What does the United States import from Namibia?

America imported $271M in goods from Namibia in 2025. The largest categories: Nuclear fuel materials, Gem diamonds, Stone, sand, cement, etc., U.s. goods returned, and reimports.

What tariffs does the U.S. have on Namibia?

The most recent U.S. tariff action toward Namibia (2026-02-24): IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122.

Country exposure · NA

Namibia

Africa · Windhoek · presidential republic

What Namibia means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

$271M

U.S. imports, 2025

-1.1%

change in one year

$117M

U.S. exports, 2025

Population

$13.4B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Namibia makes

America bought $271M in goods from Namibia in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Nuclear fuel materials

$147M54.1%

Gem diamonds

$79M29.1%

Stone, sand, cement, etc.

cement, stone, sand

$14M5.1%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$13M4.6%

Fish and shellfish

fish, shrimp, shellfish

$7M2.7%

Nonagricultural foods, etc.

$5M1.8%

Minimum value shipments

$2M0.8%

Gem stones, other

$873K0.3%

Coal and related fuels

$501K0.2%

Nontextile floor tiles

$445K0.2%

2026 so far (through April): $20M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Namibia

$117M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Minimum value shipments

$21M

Chemicals-other

$19M

Electric apparatus

$8M

Industrial machines, other

$8M

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$7M

Petroleum products, other

$6M

Finished metal shapes

$5M

Excavating machinery

$5M

Telecommunications equipment

$3M

phones, routers, networking gear

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Namibia

Namibia was assigned 21% in April 2025, reduced to 15% in August without a formal deal. Uranium — its top export (about 29% of the total) — is exempt as a strategic commodity, but diamonds (roughly a fifth of export revenue), beef, and fish were exposed, raising recession concerns. Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions, Feb 20, 2026) terminated the IEEPA reciprocal duties, and Proclamation 11012 replaced it with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge effective February 24, 2026; strategic-mineral imports remain exempt. Namibia has no Section 232 steel/aluminum exposure.

Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)

21%

The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

U.S. tariff policy toward Namibia has changed 4 times since 2025. This page tracks it.

2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effect
Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties effective February 24, 2026, replacing Namibia's 15% reciprocal rate with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge under Proclamation 11012 (capped at 150 days); strategic-mineral imports remain exempt.
91 FR 9437 →
2025-08-07
Rate reduced to 15%
In effect
Executive Order 14326 set the post-pause Annex I reciprocal rates; Namibia's rate was lowered from 21% to 15% effective August 7, 2025 without a formal deal, with uranium exempt but diamonds, beef, and fish exposed.
90 FR 37963 →
2025-04-10
Elevated reciprocal rates paused to 10% for 90 days
In effect
Executive Order 14266 suspended the higher country-specific reciprocal rates — including Namibia's 21% — back to the 10% baseline for 90 days.
90 FR 15625 →
2025-04-05
Reciprocal tariff regime begins — Namibia assigned 21%
In effect
Executive Order 14257 imposed a 10% universal reciprocal duty effective April 5 and a 21% country-specific rate for Namibia scheduled to take effect April 9 — with uranium, its leading export, exempt as a strategic commodity.
90 FR 15041 →

Compare all countries’ tariffs →Your tariff impact →

Made for America

What Namibia makes for America

Namibia is a direct U.S. source of 2 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.

materials

Jewelry

$77M to the U.S.

food

Seafood and fish

$7M to the U.S.

Go deeper

The supply chain view

Namibia sits upstream of 2 essential American goods through 2 tracked inputs.

energy

Uranium ore & natural concentrates (U3O8)

mineral

Cut & Polished Diamonds

Full supply-map profile →

Reference

The country itself

Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Various ethnic groups occupied southwestern Africa prior to Germany establishing a colony over most of the territory in 1884. South Africa occupied the colony, then known as German South West Africa, in 1915 during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966, the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia gained independence in 1990, and SWAPO has governed it since, although the party has dropped much of its Marxist ideology. President Hage GEINGOB was elected in 2014 in a landslide victory, replacing Hifikepunye POHAMBA, who stepped down after serving two terms. SWAPO retained its parliamentary super majority in the 2014 elections. In 2019 elections, GEINGOB was reelected but by a substantially reduced majority, and SWAPO narrowly lost its super majority in parliament.

