AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Safety: A self-drive safari in Etosha turned terrifying when a rhino charged a tourist jeep, smashing the hood and ripping off parts of the vehicle—another reminder that “self-drive” isn’t a zoo visit. Tourism Demand: Namibia’s hospitality sector hit near-prepandemic levels in August, with occupancy reaching about 69.53%, boosted by European safari travel and northern wedding season. Heritage & Culture: Oshana marked National Heritage and Cultural Diversity Day at Oshana Police HQ, urging youth to protect cultural identity and traditions. Education & Access: Oshakati’s Onawa informal settlement is set to get a new school in January to reduce unsafe long-distance travel for learners. Local Transport for Tourism: JAC Motors extended its Namibia service plan to seven years at no extra cost, including existing owners—aimed at lowering predictable vehicle running costs for motorists. Natural Resources Governance: Deputy Minister Anselm Marungu says Namibia’s environment and resource management must be guided by responsive law and policy. Rhino Conservation Context: A global rhino status update notes mixed recovery across species, with black rhinos showing strong gains. Business Travel & Hotels: Banyan Group moves to take a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 properties across southern Africa, including Namibia.

Hospitality Boom: Namibia’s hospitality sector hit near pre-pandemic levels in August, with national room occupancy at 69.53%—a strong result driven by peak safari demand and the wedding season. Tourism & Trade Storytelling: NBC highlighted the role of Namport in Walvis Bay during a visit to explore ways to bring trade and port logistics to audiences across Namibia. New Hotel Investment: Banyan Group moved to acquire a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 properties across Namibia and other African markets, with wildlife and nature-based hospitality in focus. Water for Mining: Osino received environmental clearance to abstract groundwater from the Kranzberg Aquifer for its Twin Hills Mine water supply option near Usakos. Cleanup Namibia Relaunch: President Nandi-Ndaitwah relaunched the national Cleanup Namibia Campaign for World Cleanup Day, spotlighting food waste and cleaner cities. Visa Rules for Travellers: Armenia published a list of countries whose citizens need an invitation via diplomatic missions before applying for visitor visas. Wildlife Conservation Watch: A new global rhino status update notes rhino numbers are mixed, with some species improving while others remain under severe pressure.

Hospitality & Tourism Demand: Namibia’s hospitality sector logged its strongest August in the post-pandemic period, with national room occupancy at 69.53%—up on both August 2025 (69.05%) and the 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark (67.18%)—driven by European safari peak season and northern wedding celebrations. Hotel Investment: Banyan Group has bought a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries, including Namibia, in a phased deal aimed at expanding wildlife and nature-based hospitality. Water & Mining for Communities: Osino Gold Exploration received environmental clearance to abstract groundwater from the Kranzberg Aquifer for its Twin Hills Mine water supply option near Usakos, with an appeal route noted. Culture & Events in Windhoek: Zuke 002 Desert Frequency returns on 31 October as a 10-hour ticketed Afrohouse warehouse event with an all-Namibian line-up. Travel Safety & Borders: Police warned long-distance bus operators against transporting undocumented Angolan children to Namibia’s cities, citing possible human trafficking under immigration laws. Identity & Inclusion: Deputy Minister Edward Wambo called for a national coalition to ensure every Namibian’s identity is recognised from birth to death, linking it to services like health, education and justice.

Hospitality & Tourism Growth: Hospitality Association of Namibia reports August occupancy at 69.53%, up year-on-year, with the Northern and Coastal regions leading demand. Hotel Investment & Expansion: Banyan Group has acquired a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 properties across Namibia and six other African countries, with phased ownership and continued local brand leadership. Clean-Up & Waste Risks: Namibia relaunches the National Cleanup Namibia Campaign for World Cleanup Day, with leaders warning that poor waste management is driving baboons into Windhoek neighbourhoods. Namibia–U.S. Business Push: President Nandi-Ndaitwah told the U.S.-Namibia Presidential Roundtable Namibia wants U.S. investment for industrialisation, value addition, and expanded energy production. Rhino Conservation Spotlight: World Rhino Day coverage highlights global rhino numbers and species-specific recovery challenges, with Namibia-linked conservation interest. Travel Safety & Access: Police warn bus operators against transporting undocumented Angolan children to Namibia’s cities, citing human trafficking risks. Identity & Services: Deputy Minister Edward Wambo calls for a national coalition on identity, aiming for every Namibian to be recognised from birth to death.

