Namibia Establishes National Steering Committee to Strengthen Informal Economy

Namibia Establishes National Steering Committee to Strengthen Informal EEconomy. Namibia has taken a further step towards strengthening its informal economy with the inauguration of a National Steering Committee tasked with translating findings from the country’s Informal Economy Diagnostic Report into coordinated policy action and practical interventions.

Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse officially inaugurated the committee on 21 August 2026, marking a new phase in efforts to address the needs and challenges facing informal businesses and entrepreneurs.

The establishment of the committee follows the launch of the Informal Economy Diagnostic Report late last year, which was intended to improve understanding of Namibia’s informal economy and provide a basis for future interventions.

Addressing the gathering, Amutse said formalisation should extend beyond simply registering businesses and meeting compliance requirements. He said it should create pathways for informal businesses to access finance, markets, infrastructure, skills, technology and business development services.

According to the Minister, such support can help informal businesses pursue sustainable growth and make a greater contribution to Namibia’s economy.

The National Steering Committee brings together representatives from government, informal sector organisations, business associations and other stakeholder groups.

Members include the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, Dynamic Informal Traders Association, SME Compete, Excel Women Entrepreneurs Association of Namibia, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, National Planning Commission and Namibia Bus and Transport.

The committee also includes representatives from the Namibia Informal Sector Organisation, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture, and Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

The event was attended by the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, the Mayor of the City of Windhoek, government representatives, sector associations and other stakeholders.