AGP Executive Report

Music Industry: NASCAM is deploying seven inspectors across Namibia to educate music users and check licensing compliance, extending its regional reach. Pageants: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia contests, with organisers expecting the event to showcase local culture and create opportunities for artists and businesses. Namibian Film: Namibia is among the countries represented in IDFA Forum 2026’s 47-project lineup, offering local documentary projects a place in the international co-production market. Arts & Culture: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, while the Hardap arts festival is spotlighting culture and the creative economy. Gospel: The Namibia Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break, with winners calling for stronger support for the industry.

Pageantry: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants, with organisers expecting the event to boost local tourism, businesses and creatives. Music Industry: NASCAM is stepping up enforcement of music licensing, appointing seven regional inspectors and warning that unauthorised public use of copyrighted music can bring fines or jail time. Creative Enterprise: Windhoek photographer Olivia Nghaamwa has turned a personal loss into a growing business that preserves family memories and employs two local women. Arts and Culture: Namibia’s arts fund is offering N$800,000, while the Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break; winners have called for stronger industry support. Documentary Film: Namibian projects feature among 47 selections for IDFA’s 2026 industry forum in Amsterdam.

Pageants: Zambezi will host the 2027 Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia pageants in Katima Mulilo, bringing the region’s culture to a national audience and creating opportunities for local artists, businesses and tourism. Music: NASCAM is stepping up music-licensing enforcement, working with police and City Police and appointing seven regional inspectors to monitor the use of copyrighted music in public spaces. Creative Enterprise: Photographer Olivia Nghaamwa turned the loss of childhood family photos into a business that preserves memories and employs two local women. Magic: Windhoek’s David Mwanyekange, 20, is building a following with street performances and social media, bringing Namibian magic to new audiences. Arts Support: An N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, while Namibia’s Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break.

Pageant Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, bringing the national contest to a region keen to showcase its culture and heritage. Music Rights: NASCAM is stepping up licensing enforcement, reminding businesses that playing copyrighted music in public requires a licence; violations can bring fines or prison sentences. Creative Enterprise: Windhoek photographer Olivia Nghaamwa has turned a personal loss into a growing business that employs two local women, while 20-year-old magician David Mwanyekange is building a following with street performances and social media. Arts Investment: A N$800,000 arts fund is up for grabs, and the Namibia Gospel Music Awards are set to return after a seven-year break. Namibian Sport: The women’s inline hockey team opened its world championship campaign with four wins, including a 3-2 overtime upset of the United States. Namibia also faces the USA in Cricket World Cup League 2 in Texas, as ticket applications for the 2027 World Cup—co-hosted by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe—surpass one million.

Beauty & Culture: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, with NBC’s hosting-region handover ceremony in Katima Mulilo as Omaheke’s Pijoo Nganate passed the crown to Dorothy Kabula-Simushi, calling the pageant a national platform celebrating heritage and bringing opportunities for Namibians. Craft & Design: De Beers backs Botswana master basket weaver Shakunona Parata at Homo Faber 2026, where she’ll weave live and present a new sculptural work created with Mabeo Studio under the “An Island of Light” theme. Sports (Namibia in focus): Namibia’s Desert Jewels netball team qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney after a breakthrough run at the Africa Netball Cup, with Debmarine Namibia highlighting its N$40m investment since 2017. International Cricket Buzz: The ICC says World Cup 2027 ticket demand has surged past one million applications, led by the India vs Pakistan clash on Oct 10. Local Sports: Namibian rhythmic gymnasts impressed at the SA National Championships in Cape Town, bringing home medals across multiple age and level categories.

Marine Mining Watch: Namibia has granted an environmental clearance certificate to the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, a seabed mining plan long opposed by the fishing industry and environmental groups, reigniting debate over whether marine phosphate mining should proceed without “hard, scientific evidence.” FMD Fallout for Food Exports: The EU has suspended imports of Namibian fresh beef after Namibia’s first foot-and-mouth outbreak in 60 years, putting about 10 million kg of annual exports and thousands of jobs at risk. Cricket Fever: The ICC says ODI World Cup 2027 ticket demand has surged past one million applications, with India vs Pakistan on 10 October the top draw, as Namibia prepares to co-host the tournament. Local Sports Momentum: Debmarine’s Desert Jewels netball team has qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup after a 31-year wait, following the company’s N$40m investment since 2017. Cyber Safety Push: NAM-CSIRT urges stronger data protection across Namibia as reliance on digital services grows and cyber incidents expose personal information.