Cleanup Namibia Relaunched: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and PM Elijah Ngurare re-launched the National Clean-up Campaign for World Cleanup Day, linking poor waste and food waste to public health risks, biodiversity pressure and tourism impacts. Tourism Jobs Boost: Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel says Namibia’s tourism sector has created 57,000+ jobs in five years, including 14,000+ youth roles, with skills training and a planned tourism transformation fund to back youth enterprises. Hospitality Demand Up: Hospitality Association of Namibia reports August occupancy at 69.53%, with the Northern and Coastal regions leading—good news for safari and coastal travel planning. Windhoek Waste-Wildlife Warning: Leaders warned that bad waste management is drawing baboons into residential areas like Goreangab and Havana, urging residents to secure refuse and exposed food. Community Water Woes: Windhoek Rural councillor Willem Gariseb visited Kaapsfarm residents, again raising long-running sanitation and water shortages and pushing for solutions with authorities. Rhino Conservation Watch: World Rhino Day coverage highlights rising poaching pressure even as some species recover—plus a reminder of the ongoing challenge of keeping cheetahs and other wildlife healthy. Travel Safety Alert: Police warned bus operators against transporting undocumented Angolan children to Namibia’s cities, citing possible human trafficking under immigration laws. Hospitality Investment Deal: Banyan Group moves to expand in Africa by taking a majority stake in Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 properties across seven countries, including Namibia.

Tourism Jobs & Skills: Namibia’s tourism sector has created over 57,000 jobs in five years, with 14,000 of those roles going to youth, as the environment ministry pushes skills training for SMEs and plans a tourism transformation fund. National Clean-up Drive: The National Clean-up Campaign has been re-launched in Windhoek under “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” linking food waste to disease risk, municipal pressure, and impacts on tourism. Wildlife & Community Safety: Windhoek residents are seeing more baboons in areas like Goreangab and Havana as exposed food and poor waste management bring wildlife closer to homes. Rhino Conservation Update: World Rhino Day spotlights poaching-driven decline, while Namibia mourns rhino conservationist Jaco Muller, who died in a gyrocopter crash while monitoring his rhinos. Travel Disruption Watch: Police warn bus operators against transporting undocumented Angolan children to Windhoek and other towns, citing possible human trafficking under immigration laws. Identity for All: Home Affairs Deputy Minister Edward Wambo calls for a national coalition to ensure every Namibian has legal identity from birth to death, supporting services from health to policing. Visa Planning: The UK lists Namibia among countries needing an airport transit visa, a key heads-up for travellers with UK connections.

Namibia–Russia Cooperation: A Namibian delegation met Russian senator Elena Perminova in Moscow, with trade described as “quite modest” but talks pointing to joint projects in uranium, energy, agriculture, transport, fisheries and tourism. Windhoek Cleanliness & Wildlife: The relaunch of Namibia’s National Clean-up Campaign in Windhoek put a spotlight on waste management, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warning that exposed food is drawing baboons into residential areas like Goreangab and Havana. Tourism Jobs Push: The environment ministry says tourism has created over 57,000 jobs in five years, including more than 14,000 youth roles, alongside skills training for SMEs and a planned tourism transformation fund. Visitor Travel Rules: The UK published a list of countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa, including Namibia, warning travellers could be denied boarding without the right paperwork. Conservation on the Ground: Save the Rhino Trust backed a new patrol vehicle for the Red Mountain joint management area to strengthen protection of desert-adapted black rhinos. NAWA Animal Care: NAWA reports continued community veterinary support, including spay-and-neuter services for vulnerable pet owners.

Animal Welfare & Community Health: NAWA says it treated over 2,000 animals in 2025, including free spaying and neutering in remote communities, linking better pet care to healthier households. Nature Education in Namibia: NaDEET is helping people reconnect with the Namib Desert through hands-on environmental programmes at its UNESCO-recognised education centre near the Namib Sand Sea World Heritage Site. Roads & Tourism Access: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route is deteriorating, with chiefs warning more tourists are choosing to fly instead of stopping along the way by road. Clean Cities Push: Namibia has re-launched its National Clean-up Campaign, with Windhoek residents and youth groups tackling illegal dumping and riverbeds under the “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities” theme. Tourism Jobs & Skills: The environment, forestry and tourism ministry says the sector created 57,000+ jobs in five years, including 14,000 youth roles, plus ongoing SME and youth skills training. Rhino Conservation Update: Rhino conservationist Jaco Muller has died in a gyrocopter crash while monitoring rhinos and wildfire flare-ups near his farm. Visitor Safety & Travel Paperwork: Namibians in Europe report consular delays affecting passports and identity documents, leaving some struggling with residence and travel plans. Hospitality Spotlight: Gondwana Collection Namibia celebrates major LekkeSlaap Awards success, with 17 properties winning top accolades across Namibia.

National Clean-up Campaign: Namibia has re-launched its countrywide clean-up drive, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare joining residents in Windhoek’s Goreangab to tackle illegal dumping and riverbeds, under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.” Tourism Jobs Push: The tourism sector has created over 57,000 jobs in five years (about 7.5% of employment), including 14,000 youth roles, as the environment ministry rolls out skills training and plans for a tourism transformation fund. Travel Rules for Namibians: The UK published 2026 airport transit visa requirements, listing Namibia among 32 African countries whose citizens need a transit visa to pass through UK airports. Heritage & Culture: Zambezi Region wrapped up Namibia Heritage Week with Mayeyi Cultural Day activities, including school showcases of Shiyeyi traditions and calls for cultural tourism skills. Conservation Update: Rhino conservationist Jaco Muller died in a gyrocopter crash while monitoring rhinos and wildfire risks; meanwhile, the Red Mountain joint management area received a new patrol vehicle to strengthen desert black rhino protection. New Hotel on the Coast: Gondwana’s “The Admiral” is taking shape in Walvis Bay, set to open in December 2027 as a 24-suite landmark on The Esplanade. Gondwana Awards: Gondwana Collection Namibia secured 17 LekkeSlaap Awards across its properties, reinforcing its guest-experience focus. Namibians Abroad: Namibians in Europe report consular delays affecting passports and travel documents, with calls for improved EU consular service tracking.

Namibia Heritage Week: Zambezi Region celebrations have wrapped up with Mayeyi Cultural Day in Judea Lyaboloma, where four schools showcased Shiyeyi culture and leaders urged learners to keep traditions alive through education, cultural clubs and protected heritage sites. Conservation & Safety: Rhino conservationist Jaco Muller has died in a gyrocopter crash while monitoring white rhinos near Outjo and checking for possible wildfire flare-ups around the Halali area toward Etosha. Tourism Growth: Gondwana Collection Namibia is celebrating 17 LekkeSlaap Awards across the country and also marked Tourism Service Partner of the Year at the 2026 CST Awards; meanwhile, Walvis Bay’s new landmark hotel, The Admiral, is taking shape for a December 2027 opening. Community & Culture: Ponhofi Senior Secondary School in Ohangwena marked 50 years since 1976, recalling its role in the 1988 school boycott and broader political struggle. Travel & Wildlife Tips: Ocean Conservation Namibia highlights safe rescue of Cape fur seals entangled in fishing gear and marine debris, urging the public not to attempt rescues alone.

New Hotel for Walvis Bay: Gondwana Collection Namibia’s “The Admiral” is rising on The Esplanade, set to open in December 2027 as Walvis Bay’s tallest landmark with 24 suites, penthouses, and views over Flamingo Lagoon. Rhino Protection Boost: Save the Rhino Trust and ultimate.earth funded a new patrol vehicle for the Red Mountain joint management area after the poaching of a pregnant black rhino and her calf, aiming to strengthen conservancy patrols. Tourism Awards Win: Gondwana Collection Namibia swept 17 LekkeSlaap Awards across Namibia, and also took Tourism Service Partner of the Year at the 2026 Creative, Sport and Tourism Awards. Guide & Culture Tourism: Gondwana hosted earth-storytelling author Dr Anjana Khatwa for a geology-and-guiding trip, while a new Namibian short film, “Okuruwo: The Tale of the Holy Fire,” brings ancestral sacred-fire traditions to the screen. Visitor Experience & Safety: Tourism board training for Noordoewer border officials targets smoother visitor experiences, while concerns were raised over Walvis Bay airport airspace downgrade and forecast reliability.

Wildlife & Tourism Safety: Ocean Conservation Namibia says trained rescuers are freeing Cape fur seals tangled in fishing gear and marine debris along the coast—an important reminder for visitors to avoid “DIY rescues” and instead contact experts. Culture & Travel Experiences: The Namibian documentary Echoes of Omusati premieres in Lusaka this Friday, following a Zambian-born woman’s 37-year reunion journey to Namibia’s Omusati Region. Conservation Spotlight: Kuno National Park in India reports an India-born cheetah giving birth to four cubs—another milestone for Project Cheetah that’s boosting wildlife tourism interest. Aviation & Visitor Confidence: IPC raises concerns after Walvis Bay International Airport’s airspace was reportedly downgraded, warning about weather information reliability and safety during fog. Tourism Business Growth: Banyan Group’s partnership and majority-stake acquisition of Newmark Hotels & Reserves expands its African hospitality footprint, including Namibia. Local Travel Economy: DBN opens applications for the 2026 Innovation Awards, with tourism and hospitality among priority sectors. Community & Cleanliness: Clean Up Namibia’s celebrity campaign heads to Okapale, Goreangab in Windhoek on 19 September for World Cleanup Day action. Infrastructure Watch: Otjihanameva’s prolonged water shortage is flagged as an urgent humanitarian issue, affecting daily life for residents and potentially visitor services.

