Also known as: NaCC · Namibia Competition Commission
Namibian regulator that approves mergers and acquisitions subject to public interest conditions and investigates anti-competitive conduct in sectors including fuel, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
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May 2024
The Namibian
Namibian Competition CommissionimposedN$1 million fine on Johannes !Gawaxab, Ismael Gei-Khoibeb, and Gamma Investments
Source
“The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC), has imposed a N$1 million fine on Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab, Ismael Gei-Khoibeb, and Gamma Investments, for implementing a merger without the commission's approval.”
The Fuel and Franchise Association says Nasan Energies has failed to deliver fuel paid for upfront and has not honoured agreements made with divested retailers. FAFA claims Nasan promised a three-month 'Bring the Cash Incentive' and to honour existing seven-day credit terms, but did not provide written confirmation and has failed to deliver orders within promised timeframes.
The Fuel and Franchise Association says Nasan Energies has failed to deliver fuel paid for upfront and has not honoured agreements made with divested retailers. FAFA claims Nasan promised a three-month 'Bring the Cash Incentive' and to honour existing seven-day credit terms, but did not provide written confirmation and has failed to deliver orders within promised timeframes.
Energy Minister Modestus Amutse granted Swiss commodity trader Vitol an exclusive mandate to supply Namibia's entire fuel needs from June to August under a contract valued at an estimated N$2.4 billion a month, raising concerns about fuel sector capture given Vitol's links to individuals connected to politicians and the decision's apparent circumvention of the Competition Commission's conditions on fuel sourcing.
The Namibian Competition Commission has approved a transaction in which TotalEnergies EP Namibia BV and Windhoek PEL 28 BV exchange participating interests in three petroleum exploration licences. The regulator found the transaction resulted in only marginal change in market share and no public interest concerns.
The Namibian Competition Commission has approved CNNC Overseas Ltd's acquisition of a minority interest in Bannerman Energy, which is developing the Etango uranium project in Erongo. The approval came subject to conditions requiring employment creation, skills development and transfer, and increased participation of Namibian firms in the uranium value chain.
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.
Mathews Hamutenya has denied having political connections to State House or involvement in the government's decision to appoint Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier, though his son recently bought 52 service stations and Hamutenya is a partner in a storage facility with Vitol. The Independent Patriots for Change have linked Hamutenya to what they describe as a "conglomerate at the centre of Namibia's petroleum oil takeover."
The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the energy ministry to explain why it awarded international oil trader Vitol a three-month exclusive fuel supply contract without competitive tender. Shadow minister Rodney Cloete questioned the lack of transparency, the full terms of the agreement including pricing, and cited Vitol's 2020 admission of bribery in three countries.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has awarded Vitol an exclusive fuel supply contract for July to September, saying the company's offer to supply fuel at standard price without extra charges or public subsidy distinguished it from other bidders, whose proposals included additional conditions.
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.
Stimulus Investments Limited has agreed to sell its 50% stake in Khomas Solar Saver to Sedgeley Solar Management for N$155.7 million, following unconditional approval from the Namibian Competition Commission. The transaction, expected to take effect on 19 June 2026, includes the sale of related loan claims.
Vivo Energy Namibia has completed the sale of 52 Engen and Shell-branded service stations to Nasan Energies, fulfilling a regulatory commitment to the Namibian Competition Commission made as a condition of Vivo's May 2024 purchase of Engen Limited from Petronas.
The Namibian Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of Treeside Medical Suites by Mediclinic Windhoek, finding no significant competition concerns but imposing a three-year moratorium on merger-related retrenchments and requiring existing employment conditions to be maintained.
The Namibian Competition Commission approved Murrelets Investments' acquisition of Novaship Namibia while imposing conditions to protect workers, including a three-year ban on merger-related retrenchments and consultation and reporting obligations.
Renthia Kaimbi Nasan Energies has appealed the Namibian Competition Commission's decision blocking the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol and related companies following its acquisition of 52 fuel stations. The company, represented by Ndaitwah Legal Practitioners, argues the conditions are too restrictive and has requested a five-year transitional period to build independent supply arrangements.
Bannerman Energy and CNNC Overseas Limited have signed an agreement securing funding and long-term uranium offtake for the Etango uranium project. CNOL will receive a life-of-mine entitlement to 60% of yellowcake production and make an initial investment of US$294.5 million, while Bannerman retains 55% stake in a new joint venture company.
The Namibian Competition Commission faces criticism for investigating conservancy tourism partnerships, with the Chamber of Environment calling instead for a probe into Namibia Wildlife Resorts' alleged anti-competitive dominance in national parks. The dispute raises questions about whether competition law is being applied in a way that could undermine the communal conservancy tourism model that supports rural livelihoods and conservation.
The Namibian Competition Commission has initiated an investigation against tourism company Ultimate Safaris and three Kunene region conservancies for alleged anti-competition conduct, after the respondents defied a December 2024 cautionary notice to cease the conduct. The case stems from a complaint by a mining claimant seeking to reopen Goantagab Mine within a joint management area that the respondents oppose, citing potential harm to black rhino tourism.
Despite targeting 2030 for first oil production, Chevron and Rhino Resources announced further drilling projects at Namibia's energy conference but neither committed to final investment decisions. The government hopes for FIDs by 2026, though policy uncertainty around gas flaring and regulatory delays are hindering investment confidence.
The article examines how global economic instability, driven by rising oil prices and international conflicts, is affecting Namibia, while noting that fuel retailers have been accused of supply manipulation during price adjustments. The author argues that downturns are temporary cycles and entrepreneurs should view challenges as learning opportunities rather than permanent setbacks.
The Namibian Competition Commission must reassess its investigation into alleged price-fixing by pharmacies linked to the Pharmaceutical Association of Namibia after the Supreme Court ruled the probe was conducted unlawfully, finding that the commission exceeded its legal authority by delegating investigative powers to its secretary.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia and the Namibian Competition Commission signed an addendum to their Memorandum of Understanding to improve collaboration on fair competition and consumer protection in the ICT sector. The agreement establishes clearer procedures for handling complaints, joint investigations, information sharing, and coordinated decision-making between the two regulators.
The Namibian Competition Commission approved Nasan Energies' acquisition of 52 service stations but barred the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol for five years to prevent monopoly concentration. Nasan has appealed the restriction and notified the energy minister of its intention to seek a review of the commission's conditions.
Cheetah Cement has notified the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations of its intent to retrench 87 employees by 15 April, citing financial losses, import restrictions, and a blocked merger. The notice is a declaration of intent subject to ongoing consultations with the ministry and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia, and the final number of retrenchments may change.
The Namibia Competition Commission has approved NASAN Energies' acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell-branded fuel service stations from Vivo Energy Namibia, positioning the local oil marketing company as the country's third-largest fuel retailer. The company plans to rebrand the stations and prioritise local suppliers as it implements the transaction.
The locally owned Nasan Energies has received approval from the Namibia Competition Commission to purchase 52 fuel service stations (operating under Engen and Shell brands) from Vivo Energy Namibia. Upon completion, the company will become Namibia's third-largest fuel retailer and aims to boost local ownership in a sector historically dominated by foreign operators.
Cheetah Cement plans to close operations and retrench approximately 87 employees by 15 April, citing sustained financial losses, regional import restrictions, and a blocked merger attempt with Ohorongo Cement. The Namibian Competition Commission refused the merger in July 2025, and the company says it has been loss-making for eight years; the union is negotiating to find alternatives to the retrenchments.
The Namibian Competition Commission has approved Nasan Energies' acquisition of 52 Engen and Shell-branded service stations from Vivo Energy, positioning Nasan as the country's third-largest fuel retailer. The purchase was conditional on divestment to prevent monopolistic control, following concerns about potential connections between Nasan's co-founder Miguel Hamutenya and Vivo's parent company Vitol.
The Namibian Competition Commission has approved Nasan Energies, co-founded by Miguel Hamutenya, to acquire 53 service stations from Vivo Energy/Engen. The approval comes despite earlier objections over potential monopoly concerns related to possible ties between Nasan and Vitol, Vivo Energy's parent company.
Nasan Energies is in final stages of acquiring 52 business units from Vivo Energy and Engen Namibia, a regulatory-mandated divestiture intended to increase market competition. The company has completed its retail identity, implemented new operational systems, and secured fuel supply contracts ahead of the Namibian Competition Commission's final decision.
The finance ministry plans to reduce subsidies and capital transfers to state-owned enterprises from N$1.3 billion in 2025/26 to N$615.7 million in 2026/27, citing fiscal consolidation and high public debt. Several SOEs including TransNamib and the Agricultural Bank of Namibia will receive no government transfers, while priority support goes to the National Housing Enterprise and Road Fund Administration.