Economic Association of Namibia — research organization conducting studies on Namibian business readiness in the oil sector and convening economists to discuss inclusive growth and national budget policy.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
Windhoek Observer
Economic Association of Namibia chairperson Jason KasutosaidNamibia was entering a critical period that would define whether oil discoveries become a genuine development story
Source
“Economic Association of Namibia chairperson Jason Kasuto said Namibia was entering a critical period that would define whether the country's oil discoveries become a genuine development story.”
The Economic Association of Namibiawill runa study to measure Namibian businesses' readiness for oil and gas sector
Source
“The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) says it will run a study to see how ready Namibian businesses are to take advantage of developments in the oil and gas sector.”
Economic Association of Namibiaconvenedhigh-level public discussion on 2026/2027 National Budget
Source
“The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with Capricorn Group and the Hanns Seidel Foundation Namibia (HSF), convened a high-level public discussion on the 2026/2027 National Budget on Tuesday in Windhoek.”
Economic Association of Namibia (EAN)welcomed government efforts to strengthenthe country's investment framework through the Draft Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill
Source
“While the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) has welcomed government efforts to strengthen the country's investment framework through the Draft Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, it has cautioned that the proposed law requires refinement to better support investment attraction and facilitation.”
Economic Association of Namibia (EAN)warned that the proposed legislation places greater emphasis onregulation, approval, and compliance than on actively encouraging investment
Source
“However, the EAN warned that the proposed legislation places greater emphasis on regulation, approval, and compliance than on actively encouraging investment.”
EANsuggestsgrowth should be steered towards construction, tourism, agriculture, and retail sectors
Source
“EAN suggests that growth should be steered towards construction and housing, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and agro-processing, as well as retail, logistics and services.”
Economic Association of Namibia (EAN)has cautioned thatthe improvement may still fall short of changing daily lives for many citizens
Source
“The domestic economy is expected to grow faster in 2026, but the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) has cautioned that the improvement may still fall short of changing the daily lives for many citizens.”
Economic Association of Namibia vice president Jesaya Hano-Oshikeagreesthat the country fiscus is under pressure
Source
“Economic Association of Namibia vice president and member of the presidential task force on economic recovery Jesaya Hano-Oshike agrees that the country fiscus is under pressure, but says it is manageable.”
Oil industry executives have warned that Namibia faces a defining test as it moves closer to oil production, arguing that discoveries and foreign investment alone will mean little unless the sector translates into jobs, skills and economic opportunities for ordinary Namibians. The warnings were raised at the launch of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, where the theme "From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians" signals a shift from celebrating offshore discoveries to converting petroleum wealth into jobs, business opportunities and skills development.
Why it matters
Oil industry leaders warn Namibia must convert resource wealth into jobs and skills for ordinary citizens, setting the agenda for the oil economy transition.
Oil industry executives have warned that Namibia faces a defining test as it moves closer to oil production, arguing that discoveries and foreign investment alone will mean little unless the sector translates into jobs, skills and economic opportunities for ordinary Namibians. The warnings were raised at the launch of the fourth Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, where the theme "From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians" signals a shift from celebrating offshore discoveries to converting petroleum wealth into jobs, business opportunities and skills development.
The Economic Association of Namibia will conduct a study measuring how ready Namibian businesses are to engage with the oil and gas sector, with results to be unveiled at this year's oil and gas conference and an official report issued before year-end. A previous August 2024 survey identified capital, bureaucracy, and shortage of skilled people as roadblocks to Namibian business integration in the sector.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled a N$104 billion budget for 2026/27 with N$81.3 billion allocated to operations and only N$6.5 billion to development, drawing criticism from economists and opposition figures who warn this allocation will constrain economic growth. The government collected N$89.8 billion in revenue and plans to borrow N$15 billion, while interest payments of N$16.2 billion now exceed the development budget.
As Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tables the national budget, analysts warn that rising debt-to-GDP ratios and constrained fiscal space pose sustainability challenges, while economists call for policy clarity, strategic investment in education and infrastructure, and balanced spending to address unemployment and weak growth.
Economists warn that weaker-than-expected revenue collections will limit government spending and create difficult policy trade-offs, with limited fiscal space and elevated expenditure demands requiring disciplined management to keep the deficit within preferred levels. The upcoming budget is expected to clarify fiscal policy direction and investment frameworks while balancing revenue performance with expenditure commitments through improved resource prioritisation and efficiency.
The Economic Association of Namibia convened a public discussion on the upcoming National Budget, with economists emphasizing the need for growth to become more inclusive and highlighting the oil and gas sector's role in addressing unemployment and inequality. Panellists discussed tax incentives for venture capital and public-private partnerships as mechanisms to unlock investment and support entrepreneurship.
The Economic Association of Namibia has welcomed the Draft Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill as an important step toward consolidating investment policy, but cautioned that it requires refinement—particularly in balancing regulation with active investment encouragement, clarifying incentives and sector designations, and reducing approval burdens on smaller businesses to better compete for global capital.
The Economic Association of Namibia says a predicted 3% economic growth rate will not generate enough jobs to meaningfully reduce unemployment, because growth is concentrated in capital-intensive sectors that require few additional workers. The association recommends steering growth toward labour-intensive sectors such as construction, tourism, agriculture, and retail.
The Economic Association of Namibia warns that while the economy is expected to grow faster in 2026 (3.9%, up from 3% in 2025), the improvement may not translate into meaningful job creation or poverty reduction, since growth remains concentrated in capital-intensive sectors and vulnerable to diamond prices and weather conditions.
Namibia's government is spending faster than it generates revenue, with analysis showing the apparent healthy cash position was largely due to sinking fund reserves rather than actual revenue collection. Experts warn that without improved tax collection and controlled spending, the country risks increasing reliance on borrowing, potential social spending cuts, and possible delayed creditor payments.
Political analysts say the government is overloaded with overlapping committees and advisers that duplicate work and delay service delivery. Critics argue the new Swapo think tank, comprising 37 appointed members, lacks independence and will produce little meaningful output, while a defending analyst says such bodies can help the party and government reassess decisions and plans.