Geography

Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa
Area: 824,292 sq km
Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic
Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east
Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish
Coastline: 1,572 km
Natural hazards: prolonged periods of drought

People & society

Population: 2,852,777 (2025 est.)
Nationality: Namibian(s)
Ethnic groups: Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%
Languages: Oshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4%, Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.)
Religions: Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.)
Median age: 23.1 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 65.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy: 87.6% (2023 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: upper middle-income, export-driven Sub-Saharan economy; natural resource rich; Walvis Bay port expansion for trade; high potential for renewable power generation and energy independence; major nature-based tourist locale; natural resource rich; shortage of skilled labor
Industries: mining, tourism, fishing, agriculture
Agricultural products: root vegetables, milk, maize, beef, grapes, onions, wheat, fruits, pulses, vegetables (2023)
Exports - partners: South Africa 27%, China 12%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7%, France 5% (2023)
Imports - partners: South Africa 36%, China 9%, India 7%, UAE 4%, USA 3% (2023)

Government

Government type: presidential republic
Capital: Windhoek
Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)
Constitution: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990
Executive branch: President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)
Legislative branch: Parliament

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Namibia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 6 blank pages in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. A visa is available planeside for tourists for up to 90 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

(264) 061-295-8500 ; EMER: +(264)(85) 686-0853; US Embassy Windhoek, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek, Namibia; ConsularWindhoek@state.gov; https://na.usembassy.gov/

Telephone Code

264

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 2032276; Fire: 2032270; Police: 1011

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/

Climate

Desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Currency (Code)

Namibian dollars (NAD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, M

Major Languages

Oshiwambo languages, Nama/Damara, Kavango languages, Afrikaans, Herero languages, Zambezi languages, English, other European languages

Major Religions

Christian 80% to 90% (at least 50% Lutheran), indigenous beliefs 10% to 20%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April

Potable Water

Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Etosha National Park; Fish River Canyon; Sossusvlei; Cape Cross; Swakopmund; Caprivi Strip; Twyfelfontein; Namib-Naukluft National Park; Kalahari Desert; Chobe River

Major Sports

Soccer, rugby, cricket, golf

Cultural Practices

In professional settings, people are often referred to by their surnames; it is considered informal to use first names immediately.

Tipping Guidelines

At hotels, tip about 30 Namibian dollars per guest per day. Leave your tip in a communal tipping box. If you would like to tip porters, 10 Namibian dollars is recommended. For specialist guides, tip 50 Namibian dollars per guest per day.

Souvenirs

Stone and wood carvings, karosse woven rugs, woven palm baskets, Herero dolls, diamond/precious gem and beaded jewelry, swakara woolen clothing and swakopmunder leather shoes

Traditional Cuisine

Meat and pap — pap (a traditional porridge made from ground maize or pearl millet) served with meat, cabbage, or fish

CIA source last updated

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Geography

Location

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa

Geographic coordinates

22 00 S, 17 00 E

Map references

Africa

Area - total

824,292 sq km

Area - land

823,290 sq km

Area - water

1,002 sq km

Area - comparative

almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Land boundaries - total

4,220 km

Land boundaries - border countries

Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km

Coastline

1,572 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - contiguous zone

24 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone

200 nm

Climate

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Terrain

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east

Elevation - highest point

Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

Elevation - lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Elevation - mean elevation

1,141 m

Natural resources

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish

Natural resources - note

note: suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore

Land use - agricultural land

47.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

9.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

43.1% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land

80 sq km (2012)

Major rivers (by length in km)

Zambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Orange river mouth (shared with Lesotho [s], and South Africa) - 2,092 km; Okavango (shared with Angola [s], and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage

Orange (941,351 sq km)

Major watersheds (area sq km) - Indian Ocean drainage

Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)

Major watersheds (area sq km) - Internal (endorheic basin) drainage

Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)

Major aquifers

Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin

Population distribution

population density is very low, with the largest clusters found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola, as shown in this population distribution map

Natural hazards

prolonged periods of drought

Geography - note

the Namib Desert, after which the country is named, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip

People and Society

Population - total

2,852,777 (2025 est.)

Population - male

1,402,136

Population - female

1,450,641

Nationality - noun

Namibian(s)

Nationality - adjective

Namibian

Ethnic groups

Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%

Languages

Oshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4%, Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.)

Languages - note

note: Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 European languages

Religions

Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.)

Age structure - 0-14 years

34.1% (male 482,790/female 473,306)

Age structure - 15-64 years

62% (male 846,810/female 890,099)

Age structure - 65 years and over

3.9% (2024 est.) (male 47,686/female 62,969)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

60.5 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

54 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

6.5 (2025 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

15.5 (2025 est.)

Median age - total

23.1 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

22.1 years

Median age - female

23.5 years

Population growth rate

1.76% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

23.93 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

6.36 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

population density is very low, with the largest clusters found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola, as shown in this population distribution map

Urbanization - urban population

54.9% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population

477,000 WINDHOEK (capital) (2023)

Sex ratio - at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.02 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

0.95 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.76 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.6 years (2013 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth - note

note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49

Maternal mortality ratio

139 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

27.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

31 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

24.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

65.9 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

64.2 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

67.6 years

Total fertility rate

2.85 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

1.4 (2025 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: urban

urban: 96.2% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: rural

rural: 73.8% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: total

total: 85.9% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: urban

urban: 3.8% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: rural

rural: 26.2% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: total

total: 14.1% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)

9.4% of GDP (2021)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)

11.7% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density

0.55 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Sanitation facility access - improved: urban

urban: 70.6% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: rural

rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: total

total: 49% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban

urban: 29.4% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural

rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total

total: 51% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

17.2% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita - total

2.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - beer

1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - wine

0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits

0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols

0.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use - total

11.8% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - male

20.5% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - female

3.9% (2025 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

33.7% (2018 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)

9.1% of GDP (2024 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)

24.6% national budget (2025 est.)

Literacy - total population

87.6% (2023 est.)

Literacy - male

87.9% (2023 est.)

Literacy - female

87.4% (2023 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Republic of Namibia

Country name - conventional short form

Namibia

Country name - local long form

Republic of Namibia

Country name - local short form

Namibia

Country name - former

German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Suedwestafrika), South-West Africa

Country name - etymology

named for the coastal Namib Desert; the word namib comes from the local Nama language and means "an area where there is nothing"

Government type

presidential republic

Capital - name

Windhoek

Capital - geographic coordinates

22 34 S, 17 05 E

Capital - time difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - etymology

the name is an Afrikaans word meaning "windy corner;" a local Khoikhoin chief first used the name in the 19th century and may have derived it from the name of his childhood South African village of Winterhoek

Administrative divisions

14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi

Administrative divisions - note

note: the Karas region was renamed //Karas in 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language

Legal system

mixed system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law

Constitution - history

adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990

Constitution - amendment process

passage requires majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Citizenship - citizenship by birth

Citizenship - citizenship by descent only

at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia

Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized

Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)

Executive branch - head of government

President Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (since 21 March 2025)

Executive branch - cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly

Executive branch - election/appointment process

president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term)

Executive branch - most recent election date

27 November 2024

Executive branch - election results

2024: Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH elected president in the first round; percent of vote -Netumbo NANDI-NDAITWAH (SWAPO) 57%, Panduleni ITULA (IPC) 26%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.10%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 4.72%, Job AMUPANDA (AR) 1.80%, Hendrik GAOBEAB (UDF) 1.16%; other 3.31% 2019: Hage GEINGOB reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, other .9%

Executive branch - expected date of next election

November 2029

Executive branch - note

note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative branch - legislature name

Parliament

Legislative branch - legislative structure

bicameral

Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name

National Assembly

Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats

104 (96 directly elected; 8 appointed)

Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system

proportional representation

Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office

5 years

Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date

11/27/2024 to 11/30/2024

Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party

SWAPO Party (51); Independent Patriots of Change (IPC) (20); Affirmative Repositioning (AR) (6); Landless People's Movement (LPM) (5); Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) (5); Other (9)

Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber

42.3%

Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election

November 2029

Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name

National Council

Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats

42 (all indirectly elected)

Legislative branch - upper chamber - electoral system

proportional representation

Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office

5 years

Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date

12/15/2020

Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber

14.3%

Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election

December 2025

Legislative branch - upper chamber - note

note: the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

judges appointed by the president of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts

Political parties

All People's Party or APP Christian Democratic Voice or CDV Landless People's Movement or LPM National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF Popular Democratic Movement or PDM (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance or DTA) Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP Republican Party or RP South West Africa National Union or SWANU South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO United Democratic Front or UDF United People's Movement or UPM

Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission

Ambassador Wilbard HELLAO (since 16 December 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery

1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone

[1] (202) 986-0540

Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX

[1] (202) 986-0443

Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website

info@namibiaembassyusa.org https://namibiaembassyusa.org/

Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission

Ambassador John GIORDANO (since 29 October 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

38 Metje Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC 20521-2540

Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone

[264] (61) 202-5000

Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX

[264] (61) 202-5219

Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website

ConsularWindhoek@state.gov https://na.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Independence

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National holiday

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Flag

description: a wide red stripe edged with narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower-left corner to upper-right corner; the upper triangle is blue and has a golden-yellow, 12-ray sunburst, and the lower triangle is green meaning: red stands for the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue stands for the sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the sun for power and existence, and green for vegetation and agricultural resources

National symbol(s)

oryx (antelope)

National color(s)

blue, red, green, white, yellow

National anthem(s) - title

"Namibia, Land of the Brave"

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

Axali DOESEB

National anthem(s) - history

adopted 1991

National heritage - total World Heritage Sites

2 (1 cultural, 1 natural)

National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes (c); Namib Sand Sea (n)

Economy

Economic overview

upper middle-income, export-driven Sub-Saharan economy; natural resource rich; Walvis Bay port expansion for trade; high potential for renewable power generation and energy independence; major nature-based tourist locale; natural resource rich; shortage of skilled labor

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$31.154 billion (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$30.039 billion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$28.761 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024

3.7% (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

4.4% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

5.4% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024

$10,300 (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$10,100 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$10,000 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$13.372 billion (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

4.2% (2024 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

5.9% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

6.1% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

7.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

28.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

54.5% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

79.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

21.5% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

23.7% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

1.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

41.6% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-68% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products

root vegetables, milk, maize, beef, grapes, onions, wheat, fruits, pulses, vegetables (2023)

Agricultural products - note

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries

mining, tourism, fishing, agriculture

Industrial production growth rate

1% (2024 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force

1.131 million (2024 est.)

Labor force - note

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024

19.2% (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023

19.4% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022

19.7% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate - note

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total

37.3% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male

36.7% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female

38% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Population below poverty line

17.4% (2015 est.)

Population below poverty line - note

note: % of population with income below national poverty line

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2015

59.1 (2015 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%

1% (2015 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%

47.2% (2015 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share - note

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Remittances - Remittances 2024

1.1% of GDP (2024 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2023

1% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget - revenues

$4.415 billion (2023 est.)

Budget - expenditures

$4.779 billion (2023 est.)

Budget - note

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Public debt - Public debt 2019

4.64% of GDP (2019 est.)

Public debt - note

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Taxes and other revenues

33% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

Taxes and other revenues - note

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Current account balance - Current account balance 2024

-$2.055 billion (2024 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2023

-$1.893 billion (2023 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

-$1.605 billion (2022 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2024

$5.887 billion (2024 est.)

Exports - Exports 2023

$5.729 billion (2023 est.)

Exports - Exports 2022

$5.361 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

South Africa 27%, China 12%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7%, France 5% (2023)

Exports - partners - note

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities

gold, diamonds, radioactive chemicals, fish, refined petroleum (2023)

Exports - commodities - note

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2024

$9.199 billion (2024 est.)

Imports - Imports 2023

$8.443 billion (2023 est.)

Imports - Imports 2022

$7.43 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

South Africa 36%, China 9%, India 7%, UAE 4%, USA 3% (2023)

Imports - partners - note

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, copper ore, ships, electricity, trucks (2023)

Imports - commodities - note

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024

$3.356 billion (2024 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023

$2.956 billion (2023 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022

$2.803 billion (2022 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

18.329 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

18.446 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

16.356 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

14.779 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

16.463 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

56.2% (2022 est.)

Electricity access - electrification - urban areas

74.8%

Electricity access - electrification - rural areas

33.2%

Electricity - installed generating capacity

646,000 kW (2023 est.)

Electricity - consumption

3.891 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - exports

169 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - imports

2.917 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - transmission/distribution losses

747.409 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels

1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - solar

26.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - wind

1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity

70% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Coal - consumption

24,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - exports

900 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - imports

26,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - proven reserves

350 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption

23,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Natural gas - proven reserves

62.297 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023

21.734 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

81,000 (2023 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

3 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

2.58 million (2024 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

85 (2024 est.)

Broadcast media

1 private and 1 state-run TV station; satellite and cable TV service available; state-run radio broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available

Internet country code

.na

Internet users - percent of population

64% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

104,000 (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

4 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

259 (2025)

Heliports

1 (2025)

Railways - total

2,628 km (2014)

Railways - narrow gauge

2,628 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge

Merchant marine - total

15 (2023)

Merchant marine - by type

general cargo 1, other 14

Ports - total ports

2 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Luderitz Bay, Walvis Bay

Military and Security

Military and security forces

Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Namibian Army, Namibian Navy, Namibian Air Force (2025)

Military and security forces - note

note: the Namibian Police Force is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security; it has a paramilitary Special Field Force responsible for protecting borders and government installations

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024

2.8% of GDP (2024 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023

2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022

3% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021

3% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020

3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths

estimated 12,000 active Namibian Defense Forces (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the NDF's inventory consists mostly of Soviet-era weapons and equipment; over the past decade, it has received a limited number of newer weapons systems from China and South Africa; Namibia has a small defense industry that produces items such as armored personnel carriers (2025)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2026)

Military - note

the NDF’s primary responsibility is defending Namibia's territorial integrity and national interests; other responsibilities include support to civil authorities and participating in peace and stability missions under the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and the UN; Namibia has bilateral defense ties with several countries, including Botswana, India, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia the NDF was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); the PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF (2025)

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees

6,575 (2024 est.)

Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs

1,399 (2024 est.)

Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons

14,796 (2024 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues

depletion and degradation of water and aquatic resources; desertification; land degradation; loss of biodiversity; wildlife poaching

International environmental agreements - party to

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Climate

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Land use - agricultural land

47.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 46.2% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

9.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

43.1% (2023 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

54.9% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions

3.46 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke

48,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids

3.412 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

11.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Methane emissions - energy

2.1 kt (2022-2024 est.)

Methane emissions - agriculture

193.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - waste

13.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - other

0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

256,700 tons (2024 est.)

Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled

19.6% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - municipal

61.568 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - industrial

18.61 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - agricultural

201 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources

39.91 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

← All countries