Chamwe Kaira
The gaming industry generated about N$32 million in revenue during the 2024/25 period, up from N$9.3 million in 2022/23. It is projected to grow by 8.1% by 2030. In 2020/21, the industry recorded around 4,140 jobs.
The State Lottery alone is expected to generate over N$100 million in revenue by 2030 and contribute meaningfully to the country’s GDP. Growth in mobile gaming, augmented and virtual reality technologies, and the broader ramifications market are seen as key drivers. This is according to the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
The plan notes that the gaming industry is evolving and presents significant opportunities for economic growth. Namibia is considered well-positioned to benefit from this growth in terms of its people’s social and economic development.
NDP6 also highlights the importance of the tourism sector as a contributor to foreign exchange earnings, employment, rural development, poverty reduction, and overall economic growth. The sector is driven by eco-tourism and Namibia’s unique natural attractions, such as the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park.
In 2024, tourism contributed about 1.6% to GDP, equivalent to roughly N$4 billion. The accommodation and food services sectors employed 290,324 people, making up 5.4% of total employment.
Tourist arrivals stood at 461,027 in 2022. This number grew to 863,872 in 2023, reflecting a 54.1% increase as the country worked to regain its pre-COVID-19 arrival figure of 1,595,973 recorded in 2019.
By 2030, Namibia aims to grow international tourist arrivals to 1.8 million and raise the sector’s contribution to GDP from 1.6% to 5%. Revenue from the gaming industry is projected to increase from N$32 million to N$76.5 million.
NDP6 emphasises that Namibia’s position regionally and globally will depend on its competitiveness. While peace and macroeconomic stability are strengths, they are not sufficient for sustainable development.
The government plans to improve the ease of doing business through investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, rail, ports, energy, including renewable energy, water, and information and communication technology.
NDP6 covers the period 2025/26 to 2029/30 and is the final plan aimed at realising the goals of Vision 2030.