Mining & Critical Minerals: Andrada Mining says new assay results from its Lithium Ridge project show high-grade lithium intersections above 1.5% lithium oxide, with tin and tantalum mineralisation also present—pointing to more upside across the licence. Agriculture & Trade: The EU has temporarily suspended imports of Namibian fresh beef (cattle, sheep and goats) after Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, risking major export and job impacts since the EU takes over 80% of Namibia’s beef exports. Football (Super Eagles vs Russia): Nigeria’s Super Eagles head to a friendly in Nizhny Novgorod with a depleted squad after injuries, club refusals and a documentation issue ruled out key players like Ndidi and Onyedika. Transport & Sustainability: SMSA Africa expands its fleet with five more Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid trucks after a two-year trial, citing fuel savings and lower emissions. Arts & Culture: The National Arts Council of Namibia opens applications for its 2026/27 funding cycle (N$800,000 total) with a 9 October deadline, supporting projects across visual arts, fashion, theatre, dance, music and exhibitions. World Teachers’ Day: Namibia marks the day with renewed calls to invest in teachers’ professional development, dignity and wellbeing.

Arts Funding: The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has opened applications for its 2026/27 funding cycle, with N$800,000 up for grabs (N$600,000 project grants and N$200,000 mobility support). The deadline is 9 October at 16h00, and artists across visual arts, fashion, theatre, dance, music, festivals and arts research are invited to apply. Gospel Spotlight: Namibia Gospel Music Awards (Ngoma) returned after a seven-year break, celebrating winners across 10 categories at UNAM’s Hage Geingob Campus in Windhoek, with Udochi Nwagboso taking Worship Song of the Year and Best Female Gospel Artist. Regional Arts & Culture: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged bigger investment in arts, culture and heritage at the Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental, linking creativity to jobs, entrepreneurship, tourism and youth opportunity. Local Talent in Focus: Actor/director Albertina Musilika hosted a private Windhoek screening of Kenyan film “Memory of Princess Mumbi,” pushing for wider access to African cinema and new ways of telling African stories. Fashion & Trade: The Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show highlighted small business creativity, from traditional outfit makers to new customer connections—showcasing how arts and craft can drive local commerce.

World Teachers’ Day: Education minister Sanet Steenkamp says government stands firmly with teachers as Namibia marks World Teachers’ Day, spotlighting the “heartbeat” role educators play in the system. Mother-tongue push: Grade 1 teachers in Keetmanshoop urge parents to enrol children in mother-tongue schools for early success, arguing that switching to English too soon delays learning. Hardap arts boost: Vice President Lucia Witbooi opened the second Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental, calling for more investment in arts, heritage and arts education to grow jobs, entrepreneurship and tourism. Gospel music returns: Namibia Gospel Music Awards come back after a seven-year break, with categories spanning worship, rap, collaborations and videos—celebrating artists like Udоchi Nwagboso, Minister Natalia and Patrik Sikiliza. Namibia at Eskom Expo: Two Namibian pupils, Guillermo Melando and Thobias Gabriel, represented the country at the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair in Johannesburg. Sports spotlight: Namibia’s youth wrestlers won 22 medals at South Africa’s Youth National Championships, while cyclist Qara Volschenk grabbed two golds at the SA Schools MTB finals.

Arts & Culture Investment: Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged bigger funding for arts, culture and heritage, saying it drives jobs, entrepreneurship, tourism and youth opportunity, as she opened the Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental under “Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Creativity, Inspiring our Future.” Gospel Music Spotlight: The Namibia Gospel Music Awards returned after a seven-year break, celebrating excellence across ten categories, with Udоchi Nwagboso, Minister Natalia, Sakeus Lala, Ben Khu Ayanda, Amon & Jay, Dee’A and Effy among the winners. Local Creative Economy at Work: At the Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show, Namibian tailor Emilia Moses used the event to reach new customers and boost sales, reflecting how trade shows keep small businesses connected to demand. Fashion, Music & Storytelling: Margot Rothman is building a unique artistic identity by blending music, fashion and content creation—turning creativity into one connected world. Music Rights Explained: A debate piece clarifies that Nascam’s role is royalty collection and distribution for members, not a catch-all fix for Namibia’s wider music industry challenges.

Hardap Arts Festival: Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the second Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival in Mariental, urging investment in creative industries, arts education and heritage to grow youth opportunities and the local economy. Namibian Music Rights Debate: A fresh opinion piece pushes back on criticism of Nascam, explaining it is a royalty-collection body for songwriters and composers—not a catch-all fix for Namibia’s wider music challenges. Performing Arts Pipeline: UNAM’s 2026 Performing Arts Showcase (9–10 October at the NTN) spotlights the push to turn student talent into real, sustainable careers through practical industry exposure. Windhoek Show Highlights: The 72nd Windhoek Agricultural and Livestock Show is underway, with entertainment and a fireworks display lighting up the showgrounds. Cricket & Namibia’s World Cup Stage: The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 schedule confirms Namibia as co-host, with Group Stage fixtures starting 7 October and key matches including India vs Australia and the India-Pakistan clash in Johannesburg. Record T20 Moment: South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 188* in a domestic T20 to break Chris Gayle’s record, sending cricket fans into a frenzy.

Hardap Arts Festival: Namibia’s second Hardap Regional Arts and Culture Festival opened in Mariental, with VP Lucia Witbooi urging investment in creative industries, arts education and heritage to back youth opportunity and economic growth. Music Rights Reality Check: A Namibian commentary clarifies that Nascam’s job is collecting and distributing royalties for members’ music rights—not fixing every problem in the local music scene. Performing Arts Pathways: UNAM’s 2026 Performing Arts Showcase (9–10 Oct at NTN Backstage) spotlights how students in music, drama and dance are getting a bridge from training to real industry practice. Showgrounds Spotlight: The Windhoek Agricultural and Livestock Show (72nd edition) runs 29 Sept–3 Oct, with fireworks lighting up the sky on 1 Oct. Fashion & Craft Careers: Local stories highlight tailoring as business-building in Oshakati and emerging creative voices using writing and production to turn lived experience into art. Cricket World Cup 2027 (Namibia in the mix): ICC fixtures confirm South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe hosting from Oct 2–Nov 21, with Namibia’s Cricket Ground set for a group-stage match.

World Cup buzz: AB de Villiers says the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup—co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe—will inspire a new generation, echoing how the 2003 tournament shaped his own start. Cricket headlines: Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed the highest T20 score ever with 188* for Titans, breaking Chris Gayle’s long-standing record. Namibia sports on the move: Namibia take on UAE in World Cup League ODI 2026 in Dallas on 3 October, with fantasy tips and probable line-ups circulating ahead of the match. Arts & culture spotlight: Margot Rothman blends music, fashion and storytelling as she builds her creative identity. Music industry debate: A Namibia-focused piece pushes back on the idea that Nascam is a “welfare office,” explaining its royalty-collection role. Local events: The Windhoek Agricultural and Livestock Show lights up with fireworks as the 72nd edition runs until 3 October. Sports development: Namibian basketball coach Johannes Shigwedha Mbahu heads to Budapest for an international coaching course.

Cricket World Cup buzz: ICC World Cup 2027 fixtures are out, with India opening against Australia in Cape Town (Oct 7) and then facing Pakistan at the Wanderers (Oct 10); Namibia is a co-host but must qualify via the global pathway. Sports leadership & talent: Bangladesh appoints South African Malibongwe Maketa as assistant coach for two years, while former Proteas and Lara/Pollock weigh in on the tournament’s “swansong” feel for Kohli and Rohit. Namibia in the spotlight: Windhoek’s Nanodog laptop theft ends with police recovery and an arrest. Arts & culture: UNAM’s Performing Arts Showcase returns at the National Theatre (Oct 9–10), pushing students toward real professional practice. Local creativity: A Namibian tailor in Oshakati turns training into a growing clothing business, while a Windhoek cycle classic gears up for its 27th year. Youth & skills: Medical lab students at NUST raise placement and progression concerns, and a Namibian media piece argues young people need marketing skills to unlock opportunity.

Cricket Fever in Southern Africa: The ICC has unveiled the full schedule for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, running from 2 Oct to 21 Nov, with 57 matches across 12 venues. Big Match Spotlight: India and Pakistan are drawn together in Group A, with their blockbuster at Johannesburg’s Wanderers on 10 Oct, while India open against Australia in Cape Town on 7 Oct. Namibia in the Mix: A three-team Super Series in Windhoek (starting 2 Oct) decides the final Group Stage spot, and Namibia is set to host matches including England vs Bangladesh in Windhoek on 8 Oct. Local Music Buzz: Namibian artists King Gucci (“Home”) and Tien G (“Responding” featuring Empressmusik) drop new singles with fresh videos. Wildlife Comedy: Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 finalists are announced, with over 10,000 entries from 112 countries and a conservation-focused shortlist. Governance Update: Dr Bryan Eiseb takes over as ACC Director General, pledging stronger corruption recovery and wider community reach.

Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission: Dr Bryan Eiseb officially takes over as ACC Director General on 1 October, pledging stronger recovery of corruption proceeds and wider enforcement beyond Windhoek. FMD Pressure on Agribusiness: The Keetmanshoop NCCI urges full Foot-and-Mouth compliance across the agriculture value chain, calling for unity, accurate updates, and strict biosecurity to protect livelihoods. Cricket Fever Hits Home: The ICC has unveiled the 2027 ODI World Cup schedule, with Namibia co-hosting and Group A featuring India vs Australia (Oct 7, Cape Town) and the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash (Oct 10, Johannesburg); the ticket ballot opens alongside the launch. Local Media Leadership: The Namibian appoints Ester Mbathera as editor, overseeing The Current, Spotlight supplements and Desert FM. What’s On Namibia Goes Mobile: WhatsOnNamibia launches an app for discovering and hosting events, from live music and art exhibitions to sport and food spots. Sports & Community: NASRIA hands over CSR sponsorships to schools, youth and community organisations, while Windhoek’s WIAS show opens with livestock, trade halls and family entertainment.