AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Tourism: Namibia’s environment ministry says approved game-drive roads in Bwabwata remain open, clarifying that only illegal tracks were closed after tour guides warned riverfront routes are key to wildlife viewing. Conservation: A revised human-wildlife conflict policy puts greater emphasis on land-use planning, prevention, research and community engagement; Namibia and Botswana will continue sharing wildlife data and coordinating patrols. Luxury Travel: Luxury Travel Namibia will bring international buyers and local operators to Swakopmund on 8–10 December, promoting the country’s nature-led high-end tourism. Applications close 15 October. Zambezi Spotlight: The region will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants, with local creatives hoping the events bring new business and visitors. Travel Disruption: A power outage at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport slowed immigration processing for hours, delaying more than 1,000 international passengers, including travellers arriving from Namibia. Road Access: The reopened Karibib–Usakos road offers a boost to travel along a key central Namibia route.

Park Access: Namibia’s environment ministry says approved game-drive roads in Bwabwata remain open, clarifying that only illegal tracks have been closed after local guides raised concerns about access to key wildlife-viewing areas. Zambezi Spotlight: The region will host Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia for the first time in 2027, with local creatives hoping the events will bring customers and attention to the region. Luxury Travel: Luxury Travel Namibia will bring international buyers and local operators to Swakopmund on 8–10 December; applications close 15 October. The event aims to promote the country’s nature-led luxury offering. Cricket Tourism: Ireland’s men are set to play five ODIs in Windhoek as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup Qualifier. The 2027 tournament will be hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and ticket-ballot registration is open until 21 November. Community Tourism: Communal conservancies continue to create jobs and income, reinforcing the role of locally managed nature tourism in supporting communities.

Tourism Oversight: Namibia has opened an investigation into state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts over alleged financial mismanagement, governance and labour problems. The probe also asks why Sesriem staff are still camping 11 months after a fire destroyed their homes. Luxury Travel: Luxury Travel Namibia will bring international buyers and local operators to Swakopmund from 8–10 December to promote the country’s nature-led high-end tourism. Applications close 15 October. Visitor Access: AOPA Namibia’s international award recognises its work supporting general aviation, important in a country of vast distances. Major Events: Namibia is among the hosts of the 2027 Cricket World Cup; the ticket ballot is open until 21 November. Ireland will also play five ODIs in Windhoek later this month. Tourism Standing: Namibia ranks 90th in the latest global tourism development index.

Luxury Travel: Namibia is putting its wide-open landscapes and high-end stays in the international spotlight with Luxury Travel Namibia, a trade event at Swakopmund’s Strand Hotel from 8–10 December. Applications close 15 October. Tourism Oversight: The Environment Ministry is investigating Namibia Wildlife Resorts over alleged financial mismanagement, governance failures and labour practices. The probe also examines why Sesriem workers were still camping 11 months after a fire destroyed their homes. Regional Spotlight: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants, with organisers expecting a boost for local tourism, businesses and creatives. Swiss Market: Namibia’s new ambassador to Switzerland says she will work to grow tourism ties, noting Swiss travellers’ interest in nature, authenticity and sustainability. Cricket Tourism: Namibia is among the hosts of the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The ticket ballot is open until 21 November, giving fans an early chance to register for matches.

Luxury Tourism: Namibia is putting its wide-open landscapes and remote lodges at the heart of its pitch to high-end travellers. Luxury Travel Namibia will bring international buyers and local operators to Swakopmund on 8–10 December; applications close 15 October. Tourism Oversight: The Environment Ministry is investigating Namibia Wildlife Resorts over alleged financial and governance failures, including why Sesriem workers remain in temporary camps nearly a year after a fire destroyed their homes. Zambezi Spotlight: Katima Mulilo will host the 2027 Miss Namibia pageants, with regional leaders expecting a boost for tourism, local businesses and cultural visibility. World Cup Travel: The ticket ballot is open for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe; applications close 21 November. Tourism Development: Namibia ranks 90th in the global Tourism Development Index, while communal conservancies are creating jobs and income for local communities.

Luxury Tourism: Namibia is putting its wide-open landscapes and quiet lodges at the centre of its premium travel pitch. Luxury Travel Namibia will bring international buyers and local operators to Swakopmund on 8–10 December; applications close 15 October. Tourism Oversight: Environment Minister Indileni Daniel has launched a probe into Namibia Wildlife Resorts over alleged financial mismanagement, governance failures and labour concerns. The inquiry also examines why Sesriem workers remain in temporary accommodation 11 months after a fire destroyed their homes. Community Tourism: Communal conservancies are generating jobs and income through lodges, campsites, guiding and conservation work, according to the environment minister. Zambezi Spotlight: Katima Mulilo will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants, with organisers and regional leaders expecting a boost for local businesses and tourism. World Cup Travel: The 2027 Cricket World Cup ticket ballot is open through 21 November. Namibia is among the host countries, giving fans an early chance to plan for the tournament. Industry Standing: Namibia ranked 90th in the latest global tourism development index, a reminder of the work ahead in turning the country’s appeal into stronger tourism performance.

Tourism Workforce: Namibia Tourism Board chief executive Sebulon Chicalu urged tourism and hospitality graduates to turn their skills into jobs, businesses and community opportunities. Community Tourism: Communal conservancies are creating rural jobs and income through wildlife protection, lodges, campsites and tourism partnerships. Zambezi Spotlight: The region will host Miss Namibia 2027, showcasing its culture and natural attractions to visitors. Travel Access: Namibians are among 46 African nationalities eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines; separately, Namibia is on the US visa-bond list, with bonds of up to US$20,000. Road Travel: The renewed Karibib–Usakos road has opened, improving a key route for travellers. Sector Outlook: Namibia ranked 90th in the global tourism development index, while a new overlanding guide highlights the planning needed for long self-drive journeys across sub-Saharan Africa.

Tourism Workforce: Namibia Tourism Board chief Sebulon Chicalu urged hospitality graduates to turn practical skills into jobs, businesses and community opportunities. Events and Destinations: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, putting its cultural heritage and regional gateway role in the spotlight. Namibia also placed 90th in the global tourism development index and is set to host a Cricket World Cup opener series in 2027. Getting Around: The N$552 million Karibib–Usakos road has opened, while traffic cameras are being activated on the Arandis–Swakopmund and Arandis–Usakos corridors ahead of the busy travel season. Accommodation: Government is considering reviving Intenge Lodge. Outbound Travel: Namibians are among citizens of 46 African countries eligible for up to 30 days visa-free in the Philippines, subject to entry requirements.

Road Safety for Festive Travel: Namibia is stepping up speed and incident enforcement with new traffic cameras on the Arandis–Swakopmund and Arandis–Usakos corridor, part of a wider 140km system expected to be fully active by early November. Tourism Policy Update: Namibia slipped to 90th out of 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, scoring 3.50 and dropping seven places from 2024. Visa-Free Travel for Namibians: The Philippines expanded visa-free entry for citizens of 46 African countries for up to 30 days, including Namibia, with passport validity and onward/return ticket requirements; some African countries are excluded. Weather Watch for Holiday Plans: El Niño is expected to intensify drought and heavy rainfall and raise heatwave risks, with potential knock-on effects for safari and beach travel patterns. FMD Response and Travel Implications: Namibia’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak is being treated as a national crisis, with movement and market restrictions in place and Agribank considering case-by-case repayment relief for affected farmers. Local Life on the Streets: A Windhoek councillor questioned government leadership over children begging and selling on city streets, raising concerns that also affect visitors. Hardap Tree Planting: Hardap committed to planting at least 75,000 trees as Namibia targets two million by 2035, with Arbor Day activities in Rehoboth. Namibia’s Tourism Talent: A Namibian swimmer is set for the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup stops in Baku and Tashkent (Oct 8–10) and Astana (Oct 15–17).

