Namibia Economy

Nekundi Warns Against Import Preference.

Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has reinforced the call for ministries to support local procurement, warning against purchasing foreign goods over domestic alternatives. He emphasised that supporting local producers drives job creation, empowerment, and economic growth.

21 August, 2025

Business / Economics

2025 Mining Expo Opens with Record Participation

The 2025 Mining Expo and Conference launches today, marking its largest edition yet. Exhibitors have increased from 168 to 196, and booth spaces have risen from 268 to 313. Visitor registrations hit a record 7,831, a 31.7% increase from 2023. The event focuses on promoting skills development and boosting interest in the mining sector, says Lauren Graham, Chief Economist at the Chamber of Mines.

5 August, 2025

Business / Economics

Private Sector Credit Growth Accelerates to Pre-Pandemic Levels .

Private sector credit grew by 5.7% year-on-year in June, up from 4.1% in May—the fastest pace since early 2020. Corporate credit surged 10.6%, fueled by strong activity in mining, energy, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Overdrafts jumped 17.4%, driven largely by real estate development and rising consumer demand, explained Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen.

5 August, 2025

Business / Economics

Bank Of Namibia Defends N$1 Coin Design Amid ‘Outere Dollar’ Talk

The Bank of Namibia has addressed public concerns over the new N$1 coin, explaining that its design—showing two hands exchanging coins—was created to honour the country’s retail sector and highlight values like dignified trade, resilience, and economic inclusion. The Bank’s spokesperson, Kazembire Zemburuka, clarified that the nickname “Outere Dollar” (Khoekhoegowab for “give me”) was never part of the official intent.

4 August, 2025

Namibia

Head of State Calls for Renewed Public Service Commitment

Head of state Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged public servants to recommit to professionalism and national development. As Envaalde Matheus reports for NewsOnOne, she warned that betraying public trust is unacceptable amid growing socio-economic challenges :

21 July, 2025

Business / Economics

EU Adds Namibia to High-Risk Financial Watchlist

The European Commission has listed Namibia among countries posing high risks for money laundering and terrorism financing, following February’s FATF grey list decision. The move highlights strategic gaps in Namibia’s financial regulatory systems that need urgent reform. EU Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins confirmed that the listing—also affecting Kenya, Angola, and others—now awaits approval from the European Parliament and Council.

25 June, 2025

Business / Economics

Interview: Calls grow for annual job data to hold government accountable and guide effective policy

Labour expert and social justice advocate Herbert Jauch says the absence of up-to-date employment statistics is crippling the country’s ability to address its mounting unemployment crisis. Speaking to Future Media, Jauch said government has not released a full Labour Force Survey since 2018 — leaving policymakers, citizens, and researchers in the dark. Jauch explained that while the Namibia Statistics Agency had once aimed for biennial labour updates, financial constraints and […]

24 June, 2025

Business / Economics

SUV Demand Cushions Slump in Car Sales

Passenger vehicle sales saw a sharp 31.2% month-on-month decline in May, though annual figures showed a slight 0.22% uptick. Simonis Storm’s Almandro Jansen attributes the monthly drop to April’s unusually high sales, while noting continued buyer interest driven by favorable credit conditions and demand for smaller SUVs and hatchbacks.

24 June, 2025

Business / Economics

Erastus Calls for Strategic Roadmap Before Sector Nationalisation.

Economist Gabriel Erastus has urged the government to prioritise skills development, scientific literacy, and market analysis before considering the nationalisation of key sectors. Speaking to our news team, Erastus underpinned the importance of a well-crafted strategy supported by research, identified sources, and thorough commodity assessments. He cited the following in addition:

23 June, 2025