InFocus Namibia - November/December 2025

InFocus NAMIBIA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2025

AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

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ISSN 2026-9080

TRADE AND INDUSTRIALISATION -TRANSPORTING THE FUTURE

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CONTENTS EDITION: NOV/DEC 2025

04

FROM THE EDITOR

06 QUICK FACTS 07

LEAD STORY NDP 6: A Split Ministry Doesn’t Mean a Split Vision

09 KEY DATES 10 12 13 14 17 18

ECONOMY A Workforce to Match the Vision

FUEL PRICES Namibia’s Kudu Field Confirms First Liquid Hydrocarbon Discovery

TRANSPORT Can Namibia Unlock Its Potential in Southern Africa’s Automotive Value Chain?

After Months of Stalled Talks, Galp's Giant Namibia Oil Field Draws Supermajor Bidders

ICT AI in Namibia 2026+: Navigating the Future of Work

21

NAMIBIA DAM LEVELS UPDATE

22

POWER CONSUMPTION

23

SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION

25

SPOTLIGHT Team Namibia

29

MEET THE TEAM

31

TENDERS

33

PRESS RELEASES

35

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

From The Editor The Corridors that lead to Trade and Industrialisation To avoid the potential drift, Namibia must construct a solid bridge between trade diplomacy and industrial policy. We believe the solution will be to create a permanent, high-level steering body that constantly aligns priorities and matches export-promotion effort with local industrial production capability and capacity while clearing bureaucratic bottlenecks before they slow down progress.

Industrialisation is not just about factories; it is about comparative advantage, creating competitive products, pricing them well, and getting them into foreign markets.

Dear Reader, Welcome to the stimulating final edition of 2025 for InFocus Namibia!

If you’re joining us for the first time, welcome on board.

As we ease into the festive season, this combined November/December issue brings together some of the year’s most significant developments in trade, industrialisation and transport. These three pillars continue to define Namibia’s economic trajectory.

This year marked a crucial turning point in the Namibian mining and energy space. In March 2025, Namibia witnessed a restructured governance landscape when the former Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade was split into two distinct portfolios. Following the split, Trade now resides under the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, while Industrialisation was repositioned under the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Ministerial restructuring is not a new phenomenon in Namibia; if one can recall, we had a reconfiguration of other ministries in 2022.

In principle, separating the two portfolios makes sense as trade thrives through external-facing activity or diplomacy, while industrialisation aligns naturally alongside the country’s mining-driven economy. Yet theory and practice do not always integrate perfectly. However, Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6: 2025-2030) is founded on the principle that trade and industrial development must operate hand in hand. Now, splitting the portfolios risks creating parallel silos at a time when integration is essential.

This report is a FREE Publication written and authored through collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia.

The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Hence, this brings us to the vessel of trade, Namibia’s transport corridors. The country’s geographical position, stable political environment and an investorfriendly regulatory framework position it as a regional gateway. Moreover, efficient routes such as the Walvis Bay Corridors provide seamless logistical links to South Africa, Angola, Zambia, the DRC, and global shipping routes, which can support Namibia’s ambition to move up the value chain, from an automotive parts exporter to a local manufacturing base for components, supplying these to markets like South Africa. However, to fully realise this potential, transport logistics need to advance alongside the country’s industrial ambitions and capacity.

This edition also explores other local milestones, including developments at the Kudu Field, Galp is in advanced talks to sell up to 40% of its stake in the Mopane oil project in Namibia and the expanding role of artificial intelligence across Namibia’s economic sectors beyond 2026.

We thus invite you and hope you find this edition informative as usual and encourage you to follow and engage with us on all our social media accounts as we continue to explore and discuss these vital issues.

As always, the conversation continues at infocus@rdjpublishing.africa.

Yours, editor@rdjpublishing.africa

(David A. Jarrett) Editor in Chief

(Grace Kangotue) Editor

RDJ Publishing (Pty) Ltd is the publishing home of the InFocus Namibia, written and authored through the collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC (www.rdjconsulting.co.za).

PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 81 750 3010 Email info@rdjpublishing.africa WEBSITE www.rdjpublishing.africa

RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.

Quick Facts

N A M I B I A POPULATION (2023)

87%

36.9% 3,022,401

SIZE

Male

Female

1,474,224

LITERACY RATE (15+ YEARS) (2023)

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (2023)

1,548,177

TRANSPORT, TRADE & INDUSTRIALISATION Namibia Transport Corridors (2025) WALVIS BAY-NDOLALUBUMBASHI DEVELOPMENT CORRIDOR

links Walvis Bay with the southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and Zimbabwe

TRANS-CUNENE CORRIDOR

links the Port of Walvis Bay with southern Angola up to Lubango

TRANS-ORANJE CORRIDOR

links the Ports of Lüderitz with the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

TRANS KALAHARI CORRIDOR

links the Port of Walvis Bay with Botswana and South Africa, Gauteng.

N$245.1 billion

0.56

6.50

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices (2024)

GINI COEFFICIENT (2024)

REPO RATE (Oct 2025)

10.125

3.60

PRIME LENDING RATE (Oct 2025)

INFLATION (CPI) (Oct 2025)

2024 672 MW

KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS (2025):

MAXIMUM DEMAND (ELECTRICITY)

4,288 GWh TOTAL ELECTRICITY UNITS SOLD Mining: Diamonds Uranium Gold Rare earth minerals

Services: Retail Finance Tourism

Agriculture: Livestock Horticulture Fishing

Emerging: Green hydrogen Renewable energy Oil and Gas

Local Supply (%)

54%

Imports (%)

46%

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

Lead Story NDP 6: A Split Ministry Doesn’t Mean a Split Vision AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor @ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer

Courtesy: Canva

M

arch 2025, saw Namibia with a freshly restructured government, leading to the decision to split the former Ministry of Industrialisation

and Trade into two separate portfolios. Trade saw itself anchored under the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, while industrialisation moved under the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

On paper, the logic seems sound: trade is an external-facing activity, and industrialisation sits comfortably alongside the country’s mineral-driven economy. But in practice, the split introduces a real tension, because Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), covering 2025 to 2030, is built on the premise that trade and industry must work hand-in-hand, not in parallel silos.

NDP 6 is arguably Namibia’s most ambitious development plan since Independence. It stakes its success on

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transforming the country from an exporter of raw materials to a diversified, value-adding economy capable of producing jobs and increasing incomes. By 2030, the government hopes to see manufacturing contribute nearly a fifth of gross domestic product (GDP), export receipts dominated by processed goods, and up to 80,000 new jobs generated in factories, workshops, and industrial parks across the country.

With trade diplomacy sitting in one building and industrial policy being crafted in another, Namibia must construct a solid bridge between these needs. This cannot be an occasional joint meeting of Executive Directors (Eds) or a polite exchange of Cabinet memos. It requires a permanent, high-level steering body that aligns priorities, clears bottlenecks, and ensures that every export-promotion effort is directly connected to what local industries can produce.

07

If Namibia wants to grow its finished goods exports from fish fillets and copper plates to processed foods, green hydrogen components, textiles, and electric-vehicle minerals, then its diplomats must become industrial ambassadors. Trade missions need to be far more targeted such as identifying buyers, negotiating market access, addressing tariff barriers, and channeling investors into the proposed Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This calls for the two ministries to craft a joint industrial diplomacy strategy, ensuring that Namibia’s embassies and foreign service staff are actively promoting the country’s industrial potential, not merely its political relations.

One of the quickest ways for reform to fail is when investors face confusion.

If trade rules, rebates, industrial incentives, approvals, and investment facilitation sit in different ministries with varying timelines or criteria, investors will either walk away or choose easier destinations. NDP 6 is very clear about the need for stronger incentives of the likes of tax breaks, export support, blended finance, and grants for valueaddition. But these must emerge from a single, integrated incentive framework administered jointly by both ministries. Namibia cannot afford duplication, mixed messages, or bureaucratic detours.

Then there is this!

Industrialisation is not just about factories, it is about comparative advantage, creating competitive products, pricing them well, and getting them into foreign markets.

Because these responsibilities are now split, both ministries must synchronise their strategies on matters such as:

product standards trade-related infrastructure customs facilitation export diversification trade agreements and market-opening negotiations

Market access is therefore a priority.

But to meet national targets, Namibia must ensure that the products leaving its ports genuinely reflect the country’s industrial ambitions, not just its mineral wealth.

Namibia intends to introduce new tools such as credit guarantees, subsidised loans, blended finance facilities, and industrial upgrading grants. If these sit in separate ministries or parastatals with different application rules, manufacturers and investors will drown in bureaucracy before they produce a single item. The country would benefit from creating a joint Industrial Finance Facility (such can be enhanced via the Development Bank of Namibia with a revised mandate), overseen by both Ministry of finance and supported by other state-owned financial institutions. With unified decision-making, industrialists would finally gain the clarity and speed needed to scale production.

One of the biggest lessons from previous NDP cycles is that development plans fail when they are not co-created with the businesses expected to implement them. SMEs, manufacturers, logistics providers, and exporters must be present at the table and not as observers, but as strategic partners.

Courtesy: Getty Images Pro

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Key Dates SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

REPO RATE

6.50%

Repo Rate

Monetary Policy Announcement - October (Published 15 October 2025)

Repo Rate 2025 6.75%

6.75%

6.75%

6.75%

7

6.50% Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Announcement Dates

6 5 4 3

Date

2 1

03 December 2025

0

Feb 2025

Apr 2025

Jun 2025

Aug 2025

Oct 2025

Dec 2025

INFLATION RATE

3.60%

Annual Inflation Rate - October

Inflation (CPI)

Monthly Inflation Rate 2025 5

4.20% 3.60%

4

3.60%

3.70% 3.50%

3.20%

3.50%

3.50%

3.60%

3.20%

3 2 1 0

Jan 2025 Feb 2025 Mar 2025 Apr 2025 May 2025 Jun 2025 Jul 2025 Aug 2025 Sep 2025 Oct 2025 Nov 2025 Dec 2025

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09

Economy

A Workforce to Match the Vision AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor @ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer

Courtesy: https://www.worldskillsnamibia.na/

W

hen Namibia speaks of industrialisation, it often conjures images of factories humming with machinery, export-ready goods rolling off

conveyor belts, and modern infrastructure lighting up the national landscape. But beneath that vision lies something more fundamental, people.

People with the skills, confidence, and technical capacity to build, operate, and grow the industries Namibia hopes to create under its Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6).

Globally, countries face deep skills shortages at nearly every level examined, from artisans to engineers, researchers, technicians, and trade specialists. This is the heart of Namibia’s challenge: Industrialisation without skills is aspiration without engines.

Do we have a workforce capable of driving the industrial future we imagine?

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But Namibia’s workforce, from trainees to senior technicians, cannot be asked to navigate two sets of expectations. The skills pipeline must be coherent, strategic, and future-focused. According to Dr. Lorato Kavetuna, an economist and skills researcher, the biggest danger is not unemployment, it’s mismatched training.

“We have graduates who cannot find jobs,” she says, “and industries who cannot find graduates. That contradiction is a sign of a skills ecosystem running on parallel tracks. NDP 6 tries to correct that.” She explains that as Namibia moves toward green hydrogen, mineral beneficiation, food processing, advanced textiles, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and logistics, the labour market will demand entirely new skill sets. “Without a shared national roadmap,” she warns, “we risk building the wrong capacity at the wrong time.” At the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) centres across the country, instructors see this daily.

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Across Namibia’s vocational centres and universities, the story is much the same. Many curricula lag years behind industry needs, and training often prioritises theory over hands-on experience. If Namibia wants to build industries in green hydrogen, lithium refining, food processing, advanced textiles, or renewable energy systems, it must overhaul what and how it teaches.

Curricula must become industry-driven, reviewed every two to three years with employers at the table. Digital literacy that guides from data analysis to automation interfaces that must be mainstreamed across all training areas. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education must be strengthened from primary school onward.

Around the world, successful industrial nations share one principle: employers shape the training system, not the other way around. Namibia has taken steps in this direction, but more is needed. The country should scale up dual training models, where students spend half their time in class and half on factory floors. Internships and apprenticeships must become compulsory for graduation, not optional add-ons.

What skills must Namibia build today to create the industrial future it wants tomorrow?

While universities often steal the spotlight, Namibia’s real industrial future lies in its vocational training centres (VTCs). These institutions will produce the welders, technicians, machinists, electricians, and operators who keep factories running. Yet many VTCs operate with ageing equipment and curricula designed before automation became standard.

To become industrialisation engines, VTCs must be modernised with: up-to-date machinery (CNC, robotics, digital fabrication) smarter workshops for mechatronics and electronics instructors trained in current industrial technologies closer partnerships with manufacturers modern teaching materials and digital tools Across Namibia’s universities, valuable research often sits unused such as in the form of blueprints, prototypes, and innovations that never reach industry. Industrialisation demands applied research that solves real problems. These include improving water-efficient farming, designing safer processing equipment, testing hydrogen storage systems, or advancing mineral refining technologies.

These qualities are as critical as machine-handling skills.

Recognising this, training institutions must embed soft skills training into all programmes so ensuring Namibian workers thrive in demanding industrial environments.

Industrialisation brings constant technological change.

Workers trained today may need new skills in five years.

Namibia must encourage continuous learning through: micro-certifications online and blended learning short technical courses upskilling programmes for mid-career workers Industrialisation should not leave older workers behind, it must carry them forward. A nation becomes industrialised not by accident, but by design.

And as always the conversation infocus@rdjpublishing.africa.

continues

at

Courtesy: Canva

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11

Fuel Prices November 2025 Fuel Prices Update Petrol

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ANGOLA

NIGERIA

BOTSWANA

ZAMBIA

N$ 20.58/ US$ 1.21

Diesel

N$ 20.13/ US$ 1.18

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

R 20.71/ US$ 1.21

R 21.77/ US$ 1.27

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Kz 300.00/ US$ 0.33

Kz 400.00/ US$ 0.44

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

₦ 847.00/ US$ 0.59

₦ 949.75/ US$ 0.66

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

P 15.47/

P 16.28/ US$ 1.22

US$ 1.16

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

ZK 28.97/

ZK 25.35/ US$ 1.11

US$ 1.27

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

The US$ equivalent refers to current exchange rates (November 2025) Information available at the time of publication. Reliance on this information is not advised.

Data Source: Namibia: www.mme.gov.na, Botswana: www.bera.co.bw, Zambia: www.erb.org.zm, Others: theglobaleconomy.com

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Namibia’s Kudu Field Confirms First Liquid Hydrocarbon Discovery contributed by:

BW Energy confirms light oil and condensate discovery at Namibia’s Kudu gas field Kharas-1 results boost basin understanding; FID now targeted for late 2026 Kudu seen as key to Namibia’s energy security and first hydrocarbon production

N

orwegian operator BW Energy announced on Wednesday the discovery of liquid hydrocarbons, including condensates and light oil, in deeper

fractured volcaniclastic formations at the Kudu gas field in Namibia. It is the first confirmed liquid find at the field and follows final results from the Kharas-1 appraisal well, which was drilled to a total depth of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet).

The well, drilled using Odfjell Drilling’s Deepsea Mira platform, also confirmed the presence of dry gas.

BW Energy CEO Carl Arnet said the well achieved its technical objectives by testing multiple targets in one bore and provided valuable data. He added that confirming the presence of liquids significantly improves the company’s understanding of the basin’s petroleum system. As planned, the data-gathering well will now be plugged and abandoned. The company will shift its focus to higher-value prospects that contain both gas and liquids, with new appraisal wells planned for 2026 and 2027.

The results come as BW Energy restructures its leadership to strengthen Africa’s role in its growth strategy. In September 2025, Brice Morlot was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Thomas Young became Chief Financial Officer as part of a broader effort to accelerate African projects. The company’s portfolio on the continent, centered on the Dussafu hub in Gabon, which produces

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40,000 barrels per day, and the Kudu project in Namibia, supports its goal of reaching 90,000 barrels per day of net production by 2028 through a phased and low-cost development approach.

The Kharas-1 findings move the Kudu project closer to a Final Investment Decision. Initially planned for 2024 and later postponed to 2025, the decision is now targeted for late 2026 in line with the government’s timeline.

For Namibia, the discovery is strategically important. The country imports more than 60 percent of its electricity and continues to face recurring shortages. With an initial phase planned for 420 MW and potential expansion to 800 MW, Kudu could provide 50 to 60 percent of national baseload needs with lower emissions than coal. Any surplus electricity could be exported through the Southern African Power Pool.

Beyond energy security, the project is expected to generate jobs, tax revenue, local contracting opportunities, and skills development. With prospective resources in the Orange Basin estimated at between 11 and 20 billion barrels, and a national objective of achieving first commercial production by 2030, Kudu is positioned to become Namibia’s first commercial hydrocarbon development.

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Transport Can Namibia Unlock Its Potential in Southern Africa’s Automotive Value Chain?

AUTHOR: Chilombo Olga Priscila I BSc. (Hons), BASc. Manager: Sector Research and Development at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)

Courtesy: Pexels

W

ith just five years left to achieve Vision 2030, Namibia faces a pivotal moment.

Industrialisation and manufacturing stand at

the core of this vision, not merely as economic goals, but as the engines of job creation, skills growth, technology transfer, and true transformation. At its heart, Vision 2030 is about shifting Namibia from a consuming nation to a producing one.

Why the Automotive Industry Matters

And if the country remains committed, it’s not impossible to one day see this path leading to sustainable vehicle assembly. But for now, the focus must be on local manufacturing, value addition, and participation in regional value chains to amplify market reach.

Namibia’s Current Contribution to the South African Automotive Sector

The automotive industry, in particular, offers Namibia a strategic opportunity to move from just being a consumer of imported vehicles and parts to an active participant in regional and global value chains.

Here’s the good news: Namibia already plays a modest, yet meaningful role in supplying parts to South Africa’s welldeveloped automotive industry, noting that South Africa’s automotive industry accounts for around five (5) percent of the country’s GDP and produces over half a million vehicles annually.

So what does this mean for Namibia? It means that the journey toward industrialisation could realistically begin with something tangible: strengthening and diversifying the local manufacturing base for components, supplying these to markets such as South Africa and beyond.

According to UN Comtrade 2023 data, Namibia exported approximately US$716,950 worth of “motor vehicle parts, nes” (not elsewhere specified) to South Africa, weighing about 21,421 kg. By 2024, exports of bumpers and vehicle parts stood at US$28,920, and motor vehicle seats at

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roughly US$53,210.

Now, these figures might appear small in absolute terms, but in reality, they represent a crucial foothold - a meaningful starting point for Namibia. Something that can be scaled up through policy support, supplier development, and infrastructure investments.

And that’s not all. Other favourable factors include: Abundant minerals such as copper, zinc, and rare earth elements which are crucial for producing wires, batteries, and electronic components.

Green energy potential through the emergence of Namibia’s green hydrogen economy, offering a futureproof, low-carbon energy source for manufacturing.

And since this is the foundation of what could become a major industry, it’s worth asking: what makes Namibia such a strategic and ideal location for venturing into component manufacturing?

This aligns neatly with the global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and decarbonised production - a trend that could position Namibia ahead of the curve if it moves strategically.

Strategic Advantages: Why Namibia Makes Sense

Challenges Holding Namibia Back

Consider this: the Walvis Bay Corridors provide efficient logistics connections to South Africa, Angola, Zambia, the DRC, and global shipping routes, positioning Namibia as a natural partner for regional automotive supply chains.

On top of that, Namibia boasts a stable political environment and an investor-friendly regulatory framework.

The National Automotive Assembly Development Policy Framework (NAADP, 2019-2021), now phased out, significantly advanced Namibia’s vehicle assembly and automotive sector, and with a new Automotive Policy Framework being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) for Namibia and Lesotho, it paves the way for more structured growth and regional value chain alignment.

We know that every opportunity comes with its share of hurdles, and Namibia’s manufacturing sector is still in its infancy. To achieve the industrialisation goals of Vision 2030, the following constraints must be addressed: Small production scale: Exports remain low-volume and broadly categorised, restricting access to high-value Tier 1 supply contracts.

Skills gaps: Namibia must cultivate specialised technical and engineering skills that meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards for design, production, and quality assurance.

Infrastructure and certification: Testing facilities, quality management systems, and supplier certification programs need significant strengthening to compete effectively with established South African suppliers.

Courtesy: Google AI Studio

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Courtesy:Canva

This implies that unless Namibia scales up production and builds a stronger technical ecosystem, it risks remaining a peripheral player rather than a regional contender.

And remember in a world increasingly driven by sustainability, being green isn’t just an ethical choice, it’s a competitive advantage.

Opportunities for Growth and Expansion

So where does Namibia go from here?

Despite these challenges, Namibia’s window of opportunity is wide open.

Supplier Development and Localisation: Strengthening Namibia’s SME base through targeted training and certification programs can help local firms meet Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier standards.

Aftermarket Parts Production: There’s significant potential in producing replacement parts and niche components such as off-road, mining or agricultural vehicles, where Namibia already has a comparative advantage.

Regional Policy Alignment: Using Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) platforms to harmonise regulatory frameworks with South Africa’s can enable seamless cross-border participation and access to larger markets.

Investment in Assembly: Namibia could expand from component manufacturing to small-scale vehicle assembly for trucks, buses, and specialised vehicles, thereby creating jobs and boosting local skills.

Green Manufacturing: Here’s where Namibia can truly stand out. By leveraging renewable energy, the country can become a hub for low-carbon vehicle component production, making it attractive to investors seeking to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Namibia’s automotive journey has a foundation - the NAADPF and the Automotive Policy Framework (under development). Real progress, however, hinges on collaboration, so we all have a role to play: the Government needs to finalise regulations and incentives; the Private Sector needs to invest in skills and technology; and Development Partners must back capacity and market access.

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If these efforts align, Namibia can evolve from a modest assembler to a competitive force in Southern Africa’s automotive value chain, thereby creating jobs, diversifying exports, and fuelling industrial growth. After all, that is what Vision 2030 is all about: a Namibia that not only dreams of industrialisation but builds it, one component, one partnership, one factory at a time.

Disclaimer The Views and Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, policies or positions of the author’s current or past employer, organisation or any other affiliated entities.

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After Months of Stalled Talks, Galp's Giant Namibia Oil Field Draws Supermajor Bidders contributed by:

Galp in advanced talks to sell up to 40% stake in Mopane project TotalEnergies and Chevron emerge as leading bidders after slow start Sale aims to share deepwater costs amid regulatory and market challenges

A

After months of trying to sell part of its stake in the Mopane oil project in Namibia, Galp has finally drawn interest from major international oil

companies. According to sources cited by international media on Wednesday, TotalEnergies and Chevron are now leading contenders among potential buyers.

Galp is in advanced talks to sell up to 40% of its stake in the project. The company has shortlisted several candidates and plans to announce a final decision by year-end.

Galp began seeking to reduce its position in Mopane in early 2025 in an effort to share the substantial costs required to advance the project. The sale process stalled for months, as the company received no formal offers despite approaching several international exploration companies.

awaiting confirmation, as well as a high proportion of gas, which is harder to bring to market. Other factors included the high development costs associated with deepwater projects and regulatory uncertainties, particularly around operational control and rising local content requirements in Namibia.

Mopane is regarded as one of Namibia’s most significant discoveries since 2022. Galp confirmed the presence of a large oil system there in May 2024, at a time when exploration activity had intensified following major discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell in 2022 and 2023.

Namibia’s state-owned oil company, Namcor, said in 2024 that progress on these offshore projects could pave the way for oil production within the next decade.

Abdel-Latif Boureima

This slow start came amid investor caution. An Agence Ecofin analysis published in July highlighted concerns, including an economic model and resource volumes still

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ICT AI in Namibia 2026+: Navigating the Future of Work Readers, please note: This piece is 100% AI generated to show the impact of AI

Courtesy: Canva

A

s Namibia moves into the second half of the 2020s, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to have a growing impact on the country’s labour market. Experts

customer service could face significant pressure from AI automation.

warn of both disruption and opportunity — and call on policymakers, businesses, and workers to act now to steer the change in a socially inclusive way.

In Namibia’s engineering and industrial sectors, where AIenabled automation is already being adopted, predictive maintenance and autonomous systems are streamlining operations — but may reduce demand for certain manual or semi-skilled jobs. In the creative and media industries, too, AI threatens to displace some tasks. The Namibian has noted that tools like generative text and image systems could automate parts of the creative chain, even as they offer new possibilities.

AI Threats and Job Disruption According to a recent analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), AI could threaten up to 40% of jobs globally, potentially exacerbating inequality. In Namibia, the risk is compounded by structural challenges: limited digital infrastructure, uneven access to connectivity, and a skills gap. Locally, roles that involve repetitive, routine tasks are particularly vulnerable. According to reporting in The Namibian, jobs such as data entry, entry-level administrative work, some financial functions, and

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Opportunities and Growth Despite disruption, AI also offers promising opportunities.

During a webinar on the “Future of Work in the AI Age,” hosted by the Namibia University of Science and

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Technology (NUST) and the University of Johannesburg, thought leaders emphasised that AI should be viewed as an enabler — not a threat.

Key growth areas include: 1. Upskilling & ICT Careers: Namibia’s future lies in innovation, digital skills, and ICT. Demand is expected for AI-proficient professionals: data scientists, software engineers, machine-learning specialists, and business analysts.

2. Public Services and Government: AI could improve service delivery in health, education, and governance, through predictive diagnostics, personalised learning, and automated administrative workflows.

3. Agriculture: AI-enabled precision farming, resource optimisation, and predictive analytics hold promise for Namibia’s agricultural sector, especially given its emphasis on sustainable growth.

4. Engineering & Energy: In sectors like mining, energy, and construction, AI-driven predictive maintenance and optimisation can boost efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower costs.

5. AI Ethics, Governance & Research: Local institutions could take a lead in developing governance frameworks, ethical AI practices, and research suited to Namibian contexts. For example, the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST) has already identified the need to align higher education with future skills.

Risks & Inequalities However, the transition is not risk-free. The IMF warns that in countries with weaker infrastructure, AI adoption could increase inequality because they may lack the capacity to fully capitalise on AI gains.

Older workers, low-skilled workers, and those in remote or underserved areas may be most exposed to displacement.

Moreover, Namibia’s existing digital divide — differences in internet quality across regions — could worsen if AI investment concentrates in urban centres. Gendered impacts may also emerge. Across Africa, studies suggest that women may be disproportionately affected by automation, particularly in service and outsourcing roles. If unchecked, this could widen existing gender disparities in the labour force.

Mitigating the Impact: What Namibia Can Do To address these challenges and harness AI’s potential, several strategies emerge: 1. Upskilling and Reskilling Programmes The government and private sector should invest in scalable training: microlearning modules, online AI courses, certifications, and extended reality platforms.

Courtesy: Pexels

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Courtesy: Pexels

Vocational and tertiary education institutions need to integrate AI, data science, and digital literacy into their curricula. The 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) Task Force report recommends aligning tertiary education with future labor-market needs.

2. Infrastructure Investment Expand reliable high-speed internet (e.g., 5G) and electrification, especially in rural areas, to ensure equitable access to AI-enabled services.

Develop data centres and cloud infrastructure to support local AI applications and reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure.

3. Social Safety Nets Introduce social protection mechanisms — unemployment support, retraining stipends, and transition programs for displaced workers — to buffer short-term shocks. The IMF argues these are crucial for inclusive AI transitions.

Design job transition pathways, particularly for vulnerable groups (older workers, low-skilled, women), to help them move into AI-enabled roles.

4. Governance, Ethics & Trust Establish a national AI governance framework to regulate deployment, ensure data privacy, fairness, and accountability.

Promote research into African-centered trust in AI: recent studies show that trust among African professionals is shaped by communal values, relationality, and ethics.

Encourage public-private partnerships to invest in locally relevant AI innovations — not just adopting off-the-shelf systems.

5. Inclusive Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support AI startups that address local problems (e.g. in agriculture, health, education) via incubation, seed funding, and mentorship.

Boost women’s participation in STEM through targeted scholarships, mentorship programmes, and inclusive hiring practices to avert gendered displacement.

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Outlook: Balanced Risk, Significant Opportunity From 2026 onwards, AI is likely to reshape Namibia’s job market — eliminating some roles, but creating new ones in their place. The net effect will depend heavily on policy choices, investment in skills, and equitable access. If the country acts decisively to close infrastructure gaps, invest in human capital, and build ethical governance, AI could become a lever for inclusive growth. On the other hand, failure to do so could aggravate inequality and job insecurity.

In short, AI poses both a risk and a promise for Namibia’s future — but its impact will be determined by how thoughtfully and proactively the nation prepares.

Readings: The Brief, “AI has potential to transform Namibia business” (2024) TheBrief.com.na.

IOL / The Namibian, “Take a look at the jobs that are vulnerable to being taken over by AI” (2024).

Lithon, “AI and Automation in Namibia’s Engineering Sector” (2025).

The Namibian, “Navigating the Impact of AI on the Media and Creative Industry” (2023).

The Namibian, Mare & Kaisara, “Spotlight on the Impact of AI on the Future of Work” (2025).

International Monetary Fund (IMF) reporting on AI risk to jobs and inequality.

Namibia Journal of Managerial Sciences, Phulu, “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment” (2025).

4IR Task Force Final Report to the President of Namibia (2022).

Kinyua Gikunda, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa” (2024).

Amugongo, Bidwell & Mwatukange, “Enriching Moral Perspectives on AI: Concepts of Trust amongst Africans” (2025).

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NAMIBIA DAM LEVELS UPDATE (November 2025)

Dam's Full Capacity (in Mm3)

Present Volume November 2025 (in Mm3)

100

1000

80 800

600

400

40

200

20

H ar da p

N ec ka rt al

0

0 N Sw au te ak op po or t Vo n Ba O ch lu sh an dj O a m O ar m ur at u ak D o el ta D am O an ob D re O ih tji uk ve ro M O ai tji n ve ro Si lt Fr ie O d m en at au je nn e D am G or ea ng Ti ab ld a Vi ljo en Bo nd D el aa s n Vi ljo en

Water Volume (in Mm3)

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Name of Reservoir Author’s analysis and representation of NamWater’s weekly dam bulletin - dated 17 November 2025

DEFICIT 19.2%

CAPACITY

1556.712 Mm3

AVAILABILITY 80.8%

According to records by NamWater’s weekly Dam Bulletins, Namibia has a total Reservoir capacity of 1556.712 million cubic meters (Mm3), whose present volumes stand at 1258.586 Mm3 (or 80.8%). This means that the country’s water deficit is currently 298.126 Mm3 (or 19.2%).

82.6% Present % of Full Capacity 13 October 2025

80.8% Present % of Full Capacity 17 November 2025

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

POWER CONSUMPTION Stove/Oven 4000 Watts = 17.39 Ampere 5000 Watts = 21.74 Ampere 8000 Watts = 34.78 Ampere

Geyser 150 L 3000 Watts = 13.04 Ampere 100 L 2000 Watts = 8.70 Ampere

Kettle 2200 Watts = 9.57 Ampere

Hot Plate 2000 Watts = 8.70 Ampere

Hairdryer 1800 Watts = 7.83 Ampere

Microwave 900 Watts = 3.91 Ampere

Deep-freeze 210 L 30 Watts = 0.13 Ampere 300 L 50 Watts = 0.22 Ampere

Refrigerator 300 L 35 Watts = 0.15 Ampere

Computer 300 Watts = 1.30 Ampere

Incandescent Light Bulb 40 Watts = 0.17 Ampere 60 Watts = 0.26 Ampere 100 Watts = 43 Ampere

Energy Saver (Incandescent Light Bulb) 40 w 5 Watts = 0.02 Ampere 60w 11 Watts = 0.05 Ampere 75w 14 Watts = 0.06 Ampere 100w 20 Watts = 0.09 Ampere

Television 70 Watts = 0.30 Ampere

Decoder 30 Watts = 0.13 Ampere

DVD Player

9 Watts = 0.04 Ampere

Radio 6 Watts = 0.03 Ampere

Washing Machine 2000 Watts = 8.70 Ampere

Heater 2000 Watts = 8.70 Ampere

Dryer 2000 Watts = 8.70 Ampere

Source: Erongo RED (https://www.erongored.com/consumtion-index/)

Solar Energy Production

Spotlight Spotlight on Team Namibia Interview by Ms. Silpa Kanghono (Coordinator: Digital Marketing and Events- RDJ Publishing)

W

elcome to the Spotlight Series, a platform where we engage with visionary industry leaders who are driving innovation and

shaping a more sustainable future. In this edition, we are honoured to feature Team Namibia, a member-based, nonprofit movement committed to empowering Namibian consumers to buy local while promoting the growth and production of high-quality local goods and services.