Arbor Day Drive: Hardap Region has pledged to plant at least 75,000 trees as Namibia pushes toward its 2 million trees by 2035, with Arbor Day activities in Rehoboth and thousands of seedlings set to be distributed nationwide. Road Safety for Festive Travel: Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi says new traffic cameras and an emergency response system are being activated along the Karibib–Usakos corridor to curb speeding and reckless driving, with full rollout expected by early November. Tourism & Trade Push: Kuoni is offering trade-only discounts to agents on selected safari and touring holidays to Africa, including a Namibia Explorer, with savings available on 2027 departures booked during the promotion window. Namibia Tourism Ranking: Namibia has slipped to 90th out of 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, scoring 3.50/7 and ranking 10th among African economies. Payments Made Easier for Visitors: Namibia’s Judiciary, with FNB, has introduced card and contactless POS payments at Magistrates’ Courts nationwide to reduce travel for court fees. Wildlife Conservation News: Namibia’s conservation spotlight continues as the country’s cheetah and habitat efforts gain regional attention, including plans for a third cheetah habitat in India’s Madhya Pradesh.

Tourism Policy Watch: Namibia slipped to 90th out of 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, scoring 3.50/7 and down seven places from 2024, even as most countries improved overall. Roads & Safety: The N$552m Karibib–Usakos road upgrade is now complete, with a new surveillance and emergency response system set to help intercept reckless drivers along the corridor. Payments at Courts: Namibia’s Magistrates’ Courts have rolled out card and contactless POS payments nationwide via FNB Speedpoint devices, aiming to cut delays and reduce trips to banks. Local Business & Travel Trade: Windhoek’s 72nd Industrial and Agricultural Show drew exhibitors and shoppers from Namibia and beyond, with sewing and small business sales highlighted after livestock displays were paused due to foot-and-mouth disease. Wildlife & Conservation: Namibia recorded a decade-low in rhino poaching, but authorities warn the threat persists. Culture for Visitors: Hardap’s arts festival pushed arts, culture and heritage as tourism and jobs drivers, spotlighting Namibia’s heritage sites and living traditions. Sports Tourism Angle: Namibia’s co-host role is in focus as Zimbabwe’s ODI World Cup group matches will include a marquee clash at Victoria Falls.

Road & Safety Upgrade: Namibia has officially opened the N$552m Karibib–Usakos road rehabilitation, with a new N$60m emergency response and traffic management facility using two-way cameras and electronic road signs to identify reckless drivers and alert officers ahead. Tourism Outlook: Namibia slipped to 90th out of 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, scoring 3.50 and ranking 10th in Africa. Local Business & Trade: President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Rundu to position itself as a regional economic hub, highlighting technology, regional market expansion and improved connectivity to boost trade, logistics and tourism. Courts Go Cashless: Magistrates’ Courts nationwide introduced card and contactless Point of Sale payments via FNB Speedpoint devices, aiming to speed up fee payments and reduce travel to banks. Culture & Creative Economy: The Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental saw Vice President Lucia Witbooi call for stronger investment in arts, heritage and arts education to create jobs and tourism value. Wildlife & Conservation: Namibia’s community conservation approach was reiterated by the environment ministry, stressing conservancies, tourism partnerships and regulated hunting quotas that channel benefits back to communities. Sports Tourism Boost: Namibia will host the opening Super Series of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Windhoek, with six matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground and a push for lasting youth interest and tourism gains.

