Bank of Namibia

The Bank of Namibia, through the Innovation Hub, together with its valued ecosystem partners, successfully hosted the FinTech Youth Programme Showcase, recently. The event brought together the fintech community, startup founders, academia, partner institutions, the media, and other key stakeholders to officially launch the programme and demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing Namibia's fintech ecosystem. Attendees gained insights into the programme's vision, framework, structure, and the unique opportunities available through our network of collaborators. The showcase also highlighted how the programme will support young innovators from idea generation to market readiness through skills development, mentorship, incubation, and ecosystem partnerships. Applications are now open and will close on 15 August 2026. If you are a young Namibian with an innovative FinTech idea or an existing solution, we encourage you to apply and become part of the next generation of innovators shaping the future of financial services. Apply here: bit.ly/4ggCKLY #FinTechYouthProgramme #NamibiaInnovates #FinTechEcosystem

The Bank of Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), hosted the inaugural Statistics Awareness Day, bringing together policymakers, parliamentarians, academia, the private sector, development partners and the public to reaffirm the importance of quality statistics as the foundation for sound decision-making and sustainable national development. The event was held under the theme, "Statistics in the Digital Age as the Foundation for Sound Decision-Making and Sustainable Development." The event sought to raise awareness of the value of official statistics, demonstrate how reliable data supports evidence-based policymaking, and showcase Namibia's key economic and social statistics. It further aimed to highlight the risks associated with poor-quality data, promote greater investment in statistical systems and data infrastructure, explore the future of official statistics in the digital era, and strengthen collaboration among data producers, users and development partners. Mr. Ebson Uanguta, Governor of the Bank of Namibia, emphasised that official statistics are indispensable to sound policymaking and effective economic management. He added that Namibia boasts a sophisticated statistical ecosystem that supports monetary policy, financial stability analysis, economic forecasting, and investment decision-making – thanks to this foundational work spearheaded by our predecessors. Delivering the keynote address, Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Statistics Agency highlighted the role of official statistics in tracking Namibia's progress towards Vision 2030, the National Development Plans, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He also underscored the significance of 2023 Population and Housing Census, Namibia's first fully digital census, as well as the growing importance of modernizing the National Statistical System through digital technologies, geospatial information, administrative data and integrated data platform. Read the full statement here: bit.ly/3AjK2w5 Rewatch the livestream here: bit.ly/4fUt6Ot

It is happening today! The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Statistics Agency are being together experts and stakeholders for a timely Statistics Awareness Day that will explore how statistics in the digital age can strengthen decision-making and advance sustainable development. Quality statistics help us understand where we are, anticipate what may lie ahead and make decisions that impact lives. Join the conversation at 08:30 and watch live on the Bank of Namibia Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X platforms.

What can data reveal about Namibia’s economy, development and place in a rapidly changing world? At Statistics Awareness Day 2026, Ms Sanette Schulze Struchtrup Schulze-Struchtrup, Deputy Director: Macroeconomic Statistics and Analysis at the Bank of Namibia, and Mr Brian Mbazuvara, Technical Expert: External Sector Statistics at the Bank of Namibia, will jointly present on “The Power of Data and Statistics in Transforming Nations: Understanding Namibia Through Data.” Drawing on their expertise in macroeconomic and external sector statistics, the presentation will demonstrate how credible and timely data deepen our understanding of Namibia’s economy, strengthen policy analysis and support national development. It will also highlight the role of modern statistical methods, new data sources and internationally comparable standards in improving economic measurement. 27 July 2026 | 08h00–13h00 Watch live on the Bank of Namibia’s social media platforms. #StatisticsAwarenessDay2026

What does the future of official statistics look like in an increasingly digital world? At Statistics Awareness Day 2026, Ms Olivia Haenert, Deputy Director: Strategy, Projects and Transformation at the Bank of Namibia, will present on “Digital Transformation and the Future of Official Statistics.” Her presentation will explore how technology, data and innovation can modernise the production and use of official statistics, strengthen analytical capabilities and support faster, more informed decision-making. It will also consider the opportunities that digital transformation presents for building more responsive, efficient and data-driven institutions. 27 July 2026 | 08h00–13h00 Watch live on the Bank of Namibia’s social media platforms. #StatisticsAwarenessDay2026

How can countries strengthen data quality to support better policy choices and economic outcomes? At Statistics Awareness Day 2026, Mr Jim Tebrake, Deputy Director of the Statistics Department at the International Monetary Fund, will deliver a virtual presentation on “Global Perspectives on Statistical Development: Advancing Data Quality for Better Policy and Economic Outcomes.” Drawing on his extensive experience in economic statistics, data governance and international statistical initiatives, Mr Tebrake will offer a global perspective on how stronger statistical systems can improve economic measurement, close critical data gaps and support more effective policymaking. 27 July 2026 | 08h00–13h00 Watch live on the Bank of Namibia’s social media platforms. hashtag#StatisticsAwarenessDay2026

The panel will be moderated by Ms Helvi Fillipus, Economic Advisor in the Governor’s Office at the Bank of Namibia.

Meet the Panellists The Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Statistics Agency will host Statistical Awareness Day under the theme, “Statistics in the Digital Age as the Foundation for Sound Decision-Making and Sustainable Development.” A key feature of the programme will be a panel discussion on “From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Official Statistics for Better Policies, Business Strategies and National Development in the Digital Era.” The discussion will feature Dr Emma Haiyambo, Director of Research and Financial Sector Development and Chief Economist at the Bank of Namibia; Mr Alex Shimuafeni, Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Statistics Agency; Mr Tannan Groenewald, Head of Research at IJG; and Mr Salomo Hei, Managing Director of High Economic Intelligence (Pty) Ltd. The panel will be moderated by Ms Helvi Fillipus, Economic Advisor in the Governor’s Office at the Bank of Namibia. Drawing on their experience across economic policy, official statistics, investment research and business intelligence, the panellists will consider how Namibia can make better use of digital innovation and emerging data sources while preserving the accuracy, consistency and credibility on which official statistics depend. They will also examine how stronger data can support the measurement of progress towards Vision 2030, NDP6 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Date: 27 July 2026 Time: 08h30 Watch the discussion live on the Bank of Namibia’s social media platforms. #StatisticalDay2026

"Do not substitute financial inclusion for economic opportunity" - Secilia Nekwaya-Okafor The @namstatsagency recently stated that 86% of Namibians have access to financial services. Financial Inclusion Policy Specialist, Secilia Nekwaya-Okafor, explained that 'financial inclusion' figures should not be seen as a reflection of economic opportunities in Namibia. "There are still a number of structural barriers that limit people from accessing funds," Nekwaya-Okafor said. #FinancialInclusion #Namibia @BankofNamibia Listen to the full interview here: eaglefm.com.na/podcast/interv…

The Financial Sector Council Advisory Body (FSCAB) convened to provide strategic oversight and guidance on key initiatives supporting the implementation of the Namibia Financial Sector Transformation Strategy (NFSTS) 2025–2035. The meeting brought together heads of institutions and senior officials from government, financial sector regulators, and industry associations to review progress made since the Strategy's launch in July 2025, including the validation of the Implementation Plan and advancements across several strategic initiatives. Among the key discussions, was an update on the implementation of the NFSTS, where members noted the progress, including the validation of the Implementation Plan and advancements in several strategic initiatives. The advisory body also deliberated on the draft Sustainable Finance Strategy (2025–2035), which seeks to establish a national framework for integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the financial sector and mobilising finance towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic development. The Financial Sector Council Advisory Body (FSCAB) is Chaired by the Governor of Bank of Namibia, Mr. Ebson Uanguta and Deputised by the Chief Executive Officer of Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA), Mr. Kenneth Matomola.

What do inflation figures, employment data, business activity and decisions about schools, hospitals and infrastructure have in common? They all depend on reliable statistics. Quality data helps policymakers identify emerging pressures in the economy, enables businesses to assess opportunities and risks, and supports better decisions about how public resources are allocated. Join the Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Statistics Agency for Statistical Day, as we explore the role of statistics in sound decision-making and sustainable development. Date: Monday, 27 July 2026 Time: 08h30 Livestream on Facebook, YouTube and X. #Statistics

What do regional leaders and businesses need from the Bank of Namibia as the economy changes? On Thursday evening, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Mr Ebson Uanguta, will meet with leaders and members of the business community in the Oshana Region for a candid conversation on the factors influencing Namibia’s economy and financial system. The engagement will consider what current economic conditions mean for enterprise, investment, employment and household livelihoods; the emerging issues that require greater attention; and the role of the Bank in safeguarding stability while supporting a more modern, inclusive and responsive financial system. The discussion will also explore the Instant Payment Platform and its potential to transform how Namibians transact, particularly for small businesses, informal traders and communities beyond the country’s major economic centres. Watch it live on the Bank of Namibia Facebook, YouTube and X platforms this Thursday, 23 July 2026 at 6PM. #StakeholderEngagement

The Namibia Sustainable Finance Alliance (NSFA), in collaboration with the Bank of Namibia and RMB Namibia, hosted its first Sustainable Finance Workshop. The workshop convened representatives from the banking and non-banking financial sectors, as well as development partners, to identify opportunities, address persistent gaps and challenges, and advance sustainable finance in Namibia. The workshop specifically explored Namibia’s climate and biodiversity finance landscape, highlighting investment opportunities in renewable energy, water security, climate-resilient infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture and green industrialisation. Discussions also considered the need to mobilise both domestic and international capital, strengthen investor-ready project pipelines and develop more innovative financing mechanisms to support the country’s sustainable development objectives. In her opening address, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Namibia and NSFA Chairperson, Ms Leonie Dunn, emphasised that sustainable finance should be treated as both a development and financial stability imperative. Deputy Governor Dunn noted that climate-related risks continue to affect economic growth, Namibia’s financial system and the livelihoods of its people. The workshop built on the NSFA curtain raiser held earlier this year, which surfaced several recurring challenges. These included fragmented and insufficient data, limited technical capacity, uncertainty around definitions and standards, weaknesses in the project development pipeline, and the need for clearer incentives, stronger coordination and more effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. The NSFA was established in recognition that the scale and complexity of the climate challenge extend beyond the mandate and capacity of any single institution. The Alliance therefore serves as a voluntary platform through which regulators, financial institutions, development finance institutions, environmental funds and industry bodies can coordinate their efforts and share knowledge.

If you’re serious about building fintech solutions that matter, the Fintech Youth Programme may be your space. The Fintech Youth Programme is not just another accelerator. It’s an ecosystem catalyst that is guiding youth-led fintech solutions from concept to market readiness. It’s a platform that brings together innovators, industry players, and regulators to help youth-led fintech ideas grow the right way. From early concepts to market readiness, you’re not doing it alone. Apply here by 15 August 2026: bit.ly/4ggCKLY #FintechYouthProgramme #NamibiaInnovates #YouthInFintech #FutureOfFinance

Sending or receiving money across borders? Something has changed. Namibia has moved to the new SADC Harmonised Balance of Payments Codes, Version 5, effective 6 July 2026. What does this mean for your international payments? Swipe through to find out. #BankofNamibia #SADC #CrossBorderPayments

The future of innovation starts with bold ideas and the right opportunities. In this special episode of the Bank of Namibia BoNcast, we explore how the Fintech Youth Programme is empowering young innovators with the skills, mentorship and support to shape Namibia's digital future. Stay tuned for the full episode next week and discover how you can be part of the next generation of fintech innovators. #Fintech #YouthProgramme

What is happening in our economy? The Bank of Namibia has released the June 2026 Quarterly Bulletin, which gives a clear look at how the Namibian economy performed during the first quarter of the year. Swipe through to learn how fast the economy is growing, what is happening to prices, how much credit households and businesses are taking up, how Government finances are performing, and how much Namibia has in international reserves to support trade and the currency peg. Read the full report on our website: bit.ly/3TTzVUz #NamibianEconomy #QuarterlyBulletin