A MONTHLY WRAP-UP OF NEWS WORTH KNOWING

NAMIBIA INFLATION RISES TO 4.4% AS FUEL, TRANSPORT COSTS SURGE

Namibia’s annual inflation rate rose to 4.4% in July 2026, up from 3.5% a year earlier, mainly driven by higher transport, housing and fuel costs, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Transport was the largest contributor, adding 1.4 percentage points to headline inflation. Transport inflation climbed to 9.3%, compared with a 1.2% decline in July 2025, following a 15.5% increase in petrol and diesel prices. Public transport inflation surged to 14.7%, while the cost of operating personal vehicles rose by 11.3%.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels contributed 1.2 percentage points, with inflation in the category increasing to 4.8% from 3.6%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages added 0.7 percentage points, although food inflation eased to 3.7% from 6.1%. Fruit and vegetable prices increased significantly, while inflation for fish and meat slowed sharply.

Services inflation rose to 4.8%, while goods inflation increased to 4.2%. Khomas recorded the highest regional inflation at 5.3%, largely due to transport and recreation costs, while northern regions had the lowest at 3.6%.

Despite higher annual inflation, monthly inflation moderated to 0.1% in July from 0.3% in June, while core inflation stood at 3.7%.

NAMRA EYES APRIL 2027 ROLLOUT OF NAMIBIA-BOTSWANA FAST-TRACK CUSTOMS SYSTEM

Namibia and Botswana are targeting April 2027 for full implementation of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) allowing trusted businesses to move goods between the two countries with faster customs clearance and fewer inspections. The initiative will begin with an eight-month pilot on 18 August 2026, testing whether customs authorities can recognise and provide preferential treatment to accredited Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs).

Initially, the arrangement will cover the Trans Kalahari/ Mamuno One-Stop Border Post and the Port of Walvis Bay. Accredited traders in both countries will receive reciprocal recognition, faster clearance, reduced inspections, greater predictability and improved supply-chain efficiency.

The agreement aims to eliminate duplicated customs procedures, allowing authorities to focus on higher-risk shipments while speeding up compliant cargo. NamRA, Botswana’s revenue service, the SACU Secretariat and other agencies recently conducted a final dry run to assess readiness.

NamRA currently has 10 accredited AEOs, with the programme open to other eligible businesses. Lessons from the pilot will guide procedures before full implementation.

DBN INJECTS OVER N$819 MILLION INTO NORTH-EAST NAMIBIA

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has approved more than N$819 million in development finance for projects in the Omaheke, Kavango East and Kavango West regions as part of efforts to expand funding access for businesses, women and young entrepreneurs.

The approvals include N$356.19 million for Omaheke, N$331.92 million for Kavango East and N$131.34 million for Kavango West. The funding was highlighted during a four-day stakeholder outreach programme involving regional governors, councillors, businesses and entrepreneurs.

DBN said there was strong interest in its DBN for Her financing facility, which supports women-owned businesses, and the National Youth Development Fund, administered on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. CEO Titus Ndove said the strong participation demonstrated growing demand for accessible, tailored development finance to help entrepreneurs establish and expand sustainable businesses.

Since its establishment, DBN has invested more than N$23 billion in productive sectors of Namibia’s economy. The bank plans to continue its nationwide outreach programme to promote entrepreneurship, investment and job creation, following earlier engagements in Erongo, Oshana and Omusati.

LAW FORMALISING NAMIBIA’S SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND TO REACH PARLIAMENT BEFORE YEAR-END

Namibia’s Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill is expected to reach Parliament before the end of 2026, after the legislative drafting process was completed, according to the Bank of Namibia. The certified draft is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance before being sent to the Attorney General for legal certification and eventual tabling in Parliament.

Launched in May 2022, the fund was established to strengthen national savings, support fiscal and foreign-reserve stability, and preserve wealth for future generations. It was initially capitalised with N$300 million from a government contribution and central-bank dividends.

The proposed legislation will establish a permanent governance framework for managing and investing revenues from Namibia’s natural resources, including potential future income from oil, gas and green hydrogen.

The fund has two portfolios: a Stabilisation Account, intended to protect the economy from external shocks and commodityprice volatility, and an Intergenerational Account, focused on long-term wealth preservation.

As of February 2026, the fund was valued at approximately N$478.72 million and remains managed by the Bank of Namibia under an interim arrangement.