Also known as: minister Indileni Daniel · Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel · minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel · Minister Daniel · Environment Minister Indileni Daniel · Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel · environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel · Honourable Indileni Daniel
Environment and Tourism Minister leading enforcement against illegal plant trafficking and promoting sustainable tourism, as of mid-2026.
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July 2026
New Era
Environment minister Indileni Danielsaidlevy brought in total of N$249 750 858.91 between 2021/22 and first half of 2025/26
Source
“Responding in Parliament to questions raised by Affirmative Repositioning MP Ester Haikola, environment minister Indileni Daniel said the levy has brought in a total of N$249 750 858.91 between the 2021/22 financial year and the first half of the 2025/26 financial year.”
Environment minister Indileni Danieltold parliament that Namibia has strengthenedmonitoring, law enforcement and international cooperation to combat illicit trade
Source
“Environment minister Indileni Daniel told the parliament on Thursday that Namibia has strengthened monitoring, law enforcement and international cooperation to combat the illicit trade.”
Danielsaid no legal export permits have been issued forwild-harvested lithops
Source
“She said no legal export permits have been issued for wild-harvested lithops, while artificially propagated plants may only be exported under strict permit conditions.”
Environment minister Indileni Danielhanded overupgraded auction kraal and machinery worth N$4 million
Source
“The impact of the facility was highlighted during its official inauguration this week, when environment minister Indileni Daniel and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Amanda Serumaga handed over the upgraded auction kraal and machinery worth about N$4 million to the kraal as well as the Omauni Wood Carpentry Enterprise in the region.”
Minister Indileni Danielinauguratedthe Ndevahoma Auction Kraal in Okongo Constituency
Source
“THE Minister of Environment, Indileni Daniel, recently inaugurated the Ndevahoma Auction Kraal in the Okongo Constituency, Ohangwena Region, which aims to provide a space where livestock can be marketed competitively.”
Minister of Environment Indileni Danielannouncedinternational tourist arrivals in Namibia declined by 3.2% between 2024 and 2025
Source
“This was announced by the Minister of Environment, Indileni Daniel, who described the decline as a wake-up call that more needs to be done to position the country as a premier tourist destination.”
Minister of Environment Indileni Danielexpressed concern thatdecline was observed in key source markets, with Namibia recording a 27.4% decrease in tourist arrivals from Germany
Source
“She expressed concern that the decline was observed in key source markets, with Namibia recording a 27.4% decrease in tourist arrivals from its largest overseas source market, Germany.”
Minister Indileni Danieldescribed the decline asstatistically minor
Source
“Launching the report, environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel described the decline as "statistically minor", but said it should serve as a warning for the industry.”
Danielacknowledged thatrevised visa requirements may have contributed to the decline
Source
“Daniel also acknowledged that the introduction of Namibia's revised visa requirements may have contributed to the decline, particularly during the initial implementation phase.”
Tourism minister Indileni Danielsaid the decline isa wake-up call to improve competitiveness
Source
“"While this marginal decrease may be viewed as statistically minor, we must treat it as a wake-up call and a clear signal to all of us to renew our focus and improve our competitiveness as a country to ensure that our value proposition continue to resonate with international travellers," tourism minister Indileni Daniel said yesterday.”
Namibia's plastic bag levy has generated N$249 750 858.91 between the 2021/22 financial year and the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, with the revenue funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. The levy, introduced under the Customs and Excise Act and expanded from 2018–2019, aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and promote environmentally responsible behaviour.
Namibia's plastic bag levy has generated N$249 750 858.91 between the 2021/22 financial year and the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, with the revenue funding waste management, recycling and green economy projects. The levy, introduced under the Customs and Excise Act and expanded from 2018–2019, aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and promote environmentally responsible behaviour.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has intensified efforts to curb illegal harvesting and trade of lithops, endemic desert succulents prized by collectors worldwide. Environment minister Indileni Daniel told parliament that Namibia has strengthened monitoring, law enforcement and international cooperation, including regular compliance inspections and border monitoring to prevent unlawful exports of the protected species.
An upgraded auction kraal in Okongo, Ohangwena region, has facilitated the sale of more than 1,100 cattle and generated close to N$10 million in turnover, with more than N$8.9 million going directly to communal farmers from five regions. The facility, which received upgraded machinery worth about N$4 million, was officially handed over this week by the environment minister and UNDP representative.
Minister of Environment Indileni Daniel inaugurated the Ndevahoma Auction Kraal in Okongo Constituency, Ohangwena Region, to provide farmers competitive livestock marketing closer to home and reduce travel costs. Since becoming operational, the kraal has facilitated the sale of more than 1,100 cattle, generating close to N$10 million in turnover, with more than N$8.9 million going directly to farmers.
International tourist arrivals to Namibia fell 3.2% to 1,217,108 in 2025 from 1,257,093 in 2024, with the Environment Minister attributing the decline partly to safety concerns and crimes against tourists, particularly a 27.4% drop from Germany.
Namibia welcomed 1,217,108 tourists in 2025, down from 1,257,093 in 2024, a decline the tourism minister attributed to global economic conditions, shifting traveller preferences, intensifying competition from other destinations, and concerns about visitor safety and security.
German tourist arrivals to Namibia in 2025 fell compared to the previous year, potentially due to a visa policy introduced last April that ended visa-free travel for European countries. The number of European visitors dropped from 266,000 in 2024 to 210,000 in 2025, though the Hospitality Association of Namibia notes the industry has not seen a similar decline in source markets.
Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.
