Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
May 2026
The Namibian
Economist Omu Kakujaha-MatundusaysNamibia needs a radical shift in how it views the housing crisis
Source
“Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says Namibia needs a radical shift in how it views the crisis, suggesting that the government stop pushing for homeownership altogether.”
Omu Kakujaha-MatunduwarnsNamibia's dependence on South Africa for food imports makes country vulnerable to fuel shocks
Source
“Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu warns that Namibia's dependence on South Africa for food imports makes the country highly vulnerable to fuel price shocks.”
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundusaidthe 30% allowance for foreign nationals will cater for external or expatriate expertise
Source
“Kakujaha-Matundu says in ensuring that these regulations balance the development of local talent with the need for specialised skills from abroad, he says the remaining 30% will cater for external or expatriate expertise.”
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matunduwelcomesthe loan as conforming to the 'golden rule' for capital investment
Source
“Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu welcomes the loan as it conforms to the 'golden rule' that money borrowed should be invested in capital projects and not be used for consumption.”
Less than 10% of the working population hold home loans; 70% of the population cannot afford formal housing due to low incomes and limited mortgage access, according to central bank data. Average house prices have risen from N$200,000 in 2000 to between N$1.3 million and N$1.4 million today, while the average working Namibian earns N$5,000 or less per month.
Why it matters
70% of Namibians unable to afford formal housing reveals a critical housing affordability crisis affecting the majority of the population.
Less than 10% of the working population hold home loans; 70% of the population cannot afford formal housing due to low incomes and limited mortgage access, according to central bank data. Average house prices have risen from N$200,000 in 2000 to between N$1.3 million and N$1.4 million today, while the average working Namibian earns N$5,000 or less per month.
Namibians have yet to experience a significant impact on basic food prices from the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, despite predictions of rapid food-price rises. Retail data from January to April shows maize meal prices decreased, sunflower cooking oil rose notably, and other staple items recorded mixed results.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address employment creation, housing affordability, fuel prices, and service delivery in today's state of the nation address. Politicians, businesses, civil society, and economists are calling for practical solutions and progress reports on previous commitments, including the 500,000 jobs target and structural economic reforms.
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture has inaugurated a Marine Advisory Council chaired by executive director Teofilus Nghitila to advise on sustainable management of marine resources. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani highlighted the council's role during a critical period for the fishing sector, which faces declining catches due to overfishing, natural conditions, and population pressures.
Rising fuel costs are expected to drive up distribution and import expenses, prompting major retailers and suppliers to increase prices over coming months. Economists warn that Namibia's heavy reliance on food imports from South Africa, combined with higher transport and production costs, will push inflation higher and hit low-income households hardest.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed a new 12-member Marine Resources Advisory Council to advise the minister on total allowable catch and marine-related matters. The council will help the ministry sustainably manage marine resources and enhance the fishing industry's contribution to economic development.
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.
A 2025 Old Mutual financial monitor report shows that 75% of employed Namibians have adult dependants relying on them for financial support, trapping them in a poverty cycle that prevents savings and wealth accumulation. Economists warn that when one person supports multiple family members, limited income leaves little for daily needs and nothing for long-term investments or generational wealth-building.
Reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle East conflict threatens Namibia's fuel supply and could raise prices, as the country imports most refined petroleum from Gulf producers via the strait. Namibian economists warn that prolonged instability could force Namibia to seek alternative suppliers at higher shipping costs and impact inflation through transport and food prices.
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.
The government has introduced regulations barring foreign nationals from top banking positions, requiring that at least 70% of directors and CEO posts be held by Namibians. Banks that fail to comply face fines of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment, though foreign nationals may be appointed if no qualified Namibian is available.
First National Bank Namibia has introduced weSave, a group savings account designed to enable structured collective saving for stokvel-style groups with up to 93 members. The product aims to promote financial inclusion and transparency while removing barriers to group saving regardless of location or income level.