AGP Executive Report

World Oceans Day / High Seas Treaty: Namibia says it will only accede to the UN High Seas Treaty once it has the capacity to implement it and truly benefit from marine biodiversity protections, pointing to the need for capacity building and existing regional cooperation via the Benguela Current. Windhoek / Travel & access: A debate is heating up around Sossusvlei access, after the Ministry limited the 5km stretch between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei parking to a single concessionaire—tourism voices argue for transparent, competitively tendered access with regulated pricing and strong environmental monitoring. Regional aviation / Airports: Namibia Airports Company says most regional airports still run at a loss (with Hosea Kutako the only clear profit-maker), despite maintenance spending—raising questions for travellers who rely on regional routes. Trip planning / Insurance: Travellers are being urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect non-refundable bookings when illness, emergencies or severe weather derail plans. Health / Cancer outlook: Namibia faces a projected 84% rise in cancer cases by 2045, with officials warning that prevention, early detection and rural screening access need urgent strengthening. Community & culture / Crafts: A long-running traditional craft and food seller in Oshakati highlights how local artisans keep culture alive while supporting families. KAZA conservation: KAZA meetings kick off in Victoria Falls to review progress on transfrontier conservation programmes across Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. MTC retail / Connectivity: MTC plans its first Okongo retail outlet in August to cut the near-100km trips many residents make for basic services. Sossusvlei / Heritage: “Sossusvlei belongs to every Namibian” continues to echo as a rallying theme for how iconic nature sites should be managed for locals and visitors alike.

Tourism & Air Access: Edelweiss has launched direct Zurich–Windhoek flights, citing strong Swiss demand and Namibia’s pull for premium, nature-based safaris and adventure travel. Banking for Visitors & Locals: Bank Windhoek opened the Goreangab Mall Digital Banking Hub in Windhoek, bringing services closer to Katutura and reducing travel time for residents. Road Safety Debate: Windhoek’s speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass have sparked criticism from road experts and opposition figures, who argue bridges would be safer than traffic-calming on a freeway. Conservation & Regional Travel: KAZA meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls, with Namibia, Angola, Botswana and Zambia reviewing transfrontier conservation progress. Health & Family Travel: Swakopmund opened a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to improve care for premature and critically ill newborns, aiming to cut neonatal mortality. Green Mobility: Namibia’s Works and Transport ministry launched a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, with plans for a wider charging network. Wildlife Media Spotlight: JETOUR’s “Return of the Cheetah: Horn of Africa” documentary won three Telly Awards and a Gold Tower Award, boosting global visibility for wildlife conservation storytelling.

Road Safety & Local Governance: Windhoek’s B1 Western Bypass speed humps are under fire after reports of slower travel, congestion and higher costs, with LPM chief whip Dawid Eigub questioning whether proper traffic studies were done and why alternatives like pedestrian bridges weren’t considered. Public Health: Namibia is bracing for a major cancer surge, with projections warning of 6,300+ new cases annually by 2045—an 84% jump—linked to late diagnosis and limited rural screening and treatment access. Justice & Courtroom Order: A former security guard, Teodor Shipanga, was removed from the Windhoek High Court after repeated disruptions and claims he was not charged, as pleas were recorded in his absence. Tourism & Conservation: KAZA meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls, bringing together Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe’s chair role to review transfrontier conservation progress. Travel & Transport: Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs warns travellers to use only the official e-visa platform, cautioning against private e-visa websites and agents. Air Access for Namibia: Edelweiss launched direct Zurich–Windhoek flights, citing strong Swiss demand for Namibia’s safari and nature experiences. Health Infrastructure: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to improve survival for premature and critically ill newborns. Green Mobility: Works and Transport rolled out a pilot EV charging station in Windhoek, aimed at informing a future nationwide charging network.

Health & Tourism Infrastructure: Swakopmund District Hospital has opened a new N$30 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a 28-bed facility aimed at cutting neonatal deaths and reducing the need for families to travel to Windhoek for specialised care. Road Safety for Visitors: Namibia’s Roads Authority is installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek (Katutura Hospital area to Lafrenz Interchange), with one lane closed at a time from 5 June—expect delays and drive carefully near pedestrians. Electric Mobility Push: The Ministry of Works and Transport launched a pilot EV charging station at its Windhoek headquarters, meant to test feasibility for a future nationwide charging network. EV Network Planning: Government also signals it wants a broader national EV charging rollout as electric vehicle adoption grows. Tourism Compliance: The Namibia Tourism Board warns that unregistered overnight accommodation is unlawful, including rooms listed via online platforms, with fines and possible jail time for offenders. Local Jobs & Shopping: Goreangab Mall in Katutura officially opened, creating about 300 construction jobs and nearly 400 permanent roles, while bringing services closer to residents. Budget Reform: The Ministry of Finance hosted an outcome-based budget workshop as fiscal space tightens and public debt remains a concern. Travel Deals Spotlight: A roundup highlights Namibia as a budget-friendly destination for South Africans in 2026, with Windhoek singled out as an easy, relatively affordable entry point. Air Access Update: Airlink is taking over slots left by Compair on Zimbabwe routes, with potential knock-on benefits for regional tourism flows.

