Pending economic legislation and regulatory bottlenecks raise questions about Namibia’s ability to convert investment opportunities into jobs and growth.
Elvis Mboya
Namibia is seeking to unlock N$15 billion in investment projects facing administrative and regulatory bottlenecks, as delays in approvals and implementation raise concerns about the country’s ability to convert investment commitments into jobs and economic growth.
The figures were highlighted in an October 2026 briefing to Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare by minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, according to reports on the government’s investment facilitation efforts.
Fifteen projects were identified as facing specific bottlenecks, while a wider pipeline of 94 projects could generate approximately 22 000 additional jobs. A further 27 projects had become operational over three years, creating about 6 600 jobs.
The developments come as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah pursues her target of creating 500 000 jobs by 2030, placing renewed attention on legislation affecting investment promotion, land access, public enterprises, petroleum exploration and international trade.
Several bills remain at different stages of parliamentary consideration, including the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, the Land Bill, the Public Enterprises Amendment Bill and the International Trade Management Bill.
The proposed Special Economic Zones framework could also influence efforts to attract manufacturing, mineral beneficiation and export-oriented investment.
The bills have different legislative statuses, and some investment delays stem from administrative processes rather than parliament itself.
Nevertheless, businesses require predictable regulations, efficient approvals and clarity about the rules governing investment decisions.
Opposition scrutiny reshapes parliamentary debate
The legislative process is unfolding in a changed political environment, with the Swapo Party having to negotiate a more contested National Assembly than in previous years.
Parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Observer Money that opposition parties were strategically slowing the passage of bills to demonstrate that the ruling party could no longer rely on its former numerical dominance to push legislation through quickly.
According to Kandorozu, “the ruling party must now consult more widely and accommodate greater scrutiny before legislation advances.”
His assessment reflects the political tensions surrounding bills with significant economic implications. The challenge is to ensure that consultation improves legislation without creating unnecessary uncertainty for businesses and investors.
Petroleum bill highlights the stakes
The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill has become a focal point of the debate because it proposes moving key upstream petroleum regulatory functions to the Office of the President.
The bill passed its second reading in the National Assembly on 20 October 2026, with 50 members voting in favour.
It must still undergo further scrutiny of its individual clauses and complete the remaining legislative stages before it can become law.
The proposed changes have attracted criticism from opposition lawmakers concerned about the concentration of regulatory authority and the strength of parliamentary oversight.
In the National Assembly, Swapo Party member of parliament (MP) Ephraim Nekongo defended the proposal, saying: “The purpose of this arrangement is not to place the petroleum resource under the personal or unchecked control of the president. Rather, it creates a specialised and coordinated institutional mechanism capable of managing the national interest involved in upstream petroleum development.”
Opposition MPs have raised concerns about local participation, transparency and safeguards for the country’s petroleum resources.
These disagreements illustrate the competing priorities facing lawmakers as Namibia seeks to develop its emerging oil and gas industry.
Investment certainty remains critical
Beyond petroleum, delays involving land access, environmental approvals, visas and coordination between public institutions can affect projects across agriculture, mining, manufacturing, logistics and tourism.
The proposed Special Economic Zones framework could help attract industrial investment, while trade and investment legislation could strengthen the regulatory environment for businesses seeking to establish or expand operations.
Not all bottlenecks originate in parliament. Some arise during executive drafting, administrative processing and inter-agency coordination. Identifying the source of each delay is essential to establishing responsibility and implementing solutions.
For investors, prolonged uncertainty can affect financing decisions and project schedules. For the economy, delayed implementation postpones potential employment, supplier opportunities and tax revenue.
A transparent legislative delivery timetable, supported by clear reporting on investment approvals and outstanding administrative issues, could improve accountability and give businesses greater certainty.
As Namibia pursues its 2030 employment target, the central challenge is to turn investment commitments into operational projects, productive industries and sustainable jobs.
The effectiveness of both parliamentary scrutiny and government implementation will help determine whether the current investment pipeline delivers its anticipated economic benefits.
