AGP Executive Report

Football Sponsorship: Julinho FC has been rebranded as Millennium Julinho FC after a new partnership with Millennium and Nasan Energies, with a focus on youth and grassroots development in Windhoek. AFCON Qualifiers Shock: Namibia’s Brave Warriors were edged 1-0 by Comoros in Moroni, while Nigeria and Ghana took heavy knocks—Guinea-Bissau beat Nigeria 3-0 and Gambia stunned Ghana 4-2. Cricket World Cup Buzz: Reports say Pakistan and India are likely to be drawn into the same group for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the schedule due to be unveiled in Cape Town. Namibia Media & Inclusion: Deaf organisations are pushing NBC for more sign language interpretation beyond news, including educational and entertainment programmes. Gambling Oversight Consultations: Public consultations on amendments to lotteries and gambling regulations run 5–14 October across six regions, including new fees and electronic monitoring requirements. Arts & Culture: A San cultural festival in Tsumkwe highlighted San heritage and language preservation, with calls to document and teach San languages for younger generations.

Namibia Conservation & Culture: Deputy minister Moses //Khumub says San language and heritage preservation is key to identity, urging documentation and everyday use, while the Annual San Cultural Festival in Tsumkwe spotlights culture, food and tourism. Namibian Arts & Music: A Namibian music voice argues it’s time to talk about AI in music openly and responsibly, treating it as a creative tool rather than a threat. Wildlife & Outdoor Art: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate hosts an outdoor exhibition of bronze and resin wildlife sculptures by Carol Bryant from Oct 3, blending art, fynbos paths and the lagoon. Sport & Jobs: The prime minister says SOE funding will support football leagues, aiming to create 20,000+ jobs, alongside stadium revamp plans. Netball Spotlight: Debmarine Namibia’s backing helped the Desert Jewels qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, with a push to strengthen grassroots pathways. FMD Shock: Namibia confirms foot-and-mouth disease in its FMD-free zone, triggering movement bans and show cancellations, with major economic fallout feared. Cricket Buzz: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fuel “RoKo” excitement ahead of India’s ODI, while Kohli’s 15,000 ODI runs and 2027 World Cup “last” talk keep fans locked in.

Futsal Focus: Futsal Namibia has appointed a new committee after its AGM, led by Absai Simon as chair, with a mandate to strengthen grassroots, youth, women’s futsal and national teams. San Heritage Spotlight: Deputy Minister Moses //Khumub urged San language and cultural preservation at the Tsumkwe festival, linking heritage to identity and future cultural tourism. Windhoek Youth Football: Windhoek Gymnasium and SKW U/15 played out an entertaining MTC HopSol Youth League clash at Jan Möhr grounds. Entrepreneurship & Access: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Awards in Botswana brought young entrepreneurs together with mentors and funders, aiming to turn ideas into viable businesses across Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. Cricket World Cup Countdown: The 2027 ODI World Cup is set to begin in India on Oct 2 and run to Nov 21, with Namibia among the co-hosts still needing qualification. Namibia Tourism Push: NTB stepped up visitor-care training and border compliance work, including Welcome Host sessions at Noordoewer. Music Moment: Namibian artist EES released his 16th album, Freshness, blending roots with Amapiano ahead of a Germany tour. Windhoek Agricultural Show: The 72nd Windhoek Show opens tomorrow at the showgrounds with nearly 200 stalls and expanded funfair rides.

Sports Spotlight: Namibia’s Desert Jewels are back on the global stage after the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi confirmed World Cup qualification, with Uganda winning the title 56-53 over South Africa and Namibia finishing fourth; Cornelia Mupenda took best defender as the tournament also flagged admin “clarity, consistency and credibility” issues. Health & Community: Namibia inaugurated its first dedicated Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital—an N$28 million boost aimed at cutting child mortality and strengthening the “safety net” for critically ill children. Local Football & Development: Young Stars FC in Katima Mulilo are pushing from bare-foot training and limited resources after promotion to B Division, while Gobabis VTC volleyball finished second at the Gobabis Show tournament—proof of growth for youth sport. Agriculture & Food Security: Foot-and-mouth disease was detected in Namibia’s //Kharas region, triggering movement and trade suspensions and sparking panic buying of meat in Windhoek. Music & Culture: AFRIMA’s 10th edition is set for Lagos in May 2027, with a Windhoek stop on the #Road2AFRIMA10Xperience ahead of entry calls.

Windhoek FMD Panic: Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in Namibia’s //Kharas region, triggering movement and export suspensions for cloven-hoofed animals and a scramble for meat in Windhoek and beyond, with shelves reportedly emptying fast. Cricket Spotlight (India vs West Indies): Virat Kohli hit the 15,000 ODI runs mark during the 1st ODI chase, while Rohit Sharma and Kohli face fresh World Cup 2027 talk—Kohli says it will be his last ODI World Cup and dreams of a match-winning final knock. Namibia in the Sports Mix: South Africa’s U20 Cosafa title win came with Namibia’s Yasmeen Khan named in the red-ball camp squad, and Namibia’s netball campaign continues to be felt regionally after Malawi Queens claimed bronze by beating Namibia. Music & Culture Calendar: AFRIMA’s 10th edition is set for Lagos in May 2027, with a Windhoek stop on the #Road2AFRIMA10Xperience route. Arts & Community: A Cheetah Conservation Fund photography exhibit from University of Wyoming students lands in Denver with proceeds supporting conservation and student internships.

Cricket Spotlight: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back for India’s ODI home season opener against West Indies on Sunday, with Kohli calling the 2027 World Cup his last and dreaming of a match-winning final knock. Team News & Selection Buzz: Ajinkya Rahane says Ravindra Jadeja’s 2027 World Cup spot isn’t guaranteed yet, while Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to “wait” for his chance unless openings appear. Namibia in the Sports Mix: Malawi Queens clinched bronze at the Africa Netball Cup, beating Namibia 50–45 in Nairobi. Namibia Arts & Culture: Windhoek gets a film moment with “Okuruwo – The Tale of the Holy Fire,” premiering at UNAM on 3 October, exploring tradition versus modern life. Music & Events: AFRIMA’s 10th edition is set for Lagos in May 2027, with a #Road2AFRIMA stop planned in Windhoek. Local Governance & Economy: Namibia’s FMD-free zone faces a leadership test after foot-and-mouth disease was detected in the Karasburg district, triggering movement and trade restrictions.

FMD Leadership Test: Namibia confirmed 17 more foot-and-mouth disease positives, all confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District, after routine surveillance—prompting movement suspensions and possible zoning to protect trade. Netball Spotlight: Malawi Queens won bronze at the Africa Netball Cup, beating Namibia 50–45 in Nairobi, with coach Debbie Fuller pointing to the next step-up ahead of the 2027 World Cup. GIPF Expansion: GIPF opened a new Ondangwa regional office to bring services closer to members, with a state-of-the-art data centre and major local investment figures. Namibia on Screen & Stage: ‘Okuruwo – The Tale of the Holy Fire’ premieres in Windhoek on 3 October, spotlighting Himba culture and the sacred Holy Fire. UNAM Cultural Festival: UNAM kicked off its 2026 annual cultural festival, with leaders stressing culture as an economic and national priority. Local Music Release: Mr Makoya (Strauss Lunyangwe) drops ‘INam-INam’, celebrating Damara/Nama love and Namibian identity through collaboration. AI for Income: Young Namibians are turning AI skills into cash via websites, business solutions, and training—building practical tech for local needs.