Namibia's deputy environmental commissioner Caroline Garus-Oas says protecting natural ecosystems such as forests, rivers, oceans and wetlands is critical in addressing climate change, noting that trees and algae absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain environmental balance. She also advocates for sustainable cities incorporating climate-smart buildings, solar energy and green spaces as nature-based solutions.
Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel has launched the Namibia Luxury Travel Market Expo, scheduled for November or December, to position the country's tourism sector as a premium niche. The minister emphasized tourism's role in generating foreign exchange, employment, and socio-economic transformation as part of Namibia's Vision 2030 and sixth National Development Plan.
Namibia's government and the World Wildlife Fund will sign a funding agreement worth over N$1 billion to support long-term conservation efforts under the Namibia for Life initiative, using the Project Finance for Permanence model. The agreement will be signed on 20 May 2026 at Droombos, with attendance from the Prime Minister, Environment Minister, community conservancy leaders, civil society, donors, and the private sector.
Namibia's Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel told Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban that the country's tourism contribution is rooted in sustainability, policy alignment, innovation and market positioning, and called for African nations to work together to strengthen storytelling around the continent's tourism offerings.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Margaret Gustavo as acting managing director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts for a two-year period ending April 2028, as government moves to stabilise the state-owned tourism entity. Cabinet has also directed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive turnaround strategy for the parastatal over the next 24 months.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has set the 2026 hunting season for game animals and birds, with some activities allowed until the end of August. Hunting periods vary by farm type—from 1 May to 31 August on game-proof fenced farms and conservancies, and from 1 June to 31 July on adequately fenced farms—with species-specific and daily limits; hunting generates about N$400 million annually for Namibia.
The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has launched the Namibia Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme Legal Hub, a website providing public access to statutory and legal instruments relating to natural resource management. The hub was funded by the French Government through the French Development Agency, with co-funding from the German Government through GIZ.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.
Anselm Marungu, a Ndonga Linena constituency councillor, has been appointed deputy minister of environment and tourism by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, effective immediately, while retaining his councillor position.
The Environmental Investment Fund collected N$236 million in environmental levies over three years (2021/22–2023/24), now its main funding source after government budget allocations stopped. The levies on lubricating oils, batteries, tyres, vehicles and plastic bags finance waste management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience projects across Namibia.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has handed over newly built and renovated infrastructure worth N$166 million across Etosha, Hardap and Bwabwata national parks, co-funded by Namibia and Germany. The upgrades include improved entrance gates, comfort stops, duty stations, and anti-poaching infrastructure, aimed at strengthening conservation and enhancing visitor experience.
Community-based natural resource management programmes generated N$109 million for Namibia's economy in 2025, with 87 registered communal conservancies and 48 community forests supporting sustainable rural livelihoods through tourism, conservation hunting, timber and other natural resource enterprises. The programme, which covers about 60.7% of communal land, employs over 2,591 people and has contributed to wildlife recovery including the return of cheetahs, elephants and black rhinos.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has inaugurated newly constructed and renovated infrastructure across Etosha, Hardap, and Bwabwata National Parks, valued at N$166 million and co-funded by Germany's development bank. The upgrades include enhanced facilities, staff stations, and utilities designed to strengthen wildlife protection and improve visitor experiences.
The Minister of Environment has inaugurated a Solid Waste Management Facility at Etosha National Park, emphasizing the need for environmental education alongside infrastructure to improve waste management practices. The facility, funded by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, addresses poor waste management at wildlife resorts and will be operated by Rent-A-Drum.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, supported by German development funding, inaugurated renovated and newly constructed infrastructure at Etosha, Hardap, and Bwabwata National Parks. The upgrades included staff housing, wildlife protection facilities, and improved water and power systems designed to enhance both visitor experience and anti-poaching operations.
Environment and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel described Kunene as a critical pillar for inclusive growth, highlighting its unique landscapes, tourism potential, and strategic location near Angola that positions it for trade and regional integration. She said the government's work encompasses protecting nature while building livelihoods, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.
Some Swapo members holding full-time government positions as councillors, governors and ministers are allegedly refusing to vacate their party leadership posts, defying a February directive by party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa requiring them to step down to prevent leadership vacuums and operational paralysis. Those refusing include Khomas governor Sam Nujoma (SPYL regional coordinator), Emma Muteka (SPYL district secretary), and Minister Indileni Daniel (party women's council coordinator), though some members have complied with the order.
Namibia's environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility, and Wildlife Protection Service duty stations at Etosha National Park on 28 March. The improvements aim to strengthen ranger patrols against poaching, improve wildlife monitoring, and manage visitor waste to protect animals and the park's natural environment.
Meat Corporation of Namibia slaughtered 75,268 cattle in the 2024/25 financial year despite ongoing drought, achieving higher average carcass weights and dressing percentages through improved production and processing efficiencies. The company attributed increased cattle marketing to improved payment discipline and producer confidence.
Communal conservancies earned over N$292.5 million from trophy hunting between 2013 and 2024, with the Environment Minister confirming that selective hunting removes less than 1% of annual wildlife population and contributes to conservation funding, habitat management and community development.
Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel met with traditional authorities in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions to discuss community-led conservation, governance in conservancies, and wildlife management. Daniel reaffirmed government commitment to working with traditional leaders on sustainable biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing, and received a submission from the Hambukushu Traditional Authority regarding Bwabwata National Park management.
Namibian communal conservancies earned N$166.36 million through joint venture tourism and N$292.55 million from trophy hunting between 2013 and 2024, according to the environment minister. The minister said hunting and tourism both provide employment and community development, with hunting removing less than 1% of the national wildlife population annually against typical growth rates of 25–35%.