AGP Executive Report

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.

Aviation & Tourism: Edelweiss has launched the first direct Zurich–Windhoek commercial flight, landing at Hosea Kutako with 285 passengers on 1 June and returning with 261; the Airbus A350 service starts twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) and adds a third weekly flight from 15 July to meet demand, with Namibia Airports Company calling it a new bridge for Europe–Namibia travel and cargo opportunities. Regional Travel Facilitation: Namibia is set to benefit from SADC’s push for smoother movement, with justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming at a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating states. Border & Entry Rules: South Africa’s SARS now requires travellers in foreign-registered vehicles to declare vehicle details before crossing (effective 1 June 2026), including passport and VIN details, with online options to reduce delays—important for Namibia road trips. Tourism Safety: A safari vehicle overturned on the C14 between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, killing a Brazilian tourist and injuring other foreign passengers; investigations continue. Travel Planning & Comfort: Southwest has eased its extra-seat policy for customers needing more space, allowing a free adjacent seat at the gate when available. Policy for Visitors: Namibia is reviewing its 1993 immigration law, with plans for pre-arrival traveller information to speed processing and support investment and travel.

Border & Visas: Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu inspected Zambezi Region border posts, flagging gaps like missing holding cells, boat shortages and unsafe water—issues that directly affect travellers and tourism flow. Immigration Reform: Namibia is reviewing its 30-year immigration law, with a proposed Immigration Control Bill aiming to let travellers submit information before arrival and create clearer categories for investors and business visitors. Regional Travel Facilitation: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, targeting a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating states. Travel Costs & Planning: Students Union of Namibia (SUN) urged faster NSFAF non-tuition payments, warning delays hit accommodation, transport and meals—important for student travel and campus life. Tourism Safety: A safari vehicle overturned on the C14 near Sesriem, killing a Brazilian tourist and injuring others; investigations continue. On-the-Ground Driving Tips: A guide explains why sand driving works—lower tyre pressure helps by reducing rolling resistance and preventing tyres from sinking. Fuel Prices: Government will absorb about N$47.2m in June fuel costs to keep petrol pump prices unchanged. Tourism Business & Jobs: Goreangab Mall opens in Windhoek after a N$270m investment, bringing hundreds of jobs closer to Katutura residents.

Border & Migration Modernisation: Namibia is reviewing its 1993 immigration law to modernise migration management, including letting travellers submit details before arrival to speed up processing and strengthen border control—good news for smoother entry for tourists and investors. Regional Travel Push: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to prioritise the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating member states. Road Safety for Tourists: A safari vehicle overturned on the C14 between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, killing a Brazilian tourist and injuring other foreign passengers; investigations continue. Fuel Price Relief: Government will absorb about N$47.2m in June fuel costs via the National Energy Fund to keep petrol pump prices unchanged—helpful for travel budgets and transport operators. Wildlife & Conservation: BRAN (Black Rhino Association of Namibia) has launched to coordinate black rhino conservation, data sharing and custodianship efforts. Tourism, Culture & Jobs: Goreangab Mall (N$270m) opened in Windhoek, bringing retail closer to Katutura and creating hundreds of jobs; meanwhile, the Oshakati Totem Expo and the Wedding Expo & Summit highlight culture-led tourism and local enterprise. Travel Tips (Driving): A column explains why vehicles get stuck in sand and how tyre pressure affects traction and rolling resistance.