Road Safety & Travel Disruptions: Namibia’s police are investigating multiple road incidents across Tsandi, Groot-Aub and Omuthiya, including the death of a one-year-old allegedly run over by a vehicle, plus other serious pedestrian injuries. Tourism & Culture: Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened the Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental, urging investment in arts, heritage and skills to grow jobs, entrepreneurship and tourism. Conservation & Community Benefits: The Environment Ministry says community conservancies and related programmes back wildlife protection while creating green jobs through tourism partnerships, concessions and regulated hunting quotas. Infrastructure for Visitors: The upgraded Karibib–Usakos Road and Usakos Traffic Circle have been officially opened to improve connectivity and safety on a key corridor. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Namibia will host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup opener Super Series in Windhoek, with six matches at the Namibia Cricket Ground expected to boost international visibility and tourism. Wildlife & Livestock Trade: Namibia’s FMD response continues, with an FMD Support Fund mobilising over N$1.5m in biosecurity and surveillance supplies for veterinary teams. Local Travel Security: Windhoek City Police urge taxi passengers to verify vehicles using the city’s taxi verification service amid organised robberies targeting riders.

AI & Skills: UNESCO and Codemao are partnering to accelerate AI education across Africa, using a train-the-trainer model that already reached teachers in Namibia and other countries. Tourism & Trade: Windhoek’s 72nd Industrial and Agricultural Show kept business moving despite livestock disruptions from FMD, with exhibitors using the event to reach new customers. Wildlife & Health: Namibia’s FMD response is getting a boost: the FMD Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5m in biosecurity, surveillance kits and camping gear for veterinary teams. Roads & Access: The upgraded Karibib–Usakos Road and Usakos Traffic Circle are now open, aiming to improve connectivity and safety on a key corridor. Road Safety Tech: A N$60m Emergency Response and Arandis Management Center is set to monitor the Usakos–Swakopmund route with 24-hour cameras and faster incident response. Cricket Tourism: Namibia will host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup opener Super Series and group matches at Windhoek’s Cricket Ground, expected to lift international visibility and visitor interest. Diplomacy for Tourism: Namibia has commissioned a new ambassador-designate to Switzerland, tasked with pushing trade, investment, tourism and knowledge transfer. Travel Planning: A US visa bond rule affects citizens of 50 countries for B1/B2 visas, but India is not on the list.

Community Conservation Push: Namibia’s Environment Ministry says communal conservancies, community forests and tourism/hunting concessions are meant to protect wildlife while creating green jobs and revenue for local communities. Road Safety Upgrade: A N$60 million Emergency Response and Arandis Management Center is now live, with 24-hour monitoring and cameras on the Usakos–Swakopmund corridor to speed up incident response. Culture & Tourism: The Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental spotlighted heritage and creativity, with the Vice President urging investment in arts education and youth opportunities. US Visa Bonds (Travel Impact): The US expanded a refundable visa bond requirement for B1/B2 visitors from 50 countries; India is not listed, but affected travellers must follow official Pay.gov instructions after consular direction. Tourism Tech: Namibia’s National AI Institute opened with a focus on key gaps, and tourism leaders are calling for digital tools to make Namibia easier to plan, navigate and experience. Cricket Tourism Calendar: The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 runs 2 Oct–21 Nov across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Namibia hosting Super Series matches starting 2 Oct.

Road & Safety: The upgraded Karibib–Usakos Road and Usakos Traffic Circle were officially opened in Erongo, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi urging road users—especially truck drivers—to obey rules and avoid overloading that can damage infrastructure. Tourism Diplomacy: Namibia and Jordan highlighted shared cultural ties as a route to deeper tourism cooperation with Ethiopia, while President Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati as Namibia’s ambassador-designate to Switzerland to push trade, investment, tourism and knowledge transfer. FMD Response: The FMD Support Fund mobilised over N$1.5 million in biosecurity products, surveillance kits and camping equipment for 30 veterinary teams responding to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in //Kharas. Tech for Travel: Namibia opened a National AI Institute built around four gaps identified in its AI readiness assessment, and tourism leaders are calling for AI and digital tools to make Namibia easier to discover, navigate and experience. Cricket Tourism Boost: The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 schedule confirms Namibia as a host, with key matches starting in Windhoek on 2 October 2027. City Travel Safety: Windhoek City Police urged taxi passengers to verify taxis via the City’s online service before boarding and to report suspicious vehicles.