AGP Executive Report

Namibia–China Trade Boost: Namibia is set to gain fresh momentum as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah heads to China for a week-long state visit (6–10 July), with talks expected to focus on trade, investment, industrialisation, beneficiation, renewable energy, green hydrogen, agriculture, and even tourism links. Tourism & Air Access: German airline Condor says its full summer 2027 programme will be released gradually, including a Frankfurt–Windhoek service returning three times weekly—good news for German holidaymakers and tour operators planning early. Local Events Driving Stays: The SOE Games in Rundu (2–4 July) are expected to pour millions into the local economy, with accommodation demand already high—exactly the kind of visitor spend Namibia’s hospitality sector watches for. Travel Context (Global): India’s passport slipped to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, while Namibia sits just above at 124th—useful for travellers comparing mobility and planning international trips. Namibia Hosting Spotlight: Namibia is preparing to host CTBTO’s Integrated Field Exercise 2026 (10 Oct–20 Nov), an on-site inspection with around 250 participants—another international spotlight that can bring short-term demand for logistics and services.

Trade & Tourism Links: Botswana’s BITC is pushing direct “Meet the Buyer” linkages with Namibia, aiming to diversify beyond diamonds and petroleum via the Walvis Bay/Trans-Kalahari corridor. Aviation & Travel Planning: Condor says its full summer 2027 programme will be released gradually, with Frankfurt–Windhoek (WDH) returning three times weekly from late June. Film & Creative Tourism: The Namibian Film Commission’s regional roadshow has wrapped up, reaching over 1,000 people and promoting the 2026/2027 film funding cycle. Sports Tourism Boost: The SOE Games in Rundu (2–4 July) are expected to inject close to N$10 million into local accommodation, food, fuel and transport. Luxury Stay Spotlight: Mokuti Etosha will unveil the Ombala Presidential Suite on 3 July, adding a private-villa option with pool and family-friendly flexibility. Domestic Aviation Security: Namibia Airports Company launches its first Basic Aviation Security Training Course in Windhoek (29 June–14 July) to strengthen airport safety for passengers and tourism. Diplomacy for Investment: President Nandi-Ndaitwah departs for a week-long state visit to China (6–10/11 July) focused on trade, beneficiation, energy, infrastructure and even tourism cooperation.

State Visit to China: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah departs for a week-long China trip (6–10 July, with talks also flagged for 5–11 July) to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, industrialisation, renewable energy and green hydrogen, plus agriculture, education, science, health, housing, infrastructure and tourism. Direct Flights to Windhoek: Condor says its full summer 2027 programme will be released gradually, with Frankfurt–Windhoek (WDH) set to run three times weekly from late June 2027, giving German holidaymakers and tour operators an earlier planning window. Aviation Security Training: Namibia Airports Company launched its inaugural Basic Aviation Security Training Course in Windhoek (29 June–14 July) for 50 participants, aiming to strengthen screening and protection at airports—good news for travellers and tourism confidence. SOE Games Boost Rundu: The SOE Games in Rundu (2–4 July) are expected to pour about N$10 million into local accommodation, food and transport businesses. Namibia–Poland Talks: Namibia and Poland agreed to deepen cooperation in green industrialisation, renewable energy, mining, aviation and agriculture. Namibians Repatriation Plan: Namibia launched an urgent voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa, with reception sites and reintegration support being arranged. Namdeb Diamond Update: Namdeb reports broadly stable diamond reserves, with licence timelines and resource reclassifications noted in its latest figures. Etosha Fire Management: Etosha has completed controlled burns ahead of wildfire season. Nuclear Inspection Prep: Namibia is preparing to host CTBTO’s Integrated Field Exercise 2026 (10 Oct–20 Nov) with around 250 participants. Tourism Entry Rules Watch: Cape Verde scrapped visa-on-arrival for 96 countries, a reminder that travel plans can change fast. New Luxury Suite at Mokuti Etosha: Mokuti Etosha will unveil the Ombala Presidential Suite on 3 July, adding a private-villa option with family-friendly flexibility.