Reconciliation & History: “Sorry for the Genocide” spotlights German colonial massacres in Namibia, with former German foreign minister Heiko Maas calling the events a genocide and pointing to a long-running reconciliation push. Tourism Regulation: The Namibia Tourism Board warns that offering overnight accommodation without registration is unlawful, with fines and possible jail time—explicitly targeting informal short-term rentals via online platforms. Travel Safety & Entry Rules: Namibia’s Home Affairs ministry cautions travellers not to use private e-visa platforms or agents, saying only the official government portal is authorised. Windhoek Roads: The Roads Authority is installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek, with lane closures and temporary delays to cut pedestrian crashes. Jobs & Local Access: Goreangab Mall in Katutura officially opens, expected to create nearly 400 permanent jobs and bring services closer to residents. Health for Visitors & Locals: Erongo gets a new neonatal unit at Swakopmund District Hospital, plus a new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital to reduce long-distance travel for care. Conservation & Community Tourism: ultimate.earth’s Vison screening initiative delivered corrective eyewear to nearly 500 people in Kunene, supporting remote conservancy communities. Practical Travel Planning: travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect prepaid, non-refundable costs when illness or emergencies strike. Safari Planning Guide: a new explainer breaks down how to organise a safari trip—destination choice, planning pitfalls, and what to expect.

Goreangab Mall opens in Katutura: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the newly opened N$270 million Goreangab Mall as a jobs and growth boost, saying construction created 300 jobs and the mall is set to provide nearly 400 permanent positions, while bringing services like banking, pharmacies, restaurants and retail closer to residents to cut travel time and costs. Erongo neonatal upgrade: Swakopmund District Hospital opened a modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit costing over N$50 million, with standard, high-care, intensive and isolation beds plus a 12-bed mothers’ lodge to support bonding and breastfeeding. Erongo dialysis closer to home: Walvis Bay District Hospital inaugurated a new dialysis unit for 54 state patients, aiming to reduce long-distance travel and lower treatment costs for government. Road safety works in Windhoek: The Roads Authority is installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass between the Independence Avenue and Lafrenz interchanges, with one lane closed at a time and diversions to improve pedestrian safety. Tourism compliance warning: The Namibia Tourism Board warned that unregistered accommodation providers—including people listing rooms via online platforms—face fines up to N$20,000 and possible imprisonment, urging registration before taking paying guests. Safari planning tips: A practical guide highlights how to plan a safari trip properly, including choosing destinations such as Namibia and other popular safari countries. Air travel update for Namibia links: Airlink is taking up slots left by Compair on southern African routes, with Namibia connections mentioned alongside Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

Tourism Regulation: The Namibia Tourism Board warns that offering overnight accommodation without registration is unlawful, with penalties up to N$20,000 and/or two years in prison, and it also targets informal short-term rentals via online platforms. Community & Shopping Access: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the newly opened Goreangab Mall in Katutura as a symbol of inclusion and economic transformation, with residents saying it cuts taxi costs and brings jobs closer to home. Health for Travellers & Locals: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 Erongo patients, reducing long-distance travel for treatment. Conservation & Remote Tourism: A mobile VISION screening and eyewear programme by ultimate.earth and partners delivered corrective glasses to nearly 500 people in Kunene, including conservancy communities around Palmwag and Twyfelfontein. Road Safety in Windhoek: The Roads Authority is installing speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to improve pedestrian safety, with lane closures and temporary delays expected. Swakopmund Updates: The town unveiled a new welcome sign to boost tourism, while police confirmed two suicide incidents in the coastal area within days.

