The Namibian Cabinet has announced a series of major decisions following its 28th and 29th Cabinet meetings earlier this month, touching on national water security, cybersecurity reforms, international cooperation, and the livestock sector’s preparedness against disease threats.

Namibia to Sign Luanda Accord on Natural Diamond Marketing

Cabinet has authorised the Acting Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy to sign the Luanda Accord, an African-led strategy aimed at promoting natural diamonds. The Diamond Board of Namibia will serve as the country’s representative in implementing the agreement, which was first formalised in Luanda in June this year by African diamond-producing nations and industry partners.

Swakopmund to Host Major Nuclear-Test-Ban Exercise in 2026

Namibia will host an Integrated Field Exercise of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in Swakopmund in October 2026. Cabinet approved the collaboration and endorsed the establishment of an inter-ministerial technical committee to coordinate preparations. A combined contribution of N$100,000 has been assigned to support the committee’s operations.

FMD Threat in South Africa Raises Alarm for Namibia

With South Africa facing a continuing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, Cabinet expressed concern over the potential impact on Namibia’s livestock industry. The Office of the Prime Minister, together with key ministries, has been directed to develop emergency interventions, which may include the recruitment of temporary personnel.

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The Directorate of Veterinary Services has been instructed to intensify disease surveillance and strengthen diagnostic and disinfection capacity, while the agriculture ministry is expected to provide a progress and accountability report within three months.

Bid to Host Global Water Partnership Secretariat

Namibia will formally submit an expression of interest to host the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) Secretariat in Windhoek. The organisation was founded by the World Bank, UNDP, and the Swedish government to support global water resource management.

MoU with South Africa on Correctional Services

Cabinet approved a new memorandum of understanding with South Africa to guide cooperation in the field of correctional services. The agreement seeks to improve prison conditions and enhance standards across both countries’ facilities.

Government Moves to Address National Water Shortages

Amid mounting water supply pressures, Cabinet endorsed a series of emergency measures. These include installing unused boreholes, repairing aging infrastructure, acquiring water trucks, rehabilitating earth dams, and enhancing desalination capacity.

Cabinet further ruled that funds from projects with low execution rates should be redirected to urgent water-related interventions. The agriculture ministry, working with the NSA, NPC and other agencies, will coordinate a nationwide household water access mapping strategy.

CRAN and NAM-CSIRT Annual Reports Tabled

Cabinet noted and authorised the tabling of the 2024/25 annual reports and audited financial statements of both the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Namibia Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) before the National Assembly.

Key Decisions from the 29th Cabinet Meeting

Government Sector Cybersecurity Team to Be Established

Cabinet approved the establishment of a Government Sector Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (GOV-CSIRT), which will act as the central hub for cybersecurity incident coordination across government.

Additionally, high-risk public institutions will establish Security Operations Centres (SOCs) integrated with the national NAM-CSIRT framework. Government IT staff will undergo specialised training in cybersecurity disciplines as part of a phased capacity-building programme.

The Office of the Prime Minister has been tasked with overseeing the implementation and providing periodic progress reports.

Steps Toward Namibia’s Nuclear Power Programme

Cabinet also directed the Office of the Prime Minister to begin implementing Phase 1 of establishing Namibia’s first Nuclear Energy Programme Implementation Organisation (NEPIO). The move follows outcomes from a recent workshop on nuclear infrastructure development.

Interim working groups will be created to initiate Phase 1 activities until the formal establishment of NEPIO. Consultations will also begin with stakeholder ministries to determine long-term funding needs for the programme.