State Visit & Tourism Links: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will depart on a week-long investment-focused state visit to China (5–11 July), with bilateral trade topping N$40.6 billion in 2025 and tourism among the agenda items. Aviation Security for Travellers: Namibia Airports Company launched its Basic Aviation Security Training in Windhoek (29 June–14 July) to strengthen airport safety and support tourism and investment. Rundu Business Boost: The SOE Games in Rundu (2–4 July) are expected to inject close to N$10 million into local accommodation, bars, restaurants, taxis and fuel services. New Luxury Stay in Etosha: Mokuti Etosha will unveil the Ombala Presidential Suite on 3 July, adding an 88m² private-villa option with pool and family-friendly flexibility. Diamonds Update: Namdeb Holdings reports broadly stable diamond reserves, with shifts in reserve/resource classifications as it navigates licence timelines and market conditions. Repatriation & Travel Planning: Namibia has launched an urgent voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa, arranging reception sites, reintegration support and travel logistics. Cricket Tourism Moment: The Namibian Eagles host India’s Vidarbha in a five-match series starting today, part of Cricket Namibia’s long-term cooperation with Indian state sides. Conservation Media: Zimbabwe’s ZBC launched “ZBC’s Wild Africa Adventures,” featuring Namibia’s pangolins among conservation stories across the continent.

New Suite Launch at Mokuti Etosha: OL Leisure’s Mokuti Etosha will unveil the Ombala Presidential Suite on 3 July 2026, a standalone 88m² villa with private pool, outdoor shower and wheelchair-friendly design, built for privacy and family flexibility. Aviation Security Boost in Windhoek: Namibia Airports Company (NAC) launched its first Basic Aviation Security Training Course (29 June–14 July) in Windhoek, training 50 participants to strengthen screening, patrolling and aircraft protection—aimed at safer travel and tourism growth. Namibia–Poland Trade Push: Namibia and Poland agreed to deepen cooperation in green industrialisation, renewable energy, mining, aviation, agriculture and tourism, with investment talks focused on value addition and export growth. Tourism Momentum in Namibia: Hospitality data shows Namibia’s best May occupancy on record at 62.17%, driven by earlier shoulder-season demand linked to safari and nature travel. Etosha Conservation Update: Etosha has completed controlled burns ahead of wildfire season, supporting safer conditions for wildlife and visitors. Travel Safety for Namibians in SA: Namibia’s government urged citizens in South Africa to stay calm and indoors amid ongoing protests, while a voluntary repatriation programme is being prepared with temporary accommodation sites and reintegration support. Hotel Dining Spotlight (Dubai): KIGO at Four Seasons Dubai launched a summer Tsumugi menu, blending Kaiseki precision and Omakase intimacy—an upscale travel-and-lifestyle note for readers planning international trips.

Aviation Security Boost: Namibia Airports Company (NAC) launched its first Basic Aviation Security Training Course in Windhoek (29 June–14 July), bringing 50 participants to strengthen screening, search procedures, patrolling and aircraft protection—aimed at a safer, more resilient aviation environment for tourism and investment. Tourism Demand Lift: Hospitality data shows Namibia’s best May performance on record, with occupancy reaching 62.17% (up from 52.21% in May 2025), driven by earlier shoulder-season momentum for safari and nature travel. Cross-Border Travel Safety: Namibia has started an urgent voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa, with about 1,000 expected to return and temporary accommodation being prepared across regions. Immigration Rules That Hit Travel Plans: Cape Verde ended visa-on-arrival for 96 countries, including Nigeria, requiring visas via embassies/consulates and tighter screening—raising the stakes for spontaneous island trips. Local Livelihoods via Markets: The Ndevahoma Auction Kraal in Okongo is now operational, helping farmers sell livestock competitively and transparently; it has already supported over 1,100 cattle sales and nearly N$10 million in turnover. Namibia–Poland Trade Push: Namibia and Poland agreed to deepen cooperation in green industrialisation, renewable energy, mining, aviation, agriculture and tourism, with export growth targets rising to N$168 billion by 2030. Travel Comfort Reality Check: A reminder for travellers and operators: small accommodation failures—dirty switches, missing coat hangers, poor maintenance—spark complaints fast and can quickly damage reputations.