Goreangab Mall opens in Katutura: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the new Goreangab Mall as a turning point for inclusion and reversing apartheid spatial inequality, saying it brings jobs, services and opportunity closer to residents. Tourism regulation crackdown: The Namibia Tourism Board warned that offering unregistered overnight accommodation is unlawful, with fines up to N$20,000 and possible two-year jail terms—aimed especially at informal rentals advertised online. Health access in Erongo: A new dialysis unit at Walvis Bay District Hospital will serve 54 state patients, cutting long-distance travel for treatment. Kunene vision outreach: A mobile eyewear programme by ultimate.earth and partners provided corrective glasses to nearly 500 people around Palmwag and nearby conservancies. Road safety works in Windhoek: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on parts of the B1 Western Bypass and A1, with lane closures and temporary delays. Swakopmund tourism update: The town unveiled an upgraded welcome sign to boost its holiday appeal, with more signs planned. Travel risk tip: Travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect prepaid, non-refundable bookings when illness or emergencies strike. Wildlife conservation note: Brown hyena numbers in Tsau //Khaeb National Park are reported stable, but researchers warn fences and busy roads could disrupt coastal movement.

Tourism Regulation: The Namibia Tourism Board has warned it is unlawful to offer overnight accommodation without registration, including short-term rentals via online platforms, with fines up to N$20,000 and possible two-year jail terms. Road Safety for Visitors: Windhoek motorists face temporary delays as the Roads Authority installs speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 to cut pedestrian fatalities. Coastal Tourism Update: Swakopmund unveiled a new welcome sign, with more planned at key entrances to boost the town’s holiday identity. Rural Development: Capricorn Foundation approved an extra N$1.2m for the RuralRevive initiative at Maltahöhe to strengthen infrastructure, logistics and community capacity. Conservation & Nature Tourism: A study highlights stable brown hyena numbers in Tsau //Khaeb National Park, stressing the need for open wildlife corridors along the coast. Travel Risk & Planning: Travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect prepaid, non-refundable costs when illness or severe weather disrupts plans. Justice Access for Communities: Court operations at the Omuthiya Periodical Court start Monday, 8 June, bringing services closer to Oshikoto residents.

Travel Safety & Planning: Namibia’s Santam is urging travellers to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect prepaid, non-refundable costs if illness, family emergencies or severe weather derail holidays. Judicial Access: The Omuthiya Periodical Court will open on Monday, 8 June 2026, bringing services closer to Oshikoto residents after a refurbished temporary courthouse is set up. Nature-Based Climate Action: World Environment Day coverage highlights how protecting forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands can help fight climate change, from carbon storage to greener, climate-smart cities. Wildlife Conservation: Tsau //Khaeb National Park reports a stable brown hyena population (about 200–300) supported by low disturbance and open coastal wildlife corridors—warning that fences and busy roads could disrupt movements. Windhoek Roadworks: Roads Authority speed humps are being installed on the B1 Western Bypass and parts of the A1 south of Windhoek to cut pedestrian fatalities, with lane closures and delays expected. Swakopmund Tourism Boost: Swakopmund unveiled upgraded mole facilities and a new “Welcome to Swakopmund” sign, with more welcome signs planned for key entrances. Coastal Security Alert: Erongo police say they’ve intensified patrols and are asking lodge and campsite operators to work closely with police to close security gaps. Health Watch: Namibia has confirmed an mpox outbreak in Swakopmund, with isolation and contact tracing underway. Tourism Partnerships: Zimbabwe and Zambia are calling themselves “co-opetitors,” pushing joint destination marketing around Victoria Falls. Air Connectivity: Edelweiss is rolling out direct Zurich–Windhoek flights, building on its earlier inaugural service.