Road Safety: A safari vehicle overturned on the C14 gravel road between Sesriem and Walvis Bay, killing a 46-year-old Brazilian tourist and injuring other foreign passengers; police say a driveshaft issue likely caused the driver to lose control, with the injured taken to Welwitschia Private Hospital. Transport & Fares: Namibia’s transport ministry warns public passenger operators to stick to the approved 15% fare increase (effective 18 May), listing set trip costs on key routes and urging commuters to report overcharging. Tourism & Jobs: Windhoek’s Goreangab Mall—an N$270 million retail and transport hub—opened to bring shopping closer to Katutura, with developers citing hundreds of construction and permanent jobs and more than 40 tenants. Culture, Agriculture & Tourism: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo to push “agriculture and tourism” as a growth engine, linking festivals to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and visitor demand. Wildlife Conservation: Namibia launched BRAN, a new black rhino coordination platform aimed at strengthening collaboration, data sharing, and conservation across the custodianship network. Community & Inclusion: Vice-President Lucia Witbooi backed local trade fairs like Oshakati’s Totem Expo as catalysts for grassroots development and cultural tourism. Health & Travel: A Men’s Health Week fundraiser sees Ray Lane add Walk for Him to his cruising holiday, tying early prostate cancer awareness to a charity walk at sea. Travel Safety Reminder: Another road crash in Zambezi Region registered as culpable homicide after a vehicle hit a cow and crashed into a mopane tree, killing a passenger and sending others to hospital.

New Mall Opens in Windhoek: Goreangab Mall, a N$270 million retail and transport hub, has opened in Katutura’s Goreangab area, bringing Shoprite and other major tenants plus about 360 permanent jobs and hundreds of construction jobs—aimed at cutting taxi costs and bringing services closer to residents. Tourism & Culture Push: Vice-President Lucia Witbooi opened the 12th Oshakati Totem Expo, urging towns to use expos and trade fairs to grow local business and boost cultural tourism. Wedding Expo Meets Tourism Board: The Namibia Annual Wedding Expo & Summit (5–6 June, Windhoek Showgrounds) partners with the Namibia Tourism Board to train SMEs and unlock funding for the creative events sector. Conservation Coordination: BRAN (Black Rhino Association of Namibia) launched to strengthen black rhino custodianship through better collaboration and data sharing. Transport Update for Travellers: Namibia’s transport ministry warns operators to stick to the approved 15% fare increase, with set route costs including Windhoek–Oshakati at N$403. Road Safety in Zambezi: NamPol registered a culpable homicide case after a crash on the B8 Ngoma road killed a man; two other occupants were taken to hospital. Genocide Remembrance Day Coverage: Namibia marked 28 May with calls for unity and historical remembrance, while preparations and community messages continued across regions.

Tourism & Trade Fairs: Vice-President Lucia Witbooi opened the 12th Oshakati Totem Expo, urging towns to use expos and trade fairs to grow local business and boost cultural tourism. Wedding & Events Tourism: The Namibia Annual Wedding Expo & Summit has partnered with the Namibia Tourism Board for its 5–6 June Windhoek Showgrounds edition, targeting skills and funding for SMEs in the creative economy. Rural Economy via Agriculture-Tourism: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo to push closer links between agriculture and tourism, saying festivals can fill accommodation, lift transport and help small traders. Transport Costs: Namibia’s transport ministry warned public passenger operators to stick to the approved 15% fare increase, with set route prices including Windhoek–Oshakati at N$403. Windhoek Development: Goreangab Mall opened as a N$270m retail and transport hub, promising jobs and easier access to services for Katutura residents. Nature & Conservation Film: “Unseen Line,” a documentary on seal rescue and ocean pollution, premieres 8 June (World Ocean Day). Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marks 28 May with calls for unity and continued engagement on genocide, apology and reparations, alongside local community reflections. Travel Inspiration: A National Geographic Traveller (UK) photography spotlight puts Namibia’s Namib Desert aerial scene in the spotlight as part of its 2026 winners.