Voluntary Repatriation: Namibia has launched an urgent voluntary repatriation programme for citizens in South Africa, expecting about 1,000 returnees and setting up reception sites, reintegration support (schools, healthcare, jobs), and registration via the Home Affairs ministry. Tourism Pulse: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025, with Germany down sharply, as safety concerns around crimes against tourists were flagged—while hospitality performance in May hit a record occupancy rate of 62.17% (shoulder-season momentum). Wildlife & Parks: Etosha completed controlled burns and firebreak grading to cut wildfire risk ahead of the August–November season. Tourism Markets: China is now Namibia’s top Asian tourism source, with nearly 30,000 visitors in 2025, prompting stronger partnerships with Chinese tour operators. Regional Travel Context: South Africa’s anti-immigration protests are driving travel anxiety; Namibia’s home affairs ministry urges citizens to stay calm and use identified shelter places if needed. Local Travel Inspiration: A first-hand look at an off-grid Sandfontein Lodge camping experience highlights Namibia’s growing appeal for adventurous, low-impact stays. Transport & Mobility: South Africa’s taxi industry says operations will continue despite protest disruptions, affecting cross-border routes used by Namibian travellers.

Safety & Travel Advisory: Namibia’s Home Affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu urged Namibians in South Africa to stay calm, stay indoors and use identified shelter places as protests continue, with embassy officials verifying situations in Pretoria and Cape Town. Tourism Performance Watch: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell 3.2% in 2025 (to 1.217m), with Germany down sharply; officials cite safety concerns as a key driver. Wildlife Management: Etosha completed controlled burns and firebreak grading ahead of the August–November wildfire season to reduce fuel and limit fire spread. Tourism Growth Signals: Hospitality hit its strongest May on record, with national occupancy at 62.17%, driven by earlier shoulder-season demand for safari and nature travel. Market Diversification: China is now Namibia’s top Asian tourism source, with 29,158 visitors in 2025; the Namibia Tourism Board is strengthening ties with Chinese tour operators. Regional Tourism Deal: Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia agreed a strategic partnership to boost Southern Africa’s tourism value and cross-border travel. Land & Community Development: Ondangwa recorded N$1.1bn in property transactions over the past decade, while Okongo received N$4m woodworking machinery and Gainatseb residents got services via a stakeholder engagement. Travel Industry Spotlight: Namibia Tourism Board and local operators joined Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban to network and sell Namibia’s products.

Tourism Market Update: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell by 3.2% in 2025 (to 1,217,108), with Germany down 27.4% after safety concerns made headlines—prompting a push to improve competitiveness. Hospitality Boost: May 2026 delivered the strongest hospitality performance on record, with national occupancy reaching 62.17% (up from 52.21% in May 2025), helped by earlier shoulder-season demand. Asian Growth: China is now Namibia’s top Asian source market, with 29,158 visitors in 2025; the Namibia Tourism Board is strengthening ties with Chinese tour operators to grow arrivals. Wildlife & Safety: Etosha completed controlled burns ahead of wildfire season to cut fuel loads and improve firebreaks, aiming to reduce intensity and spread. Cross-Border Travel: Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia formalised a strategic partnership to boost regional tourism and make cross-border travel smoother. Money Matters for Travellers: Namibia’s repo rate rose by 25 basis points to 6.75%, a reminder that borrowing costs can shift quickly for home and vehicle owners. Air Connectivity: Spain launched a direct Madrid–Johannesburg route (Air Europa), restoring a key long-distance link that can benefit Namibia-bound travellers via Johannesburg. Service Excellence: Namibia launched a customer care and effective service delivery conference, stressing faster, barrier-free public services—good news for visitors and locals alike.