Windhoek Culture Calendar: As “Dezemba” nears, Windhoek’s late-September buzz is building with Acoustic Friday at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (Y’Cliff and band, tickets N$150 at the door) and Goethe-Institut Namibia’s audiovisual installation “Echoes of the Future,” pairing German and Namibian artists for live creation. Film & Heritage: “Okuruwo – The Tale of the Holy Fire” brings a sacred-flame story of tradition versus modern life to Windhoek, premiering at UNAM Main Campus (PK2) on Saturday, 3 October, with a performance by Stakes Boy. Music Spotlight: Katutura-born Mr Makoya (Strauss Lunyangwe) drops “INam-INam,” a love-themed single celebrating Damara/Nama identity and a fresh, kwaito-inspired direction with producer Chris Wayne. UNAM Cultural Festival: UNAM’s 2026 cultural festival kicks off with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare calling creative industries a national priority. Sports & Youth Energy: Namibia’s Desert Jewels qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, while young Namibians are turning AI skills into income through websites, digital services and training.

Horse Racing Fun Day: Namibia’s Naris Turf Club sets the stage for a big weekend at Rehoboth Race Track, with top clubs competing in 18 plates and a N$80,000 sponsorship pool, including a 2000m main Thoroughbred race and 1800m Graduation DA mixed race. FMD Fallout: The Grootfontein Agricultural and Industrial Show continues until Friday despite Foot-and-Mouth Disease forcing livestock exhibitors to return animals to farms, with breeders hit by added costs. Music & Culture: “Disney on Stage” returns to Namibia’s National Theatre (24–26 Sept) after a sold-out opening, bringing nearly 300 dancers and Disney favourites to the spotlight. Film Festival: HACC 2026 lands in Cape Town (30 Oct–2 Nov) with “Our Land, Our Heritage,” featuring Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream and Siya Kolisi’s Rise. Sports Development: Namibia Volleyball Federation launches FIVB-supported admin training in Windhoek to strengthen governance and leadership. Netball: Desert Jewels qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup after reaching the Africa Cup semifinals in Nairobi.

Cricket Spotlight: Matthew Breetzke smashed 112 as South Africa beat Australia by 67 runs in the first ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, with Australia collapsing to 230 all out after a promising start. Namibia Sports Development: The Namibia Volleyball Federation launched a five-day, FIVB-supported leadership and governance training in Windhoek for over 30 administrators and coaches. U20 Rugby Send-off: Namibia’s Young Namibians were officially dispatched for the World Rugby U20 Challenger in Santiago, facing Canada, Portugal and Belgium in Group A. Indigenous Games: A guide to Skululu (dibeke) highlights how the running ball game is being promoted nationally to keep traditional knowledge and social cohesion alive. Netball Success: Namibia’s Desert Jewels qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup after reaching the Africa Cup semifinals in Nairobi. Local Leadership on the Global Stage: Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses confirmed she’ll attend IFAL 2026 in New York during UNGA week. Water Diplomacy: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Windhoek will host the Global Water Partnership Organisation headquarters. Arts & Entertainment: “Disney on Stage” returns to Namibia’s National Theatre from 24–26 September, featuring nearly 300 dancers and classic Disney favourites.

Namibia in the spotlight at UNGA: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the world to elect a woman as the UN’s first female Secretary-General, while also backing UN reform, climate justice and Palestinian statehood. Cricket & TV buzz: South Africa kick off a three-match ODI series against Australia in Durban, with the Proteas facing a fast-bowling injury squeeze and fans in Namibia/region watching for key matchups and broadcast details. Local sport development: Omuthiya’s community BMX programme is growing young riders through structured training and competitive racing. Media & language push: UNAM’s Namibia Media and Communication Conference heard calls for more African stories and indigenous languages, plus stronger community radio support beyond just quotas. Health milestone: Namibia opened its first dedicated public paediatric ICU at Windhoek Central Hospital, aiming to cut child ICU deaths sharply. Business & culture: Bank Windhoek backs the inaugural NamLamb campaign to boost locally produced lamb’s market identity. Entertainment on the radar: AFRIMA confirmed Lagos will host its 10th edition in 2027, with entries opening in October 2026.

