Chamwe Kaira
Settlement activity in Namibia increased in 2025, with higher transaction volumes and values recorded across the payment system, the Bank of Namibia said.
The total value of transactions processed through the real-time gross settlement system reached N$1.36 trillion across 109 002 transactions. This is an increase of N$92.6 billion, or 7.3%, and 8 431 more transactions, up 8.4% from 2024.
The growth reflects increased high-value payment flows and continued use of the Namibia Interbank Settlement System.
The central bank continued oversight of clearing operations. Namclear remained the only clearing service provider, handling interbank electronic funds transfers and card transactions submitted for settlement.
Electronic funds transfer activity increased during the year. Volumes rose from 26 million transactions in 2024 to 30 million in 2025.
The total value increased from N$404 billion to N$447 billion, driven by higher economic activity.
Card transaction activity declined. A total of 101 million card transactions were processed in 2025, down from 111 million in 2024. The value also dropped to N$51 billion from N$57 billion.
Within banks, intrabank transactions increased. Intrabank EFT transactions rose to 67 million in 2025 from 61 million, with value increasing to N$996 billion from N$897 billion. Intrabank card transactions reached 111 million, with a value of N$77 billion, up from 98 million transactions valued at N$70 billion in 2023.
Electronic money use increased during the year. E-money transactions rose to 89 million, valued at N$45 billion, compared to 87 million transactions worth N$43 billion in 2024. This reflects the growing use of digital payment options.
Namibia also remained active in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) real-time gross settlement system. The platform had 88 participants from 15 countries by the end of 2025, including five from Namibia.
Total transactions processed through the SADC-RTGS system reached N$2.8 trillion. Namibian banks accounted for N$708 billion, representing 25% of the total.
