Also known as: Statistician general Alex Shimuafeni · Mr Shimuafeni
Director of the Namibia Statistics Agency, reappointed for a third five-year term based on successful execution of the 2023 national census.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Alex Shimuafeni
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The Namibian
Statistician general Alex Shimuafeni says total import bill for December was N$11.1 billion
“Statistician general Alex Shimuafeni says the total import bill for December was N$11.1 billion”
No second-hand clothing imported for DecemberNew Era
Alex Shimuafeni noted exports in November 2025 were largely driven by the mining sector
“Shimuafeni noted that exports in November 2025 were largely driven by the mining sector.”
Namibia’s trade deficit dropped to N$4.4b in November ‘25Informanté
Alex Shimuafeni explained that November 2025 trade deficit shows year-on-year deficit of N$5.5 billion
“Statistician-General and CEO of the NSA, Alex Shimuafeni, explained that further analysis of the November 2025 trade deficit shows a year-on-year deficit of N$5.5 billion.”
Namibia’s trade deficit expands to N$4.4 billionThe Namibian
Shimuafeni stated South Africa is Namibia's largest market for exports and imports
“"The analysis of Namibia's top trading partners revealed that South Africa emerged as the country's largest market for both exports and imports," says Shimuafeni.”
Namibia imports rice worth N$31 millionThe Namibian
Alex Shimuafeni noted 44% of youth aged 15-34 is unemployed, over 50% with discouraged job-seekers
“He noted that 44% of this group is unemployed, a figure that rises to over 50% when discouraged job-seekers are included.”
Calls for collaborative solutions on youth unemployment crisisThe Namibian
NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said over half (54.8%) of working-age population is either unemployed or part of potential labour force
“Over half (54.8 %) of the Namibian working-age population is either unemployed or part of the potential labour force," NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said.”
96.8% of Namibia’s potential labour force have given up on jobs, 2023 report revealsThe Namibian
Shimuafeni reported largest unemployment increases in Kavango West, Omusati, and Ohangwena regions
“"The results also indicate that the largest increases in unemployment were observed in the Kavango West (33% in 2018 to 52.8% in 2023), Omusati (24% in 2018 to 41.5% in 2023), and Ohangwena (33.3% in 2018 to 47.2% in 2023) regions, while decreases were only observed in the //Kharas, Hardap, Kunene, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions," Shimuafeni said.”
96.8% of Namibia’s potential labour force have given up on jobs, 2023 report revealsThe Namibian
NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said over half of Namibian working-age population is unemployed or in potential labour force
“Over half (54.8 %) of the Namibian working-age population is either unemployed or part of the potential labour force," NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said.”
96.8% of Namibia’s potential labour force have given up on jobs, 2023 report revealsThe Namibian
Shimuafeni said largest unemployment increases in Kavango West, Omusati, and Ohangwena regions
“"The results also indicate that the largest increases in unemployment were observed in the Kavango West (33% in 2018 to 52.8% in 2023), Omusati (24% in 2018 to 41.5% in 2023), and Ohangwena (33.3% in 2018 to 47.2% in 2023) regions, while decreases were only observed in the //Kharas, Hardap, Kunene, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions," Shimuafeni said.”
96.8% of Namibia’s potential labour force have given up on jobs, 2023 report revealsThe Namibian
Statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said in 2018 that number was 33.4% and now it is at 36.9%
“"In 2018, that number was 33.4% and now it is at 36.9%," he said.”
Namibia’s unemployment rate stands at 36.9% – NSANamibia recorded a trade deficit of N$3.9 billion in August, with exports at N$12.7 billion and imports at N$16.6 billion, an improvement from the N$5.9 billion deficit in July. Mining products, particularly uranium, dominated exports, while France emerged as the largest export destination and South Africa the leading source of imports.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia recorded a trade deficit of N$3.9 billion in August, with exports at N$12.7 billion and imports at N$16.6 billion, an improvement from the N$5.9 billion deficit in July. Mining products, particularly uranium, dominated exports, while France emerged as the largest export destination and South Africa the leading source of imports.
9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Statistics Agency board has reappointed Alex Shimuafeni for another five-year term, his third reappointment overall. The board cited his successful execution of the 2023 national census as justification for the reappointment.
30 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Statistics Agency projects the population will rise from about 3 million in 2023 to 5.2 million by 2053, adding approximately 2.29 million people over 30 years despite declining fertility rates. The annual population growth rate is expected to slow from 2.3% in 2023 to 1.6% by 2053.
30 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Statistics Agency board has reappointed Alex Shimuafeni for a third five-year term, extending his tenure. The board cited his successful execution of the 2023 national census as justification for the reappointment.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Statistics Agency board has reappointed Alex Shimuafeni for another five-year term, his third appointment overall. The board cited his successful execution of the 2023 national census as grounds for confidence in his continued leadership.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed at a commercial farm in Karasburg has prompted the government to suspend movement, trade, slaughter, imports and exports of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, forcing auctioneers to cancel sales across the country.
27 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Controlled agronomy product imports rose to N$674.8 million in Q2 2026 from N$422.1 million a year earlier, while production increased to 52,515 tonnes. Fish product exports reached N$4.6 billion despite landings of quota species declining 1.1% to 101,546 metric tonnes.
25 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's headline annual inflation rate for August reached 5%, up from 3.2% in August 2025, with monthly inflation at 0.6%, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Zone 2 (Khomas Region) recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 5.9%, while Zone 1 recorded the lowest at 4%.
11 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia recorded exports of N$10.7 billion and imports of N$16.5 billion in July, resulting in a trade deficit of N$5.9 billion, worsening compared to the N$5.4 billion deficit in June. Mining commodities including gold, diamonds, nickel ores and uranium formed the bulk of exports, with South Africa as the country's largest trading partner.