Namibian Film & TV: “African Relativity” is in pre-production, a mind-bending Namibian comedy with a big ensemble cast and themes of privilege, tradition vs modern life, dating, unemployment and even time travel. Namibian Music: Germany-based artist Ees drops his 21st studio album, “Freshness”, a five-year project blending kwaito roots with newer amapiano energy. Namibian Sports (Youth Cycling): Omuthiya’s community BMX programme is nurturing young riders since 2015, starting with eight bikes and now training dozens of children through structured coaching and racing. Namibian Sports (BMX Nationals): The Namibia Cycling Federation’s National BMX Championships drew nearly 100 kids across seven regions at Farm Windhoek’s IJG Trails. Namibian Media & Language: UNAM’s Namibia Media and Communication Conference heard calls for more African stories and indigenous languages, with local-content quotas debated beyond just numbers. Namibian Cricket/Regional Spotlight: South Africa’s Proteas face Australia in a home ODI series with fast-bowling injuries forcing major squad changes—an eye-catching storyline for Namibia’s cricket fans. Namibian Health: Windhoek Central Hospital opened Namibia’s first dedicated public paediatric ICU to cut child ICU deaths, backed by about N$28 million in equipment and upgrades. Namibian Community & Culture: The Ju/’hoansi Traditional Authority will host the San Cultural Festival in Tsumkwe (24–26 Sept) to protect endangered languages and strengthen unity.

Sports: Namibia’s Desert Jewels moved closer to the 2027 Netball World Cup after a dominant 62-36 win over Tanzania in Nairobi, booking semi-final qualification and setting up a key clash with South Africa. Youth Sport: The Namibia Cycling Federation’s National BMX Championships at IJG Trails, Farm Windhoek, drew nearly 100 children from seven regions, with fierce racing, quick medical response after crashes, and strong talent across age groups. Arts & Culture: Goethe-Institut Namibia presents “Echoes of the Future,” a multi-sensory Windhoek showcase of Namibian and German creativity exploring memory, identity and rhythm. Music & Events: Countdown is on for the 2026 Windhoek Jazz Festival (returning 7 November), with organisers promising a stronger festival atmosphere and more support for local talent. Fashion: London Fashion Week spotlighted De Beers’ new high-jewelry collection inspired by inland waters across Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Canada. Media & Training: Namibia launched its first Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa financial journalism intake in Windhoek, training 60 journalists to strengthen data-driven reporting. Tech & Society: Namibia’s data consumption keeps climbing, while broadcasting revenue dips as advertising falls sharply.

Indigenous Culture: The Ju/’hoansi Traditional Authority will host the annual San Cultural Festival in Tsumkwe from 24–26 September, aiming to strengthen unity, preserve endangered languages and tackle issues like indigenous rights and land security. Media & Training: Namibia launched its first Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa intake for financial journalism, selecting 60 participants from 800+ applicants to boost data-driven, independent reporting with support from the Bank of Namibia. Arts & Performance: Goethe-Institut Namibia presents “Echoes of the Future,” a multi-sensory Windhoek event bringing together Namibian and German creatives through sound, visuals, movement and storytelling. Music Calendar: The Windhoek Jazz Festival returns on 7 November with a refreshed programme, more food and beverage options, local vendor exhibitions and a stronger focus on supporting Namibian talent. Afrohouse Spotlight: Zuke 002 Desert Frequency lands on 31 October as a 10-hour Windhoek warehouse event with an all-local Afrohouse line-up. Broadcasting Watch: Namibia’s broadcasting revenue dipped in Q2 2026 as advertising fell sharply, even as pay-TV subscriptions grew. Sports Grassroots: The ArySteq/Simonis Storm Schools Table Tennis Series continues to expand, with young Windhoek players competing at Havana High School. Education Access: Namcol is working toward becoming an open university, targeting a formal launch in 2028/2029 pending Cabinet approval.