Tourism Numbers: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell by 3.2% in 2025 (to 1.217m), with Germany down 27.4%—and safety concerns flagged as a key driver. Wildlife & Park Prep: Etosha completed controlled burns and firebreak grading ahead of the August–November wildfire season to reduce fuel loads and limit fire spread. Source Market Push: China is now Namibia’s top Asian tourism market, with 29,158 Chinese visitors in 2025; the Namibia Tourism Board is stepping up ties with Chinese tour operators. Regional Travel Ease: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming for a single visa across southern Africa (with Namibia among selected pilots). Air Access: Condor returns to Windhoek as German airlines expand capacity, while Spain launched its only direct flight to South Africa (Johannesburg), boosting a key gateway for Namibia-bound travellers. Infrastructure for Visitors: NamPower’s N$394m Sekelduin substation in Erongo is set to improve reliability for mining and tourism; the Erongo SUNAM desalination project (N$2.1bn) targets water security. Local Service Moves: NaTIS opened learner’s licence testing in Otjinene to cut long-distance travel for residents. Travel Safety Note: A U.S. State Department warning says some destinations may deny entry if passports lack enough blank pages.

Tourism Numbers: Namibia’s international tourist arrivals fell 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, dropping from 1.26m to 1.22m, with Germany down 27.4%—a warning that safety and competitiveness must be urgently improved. Wildlife Management: Etosha completed controlled burns ahead of the August–November wildfire season, using early burns and firebreak grading to reduce fire intensity and spread. Regional Tourism Links: Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia signed a strategic partnership to boost southern Africa’s tourism value through coordinated marketing and smoother cross-border travel. Visa & Access: Namibia’s tourism industry flags that visa policy changes may be affecting European demand, while SADC UniVisa progress points to a future single-visa approach for easier regional trips. Infrastructure for Visitors: NamPower’s N$394m Sekelduin substation near Swakopmund is set to strengthen power reliability for Erongo’s growing mining and tourism economy. Travel Practicalities: Namibia approves an urgent, voluntary return process for citizens in South Africa, with registration via the High Commission or Consulate. Road & Service Ease: NaTIS launched learner’s licence testing in Otjinene, cutting long-distance travel for residents.

Regional Tourism Push: Cape Town, Zimbabwe and Namibia have signed a strategic partnership to boost Southern Africa’s tourism value, with plans to align marketing and make cross-border travel smoother. Tourism Policy Watch: Namibia’s hospitality industry is flagging that visa changes may be linked to fewer German arrivals in 2025, even as Europe overall shows a dip—raising questions for airlines ramping up flights. Air Connectivity: Spain has launched its only direct flight to South Africa (Madrid–Johannesburg), a new gateway that can also benefit Namibian travellers and onward tourism. Infrastructure for Visitors: NamPower has inaugurated the N$394m Sekelduin substation near Swakopmund to strengthen Erongo’s power supply—supporting mining, industry and tourism growth. On-the-Ground Services: Road Fund Administration rolled out digital self-service platforms, including fuel levy refunds and cross-border charges, to cut delays and improve access. Community & Skills: The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism inaugurated an N$700,000 auction kraal and handed woodworking machinery to Omauni Woodwork in Okongo, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods. Safety & Mobility: NaTIS expanded learner’s licence testing to Otjinene, reducing long trips to Gobabis for residents. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Namibia Tourism Board is intensifying partnerships with Chinese stakeholders to grow visitor arrivals from China.

New Air Links: Spain has launched its only direct flight to South Africa, with Air Europa running Madrid–Johannesburg three times weekly from June 24, boosting easier access to Namibia via Johannesburg’s regional gateway. Tourism Policy Watch: Namibia’s 2025 tourist numbers show a 3.2% drop in arrivals, with Germany flagged as a key source market affected by visa changes introduced last April. Regional Travel Ease: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming for a single tourist visa across 16 member states, with Namibia among the pilot countries. Road Access for Travellers: NaTIS has expanded learner’s licence testing to Otjinene, cutting long trips to Gobabis and easing costs for residents. Tourism & Conservation Tension: In Kunene, Daure Daman Traditional Authority has objected to ultimate.earth’s leasehold application, arguing over consultation and potential impacts on conservation. Local Business & Events: Omuthiya Business Expo received a N$626,026 boost ahead of its October edition, while Windhoek gears up for the NFA Cup final and more travel-friendly activity.

