An opinion piece argues that Namibia's 2026 budget should use fiscal discipline to boost economic growth through diversification beyond mining and agriculture, support for SMEs, infrastructure investment, human capital development, and renewable energy sectors. The author contends the budget must balance social protection with economic productivity while addressing youth unemployment and positioning Namibia as a regional energy hub.
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's 2026 budget should use fiscal discipline to boost economic growth through diversification beyond mining and agriculture, support for SMEs, infrastructure investment, human capital development, and renewable energy sectors. The author contends the budget must balance social protection with economic productivity while addressing youth unemployment and positioning Namibia as a regional energy hub.
The Bank of Namibia recorded an operating profit of N$569 million in 2025 and will distribute N$200 million in dividends to government, down from N$750 million in 2024, following a 50% decline in distribution profits due to global inflation declines, US dollar weakness, and Eurobond redemption.
Electronic Fund Transfer fraud losses in Namibia nearly doubled to N$53 million in 2025 from N$29 million in 2024, driven primarily by vishing and phishing schemes where fraudsters impersonate legitimate institutions. The Bank of Namibia says it is implementing fraud mitigation strategies including awareness campaigns, revised regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration.
Namibia's economy expanded by just 1.7 percent in 2025, weaker than government projections, as diamond demand slumped and livestock recovered from drought; however, 2026 is showing signs of improvement with better agricultural rains, strong uranium exports, and new offshore oil investment, though rising energy prices from Middle East conflict threaten inflation gains.
The government's N$500 million monthly fuel subsidy in response to rising oil prices is unsustainable and will not effectively help the poorest Namibians, according to economists. Several specialists argue direct cash grants to low-income groups would be more effective than broad price subsidies, while transport operators warn of industry strain from the fuel increases.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah launched the National Payment System Vision and Strategy 2030, developed by the Bank of Namibia to modernise payment systems and make money transfers faster, safer and more affordable. The strategy aims to enable banks, mobile wallets and financial services to interoperate seamlessly, expanding digital financial inclusion for small businesses and underserved communities by 2030.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah unveiled the National Payment System Vision and Strategy 2030, developed by the Bank of Namibia and Payment Association of Namibia, to modernise Namibia's payment systems and make transactions faster, safer and more affordable. The strategy aims to enable seamless transactions across banks, mobile wallets and other financial services, improving financial inclusion for small businesses and underserved communities.
The Bank of Namibia has signed a gold purchase agreement with QKR Namibia Navachab to acquire locally produced gold, part of a broader programme to strengthen reserve assets, enhance financial resilience, and support the country's ability to respond to external shocks. The phased gold acquisition programme aligns with international reserve management standards and aims to support macroeconomic stability and national economic interests.
The Bank of Namibia has signed a gold purchase agreement with QKR Namibia Navachab to strengthen the country's financial reserves and implement a structured gold acquisition programme. The agreement aims to improve reserve management, enhance financial resilience, support retention of national resources, and help the economy respond to external shocks.
The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority have signed an updated Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen cooperation in regulating Namibia's financial sector. The framework enables information sharing, joint supervision, joint investigations, and coordination on emerging risks and financial technology matters.