Direct Flights Boost: Edelweiss has launched nonstop Zurich–Windhoek service, landing with 285 passengers and adding a third weekly frequency from mid-July—another European link for Namibia’s tourism market. Coastal Tourism Upgrade: Swakopmund rolled out a new welcome sign and upgraded mole facilities, including cubicles, a boom tower, and added public amenities to improve visitor experience. Health Alert for Travellers: Namibia’s Ministry of Health confirmed an mpox outbreak in Swakopmund, with the patient stable and surveillance and contact tracing activated. Coastal Safety Concerns: Erongo police say they’ve intensified patrols and are urging lodge and campsite operators to report security gaps—after incidents including an attempted intrusion at Spitzkoppe Campsite. Whale Strike Risk: A study links higher shipping traffic in South African waters to whale-ship collisions, with rerouting limited and new measures being developed. Travel Disruption Watch: Namibia advised citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks. Adventure Tragedy: A solicitor died after a 4x4 rollover during a safari trip near Sesriem, with other tourists treated in Walvis Bay. Tourism Deals Round-Up: Holiday companies are discounting summer getaways, including villa, cruise, and sailing offers, as late-booking bargains continue.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Edelweiss has launched the first non-stop commercial Zurich–Windhoek route, landing 285 passengers on the inaugural flight and adding a third weekly frequency from 15 July—another direct European link for Namibia’s tourism market. Coastal Visitor Facilities: Swakopmund upgraded mole cubicles and opened a new boom tower, plus a fresh “Welcome to Swakopmund” sign and photo frame to improve safety and convenience for holidaymakers. Safety for Travellers: Erongo police have intensified patrols and urged lodge and campsite operators to work closely with police after incidents like a robbery and attempted intrusion at Spitzkoppe Campsite. Border & Travel Advisory: Namibia warned citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid escalating anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks, directing people to consular missions if needed. Road Trip Tragedy: A Brazilian solicitor died after a 4x4 rollover during a safari trip near Sesriem, with other tourists injured and remains to be repatriated to Germany. Public Transport Change: Windhoek buses went cashless—smartcards are now required, with mobile top-ups available. Wildlife Protection: MEFT’s ministerial sports games in Grootfontein focus on anti-poaching awareness and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Direct Flights Boost: Edelweiss has launched nonstop Zurich–Windhoek service, landing with 285 passengers and starting twice-weekly flights (Mondays/Fridays), with a third weekly frequency from 15 July—another win for Namibia’s tourism and Europe connectivity. Public Transport Update: Windhoek municipal buses have gone cashless: smartcards are now required, with mobile top-ups and proof-of-payment checks to keep rides moving. Travel Safety & Security: Erongo police say they’ve intensified patrols and are urging lodge and campsite operators to alert them about security gaps, after incidents including an attempted intrusion at Spitzkoppe Campsite. Consular Warning for Travellers: Namibia advises citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid xenophobic unrest, and to contact the Namibia High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate-General in Cape Town if needed. Visa Process Changes: The US plans to cut visa-processing locations across Africa to regional hubs; Namibia travellers may need to use consulates in South Africa (Cape Town/Johannesburg) while details are confirmed. Tourism-Linked Community Support: The Ama2000 campaign is raising N$4 million for 10,000 pairs of shoes for vulnerable children across four regions—an easy way for visitors and locals to back community uplift. Birth Registration Gap: Only 53% of children have birth certificates, with barriers including distance, poverty and limited access to registration officials.

Direct Air Link for Tourists: Edelweiss has launched the first non-stop commercial Zurich–Windhoek route, landing at Hosea Kutako with 285 passengers and starting twice-weekly services (Mondays and Fridays), with a third flight from 15 July—another boost for Namibia’s tourism and European access. Local Transport Update: Windhoek municipal buses have gone cashless, requiring passengers to use a smartcard (with mobile top-ups available) or risk being turned away without proof of payment. Safety for Remote Stays: Erongo police have intensified patrols and urged lodge and campsite operators—especially in remote areas—to report security gaps quickly and keep close communication with police. Travel Advisory: Namibia has urged citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant amid xenophobic attacks and to contact Namibia’s High Commission in Pretoria or Consulate-General in Cape Town if needed. Family Travel Relief: Project Never Walk Alone’s Ama2000 campaign aims to raise N$4 million to donate 10,000 pairs of shoes to vulnerable children across Oshana, Omusati, Otjozondjupa and ǁKharas. Border/Travel Paperwork Watch: The US is reportedly reshaping visa processing across Africa, with Namibia potentially affected as services shift to regional hubs like South Africa’s consulates. Crash Repatriation: Police confirm identification of Desert Air crash victims and say bodies will be repatriated to Germany as investigations continue.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Edelweiss has launched the first non-stop commercial Zurich–Windhoek flight, landing at Hosea Kutako with 285 passengers on 1 June and running twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays), with a third weekly service planned from mid-July—good news for European visitors and Namibia’s tourism and investment links. Regional Trade & Travel Economy: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged full AfCFTA implementation at the Invest in Africa Expo in Swakopmund, pointing to low intra-Africa trade (about 16%) and highlighting Walvis Bay’s role as a logistics hub—an angle that matters for cross-border tourism and business travel. Public Transport Change in Windhoek: Cash is no longer accepted on Windhoek municipal buses under a cashless smartcard system, with mobile top-ups available—important for visitors planning city transport. Border & Travel Readiness: Namibia is reviewing its 30-year immigration law, with plans to let travellers submit information before arrival to speed up processing and support investment and travel. Travel Safety & Access: South Africa’s new SARS rule requires foreign-registered vehicles to be declared before crossing the border, with online options to reduce delays—relevant for self-drive routes through the region. On-the-ground Service Pressure: Namibia’s civil registration gap remains big: only 53% of children have birth certificates, with rural access and distance cited—affecting families’ ability to travel and access services. Education for Students on the Move: NSFAF-funded students can now sit exams and access results while funding processes finalise, after delays tied to the fund’s integration into the education ministry.