Sikongo HaihamboisExecutive Director of the Ministry of Environment
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“The significance of the project was also highlighted by the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Sikongo Haihambo, who said the launch marks an important step in advancing Namibia's national green hydrogen agenda and strengthening the country's partnership with the GEF and UNIDO under the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme.”
Sikongo Haihamboissueda public notice directive about Deadvlei access regulations
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“The directive, issued in a public notice by executive director Sikongo Haihambo, says the ministry confirmed that access to Deadvlei is limited to Namibia Tourism Board-registered tour guides transporting clients and self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles.”
Executive Director Sikongo Haihamboissued public notice confirmingaccess to Deadvlei is limited to registered tour guides and self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles
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“In a public notice issued by Executive Director Sikongo Haihambo, the ministry confirmed that access to Deadvlei is limited to Namibia Tourism Board-registered tour guides ferrying clients and self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles.”
Executive Director Sikongo Haihamboissued statementannouncing Deadvlei access restriction to authorised shuttles
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“In a statement issued by Executive Director Sikongo Haihambo, the Ministry said only two categories of operators will be allowed to provide shuttle services between the Sossusvlei 2×4 parking area and the 4×4 parking area at Deadvlei.”
Sikongo Haihamboexplainedhow Namibia's CBNRM programme works towards restoring conservation link
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“Additionally, the ministry's executive director Sikongo Haihambo explained how Namibia's internationally acclaimed CBNRM programme is working towards restoring the link between conservation, rural development and achieving biodiversity conservation within the framework of national development plans and poverty reduction strategies.”
Sikongo Haihambowrotethat Namibia is characterized by good governance and functional institutions
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“"These factors ensure a functional governance system that safeguards and protects residents and visitors. Rigorous law enforcement and judicial mechanisms are in place to ensure that perpetrators of criminal activities are brought to book," the ministries' executive directors, Sikongo Haihambo and Daniel Nghidinua wrote.”
Sikongo Haihambo, executive director within the Ministry of Environment and Tourismsaidthe reaffirmation is in response to recent travel advisories issued by Canada and Germany
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“Sikongo Haihambo, executive director within the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, said that this reaffirmation is in response to recent travel advisories issued by the governments of Canada and the Federal Republic of Germany, as reported by the international media platform Travel and Tour World, which painted Namibia as having high fraud and crime risks.”
The government and international partners, launching the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project, emphasised that Namibia's green hydrogen transition must create opportunities for women, young people and local communities. The project aims to strengthen the country's policy framework, institutional capacity, technical readiness and environmental safeguards as it positions itself as a green hydrogen producer.
Why it matters
Government's focus on women and youth in the green hydrogen transition ensures inclusive economic participation in this emerging industry.
The government and international partners, launching the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project, emphasised that Namibia's green hydrogen transition must create opportunities for women, young people and local communities. The project aims to strengthen the country's policy framework, institutional capacity, technical readiness and environmental safeguards as it positions itself as a green hydrogen producer.
The Ministry of Environment has launched the GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project, a Global Environment Facility–funded initiative allocated USD 497,945 over five years to strengthen Namibia's green hydrogen sector and unlock greater access to international climate finance.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has insisted that access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei remain unrestricted, rejecting a new directive from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism that limits the final 4.5 km stretch to registered tour guides, self-driving 4×4 vehicles, and a concessionaire shuttle service while prohibiting buses and trucks. Since the start of the year, tour operators and the public have accused the ministry of creating a monopoly through exclusive concession arrangements that were initially presented as non-exclusive.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism confirmed that Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles and those using a designated shuttle service, while buses and trucks are prohibited. The new regulations, which take immediate effect, were introduced to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment, though tour operators reported delays and unclear instructions during implementation.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism announced that effective 1 May 2026, self-driving access to Deadvlei from the Sossusvlei 2×4 parking area will be restricted; only two categories of operators—Grow Namibia (trading as About Adelt Sossusvlei Management) and registered lodge tour guides—will be permitted to provide shuttle services.
Community-based natural resource management programmes generated N$109 million for Namibia's economy in 2025, with 87 registered communal conservancies and 48 community forests supporting sustainable rural livelihoods through tourism, conservation hunting, timber and other natural resource enterprises. The programme, which covers about 60.7% of communal land, employs over 2,591 people and has contributed to wildlife recovery including the return of cheetahs, elephants and black rhinos.
The Minister of Environment has inaugurated a Solid Waste Management Facility at Etosha National Park, emphasizing the need for environmental education alongside infrastructure to improve waste management practices. The facility, funded by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, addresses poor waste management at wildlife resorts and will be operated by Rent-A-Drum.
Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel met with traditional authorities in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions to discuss community-led conservation, governance in conservancies, and wildlife management. Daniel reaffirmed government commitment to working with traditional leaders on sustainable biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing, and received a submission from the Hambukushu Traditional Authority regarding Bwabwata National Park management.
Namibia's Environment and Interior ministries have disputed recent travel advisories from Canada and Germany warning of high crime and fraud risks in the country, asserting instead that Namibia remains politically stable with good governance and functional institutions protecting residents and visitors.
Following travel warnings from Canada and Germany citing fraud and crime risks, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to visitor safety, citing its status as a peaceful and stable country with dedicated law enforcement measures and a Tourist Protection Unit to secure tourism areas.