Through its initiatives, Team Namibia continues to play a vital role in strengthening national identity, boosting the local economy, and fostering pride in Namibian-made excellence.

1. What does Team Namibia do?

Founded in 2003, Team Namibia is a Section 21 company (association not-for-gain), established to enable Namibians to advance their own economically sustainable future by promoting the use of local products and services.

Team Namibia members support the country’s national objective of sustained economic growth, as outlined in the National Development Plans.

In essence, Team Namibia is a member-based, non-profit movement that mobilises Namibian consumers to buy local while promoting the production and consumption of quality Namibian goods and services.

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2. Where does it derive its mandate?

Team Namibia derives its mandate from Namibia’s national development goals and policies, which aim to drive economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation. The organisation works in alignment with key public and private stakeholders to promote local value addition, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness within the Namibian economy.

3. What is Team Namibia’s Vision, Mission, and Value Proposition?

Vision: To make Namibian products and services part of everyday life.

Mission: To facilitate the increased consumption of Namibian products and services locally and internationally by inspiring competitive standards, stimulating consumer confidence, and promoting economic sustainability.

Value Proposition: Team Namibia unites local businesses and consumers under the principle of UUKUMWE - working together to make a positive impact on the Namibian economy. There is more strength in a team.

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4. How does Team Namibia build consumer confidence?

Team Namibia builds consumer confidence by promoting quality, credibility, and trust in Namibian products and services. Through collaboration with members, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, Team Namibia ensures that products carrying the Team Namibia logo meet high standards and can compete effectively in both local and international markets.

By showcasing excellence and reliability, Team Namibia helps consumers feel confident that buying local also means buying quality.

5. How does Team Namibia promote economic sustainability in local industries?

Team Namibia promotes economic sustainability by fostering collaboration across industries and encouraging shared growth rather than competition in isolation.

By creating platforms for partnership, innovation, and visibility, Team Namibia helps prevent the duplication or misuse of resources. Through brand building, advocacy, and promotion, the organisation strengthens the competitiveness of Namibian products and services, ensuring they meet market demands locally and globally, while keeping economic value within the country.

6. What are the benefits of Team Namibia membership?

Team Namibia provides a sustainable competitive advantage for Namibian products and services by offering members the following benefits: 1. Use of the Team Namibia Logo: Members can display the official Team Namibia logo on their products and corporate branding, symbolising economic contribution and competitive quality.

2. Association with Competitive Standards: The logo represents high standards and inspires consumer trust and loyalty.

3. Marketing and Promotional Campaigns: Members gain exposure through Team Namibia’s national campaigns, which promote local brands to consumers.

4. Business Listings and Online Visibility: Free listings in directories and on Team Namibia’s online portal to improve brand accessibility.

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5. Business-to-Business Opportunities: Access to matchmaking platforms and SME information portals that enhance competitiveness and visibility.

6. Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship: Opportunities to share best practices, receive mentorship, and participate in knowledge-exchange sessions.

7. Digital Exposure: Features on Team Namibia’s blog, social media, and cost-effective online advertising options.

8. Networking Opportunities: Complimentary access to the Team Namibia AGM and other stakeholder events with highprofile speakers.

9. Market Intelligence: Access to insights from stakeholder perception surveys across industries and consumer segments.

10. Ongoing Communication: Regular newsletters and updates on campaigns, opportunities, and news relevant to members.

7. How can a company become a member of Team Namibia?

Companies can become members by completing the Team Namibia membership application form, available on the official website or by contacting the Team Namibia office directly.

Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents: Business Registration Certificate from BIPA Good Standing Certificate from NAMRA Social Security Commission registration proof Quality Assurance Certificate (where applicable) Team Namibia offers different membership packages based on a company’s annual turnover, which can be requested from the Team Namibia office.

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Once the application and supporting documents are reviewed and approved, members gain access to all branding privileges, promotional opportunities, and participation in Team Namibia campaigns that promote locally made products and services.

Email: marketing@teamnamibia.com or publicrelations@teamnamibia.com Mobile: 081 147 6669 Address: 4 Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, 4th Floor, Bridgeview Offices, Windhoek, Namibia

8. What has been Team Namibia’s proudest moment so far?

One of Team Namibia’s proudest moments has been the successful relaunch of its brand identity, which renewed public awareness and inspired a new generation of Namibians to support and buy local.

Other key milestones include strategic collaborations with institutions such as the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI), which recently launched the National Standardisation Strategy and Plan (NSSP), Brand Namibia, and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) through its Nationhood and National Pride Programme and the My Namibia, My Country, My Pride campaign.

Team Namibia has also been instrumental in implementing impactful consumer campaigns such as Buy Local, Grow Namibia and the Travel Local Campaign, both of which promote local consumption and tourism.

These achievements collectively highlight Team Namibia’s ongoing role in strengthening national pride, unity, and confidence in Namibian products and services.

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30 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RELATED SECTORS! As RDJ Consulting we pride ourselves as specialised consultants who provide advisory services, market data and studies, due diligence and offer world class training within our core business area. Collaboration forms an integral part of what we do, and for this year, we are making it a priority.

OUR FOOTPRINT Asia Britain Caribbean Southern Africa USA Our innovative strategies are baked daily at 40 Copper Street, Prosperita, Windhoek, Namibia.

Contact us today to discover how our unique services add value to your business!

+264 81 750 3002 info@rdjconsulting.co.za www.rdjconsulting.co.za

Meet the Team JULIA N. EMBULA

Aspiring Data Analyst

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J

ulia N. Embula is a third-year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. She is a dedicated and analytical individual with a strong passion for problem-solving and working with data. Her love for mathematics began in school, and her curiosity about how numbers and data can be applied to real-world situations to solve complex problems inspired her academic journey in this field.

During her internship as a Research and Data Analyst, Julia aims to apply her theoretical knowledge to practical environments while gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation. She views this opportunity as a key stepping stone toward her long-term goal of building a successful career in data analysis.

1. What attracted you to join the RDJ Group as a Research and Data Analysis Intern?

What attracted me to RDJ Consulting was that, after doing my research, I found out that they offer great learning opportunity and that around 80% of their interns are employed at renowned local and international institutions after their internship.

2. What kind of projects or research areas are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on research and data analysis project where I collect, organise and analyse data to support decision making. I work with excel to identify trends, compare performances and generate useful insights. Through this work I’m gaining hand on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

3. What skills or insights have you gained so far from this internship?

4. What do you enjoy most about working with this team or department?

What I enjoy most about working with the RDJ Consulting team is the supportive and collaborative environment.

Everyone is willing to guide me whenever I need help, which make learning easier, I appreciate how open the team is they value each members contribution, working in such environment has really motivated me to keep improving.

5. What advice, tips, or lessons would you give to fellow students pursuing the same course and looking for internships?

My advice to fellow students pursuing Mathematics and Statistics is to stay curious and open to learning beyond the classroom. Internships are a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in real situations, so don’t be afraid to take on challenges or ask questions that’s how you grow. I’d also say start looking for internships early and research the companies you’re applying to, choose one that offers real learning experiences, not just busy work.

6. Finally, when it comes to selecting an institution for your Work Integrated Learning (WIL), why do you believe it is important for students to thoroughly research the institution before deciding where to complete their placement?

It’s very important for students to thoroughly research an institution before choosing where to do their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) because the experience you gain depends a lot on the environment and opportunities the organization provides also understand the company’s culture, values, and type of projects also helps you know what to expect and how you can contribute meaningfully. In the end, choosing the right institution can make a big difference in developing your skills, building professional connections and preparing you for your future career.

I have improved data collection and analysis especially using excel to interpret and present data efficiency. I have also learned how to work with real world dataset, identify trends and communicate findings in reports and presentations.

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Tenders

Development Bank of Namibia Description: Procurement of Panel Mentoring and Coaching Consultancy Services for the Development Bank of Namibia.

Bid Closing date: 08 December 2025 at 10h00 Namibian Time https://www.dbn.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/01-Procurement-of-Panel-Mentoring-and-Coaching-ConsultancyServices-for-the-Development-Bank-of-Namibia.pdf Namibia Airports Company Description: Supply Delivery And Installation Of Digital Signage For Hosea Kutako International, Walvis Bay International, Eros And Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airports.

Bid Closing date: 08 December 2025 https://www.airports.com.na/procurement/bid-opening-supply-delivery-and-installation-of-digital-signage-for-hoseakutako-international-walvis-bay-international-eros-and-andimba-toivo-ya-toivo-airports/412/ TransNamib Description: Supply, and Delivery of Herbicides for Weed Spray for 2026 Season.

Bid Closing date: 16 December 2025 at 12h00 Namibian Time https://www.transnamib.com.na/procurement/ NamWater Description: Provision of revaluation services for water supply infrastructure for NamWater.

Closing date: 18 December 2025 at 11h00 https://www.namwater.com.na/index.php/quotations/22-procurement/997-provision-of-revaluation-services-for-watersupply-infrastructure-for-namwater NamPower Description: Request for Expression of Interest for the Provision of Professional Engineering Consultancy Services for the Design & Construction Supervision of the Omburu PV-II Power Project.

Bid Closing date: 19 December 2025 at 10h00 Namibian Time https://www.nampower.com.na/Bid.aspx?id=292293 Debmarine Namibia Description: Supply of a Vessel Platform for Offshore Survey Operations.

Bid Closing date: 09 January 2026 at 12h00 Namibian Time https://debmarine.com/uploads/documents/d5b8f18d9d1a1ed287696f77a7143d8302aa799f.pdf Central Procurement Board of Namibia Description: Pre-qualification of Building Works (BW) and Civil Works (CW) Contractors for a Period of One (1) Year.

Bid Closing date: 21 January 2026 at 11h00 Namibian Time https://www.cpbn.com.na/index/bid/92

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Press Releases

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

NICOLE FELIX CHIEF DESIGNER (LAYOUT AND DESIGN) @RDJ PUBLISHING

DAVID JARRETT EDITOR IN CHIEF AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER @RDJ GROUP

SILPA KANGHONO COORDINATOR: DIGITAL MARKETING AND EVENTS @RDJ PUBLISHING

LAHJA AMAAMBO CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR @RDJ GROUP

PUBLISHED BY:

GRACE KANGOTUE CHIEF RESEARCHER/ECONOMIST EDITOR @ RDJ CONSULTING

CHILOMBO OLGA PRISCILA CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR @RDJ GROUP

RESEARCH BY:

RENEE JARRETT EXECUTIVE - ADMINISTRATION @RDJ GROUP

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ISSN 2026-9080

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