Namibia to Launch Landmark Study on Informal Sector to Strengthen Policy and Economic Inclusion

Namibia to Launch Landmark Study on Informal Sector to Strengthen Policy and Economic Inclusion. A significant milestone for Namibia’s economic development is set for 11 November 2025, as the Ministry of Industrialisation and Microenterprise Development (MIME), in partnership with the Bank of Namibia, the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, and the United Nations Namibia, officially launches the Diagnostic Informality in Namibia Study.

This study marks a pivotal step toward understanding and addressing the dynamics of the country’s informal economy — a sector that supports thousands of livelihoods yet remains largely unregulated and under-documented. The findings will play a central role in shaping the Namibia Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development (NIESED) Policy, which seeks to create a more enabling environment for informal businesses to thrive and transition toward formality.

The event will bring together key representatives from government ministries, development partners, and private sector leaders. Directors and teams working closely with the business community are being encouraged to attend, as the outcomes of this initiative are expected to inform future policymaking, financial inclusion efforts, and labour reforms.

By diagnosing the current state of informality — including employment trends, regulatory gaps, and barriers to growth — the study aims to provide evidence-based insights that can drive sustainable job creation, enhance productivity, and improve economic resilience across Namibia.

The collaboration between MIME, the Bank of Namibia, and international partners underscores the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive economy that recognises and supports informal sector contributions.

The official launch is scheduled to take place in Windhoek, marking the beginning of a new phase in Namibia’s efforts to strengthen economic participation and social protection for all workers.