Aviation & Safety: IPC raises alarms after Walvis Bay International Airport’s airspace was reportedly downgraded, warning about air traffic control capacity and unreliable weather forecasts—an issue that matters for Namibia’s secondary gateway. Local Governance & Housing: Activists Shaun Gariseb and Michael Amushelelo demand measurable progress on Windhoek’s serviced land delivery, citing a huge housing backlog and calling for numbers, not presentations. Tourism & Hospitality Growth: Banyan Group’s partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves adds 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries, including Namibia, expanding nature-based and wildlife hospitality reach. Travel Planning: Edelweiss opens bookings for a redesigned Airbus A350 cabin from June 2027, with Windhoek among the first destinations and Starlink high-speed internet onboard. Community & Culture: Clean Up Namibia’s celebrity campaign heads to Okapale, Goreangab on 19 September for World Cleanup Day action. Business for Tourism: DBN Innovation Awards open 16 September, with tourism and hospitality among priority sectors—aimed at job-creating, scalable solutions. Water Crisis: Otjihanameva residents in Erongo reportedly face over two months without reliable water, with calls for emergency alternative supplies. Sports & Travel: Namibia’s chess, netball and other regional events keep drawing attention, while local golf’s Nedbank For Good Series pushes into its final stretch after three coastal rounds.

Aviation & Safety: IPC says Walvis Bay airspace has been downgraded to Class G uncontrolled airspace, raising worries about air traffic control capacity, aviation safety and unreliable weather forecasts—especially during coastal fog. Tourism & Service Quality: Namibia Tourism Board trained Noordoewer border officers in customer care to improve the first and last impression for travellers. Hospitality Investment: Banyan Group announced a phased majority-stake acquisition of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, adding 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across Namibia and other African markets. Community & Water Security: Otjihanameva in Erongo faces a prolonged water shortage, with residents reportedly travelling nearly 12km for water for over two months. Wildlife & Travel Risk: Wildfires in Etosha have burned about 2,587 sq km so far, with teams monitoring hotspots and assessing impacts on wildlife. Sports & Visitor Economy: Namibia’s Brave Gladiators prepare for Olympic qualifiers; PM Ngurare says stadium rehabilitation progress is targeted by end of the year to bring CAF matches back home. Travel Tech: NamSpace launches as a new online rental marketplace to make finding accommodation in Namibia more organised and transparent. Conservation Travel Insight: Satellite-tracked white-backed vultures from Chizarira have mapped long-distance wildlife corridors across southern Africa, underlining the value of cross-border conservation for safari tourism.

Wildfire Watch (Etosha): Over 2,000 sq km of Etosha has burned, with preliminary assessments putting the total at 2,587 sq km as winds keep flaring hotspots near Halali. Border Experience Upgrade (Noordoewer): Namibia Tourism Board trained 36 border officers on customer care to improve the first and last impression for travellers. Tourism & Hospitality Innovation: DBN opened applications for its 2026 Innovation Awards (energy, tourism & hospitality, manufacturing, land & housing), closing 1 Oct. Stay Search Gets Easier (Windhoek): NamSpace, a new rental marketplace, aims to replace scattered Facebook/WhatsApp listings with structured property info and availability. Sports Tourism Push (Olympics): Namibia’s Brave Gladiators begin Olympic qualifier preparations; they’ll face Botswana in Gaborone (26 & 30 Sept) before Angola in Luanda (9 & 12 Oct). Community Clean-Up (Windhoek): Clean Up Namibia’s Celebrity Clean-Up Day hits Okapale, Goreangab on 19 Sept, led by La-Toya “Lioness” Mwoombola-Hamutenya. Travel Disruption Alert (Etosha fires): Authorities say controlled burning helped limit spread, but unpredictable winds mean ongoing risk for visitors and nearby areas.

Wildlife & Conservation: Two white-backed vultures fitted with satellite transmitters in Chizarira National Park have covered a combined 19,000km across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia, underlining how southern African wildlife corridors stretch beyond protected areas and boosting the case for stronger cross-border protection. Tourism Services at Borders: Namibia Tourism Board trained 36 Noordoewer border officers (police, immigration, NRA and veterinary services) in customer care to improve the first and last impression for visitors. Sports Infrastructure & Tourism: Prime Minister Ngurare says Namibia wants traction on stadium rehabilitation by end-2026 so the Brave Warriors can host CAF-sanctioned matches at home, with Windhoek City and government working on the revamp. Travel Disruption (Chess): Namibia’s Chess Olympiad hopes were hit when two players’ visas were rejected on arrival in Tashkent, leaving them stranded and forcing the team to register officials in the men’s event. EU Travel Rules: The EU published a Schengen visa list showing Namibia among 51 African countries whose citizens must obtain a visa in advance for Schengen travel. Regional Connectivity: Proflight Zambia expanded its fleet with three BAE Jetstream 41 aircraft, aiming to add frequency and capacity that could support tourism growth. Local Investment & Jobs: Ohangwena launched an investment map identifying 16 anchor projects worth about N$700m and targeting around 5,000 direct jobs, including tourism among other sectors.