Namibia Tourism Watch: Namibia’s international arrivals fell in 2025, with tourist numbers down 3.2% year-on-year, and officials pointing to safety concerns and tougher competition as key factors. Visa & Travel Access: A new visa policy change is linked to a drop in German arrivals, raising fresh questions for airlines and tour operators about demand and destination competitiveness. Cross-Border Travel: SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming to simplify travel across the region with a single visa for participating countries, including Namibia. Air Connectivity: Condor will resume direct Frankfurt–Windhoek service in summer 2027 with three weekly flights, giving German holidaymakers a new long-haul option. Tourism Growth: Namibia Tourism Board is pushing partnerships to boost Chinese visitor numbers, while also highlighting Namibia’s appeal as an authentic destination. Road & Mobility Services: NaTIS expanded learner’s licence testing to Otjinene, cutting travel burdens for residents. Local Travel Safety: Yango drivers in Windhoek received training focused on safer, more respectful rides for women commuters. Water Security for Travel: PM launched the Erongo SUNAM desalination project (N$2.1bn), a major step for climate-resilient water supply. Sports & Events: Namibia’s NFA Cup heads to its final in Windhoek, with KK Palace and UNAM FC set to battle for the trophy.

Renewables & Green Hydrogen Debate: A new commentary urges Namibia to separate real progress from “greenwashing” as green hydrogen projects like Hyphen, HyIron Oshivela and Daures are pitched for jobs and export earnings. Tourism Access & Regional Travel: Namibia is moving toward an SADC UniVisa for easier cross-border travel, with pilots involving Namibia and neighbours. Water Security Investment: The PM has launched the N$2.1bn Erongo SUNAM desalination project, targeting 20 million m³ of desalinated water annually—key for long-term tourism and coastal development. Roads Digital Services: The Road Fund Administration rolled out digital self-service tools (fuel levy refunds, cross-border charges, mobile services) to cut delays. Local Licensing Made Easier: NaTIS expanded learner’s licence testing to Otjinene, reducing the 160km trip to Gobabis. Tourism Demand Signals: Namibia’s 2025 tourist arrivals fell 3.2%, with safety concerns cited as a factor. Chinese Tourism Push: Namibia Tourism Board says partnerships with Chinese operators are a priority as China ranks among top source markets. Women Commuter Safety: Yango and AA Namibia trained 50 drivers on gender-sensitive service and safer journeys. Conservation Watch: African penguin numbers rose at South Africa’s Boulders Beach colony, offering a rare bright spot for wildlife tourism. Sports & Events: The NFA Cup final is set for Windhoek, while Condor announced renewed Frankfurt–Windhoek service from summer 2027.

SADC UniVisa Push: Namibia is among pilot countries for a proposed SADC common tourist visa, aimed at making it easier to travel across the region’s 16 states and boost regional tourism marketing. Return Home for Namibians in SA: Namibia has approved an urgent, voluntary return process for citizens in South Africa, with the High Commission asking for patience while logistics are finalised. Tourism Numbers Watch: Namibia’s 2025 international arrivals fell 3.2% (to 1.217m tourists), with officials pointing to safety concerns and urging stronger competitiveness. Chinese Market Focus: Namibia Tourism Board says China has entered the top 10 source markets, and it’s now working with Chinese partners to grow visitor arrivals. Women Commuter Safety: Yango and AA Namibia trained 50 e-hailing drivers on gender-sensitive service and safer journeys for women commuters in Windhoek. Fish River Canyon Rescue: A police helicopter pilot evacuated 68 hikers after heavy rains and dam releases flooded the canyon, preventing a worse disaster. Tourism Policy Tension: A Kunene Traditional Authority has objected to ultimate.earth’s leasehold application, keeping a high-stakes conservation-versus-jobs dispute in the spotlight. NFA Cup Finale: The NFA Cup ends this Saturday in Windhoek, with KK Palace FC and UNAM FC set for the final.