Wedding & Events: Namibia Annual Wedding Expo & Summit locks in a partnership with the Namibia Tourism Board ahead of its 5–6 June run at Windhoek Showgrounds, aiming to build skills and funding pathways for SMEs in the creative economy. Tourism, Farming & Rural Jobs: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah used the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo to push the agriculture–tourism link for rural growth, saying culture and authentic visitor experiences can drive jobs and entrepreneurship. Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marks 28 May as a public holiday for the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide, with leaders calling for unity, historical truth, and continued engagement on apology and reparations. Transport Costs: The transport ministry warns public passenger operators to stick to the approved 15% fare increase, listing example routes and urging commuters to report overcharging. Windhoek Infrastructure: Goreangab Mall opens as a N$270 million retail and transport hub, creating hundreds of jobs and bringing major services closer to Katutura residents. Wildlife & Oceans: A new seal-rescue documentary, “Unseen Line,” premieres 8 June (World Ocean Day), spotlighting ocean pollution’s impact and rescue efforts along Namibia’s coast. Aviation Safety: Walvis Bay International Airport gets a N$16m firefighting vehicle to strengthen emergency response and support tourism and cargo connectivity. Photography Spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) names Edward Hasler’s aerial Namib Desert sand-dune photo as grand prize winner in its 2026 travel photography competition.

Tourism & Rural Jobs: Namibia’s Vice-President Lucia Witbooi opened the Oshakati Totem Expo, urging towns to use culture-led trade fairs to grow local economies, with 150 exhibitors and 16 totems under the theme “Strengthening ties through culture.” Agri-Tourism Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah backed the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Okongo, stressing that agriculture and tourism must work together to create jobs, fill accommodation, boost transport and protect cultural identity. Transport Costs Watch: The transport ministry warned public passenger operators to stick to the approved 15% fare increase from 18 May, listing set route prices and urging commuters to report overcharging. Aviation Safety Upgrade: Namibia Airports Company bought a N$16m firefighting vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, lifting the fleet to three and supporting plans to attract more airlines. Visitor Security Alert: A night-time robbery at Spitzkoppe campsite saw car windows smashed and tents targeted, with police called to the scene. Wildlife Film Premiere: “Unseen Line,” a documentary on seal rescue and ocean pollution, premieres 8 June (World Ocean Day). Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marks 28 May with calls for unity and historical truth, as communities and leaders reflect on the 1904–1908 atrocities. Tourism Inspiration: National Geographic Traveller (UK) named Edward Hasler’s aerial Namib Desert photo a grand-prize winner in its 2026 photography competition.

Genocide Remembrance Day: Namibia marks its second Genocide Remembrance Day on 28 May, with leaders calling for unity, historical truth, and justice for the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama atrocities. Omaludi Festival & rural tourism: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah links agriculture and tourism to rural jobs and cultural preservation, urging farmers to move from subsistence to commercially sustainable production. Tourism safety at Spitzkoppe: A night-time robbery hit a Spitzkoppe campsite, with car break-ins and tent looting reported; police attended and authorities are urged to tighten security. Walvis Bay aviation upgrade: Namibia Airports Company buys a N$16m firefighting vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, boosting emergency response and airline confidence. Conservation film premiere: “Unseen Line,” a short documentary on seal rescue and ocean pollution, premieres 8 June (World Ocean Day). Sports & travel buzz: The NALASRA Games kick off in Grootfontein, while the NMB Half Marathon nears capacity as runners look set to fill local stays. Regional travel partnerships: Plateau State and Namibia begin talks on cooperation spanning tourism, mining, wildlife conservation and livestock.

Omaludi Festival & NDP6 Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened Okongo’s Omaludi Festival with a clear message: “Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth,” linking festivals to jobs across accommodation, transport and small business, while urging farmers to move from subsistence to commercially sustainable farming. Walvis Bay Airport Upgrade: Namibia Airports Company bought a N$16m firefighting vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, boosting emergency response and supporting plans to attract more airlines and improve connectivity for tourism and cargo. Genocide Remembrance Day Focus: Namibia marked 28 May with calls for unity, historical truth and justice over the 1904–1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide, including renewed pressure for meaningful reparations and better consultation with descendants. Tourism Safety Alert: A night-time robbery hit the Spitzkoppe campsite—windows smashed, cash and electronics stolen, and tents targeted—prompting calls for faster action and stronger visitor security. Conservation & Travel Inspiration: The Kingsley Holgate Foundation wrapped up its 14,200km Africa Traverse, combining remote driving with humanitarian work and conservation education, including malaria prevention in Mozambique. Cross-border Tourism Ideas: Namibia and Plateau State (Nigeria) discussed a partnership spanning tourism, mining, wildlife conservation and livestock development, aiming to move cooperation from talk to action. Wildlife Documentary Premiere: “Unseen Line” will premiere 8 June (World Ocean Day), spotlighting seal rescue efforts along Namibia’s coast and the pollution trapping marine life.

Genocide Remembrance: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the 1904–1908 genocide pain is still felt today, urging Namibians to attend commemorations and reaffirming calls for historical truth, justice, healing and reparations. Community Voice on Reparations: The Okandjoze Chiefs’ Assembly on Genocide wants a “business unusual” approach, saying years of talks have not led to action and calling for a more restorative process with descendants. Rural Tourism Push: Speaking at the Omaludi Agricultural Festival, the President urged stronger agriculture-tourism links to protect cultural identity, create jobs, and help farmers move from subsistence to commercial farming. Coastline Conservation Film: A new documentary, “Unseen Line,” will premiere 8 June on World Ocean Day, spotlighting seal rescue work and the pollution trapping marine wildlife. Visitor Safety at Spitzkoppe: A night-time robbery at a Spitzkoppe campsite saw car windows smashed and tents targeted, with police responding as authorities work to improve security for travellers. Aviation Upgrade: Walvis Bay International Airport received a N$16m firefighting vehicle to strengthen emergency response and support tourism and regional connectivity. Sports & Tourism Calendar: NALASRA Games kicked off in Grootfontein, while the NALASRA and other local events keep Namibia’s travel calendar busy.

Airport & Safety Upgrade: Namibia Airports Company has bought a N$16-million Rosenbauer firefighting vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, boosting its rescue fleet to three and strengthening emergency response as the country pushes for more air connectivity. Culture-Led Tourism: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia must develop while protecting cultural identity, pointing to events like the Omaludi Agricultural Festival as engines for tourism, entrepreneurship and rural growth. Sports Tourism Watch: The 12th Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon is almost sold out, with a target of 3,000 for the 21km race on June 27—good news for travel planners and runners. Conservation With Local Focus: African Parks is moving to localise staffing and increase African visitor numbers, while also backing community-linked conservation to reduce resentment and poaching. Travel Policy Clarity Needed: Confusion continues over foreign-registered vehicles already in South Africa ahead of new rules from 1 June 2026, leaving travellers and students unsure what to do next. Namibia Para-Sport Story: Penandino Kandjii recalls building Namibia’s para-sport from scratch—running the movement from “a car as an office”—as the country celebrates its athletes’ roots. KAZA Funding Boost: KAZA TFCA secured €6m to strengthen cross-border wildlife protection and community conservation across Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Rhino tourism push: African Parks, backed by major donors, says it’s ramping up local staffing and wants more tourists from the countries where it operates—arguing conservation fails without enough trained people and community buy-in. Fuel merger scrutiny: Namibia’s Competition Commission approved NASAN’s acquisition of Vivo and Engen assets only with strict conditions, including a five-year sourcing ban tied to Vitol affiliates, to prevent coordinated behaviour in downstream fuel. Windhoek governance questions: Activist Sem David is demanding full details on Windhoek mayor Sackarias Uunona’s Azerbaijan World Urban Forum trip—costs, programme, and outcomes—after residents say they weren’t informed. Bulawayo revival with ripple effects: Zimbabwe’s “Mother of All Revivals” drew 10,000+ worshippers and vendors, mixing spiritual renewal with a noticeable local economic boost. Conservation funding boost: KAZA TFCA secured €6m to strengthen cross-border wildlife protection and ranger support across five countries.