10 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia recorded exports of N$10.7 billion and imports of N$16.5 billion in July 2026, producing a trade deficit of N$5.9 billion, worsening from N$5.4 billion in June and compared with a N$17 million surplus in July 2025. Deficits were largest in petroleum oils, motor vehicles for commercial and personal use, while surpluses appeared in non-monetary gold, diamonds, and fish.
9 September 2026 · Informanté →
According to the Namibia Housing Information System, the country has 563 informal settlements and over 200,000 housing needs applications. The system was established to provide a baseline of housing needs, stock, land use, and informal settlements across the country.
26 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Statistics Agency has replaced its legacy Excel-based system with an automated Python-based process for compiling the Namibia Producer Price Index, leading to retrospective revisions back to 2015. The new system uses weighted average methods for missing values and automated validation protocols to improve data precision and accuracy.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's headline annual inflation rate in July was 4.4%, with core inflation at 3.7%. Transport costs saw a notable increase, recording an annual inflation rate of 9.3% in July compared to a deflation of 1.2% in July 2025.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
At least 86% of Namibia's adult population is now financially included, up from 78% in 2017, according to the 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey released by the Namibia Statistics Agency. Formal financial inclusion increased to 81.5%, with financial inclusion higher in urban areas (91.7%) than rural areas (79.3%).
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
According to the 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey, 54.1% of Namibia's adult population earns N$2,000 or less per month, reflecting continued income pressures and financial vulnerability. The survey also found that 86.0% of adults are financially included, an improvement from 78.0% in 2017.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency Financial Inclusion Survey, 51.3% of Namibia's working population borrows to buy food, with 546,000 working Namibians having no disposable income and taking up debt to finance basic needs. Borrowing (both formal and informal) has increased from 42.1% in 2017 to 49% in 2025, driven by low wages and rising living costs.
23 July 2026 · The Namibian →
A Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey shows that 86% of adults now have access to financial services, up from 78% in 2017, with over 425,700 more Namibians entering the financial system. However, more than half of adults earn N$2,000 or less per month, and many use financial services mainly to survive rather than build wealth.
23 July 2026 · New Era →
The Namibia Statistics Agency released a report based on the 2023 Population and Housing Census showing that marginalized communities—comprising San, Ovatue/Ovatwa, and Ovatjimba peoples (75,569 people, 2.5% of Namibia's population)—face significant challenges in education, employment, housing, and access to basic services. The data aims to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation to address inequalities.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Transport costs drove Namibia's June inflation at 12.9% annually, the largest contributor to rising living costs, while overall annual inflation rose to 4.4%. Food price pressures eased, with fish and meat inflation falling sharply year-on-year.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's trade deficit narrowed to N$3.1 billion in May 2026, with exports of N$12.4 billion and imports of N$15.5 billion, an improvement from the N$4.4 billion deficit in April. Mining products, particularly uranium and diamonds, continued to dominate exports, while imports were driven by petroleum oils and nickel ores.
8 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Statistics Agency and Khomas regional leadership stressed the importance of improved coordination, funding, and data use during a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics sensitisation meeting. The NSA Statistician General noted that reliable statistics require cooperation among multiple stakeholders including ministries, agencies, local authorities, regional councils, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's economy grew to N$70.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, recording real growth of 2.0% year-on-year, slower than 2.8% in the same period last year. Growth was driven by service industries, particularly wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and health and education sectors, but held back by a 12.2% decline in mining and quarrying and a 5.9% fall in manufacturing.
27 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's gross domestic product grew 2% in real terms during the first quarter of 2026, reaching N$70.9 billion in nominal terms, driven primarily by tertiary industries which expanded 5.1%. Secondary industries contracted 3.1% and primary industries fell 5.7%, with mining and quarrying declining 12.2% due to lower mineral production.
26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Petroleum oils, including diesel and petrol, accounted for 18.1% of Namibia's goods imports in April, the highest share of any product. The country imported goods worth N$14.2 billion but exported only N$9.8 billion, creating a N$4.4 billion trade deficit, with petroleum mainly sourced from Nigeria, Oman and Sweden.
13 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's headline inflation rate reached 4.1% in the 12 months ending May 2026, up from 3.5% a year earlier, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. Regional analysis showed Khomas Region had the highest inflation at 5.4%, while the northern regions recorded the lowest at 3.2%.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia recorded a trade deficit of N$4.4 billion in April 2026, with exports at N$9.8 billion and imports at N$14.2 billion, marking a deterioration from the N$2.1 billion deficit in April 2025. Mining commodities, including gold, uranium, diamonds and petroleum oils, drove the export basket, while South Africa remained the largest trading partner.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Producer Price Index fell 1.7% in the first quarter of 2026, driven mainly by lower prices in mining and quarrying—particularly salt, diamonds, and uranium—though the index grew 2.7% annually over the same period.
26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's Statistics Agency and Angola's National Statistics Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve cooperation in statistics, governance and public policy planning, covering areas including macroeconomic data, labour statistics, censuses, digital transformation and data science.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's annual inflation rate slowed to 3.1% in April 2026, though transport and fuel costs remain under pressure. Consumers in northern regions (zone 1) paid the highest diesel price at N$24.31 per litre, while Khomas residents (zone 2) paid the lowest at N$24.12.
16 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia imported commercial vehicles worth N$979 million in March, predominantly from South Africa, India and China, while re-exporting N$48 million worth mainly to Zambia, according to NSA trade statistics. The country recorded a trade deficit of N$2.3 billion in March, an improvement from the previous month's N$5.2 billion deficit.
11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →