Also known as: BoN · The Bank of Namibia
Namibia's central bank, which operates the instant payment system WayaMe and manages international reserves and monetary policy.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
New Era
Bank of Namibia is led by governor Ebson Uanguta
“For Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta, the achievement represents far more than a regulatory exercise.”
Namibia’s passes FATF litmus test … exits grey list, boosts financial credibilityThe Namibian
Bank of Namibia showed commendable foresight by relaxing loan-to-value regulations to allow 100% financing for first- and second-home purchases
“While the Bank of Namibia showed commendable foresight by relaxing loan-to-value regulations to allow 100% financing for first- and second-home purchases, this relief has hit a regulatory brick wall.”
Homes First, Cars SecondThe Namibian
The Bank of Namibia launched a digital payment platform designed to make transferring money easier for Namibians
“The Bank of Namibia and its partners deserve credit for launching a digital payment platform designed to make transferring money easier for Namibians.”
A Step Towards InclusionThe Namibian
Bank of Namibia undertook a preliminary assessment of the impact of the Middle East conflict on domestic economy
“Internally, we undertook a preliminary assessment of the impact of the conflict on our domestic economy, which we published through a discussion note on our official website.”
Approaching the mid-year point under highly fluid conditionsNew Era
Bank of Namibia increased repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%
“Home loans, vehicle finance and other forms of credit could soon feel the impact of higher borrowing costs after the Bank of Namibia (BoN) increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% yesterday.”
Repo rate hike blessing in disguise…hits loans, protects economyWindhoek Observer
Bank of Namibia has maintained growth projections at 2.6% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027
“The Bank of Namibia has maintained its growth projections at 2.6% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, supported by expected gains in uranium mining, wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and public administration and defence.”
BoN maintains 2026 GDP growth projection at 2.6%Windhoek Observer
Bank of Namibia has warned that domestic economic activity weakened in first four months of 2026
“However, the central bank has warned that domestic economic activity weakened in the first four months of 2026, particularly in mining, manufacturing, tourism, electricity generation, construction, and communications.”
BoN maintains 2026 GDP growth projection at 2.6%Informanté
Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate to 6.75%
“THE cost of borrowing money is set to go up after the Bank of Namibia (BoN) increased the repo rate to 6.75%.”
Bank of Namibia raises lending rates to 6.75%Windhoek Observer
Bank of Namibia raised repo rate to 6.75%
“Allexer Namundjembo Bank of Namibia Governor, Ebson Uanguta announced on Wednesday that the repo rate will increase by 25 basis points to 6.75%, effective immediately.”
Bank of Namibia raised repo rate to 6.75%Windhoek Observer
Bank of Namibia projected agriculture sector to grow 2.8% in 2026 and 2027 after 3.3% contraction in 2025
“The Bank of Namibia has projected that the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector is projected to recover gradually over the medium term, following two consecutive years of contraction.”
Livestock firm as premium cattle fetch up to N$79.50/kgNamibian households borrowed N$438.7 million more in July than June, bringing total individual credit to N$72.74 billion and pushing annual household credit growth to 4.6% year-on-year, the strongest run since August 2023. Mortgage lending accelerated to 2.4% annual growth, while instalment sale and leasing credit continued at 14.6% y/y despite a marginal easing.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian households borrowed N$438.7 million more in July than June, bringing total individual credit to N$72.74 billion and pushing annual household credit growth to 4.6% year-on-year, the strongest run since August 2023. Mortgage lending accelerated to 2.4% annual growth, while instalment sale and leasing credit continued at 14.6% y/y despite a marginal easing.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
WayaMe is Namibia's instant payment solution (IPS), operated by Instant Payments Namibia under the Bank of Namibia. It allows money to move instantly between participating banks, wallets and other payment providers, enabling customers to transact across different financial institutions through their existing bank apps, mobile wallets or USSD services.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Comedy producer Dr Tone will present 'Crackers', a compilation of live stage comedy skits about Namibian life, for two nights on 4 and 5 September at the College of the Arts Theatre School in Windhoek. The production, written by Oiva Neshila and directed by Timothy Mulondo, features relatable scenarios and social commentary rather than stand-up comedians.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's international reserves increased 2.9% month-on-month to N$58 billion at end-July, supported by SACU receipts and foreign-currency placements, translating to 3.6 months import cover. Private-sector credit extension lost momentum during the month, while banking-sector cash balances fell sharply by 31.5% to N$6.7 billion.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Research firm Simonis Storm has downgraded its outlook for private sector credit extension growth through the end of 2026 to 3.5–4.5%, down from its previous 4.0–5.0% forecast, citing weaker corporate borrowing. July data showed headline PSCE growth slowed to 4.2% year-on-year, with business credit contracting to 3.7% while household borrowing strengthened.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A housing affordability report shows the average house price reached N$1.46 million in the second quarter of 2026, requiring a monthly income of about N$43,765 to secure financing. Housing expert Namene Kalili attributes the shortage to insufficient housing construction—Namibia needs to service around 5,000 plots annually but falls far short—compounded by building supply industry constraints.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Bank of Namibia has lowered its 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.1%, down from its June projection and below the government's 3.1% target, citing sluggish mining, manufacturing, electricity and transport activity. The central bank held its repo rate at 6.75% in August as headline inflation plateaued at 4.4%, with foot-and-mouth disease and El Niño now identified as emerging risks.
1 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Bank of Namibia has not yet decided whether to increase gold's share of international reserves beyond its initial 3% target. Deputy governor Nicholas Mukasa says the central bank will assess its position in the first quarter of 2027 after reaching the initial target, before deciding whether to proceed with a second phase of gold accumulation through monthly purchases from local mines.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
RMB Namibia has appointed Rehabeam 'Ray' Auala Jr as head of global markets effective 1 June, as the bank strengthens its market and risk management offering amid growing demand for foreign exchange, risk management solutions, and capital markets services. Auala Jr brings over 12 years' experience within FirstRand Namibia group across financial accounting, treasury, and global markets.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial argues that Memoranda of Understanding do not constitute binding agreements and typically bypass parliamentary scrutiny, and that Namibia should focus on measurable economic outcomes rather than ceremonial "signing" events with other countries.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A new documentary titled 'The Encapsulation of Bience Gawanas', directed by filmmaker Othilia Mungoba, presents an intimate audiovisual portrait of the liberation figure and human rights advocate using multi-sensory storytelling that blends conversations, archival footage, personal artefacts, photographs and music. The film will be screened on 28 August at a public event in Windhoek.
29 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Strong gold and uranium prices provide a favourable operating environment for Namibia's producers in July. Uranium prices were 19% higher year-on-year, while the Bank of Namibia has acquired 8,573.52 ounces of gold valued at approximately N$568.1 million as part of its domestic gold acquisition initiative to strengthen official reserve assets.
28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Elevated prices for gold, uranium, copper and zinc on the international market continue to boost Namibia's export earnings and mining profitability, though weakness in the diamond market and high energy costs remain headwinds, according to the Chamber of Mines of Namibia's June-July mining update.
27 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Bank of Namibia plans to introduce digital money on mobile phones by next June to expand financial inclusion and improve instant payments, with initial use for government-to-person transactions followed by person-to-person transfers. The central bank governor said the digital system will help formalise the informal economy by creating transaction histories that businesses can use to obtain loans from banks.
27 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The proposed Venus oil discovery could require US$17 billion in investment—exceeding Namibia's estimated annual economy—with planned production of 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. The article argues that entrepreneurs should focus on the supporting ecosystem of services and industries that the major project would create, rather than the headline transaction itself.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibian vehicle sales reached 1,523 units in June 2026, up 14.6% from 1,329 units in June 2025 and 30.4% from May's 1,168 units, marking the strongest June since 2017. First-half 2026 sales totalled 7,845 units, up 11.9% from 7,010 units in H1 2025, the strongest first half since 2018.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The IMF advised Namibia in August to tighten fiscal policy, cut the public wage bill, and pursue structural reforms to address rising public debt and borrowing costs. The article notes that Namibia had repaid its pandemic-era IMF loan in April and retired a major Eurobond in October, with 88% of its debt now domestic.
23 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Modestus Amutse officially inaugurated the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek on Friday, a 35-member body chaired by Diina Nashidengo. According to the minister, 58% of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, with 59% in rural areas.
21 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has established a National Technical Committee on Institutionalisation of the Informal Economy to design inclusive legal frameworks and budget for social protection and financial inclusion for the informal sector, which accounts for about 57% of Namibian employment according to informal economy advocates.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's building sector approved 325 units in July across Windhoek and Swakopmund, valued at N$300.1 million, marking the sector's second-highest monthly approval volume in 2026. Windhoek saw 244 approvals (up 23.9% month-on-month) valued at N$206.4 million, though average project values remain compressed as affordability constraints favour smaller residential projects.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia and Botswana have discussed how natural resource wealth can be transformed into sustainable and inclusive prosperity, with both countries stressing the importance of economic diversification, strong institutions, and saving for future generations. Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta highlighted that resource wealth alone cannot guarantee broad-based prosperity, and called for greater local value addition, technology transfer, and stronger domestic supply chains as the country explores opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Welwitschia Fund, established in 2022 to convert Namibia's resource wealth into longer-term financial wealth, has recorded a market value of US$30.85 million (N$508.47 million) as of 31 July, with an annualised return of 15.5% since inception. The fund is designed to strengthen Namibia's resilience to economic shocks and promote intergenerational equity, with a companion Sovereign Wealth Fund of Namibia Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2026.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Bank of Namibia and UNAM convened a public lecture featuring the governors of Namibia and Botswana to discuss translating natural resource endowments into sustainable prosperity through economic diversification, sovereign wealth management, and local value addition in sectors including oil, gas, and green hydrogen.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
At a Bank of Namibia public lecture, the governors of Namibia and Botswana stressed that natural resource wealth alone cannot guarantee broad-based prosperity, emphasizing the need for economic diversification, strong institutions, local value addition, technology transfer, and saving for future generations.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's economic debate centres on whether the country has insufficient money, but observers argue it has substantial institutional savings, pension assets, and private wealth that are not being channelled into Namibian-owned productive enterprises. Public debt stood at N$167.2 billion (67.3% of GDP) in 2024/25 and was projected to rise to N$182.9 billion (67.5% of GDP) in 2025/26, while the Government Institutions Pension Fund held approximately N$209 billion in assets as of March 2026, with 47.8% invested locally.
15 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Capital outflows from Namibia to South Africa fell to about N$10 billion year-to-date, down from N$18 billion in the corresponding period last year, Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta said. The central bank is monitoring the interest rate differential with South Africa, warning that a widening gap could increase capital outflows and pressure the country's foreign reserves and currency peg.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Following the fourth India–Namibia Joint Trade Committee session in New Delhi, the two countries agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation, focusing on value addition, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, services and digitalisation. Bilateral merchandise trade reached US$592.94 million in 2025/26, and the countries committed to strengthening cooperation on lithium, graphite, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75% and the prime lending rate at 10.25%, citing a need to support international reserves and maintain the Namibia Dollar–South African Rand peg while balancing subdued economic activity and relatively benign inflation.
12 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Bank of Namibia's Monetary Policy Committee has decided to leave the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, where it has been since a 25 basis point increase in June 2026. The central bank cited efforts to maintain price and financial stability amid domestic and external economic conditions.
12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's electricity and water subsector is projected to expand by 4.9% in 2026, down from 12.6% growth in 2025, partly due to anticipated El Niño impacts. Construction activity is expected to grow by 6.5% in 2026, a downward revision of 3 percentage points from earlier forecasts, following exceptionally strong 20.2% growth in 2025.
12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →