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68483 Namibia 297x210.indd 1 2011/11/10 5:00 PM
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 2 28/11/2011 11:46
5. Namibia Investment Guide 5
At a time when established economies are experiencing turbulent times, new markets have emerged as foci for the global investor
community. Namibia exemplifies this trend. Already companies from across the Commonwealth are investing in Namibia and
benefiting from the plethora of opportunities presented by this small yet engaging country. In fact, Commonwealth countries
constitute a sizeable majority of trade with Namibia. I believe this engagement epitomises the mutually beneficial ties between
Commonwealth countries. It is important that these connections are continued and I am pleased to publish this guide to Namibian
investment opportunities to help support Commonwealth involvement in the economy.
Namibia has strong foundations from a wealth of natural resources, backed up by a skilled work force and a government committed
to a private sector driven economy. International investors have been prospecting for the minerals under Namibian soil for over a
century. It is this mineral wealth that has catalysed Commonwealth investment into Namibia. Still today Namibia’s mineral wealth
has yet to be fully explored and opportunities exist for mining firms and investors to support the largest sector of the economy.
Beyond mining, initial exploration has revealed exciting potential in the oil and gas sector. In agriculture and fisheries Namibia
possesses ideal conditions for growth, and is keen to support development in agro-processing and value addition. On top of this,
Namibia’s unique scenery, good climate, and beautiful wildlife serve as a backdrop to an increasingly in-demand tourism industry.
Namibia’s natural resources and economic potential are set against a background of good governance, political stability, and
commitment to an open and competitive market. Namibia has also pursued a key role in the development of regional integration.
Under President Pohamba Namibia has played a part in the development of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trading Area, and is furthering the case for a COMESA-EAC-SADC Free
Trade Area.
These conditions have allowed investors to prosper in the country, and have established Namibia as a trade hub and centre for
business dealing with the wider Southern African region.
This guide will complement the investment conference and provide a lasting legacy of the themes associated with the forum.
Namibia is a country well worth investing in, and it is my pleasure to introduce this guide to help Commonwealth investors realise
the excellent potential within the country.
I am delighted to introduce the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) Namibia
Investment Guide in time for the inaugural Namibia International Investment Forum.
Message from Dr. Mohan Kaul,
Director General & CEO, Commonwealth Business Council
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 5 28/11/2011 11:46
6. Namibia Investment Guide6
Interview with
H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba,
President, the Republic of Namibia
In 2010, the Namibian economy grew by 4.4%; what has been your government’s principal strategy for growth?
In order to grow the economy and benefit our people our strategy has been to develop Namibia’s key sectors, increase industrial
capacity and generate jobs. Our focus therefore is on agriculture, transport and infrastructure, tourism, and housing. These sectors
are the components of our Targeted Intervention Programme for Economic and Employment Growth (TIPEEG). In these sectors we
see great opportunities to provide not only for Namibians but for investors entering the country.
Namibia is a supporter of economic cooperation across southern and eastern Africa. What do you see as the principle
benefits of deeper regional integration?
The continent of Africa has for some time sought to form a continental government. In order to achieve this, it is important that we
do not rush the process and we take gradual steps towards this goal. We have established regional economic communities. Once
these communities are established and working well, we can push towards greater continental cooperation. Integration provides
a larger market for investors and will bear significant economic benefits to our region. Namibia presents a secure environment for
investors and gives them access to the customer and resource base of the whole of southern and eastern Africa
Namibia has an extremely welcoming business environment, which policies account for this?
The Namibian strategy has been to ensure that economic development is governed by the rule of law. Investors have found, and
will find, that in Namibia we have established a system that protects investment. We provide a secure environment with a strong
judiciary. This allows businesses to grow and Namibia to develop.
With the TIPEEG programme established this year, how is Namibia looking to diversify the economy?
First we have looked into adding value to our domestic production. Indeed our fishing industry is a successful example of this
policy. We have fantastic waters for fishing, but in the past once the fish were caught we sent them immediately to Europe. This
has changed. Our emphasis is now on adding value to our products at home, processing the fish in Namibian factories. Similarly
we feel we have significant potential in the agriculture sector; in this sector too, it is important to add value before exporting.
Diversification is not solely about creating new products, but changing the way you see an old one, this is value addition, and this
is how Namibia is diversifying.
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 6 28/11/2011 11:46
7. Photo Courtesy of the Namibia Tourism Board
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 7 28/11/2011 11:47
9. Namibia Investment Guide 9
Country Profiles
Population: 2,147,585 (July 2011 est.)
Capital City: Windhoek
Chief of State: President Hifikepunye POHAMBA (since 21
March 2005)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Nahas ANGULA (since 21
March 2005)
Political System: Republic
Major Political Parties: All People’s Party or APP [Ignatius
SHIXWAMENI]; Congress of Democrats or COD [Benjamin
ULENGA]; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia or DTA
[Katuutire KAURA]; Monitor Action Group or MAG [Jurie
VILJOEN]; National Democratic Movement for Change or
NamDMC; National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO
[Kuaima RIRUAKO]; Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP
[Hidipo HAMUTENYA]; Republican Party or RP [Hendrick
MUDGE]; South West Africa National Union or SWANU
[Usutuaije MAAMBERUA]; South West Africa People’s
Organization or SWAPO [Hifikepunye POHAMBA]; United
Democratic Front or UDF [Justus GAROEB]
Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD) pegged to the South African
Rand
Date of Independence: 1990
Land Area: 824,292 sq km
Official Languages: English (official) 7%, Afrikaans (common
language of most of the population and about 60% of the
white population), German 32%, indigenous languages (includes
Oshivambo, Herero, Nama)
Economic Indicators
Economic Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on
the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining
accounts for 8% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of
foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make
Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia
is the world’s fourth-largest producer of uranium. It also
produces large quantities of zinc and is a small producer of
gold and other minerals. The mining sector employs only about
3% of the population while about 35-40% of the population
depends on subsistence agriculture for its livelihood. Namibia
normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements. A high
per capita GDP, relative to the region, hides one of the world’s
most unequal income distributions, as shown by Namibia’s 70.7
GINI coefficient. The Namibian economy is closely linked to
South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to
the South African rand. Until 2010, Namibia drew 40% of its
budget revenues from the Southern African Customs Union
(SACU). Increased payments from SACU put Namibia’s budget
into surplus in 2007 for the first time since independence.
SACU allotments to Namibia increased in 2009, but will drop
for 2010 and 2011 because South Africa went into recession
during the global economic crisis, reducing overall SACU
income. Increased fish production and mining of zinc, copper,
and uranium spurred growth in 2003-08, but growth in recent
years was undercut by poor fish catches, a dramatic decline in
demand for diamonds, higher costs of producing metals, and
the global recession. A rebound in diamond and uranium prices
in 2010 provided a significant boost to Namibia’s mining sector.
Copper mines, which closed in 2008, are slated to reopen in
2011.
GDP: $14.6 billion (2010 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 4.4% (2010 est.)
GNI PER CAPITA (US$): 4,650.00
Trade: Exports (2010)--$5.71 billion: diamonds, uranium, zinc,
copper, lead, beef, cattle, fish, karakul pelts, grapes. Imports
(2010)--$5.14 billion: foodstuffs, construction material,
manufactured goods. Major partners--South Africa, Angola,
European Union (EU), U.S., Canada, China, India. (World Trade
Organization)
Major Trade Partners: South Africa
World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index: 78 (2012 rank)
FDI inflows: 0.535 US$ billion (2008 est)
Infrastructural Practicalities
Major Ports: Port of Walvis Bay, Lüderitz Port
Major Airports (including major destinations): Windhoek
Hosea Kutako International Airport
Power Generation: 393 MW
Energy Supply: 511 MW
Licensed Banks: Bank Windhoek, First National Bank, Nedbank,
Standard Bank, FIDES Bank Namibia
Telecommunications Network: MTC
Namibia – Investment Profile
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 9 28/11/2011 11:47
10. Namibia Investment Guide10
Zam
be
FishEtosha Pan
Kunene
O
k avango
Orange Ri
ve
r
A N G O L A
S O U T H
A F R I C A
BOTSW
A
N
A
T
L
A
N
TICOCEAN
Noordoewer
Oranjemund
Rosh Pinah Karasburg
Warmbatl
Ariamsvlei
Grünau
Aroab
Lüderitz
Bethanien
Keetmanshoop
Koes
Gibeon Gochas
Mariental
Aranos
Leonardville
Rehoboth
GobabisUsakos
Okahandja
Otjinene
Hentiesbaai
Karibib
Omaruru
Okakarara
Otjiwarongo
Uis
Kalkfeld
Khorixas
Kamanjab
Outjo Otavi
Grootfontein
Namuntoni
Oshakati
Opuwo
Ruacana Oshikango
Ondangwa
Rundu
Tsumkwe
Tsumeb
WINDHOEK
Walvis Bay
Swakopmund
Maltahöhe
Aus
Seeheim
Noord
Kalahari
Desert
C a p r i v
N
A
M
I
B
DESERT
Investment Landscape
1. Policy, Plans and Priorities
Economic Development Plan (Brief Outline)
The third National Development Plan (NDP 3) 2007/2008-
2011/12 and the long term vision 2030 are being implemented.
The main aim of NDP 3 is accelerated economic growth
and deepening rural development, while under vision
2030 Namibia aims to become an industrialized and
knowledge-based economy. The aim is to achieve economic
diversification and rapid growth to reduce widespread poverty,
unemployment, urban-rural disparities, and the incidence
of HIV/AIDS, while accelerating productivity increases in
agriculture. Namibia is accelerating structural reforms, with a
focus on encouraging domestic and foreign investment through
a more flexible labour market and further improving the
business climate.
Namibia has a relatively small domestic market, high transport
costs, high energy prices, and limited access to skilled labour.
These disadvantages are offset by Namibia’s favourable
macroeconomic environment, political stability, independent
judicial system, protection of property and contractual rights,
good quality of infrastructure and easy access to the SADC
market.
2. Investment and Export Incentives
Namibia has a highly competitive incentive and fiscal regime
which adds to its attractions for foreign investors, as well as
creating an ideal business environment. The corner stones of
this regime are the Foreign Investment Act and its provision for
a Certificate of Status Investment, the Special Incentives for
Manufactures and Exporters and the Export Processing Zone
Incentives.
The Foreign Investment Act led to the creation of the Namibian
Investment Center within the country’s Ministry of Trade and
Industry, designed to facilitate the process off investment. The
Act provides for:
• Liberal foreign investment conditions;
• Equal treatment of foreign and local investors;
• Openness of all sectors of the economy to foreign
investment;
• Full protection of investments;
• The granting of a Certificate of Status of Investment (CSI).
Special Incentives for Manufacturers, Exporters and EPZ
enterprises
Registered Manufactures
Eligibility And Registration Enterprises engaged in manufacturing, Application to t
of Trade and Industry and approval by the Ministry of
Corporate Tax Set at a rate of 18% for a period of 10 years, where afte
revert to the general prevailing rate
VAT Exemption on purchase and import of manufacturing m
and equipment.
Stamp & Transfer Duty Normal treatment
Establishment Tax Package Negotiable rates and terms by special tax package
Special Building Allowance Factory building written off at 30% in first year and bal
for 10 years
Transportation Allowance Allowance for land-based transportation by road or ra
Export Promotion Allowance Additional deduction from taxable income of 25%
Incentive For Training Additional deduction from taxable income of between
75%
Industrial Studies Available at 50% of cost
Cash Grants 50% of direct cost of approved export promotion acti
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 10 28/11/2011 11:47
11. Namibia Investment Guide 11
Zam
bezi
Z I M B A B W E
BOTSW
A
N
A
Z
A
M B I A
Katima
Mutilo
i
C a p r i v i S t r i p
Exporters Of Manufactured Goods Export Processing Zone Enterprises
pplication to the Ministry
e Ministry of Finance
Enterprises that export manufactured goods whether
produced in Namibia or not. Application and approval by the
Ministry of Finance
Enterprises engaged in manufacturing assembly packaging or
break-bulk and exporting mainly outside of SACU markets.
Application to the EPZ. Committee through the ODC or EPZMC.
ars, where after it will 80% allowance on income derived from exporting
manufactured good
Exempt
anufacturing machinery Normal treatment Exempt
Normal treatment Exempt
x package Not eligible Not eligible
st year and balance at 8% Not eligible Not eligible
by road or rail of 25% Not eligible Not eligible
me of 25% Not eligible Not eligible
me of between 25% and Not eligible Substantial, issued by government on implementation of
approved training program
Not eligible Not eligible
romotion activities Not eligible Not eligible
3. Tax
Tax or
mandatory
contribution
Statutory tax rate Tax base
Corporate
income tax
34% but 18%
for qualified
manufacturer
taxable profits
Fuel tax fuel consumption
Property tax various rates property value
Vehicle tax fixed fee type of vehicle
Social security
contributions
0.900% gross salaries
Tax on insurance 1% insurance
premium
Stamp duty NAD 5 per contract
Value added tax
(VAT)
15% value added
Totals:
4. Investment Practicalities
Bilateral Investment Treaties: Bilateral Investment Protection
Agreements exist between Namibia and the following
countries: Austria, China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, Italy,
Malaysia, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland,
Vietnam.
Double Taxation Agreements: Agreements have been signed
between Namibia and the following countries: Botswana,
France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Romania, Russia,
South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom.
The above information has been quoted from the following
sources:
www.worldbank.org
www.cia.gov
www.sadc.int
www.investnamibia.com.na
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 11 28/11/2011 11:47
13. Namibia Investment Guide 13
Interview with Hon Dr Hage Geingob,
Minister for Trade and Industry, the Republic of Namibia
Can you provide us with an overview of the Mission and
Activities of the Ministry of trade and industry in Namibia?
The ministry’s role provides the intersection between the
government and the private sector. We promote trade, business
and business relationships. We aim to create a conducive
environment in which the private sector can flourish, bring
development to our country and generate jobs.
We provide assistance to businesses ranging from help with
visas to work permits and company registration. We are
always looking for ways in which we can improve the business
environment. We are currently streamlining the processes to
set up a company in Namibia and we are doing lots of work
focusing on helping SMEs. We assist SMEs to create business
plans as well as accessing finance and equipment. One of our
milestones has been the creation of the SME Bank to help small
businesses accessing loans.
What makes Namibia an attractive destination for investors?
Namibian’s main strength is its Governance. Namibia’s
democratic system, low corruption, free press, stability and
good governance all contribute to a favourable investment
climate. We also have a strong judiciary. The enforcement of
property rights means businesses are secure of their investment.
Finally we aim to turn Namibia into a hub and market its
location as a stable base for businesses who want to service
our larger neighbouring markets such as Angola, DRC and South
Africa. The development of Southern Africa Development
Community (SADC) integration will present even more exciting
prospects. We have started talking of a free trade zone in the
region including 26 countries of Southern Africa Development
Community (SADC) and Common Market Eastern and Southern
Africa (COMESA)
What are the main opportunities and emerging sectors of
the Namibian economy?
Traditionally mining has been the main attraction for foreign
investors to our country. Minerals such as diamonds, zinc and
uranium are still a significant resource in Namibia. However
we are trying to diversify. Our main strategy is to add value to
Namibian products. There are opportunities to develop the
manufacturing of minerals in the country and we will be giving
incentives to boost this. A model we have at the moment is that
of Export zones whereby we do not tax exporting businesses.
Secondly there are opportunities in the services industries such
as logistics, financial services, education, health and business
process outsourcing.
Finally we see huge potential in agriculture. Our aim is to take
advantage of Okavango River and develop irrigation farming to
make Namibia a ‘bread basket’ region. As for the mining sector
we will work with investors to be to develop the food chain and
add value to agriculture products in our country.
Looking ahead to the Namibian International Investment
Forum – What is your message to the international business
community?
Namibia has a vision - Vision 2030 – to be a highly industrialized
country with good housing, good food and other basic
necessities by 2030. We have established good trade links but
in order to develop our industries, add value to our products
and achieve our vision we need to work with the private sector.
I would like to invite business leaders to our boutique country,
to a peaceful, democratic, beautiful and, diversified nation. You
will see the business potential in areas as diverse as diamonds
and beef, you will see the jewels of our country and will want
to stay.
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 13 28/11/2011 11:47
14. Namibia Investment Guide14
Introduction
Like many of its neighbours Namibia has a turbulent modern
history marked by resistance against colonialism and oppression.
Yet, unlike many other countries in the region, it has managed
to emerge peacefully from its past. In many countries, when
post-colonial or post-apartheid governments came to power
they immediately reversed the status quo. They took the wealth
and economic opportunity that was formerly held by the white
minority and redistributed it – often unequally – amongst
local black people. However, when the resistance movement,
the South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo), came to
power it focussed on finding peaceful solutions. Indeed it has
worked on expanding the economy so that there is economic
opportunity for everyone.
The strategy is a sound one. Firstly it has made Namibia one
of the most peaceful countries on the continent. Secondly, the
massive, resource-rich country has so much economic potential
that there is more than enough opportunity for everyone to
share. Indeed only two million people live in the vast country,
making Namibia the second least-densely populated country on
earth. The Government has laid out its development strategy in
Vision 2030. The document offers guidelines on how to achieve
a future Namibia “developed by her human resources enjoying
peace, harmony and political stability”. In short the plan is for
Namibia, which is technically judged a middle-income country
due to the wealth of a minority of its citizens, to become
a diversified, knowledge-based economy with fairer wealth
distribution by 2030. A laudable aim but there is still a lot of
work to be done.
At present Namibia’s main industry, in terms of contribution to
GDP, is mining. The country enjoys a diverse mineral base of
uranium, copper, gold and diamonds. The sector contracted
massively during 2009 when commodity prices fell, yet it
has rebounded somewhat since 2010. As a result of its strong
position in the economy mining attracts most of the foreign
direct investment and skilled personnel. The country also has
significant gas reserves. For example the giant Kudu gas field,
which was discovered in 1972, is finally set to be harvested.
Despite the massive contribution of the extractive industries to
the Namibian economy the Government is keen to diversify and
strengthen other sectors so that the country is not so reliant
on cyclical commodity prices. One key sector is agriculture.
At present 70% of Namibians derive a living from agriculture
but it only contributes 11% of GDP and 5% of total exports.
The sector is split between the subsistence farmers who work
on communal lands in the north of the country and larger,
commercial farms. There is no doubt that Namibia’s vast swathes
of undeveloped land have massive agricultural potential but
they also present formidable challenges. One problem is that
land ownership is not just an economic issue, it is also political.
So far the Government has stuck to the peaceful “willing buyer,
willing seller” policy but many are impatient with the speed of
progress. As a result the Government has looked to develop
new farms in areas that don’t have prime agricultural lands. The
projects, while feasible, require private-sector investment and
expertise, and attracting those elements remains one of the key
challenges of the sector.
Fortunately Namibia has a well-developed financial services
industry to facilitate inward investment. Moreover, the country’s
well capitalised and tightly-regulated financial institutions
escaped the Financial Crisis relatively unarmed.
Other sectors that have been identified include tourism and
manufacturing. The country has already made significant
progress on both fronts yet for these, and other, industries to
succeed Namibia needs to improve its infrastructure.
At present Namibia power system is inadequate and the country
imports around half of its power from its neighbours, mainly
from South Africa, which leaves it dependent on the political
and economic considerations of others. Power is also poorly
distributed and much of the rural population does not have
regular access to power. In response to the energy security
concerns, NamPower, the state-owned enterprise, is developing
several projects across the country with the aim of diversifying
the energy mix and reducing reliance on one particular source
of power. The Government is also working with independent
power producers to attract the investment and know-how
needed to improve the country’s generation and transmission
system.
A major component of these developments is the Kudu gas to
power project, which once realized, will make Namibia a net
exporter of elecricity for the first time in its history. Meanwhile
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 14 28/11/2011 11:47
15. Namibia Investment Guide 15
the fledgling hydrocarbon industry gives hope that one day
Namibia may be able to wean itself of costly energy imports.
Fortunately the country has one of the region’s best transport
systems. The road network into Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Botswana and South Africa is excellent and transport corridors
have been established to facilitate the free-movement of
goods. Meanwhile the modern deep-water port at Walvis Bay
on the Atlantic coast is being extended. The country’s freight
rail links are good by regional standards, however, investment is
planned – and needed – to make them world class. Road and
air travel is also being upgraded. Improving the already sound
transport infrastructure is one of the most important challenges
the country faces. On one level it is needed to support the
development of key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and
manufacturing. Good transport links are especially important
in a country as large as Namibia. Transport is also the key to
unlock one of Namibia’s main advantages – its location. Situated
on the south-eastern edge of the continent, Namibia has the
potential to be the gateway to southern Africa. It has one of
the best deep-water ports in the region which already provides
a credible alternative to the overcrowded South African ports.
An integrated, rail, road, air and sea transport system means that
it provides the best route to sea for landlocked neighbours like
Zimbabwe. Moreover, Namibia has increased this advantage
through membership of regional organisations, such as Southern
African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern
African Customs Union (SACU).
Namibia’s natural advantages and sound policy have already
begun to take effect. Indeed the Namibian economy grew by
4.4% in 2010, following a 0.7% contraction in 2009. Growth was
primarily due to a rapid recovery in diamond and uranium mining
activities, but also credit extension. The sustained improvement
in global demand for mineral products is expected to maintain
GDP growth in 2011 with a slight rise to 4.8% in 2011. Due to
prudent fiscal management during the years immediately prior
to the 2009 recession (2005-08), levels of public debt have
remained moderate. In 2009/10, total debt stood at 15.1% of
GDP, of which 10.9% constituted domestic borrowings, while
4.2% represented foreign borrowing.
Indeed Government’s response to the Financial Crisis earned
praise from the World Bank, who noted that: “Namibia
implementedstrongandco-ordinatedcounter-cyclicalfiscaland
monetary policies to shield the economy from the effects of the
global economic downturn.” The solid economic performance
and sound macroeconomic governance planning help make
Namibia an attractive investment destination. Namibia’s political
system is also very stable; President Hifikepunye Pohamba was
returned to office for a second time in 2010 in a free and fair
election. There is a lively political environment, a vociferous
local press, high voter participation and lower corruption levels
than elsewhere in the region.
Namibia’s natural resources and location give it great potential,
which its infrastructure and workforce should allow it to exploit.
Indeed one of the biggest hurdles at present is attracting the
investment needed to fund the capital-intensive projects
needed to take the economy to the next level. And that is
where the opportunity lies for international investors.
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 15 28/11/2011 11:47
16. Namibia Investment Guide16
It is 21 years since we gained our independence. We pride
ourselves on having created an environment of peace and
stability through reconciliation, and by bringing into the
government and the mainstream economy those citizens
excluded in the past. We have become a well functioning
democracy in a comparatively short time, with regular free and
fair elections of national, regional and local councils having
taken place since independence in 1990.
We continue to have consistent macro-economic stability
owing to prudent and visionary leadership. We have consistently
been ranked in the top 8 best performing countries in Africa
by the World Bank Doing Business Report, by the Africa
Competitiveness Report, by the Ibrahim Index on Governance
and other international indices on Africa. Our response to the
recent financial crisis earned praise from the World Bank, who
noted that “Namibia implemented strong and co-ordinated
counter-cyclical fiscal and monetary policies to shield the
economy from the effects of the global economic downturn.”
Solid economic performance and sound macroeconomic
governance planning has made Namibia an attractive investment
destination.
Despite the successes recorded, Namibia faces many socio-
economic challenges that must be addressed urgently.
These include high unemployment, poverty, socio-economic
inequalities, labour skills shortages and a narrow industrial base.
Government acknowledges that more is required to create jobs
and reduce unemployment in the country.
My message to the readers of this publication is that Namibia is
ready and open for business. It is an important priority for our
country to promote and attract trade and investment. This is
part of our national development strategy aimed at broadening
the industrial base of our economy, promoting value addition
to our natural resources and creating new jobs in order to
alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of our
people. The Namibian government recognizes that the private
sector has a key role to play in the creation of sustainable job
opportunities, and will implement necessary reforms aimed at
enabling the private sector to unleashing its full potential. We
are in the process of reviewing and modernising our legislation
on investments to make them more attractive for investors and
to make Namibia more competitive in terms of luring inward
foreign direct investments.
We are a country endowed with abundant natural resources
particularly in mining, agriculture and fisheries, and tourism.
Indeed one of the biggest challenges at present is attracting
the investment needed to fund projects needed to take the
economy to the next level. And that is where, amongst others,
opportunity lies for international investors. It is our hope that
the publication of this report would further support our efforts
in showcasing Namibia’s growing trade and investment potential
to prospective investors from across the globe.
I look forward to welcoming readers of this publication to
Namibia as investors and tourists. Whether you are a tourist
seeking natural splendour in a land of contrast, or an investor
seeking rewarding opportunities in a diversifying economy,
Namibia provides a destination that will truly be unforgettable.
It is a privilege for me to write this. As Government, this is our third association with
the CBC, the first being a Namibia Roundtable held during His Excellency President
Hifikepunye Pohamba’s Official Visit to the UK in 2007 and the second in June
2011 when we partnered with the CBC to host the Africa Business Forum focused
on SADC Infrastructure under Namibia’s Chairmanship of SADC. It is also worth
noting that the NIIF comes exactly a month after the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, where His Excellency President Pohamba
addressed a session on “Commonwealth Partnerships for Natural Resources
Development” at the Commonwealth Business Forum 2011.
Message from His Excellency Mr George Liswaniso,
High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK
2905 Namibia Investment Guide.indd 16 28/11/2011 11:47
