road conditions. Governance Watch: Namibia will host a SADC public accounts workshop in Swakopmund, as oversight and anti-corruption scrutiny continues across the region.