AS NAMIBIA ENTERS 2026, it stands at a defining crossroads.
Political stability, abundant natural resources, and a strong democratic culture are important foundations, but they do not automatically translate into jobs, growth, or prosperity.
The hard question policymakers must confront is simple: If you were a foreign investor, would you choose Namibia over its neighbours? And if so, why?
Honest answers are essential if Namibia is to convert potential into measurable economic performance.
Under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, prime minister Elijah Ngurare, and international relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Namibia has the leadership to make decisive choices.
The following 13 economic issues could shape the country’s investment future in 2026.
Rebuilding investor confidence
Investor confidence depends on clear rules, predictable enforcement, and timely decisions.
Namibia must stabilise regulations in key sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, mining value addition, and digital infrastructure. Capital is highly mobile, and investors will move quickly if uncertainty persists.
Revisiting the 51% ownership debate
Local equity requirements need an honest review.
Policymakers must ask what value local partners bring beyond compliance and whether rigid rules align with global investment realities. Over-protection, evident in debates around Starlink and minerals, risks pushing investors elsewhere.
Special economic zones in Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay could offer more flexible models.
Reforming Namra’s approach
The heavy handed enforcement of the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) is hurting businesses and discouraging investment. Revenue collection must be firm but fair, with predictable processes that allow enterprises to grow.The government should expand the tax base and strategically leverage minerals revenue, rather than overburden a small pool of compliant firms.
Streamlining visas and work permits
Long-term visas, permanent residence options, and investor-friendly immigration policies attract serious capital and skills. Short-term and cumbersome permits discourage long-term commitment. Namibia must align its immigration framework with global best practice to remain competitive.
Modernising business registration
Registering a business in Namibia remains slow and paper heavy. Processes that should take days often take months. Kenya’s eCitizen platform shows what is possible through full digitisation. Namibia must modernise its Business and Intellectual Property Authority systems to improve transparency, reduce delays, and signal that it is truly open for business.
Tourism as an investment catalyst
Tourism is more than a source of foreign exchange. It shapes national branding and unlocks broader investment opportunities. Efficient entry systems, digital payments, skilled hospitality workers, and quality infrastructure are essential. Eco tourism, cultural heritage, film production, and business conferencing offer strong growth potential.
Leveraging AfCFTA opportunities
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens access to over a billion consumers. Namibia must prepare exporters, scale production, and attract investors seeking a regional base. Early trade with markets such as Kenya and Nigeria is encouraging, but bilateral agreements must be actively implemented to complement the slow continental roll-out.
Strengthening trade infrastructure
The Walvis Bay corridor remains a strategic asset. Continued investment in ports, rail, logistics, and customs digitisation will reduce costs and attract manufacturing. Efficient cross border trade is essential for Namibia’s competitiveness in regional value chains.
Digitising government services
Namibia needs a unified digital government platform. Fragmented systems across ministries create inefficiency and confusion. Online land titles, customs, tax filing, and licensing would reduce red tape, curb corruption, and attract investors, while supporting fintech, e-commerce, and remote work.
Expanding value addition and manufacturing
Exporting raw materials is no longer sufficient. Light manufacturing, agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and local assembly create jobs and retain value locally. Policies should encourage innovation and scale, not constrain growth through excessive rigidity.
Growing agribusiness markets
Investment in irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, livestock development, and agro-processing can strengthen food security and boost exports. Partnerships with experienced African markets, particularly Kenya, can improve productivity and technology adoption.
Ensuring skills transfer
Foreign investment must build local capacity. Joint ventures, apprenticeships, and technology partnerships should be integral to investment agreements. A skilled workforce underpins long-term competitiveness in information and communication technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
Telling a clear economic story
Namibia must communicate a coherent investment narrative. Alignment between State House, the Office of the Prime Minister, and key ministries builds credibility. Ultimately, every policy must answer one question: Why should investors choose Namibia?
The year 2026 must be about action. Namibia must be firm but welcoming to investors, realistic about global competition, and committed to value addition. Stability is important, but prosperity is earned.
Namibia has a choice to make.
– Elvis Mboya is the president of the Namibia-Kenya Chamber of Commerce and a journalist.
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