InFocus Namibia - May 2025

InFocus NAMIBIA MAY, 2025

AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

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ISSN 2026-9080

CLIMATE RESILIENCE

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CONTENTS EDITION: MAY 2025

4

FROM THE EDITOR

6

QUICK FACTS

7

ECONOMY AT LARGE

13

KEY DATES

14

FUEL PRICES

16

ENERGY SECTOR

Economic Implications of ClimateResilient Actions Post-2025 Climate Resilience: A Comprehensive Review (2012–2025)

The Nuclear Pathway: A Journey to Becoming a Nuclear-Powered Nation

20 SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION 23

ENVIRONMENT

29

TENDERS

31

PRESS RELEASES

41

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Investing in Biodiversity is Investing in Our Future SADC conservation areas under mounting threats

From The Editor Rising with the Heat: Namibia’s Climate Resilience Story over 53 percent of Namibia’s electricity demand in 2025/26 will be met through domestic generation, with the remaining 47 percent to be powered through regional imports.

The ECB also expects the Ruacana Hydropower Plant to continue being Namibia’s main local power source in 2025/26. However, this plant’s output is vulnerable to rainfall variability, a risk which could be heightened by climate change. Therefore, it is imperative for Namibia to leverage its comparative advantages, particularly its abundant solar irradiance, to diversify its energy portfolio.

Investments in domestic renewable energy capacity not only promise greater energy security but also support a more favourable trade balance.

While the initial costs may be substantial, the long-term benefits like reduced disaster recovery expenses and increased energy self-sufficiency can potentially yield significant fiscal returns.

Dear Reader, Welcome to another edition of InFocus Namibia.

Namibia’s economy is intertwined with its environment. With its vast arid and semi-arid landscapes, the country relies heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism to drive economic growth. These sectors are increasingly exposed to persistent challenges including prolonged droughts, desertification, and shifting rainfall patterns due to the escalating effects of climate change.

In light of these challenges, climate-resilient development offers a promising path to sustainable growth and economic stability. In this edition, we explore how the Namibian economy could be reshaped by the adoption of climateresilient measures beyond the year 2025.

A key driver of this transition is renewable energy. Integrating renewable energy into Namibia’s climate resilience framework could potentially yield long-term economic benefits. This can be done by advancing investments in solar and wind infrastructure to minimize reliance on imported fossil fuels and protect the economy from volatile global energy markets.

One recent example is the Electricity Control Board (ECB)’s approval of a 3.8 percent increase in the NamPower bulk electricity tariff, driven mainly by rising import costs. This underscores the urgency of enhancing local electricity generation, which is more cost-effective. The ECB projects that

This report is a FREE Publication written and authored through collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia.

The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Beyond post-2025 climate-resilient energy plans, this edition also examines Namibia’s efforts in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship. It reflects on the progress made since the adoption of the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) in 2012 and explores the ongoing debate around nuclear energy as a potential future option.

As Namibia rises in the face of projected temperature increases, ranging between 3.8 to 5.1°C, the choices made today will shape its climate resilience tomorrow.

We thus hope you find this edition informative as usual and encourage you to follow and engage with us on all our social media accounts as we continue to explore and discuss these vital issues.

As always, the conversation continues at infocus@rdjpublishing.africa .

Yours, editor@rdjpublishing.africa

(David A. Jarrett) Editor in Chief

(Grace Kangotue) Editor

RDJ Publishing (Pty) Ltd is the publishing home of the InFocus Namibia, written and authored through the collaboration with RDJ Consulting Services CC (www.rdjconsulting.co.za).

PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 81 750 3010 Email info@rdjpublishing.africa WEBSITE www.rdjpublishing.africa

RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.

Quick Facts

N A M I B I A POPULATION 3,022,401

SIZE

Male

Female

1,474,224

87%

36.9%

LITERACY RATE (15+ YEARS) (2023)

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (2023)

1,548,177

CLIMATE RESILIENCE AVERAGE OF UP TO 3.8 DEGREE CELSIUS – 5.1 DEGREE CELSIUS.

151 359

0.56

6.75

GDP CONSTANT 2015 PRICES (N$ million) (2023)

GINI COEFFICIENT (2023)

REPO RATE (Apr 2025)

Expected temperature Increase

Northeastern region

10 percent

North-central region

15 percent – 30 percent

Central region

35 percent

3.60

10.50

Livestock carrying capacity under climate change

PRIME LENDING RATE (Apr 2025)

INFLATION (CPI) (Apr 2025)

2023 632 MW/h POWER DEMAND AT PEAK

3,856,000 MWh

Crops Yields Effect of Temperature & Rainfall Changes Legumes (increase)

30%

Cereal crop yield (decrease)

20 in Northeastern Region and 50 percent in northcentral region

TOTAL ELECTRICITY UNITS SOLD Local Generation - Energy (%)

42%

Energy Imports (%)

58%

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

Economy at Large Economic Implications of Climate-Resilient Actions Post-2025 AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor @ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer

Courtesy: Canva

N

amibia, a country highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, is positioned at a critical juncture where integrating climate-resilient

strategies could substantially reshape its economic trajectory. Characterized by arid and semi-arid landscapes, the Namibian economy relies heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. The country faces persistent challenges including prolonged droughts, desertification, and shifting rainfall patterns. In response, climate-resilient development approaches offer a potential pathway to economic stability and growth. This essay evaluates how the Namibian economy is expected to be influenced by the adoption of climate-resilient measures beyond 2025, focusing on macroeconomic dynamics, sectoral transformations, employment, and international cooperation.

The integration of climate resilience into Namibia’s development framework is expected to bring transformative macroeconomic benefits. Notably, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and wind energy, presents opportunities to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Namibia possesses substantial solar irradiance, making it a prime candidate for renewable energy deployment. By investing in domestic renewable energy capacity, the country can enhance energy security and improve its trade balance. While these initiatives require significant upfront investment, the long-term savings from reduced disaster recovery spending and increased energy self-sufficiency can yield fiscal dividends.

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Namibia’s ability to leverage climate finance through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund will be pivotal in mitigating the strain on national budgets (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2023). Strategic public investment in resilient infrastructure such as water storage systems and droughttolerant agricultural technologies, can also stimulate economic diversification and reduce GDP volatility linked to climate variability.

The agricultural sector, which employs the majority of Namibia’s rural population, is particularly vulnerable to climatic shifts. Changes in precipitation patterns and increased temperatures have already undermined productivity in subsistence and commercial farming.

However, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, including conservation tillage, rotational grazing, and drought-resistant crops, is projected to improve food security and stabilize rural incomes. World Bank assessments suggest that such adaptive approaches could boost yields by up to 20 percent in arid regions, provided they are supported by targeted policy frameworks and extension services (World Bank, 2022).

Similarly, the tourism sector, one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners is intricately linked to the preservation of biodiversity and natural landscapes.

Implementing conservation-based tourism models and enhancing community-based natural resource management

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can ensure the sector remains resilient. Strengthening ecotourism initiatives not only protects fragile ecosystems but also reinforces Namibia’s brand as a sustainable tourism destination, thereby supporting long-term economic growth.

Namibia’s fisheries, particularly those in the Benguela Current system, are also highly climate-sensitive.

Variations in ocean temperatures and acidification threaten fish stocks, which are vital for both domestic consumption and exports. By adopting adaptive management strategies informed by climate science, and continuing collaboration through regional frameworks such as the Benguela Current Convention, Namibia can safeguard its marine resources and maintain the sector’s contribution to GDP (Benguela Current Commission, 2022).

Transitioning to a climate-resilient economy will entail significant labor market shifts. On the one hand, investments in green technologies and adaptive infrastructure are expected to generate employment opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water management, and conservation. The International Labour Organization (ILO) projects that the green economy could create hundreds of thousands of jobs across Southern Africa by 2030, with Namibia poised to benefit substantially given its high youth unemployment rates (ILO, 2021).

However, this transition may also render some traditional jobs obsolete, especially in carbon-intensive sectors like mining. To mitigate such disruptions, the Namibian government must prioritize education and vocational

training aligned with emerging green sectors. Promoting technical skills in clean energy, environmental engineering, and climate adaptation will be essential for ensuring a just transition that includes marginalized communities.

Access to international climate finance remains a linchpin for Namibia’s climate-resilient development. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement and a committed participant in global climate dialogues, Namibia qualifies for support from various climate financing instruments. However, effective utilization of these funds requires institutional strengthening and enhanced capacity for project design, implementation, and monitoring.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can further catalyze investment in climate resilience by combining public oversight with private sector innovation. Additionally, cross-border cooperation through platforms such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) offers opportunities to share knowledge, mobilize resources, and address transboundary climate risks.

Namibia’s pursuit of climate resilience is likely to yield farreaching economic benefits. While initial investments in adaptive infrastructure and policy reform may pose fiscal challenges, the long-term gains in economic diversification, job creation, and environmental stability are substantial. By embedding climate resilience consistently into its national development strategies, Namibia can position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development. A holistic approach that integrates local knowledge, international support, and inclusive governance will be essential for realizing this vision.

Courtesy: Getty Images

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Climate Resilience: A Comprehensive Review (2012–2025) AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor @ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer

Courtesy: Joachim Huber

S

ince the adoption of the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) in 2012, Namibia has made significant strides in enhancing climate resilience.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has spearheaded initiatives focusing on policy development, ecosystem-based adaptation, climate information systems, and community engagement.

The NPCC of 2012 laid the foundation for Namibia's climate change response, emphasizing adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building. In 2011, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) was established to finance environmentally sustainable projects. By 2016, EIF became one of the first African entities accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), enhancing Namibia's access to international climate finance.

The Environmental Awareness and Climate Change Project

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(2015–2017), implemented by the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) and partners, aimed to raise awareness on environmental protection and climate change adaptation. The "Think Namibia" campaign, a key outcome, distributed educational materials to nearly 1,800 schools and trained journalists and youth on climate issues.

MEFT has also developed community climate change adaptation toolkits distributed across all 14 regions, and organized events like the National Youth Week in 2013 to engage youth in climate action.

Launched in 2020, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is a nature-centered approach to climate change adaptation that uses biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. The EbA project focuses on enhancing

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the resilience of communities in eight vulnerable landscapes. Funded by a USD 8.9 million GCF grant through EIF, the project aims to benefit approximately 60,000 individuals directly and 156,000 indirectly. Activities include restoring biodiversity, improving water cycles, and facilitating natural resource value chains. Nationwide training workshops have been conducted in regions such as Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo, and Rundu, building capacity among government officials and small-scale farmers.

Facing severe droughts, Namibia has implemented measures such as the culling of overpopulated wildlife to distribute meat to food-insecure communities. In 2024, plans were made to cull 723 wild animals, including 83 elephants, to alleviate food shortages and reduce humanwildlife conflicts. To further address water scarcity, the Bethanie Desalination Plant was inaugurated in 2022. This solar-powered facility desalinates brackish groundwater, providing potable water to the Bethanie community, aligning with Namibia's goal of 100 percent potable water access by 2030.

MEFT initiated the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in 2022, aiming to track adaptation progress across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and energy. In 2023, MEFT, in collaboration with UNESCO, UNDP, and other partners, launched the "Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for Enhanced Adaptation Planning and Resilience in Namibia" (SANIED) project. With a budget of USD 25 million over six years, SANIED aimed to

improve forecasting, disaster risk reduction, and stakeholder coordination, aligning with Namibia's goal of achieving climate resilience by 2030.

Namibia's concerted efforts since 2012 therefore demonstrate a robust commitment to building climate resilience. Through policy development, ecosystem restoration, technological innovation, and community engagement, the country has laid a strong foundation for sustainable adaptation to climate change. Continued investment and collaboration will be essential to achieve Namibia's vision of a climate-resilient nation by 2030.

Readings: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Okavango_Delta,_Botswa na_(2674364913).jpg https://napglobalnetwork.org/2022/06/namibia-kicks-offdevelopment-mel-system https://www.namibian.com.na/namibia-builds-resilience-toclimate-change https://www.eif.org.na/post/ecosystem-based-adaptation-launched https://www.wsj.com/world/africa/drought-stricken-countries-killelephants-to-feed-the-hungry https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/namibia-cull-83-elephantsdistribute-meat-people-affected-by-drought-2024-08-27 https://www.thinknamibia.org.na/news/climate-changeadaptation-and-mitigation-milestones-in-namibia-s-climatechange-response https://www.undp.org/namibia/stories/namibia-takes-stepsstrengthen-climate-information-and-early-warning-systemsenhanced-adaptation-planning-and-resilience https://assar.uct.ac.za/articles/2018-10-31-climate-radio-showlooks-importance-drought-management-namibia

Courtesy: University of Cape Town

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Key Dates SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

REPO RATE

6.75%

Monetary Policy Announcement - April (Published 16 April 2025)

Repo Rate

Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Announcement Dates Date

Repo Rate 2025 6.75%

6.75%

18 June 2025

7 6

13 August 2025

5 4 3

15 October 2025

2 1

03 December 2025

0

Feb 2025

Apr 2025

Jun 2025

Aug 2025

Oct 2025

Dec 2025

INFLATION RATE

3.60%

Annual Inflation Rate - April

Inflation (CPI)

Monthly Inflation Rate 2025 5 4

3.60% 3.20%

4.20% 3.60%

3 2 1 0

Jan 2025 Feb 2025 Mar 2025 Apr 2025 May 2025 Jun 2025 Jul 2025 Aug 2025 Sep 2025 Oct 2025 Nov 2025 Dec 2025

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Fuel Prices May 2025 Fuel Prices Update Petrol

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ANGOLA

NIGERIA

BOTSWANA

Diesel

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Effective as of 05 May 2025

N$ 20.67/ US$ 1.14

N$ 20.62/ US$ 1.13

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Effective as of 05 May 2025

R 20.99/ US$ 1.16

R 21.48/ US$ 1.18

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Kz 300.00/ US$ 0.33

Kz 300.00/ US$ 0.33

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Effective as of 05 May 2025

₦ 838.63/ US$ 0.52

₦ 932.75/ US$ 0.58

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

Effective as of 05 May 2025

Effective as of 05 May 2025

P 14.75/

US$ 1.09

P 14.94/ US$ 1.10

per litre Petrol Unleaded 95

per litre Diesel 50ppm

The US$ equivalent refers to current exchange rates (May 2025) Data Source: www.mme.gov.na, theglobaleconomy.com

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OUR FOOTPRINT Asia Britain Caribbean Southern Africa USA Our innovative strategies are baked daily at 40 Copper Street, Prosperita, Windhoek, Namibia.

Contact us today to discover how our unique services add value to your business!

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Energy Sector The Nuclear Pathway: A Journey to Becoming a Nuclear-Powered Nation AUTHOR: David Jarrett and Team Editor @ RDJ Publishing and RDJ Group Chief Executive Officer

Courtesy: https://world-nuclear.org/nuclear-reactor-database/summary

A

s nuclear energy gains even more traction and attraction in light of energy transition and plain old economic efficiency boosts, let us unpack the

pathway of a nuclear-powered nation. With 440 operable reactors and 66 new reactors being built (representing a 15 percent increase) globally, there can be no avoidance of the need for non-nuclear-powered states to consider the option.

Most striking is the feel that nuclear power capacity should be “tripled” by 2050 and is mooted by the Large Energy Users Pledge stating:

“Agree that nuclear energy capacity should at least triple by 2050, from current levels, to help achieve global goals for enhanced energy resiliency and security, and continuous firm clean energy supply”.

-World Nuclear Association

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The global energy landscape is thus undergoing a significant transformation, nuclear energy thus stands out as another reliable and efficient option, past negative experiences discounted. As an extract from S&P Global states, Massimo Garribba, Deputy Director General in the European Commission Energy Department, said European Union (EU) efforts to cut carbon emissions and boost competitiveness had increased support for nuclear power from both policy-makers and members of the public.

"Openness to nuclear energy is happening" he said at the conference, hosted by industry group NuclearEurope and the Polish government. "Opening up to money may be more controversial. It needs a proper negotiating technique." [further stating that] "The onus is now on industry to move the debate forward," Garribba said in Brussels. "Build on time and to budget."

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For countries considering the adoption of nuclear power, it is essential to be informed on the pathway to becoming a nuclear-powered nation, including the benefits, challenges, and necessary steps involved.

The onus is now on industry to move the debate forward Nuclear energy offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for countries seeking to diversify their energy mix and enhance their energy security. Most importantly, Nuclear energy has a high energy density, meaning that it can produce a large amount of electricity from a relatively small amount of fuel. This efficiency translates into lower operational costs and less fuel required over the reactor's lifetime. Nuclear power plants are also capable of providing a constant and reliable supply of electricity, known as base load power.

This reliability is essential for maintaining grid stability and supporting intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. One other significant benefit of nuclear energy is its low greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuel-based power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce carbon dioxide during operation. This makes nuclear energy a crucial component of any strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.

While the advantages of nuclear energy are compelling, there are also significant challenges and considerations that countries must address when contemplating the adoption of nuclear power. The construction of nuclear power plants involves substantial upfront capital investment. These costs include the design, licensing,

construction, and commissioning of the reactor.

Additionally, the long lead times associated with nuclear projects can pose financial risks. Nuclear power generation produces radioactive waste, which must be managed safely and securely.

Non-nuclear powered countries must inevitably develop comprehensive waste management strategies, including the handling, transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear waste. Ensuring the safety and security of nuclear power plants is paramount and so establish robust regulatory frameworks, safety standards, and emergency preparedness plans to prevent accidents and mitigate potential risks.

It is clear therefore that a lot needs to be done to move a non-nuclear-powered nation to become a nuclear-powered country. In our next edition, the conversation continues as we will examine what Namibia would need to become a nuclear powered nation, so continue to follow INFOCUS NAMIBIA www.rdjpublishing.africa or via WhatsApp +264 81 750 3010 if not already a subscriber.

Readings: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/countryprofiles/countries-g-n/namibia https://www.namibianuranium.org/ https://www.namibianuranium.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/07/NUI-NUA-anuual-report-2023.pdf https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-futuregeneration/small-modular-reactor-smr-global-tracker https://nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/index.php/en/ https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/newsresearch/latest-news/electric-power/043025-industry-must-build-onnew-eu-openness-to-nuclear-energy-eu-official-says

Courtesy: https://world-nuclear.org/nuclear-reactor-database/summary

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Solar Energy Production

NAMIBIA DAM LEVELS UPDATE (May 2025)

Dam's Full Capacity (in Mm3)

Present Volume May 2025 (in Mm3)

100

1000

80 800

600

400

40

200

20

H ar da p

N ec ka rt al

0

0 N Sw au te ak op po or t Vo n Ba O ch lu sh an dj O a m O ar m ur at u ak D o el ta D am O an ob D re O ih tji uk ve ro M O ai tji n ve ro Si lt Fr ie O d m en at au je nn e D am G or ea ng Ti ab ld a Vi ljo en Bo nd D el aa s n Vi ljo en

Water Volume (in Mm3)

60

Name of Reservoir Author’s analysis and representation of NamWater’s weekly dam bulletin - dated 19 May 2025

DEFICIT 11.5%

CAPACITY

1556.71 Mm3

According to records by NamWater’s weekly Dam Bulletins, Namibia has a total Reservoir capacity of 1556.71 million cubic meters (Mm3), whose present volumes stand at 1377.11 Mm3 (or 88.5%). This means that the country’s water deficit is currently 179.6 Mm3 (or 11.5%).

90.1% Present % of Full Capacity 22 April 2025

88.5% Present % of Full Capacity 19 May 2025

AVAILABILITY 88.5%

SOURCE: RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC

NAMIBIAN GOVERNMENT AND KfW INVEST NAD 1.5 BILLION TO UPGRADE CRITICAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Environment Investing in Biodiversity is Investing in Our Future AUTHOR: Bernadette Shalumbu-Shivute Sustainable Finance Specialist @ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

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I

n an age marked by climate uncertainty, economic volatility, and public health challenges, one truth stands clear, the preservation of biodiversity is not a luxury but a necessity. The world must act urgently to invest in biodiversity or face the consequences of ecological and economic collapse. The rapid loss of biodiversity threatens the foundation of life on Earth, with far reaching consequences for climate stability, food security, global health, and economic resilience. Investing in nature is not only essential for mitigating environmental shocks but also for enabling societies to thrive (World Economic Forum, 2023).

Biodiversity, defined as the variety of life on Earth, is essential for a functioning planet. Without it, ecosystems collapse, and with them the natural systems that support human existence. It underpins vital ecological processes, producing the goods and services upon which all societies depend. A healthy environment is a prerequisite for a stable, thriving economy. Biodiversity is silently eroding under the pressure of human activities. Yet, despite its critical role, it often remains on the periphery of policy priorities and investment strategies.

Global Commitments to Conservation The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), ratified by most countries including Namibia, is a legally binding agreement committing signatories to conserve biodiversity, use its components sustainably, and equitably share the benefits of genetic resources. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) builds on this, setting a bold target: to protect 30 percent of terrestrial, inland water, and marine areas by 2030.

However, achieving this goal requires closing a staggering US$700 billion annual biodiversity finance gap UNEP - UN Environment Programme (UNEP, 2025). Current investments remain insufficient despite the accelerating crisis. The GBF emphasizes mobilizing funding from all sectors including governments, the private sector, philanthropy, and multilateral banks and including indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth in the affiliated governance processes.

The GBF provides a clear roadmap, calling for at least US$20 billion per year in biodiversity-related international finance to developing countries by 2025, increasing to US$30 billion by 2030. The specific targets for biodiversity finance are: Target 18: Phasing out or reforming at least US$500 billion per year in subsidies harmful to biodiversity.

Target 19: Mobilizing US$200 billion annually by 2030 from all sources to promote conservation and sustainable use.

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Biodiversity in Crisis The world is losing biodiversity at an unprecedented rate.

Over 47,000 species are currently threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (2025), representing only 28 percent of all assessed species. In Namibia, critically endangered species include the cave catfish, Otjikoto tilapia, stingray, several vulture species, the black rhino, Pearson’s aloe, and the giant quiver tree.

Biodiversity loss is intertwined with climate change.

Resilient ecosystems, forests, oceans, wetlands are essential for carbon sequestration and climate adaptation.

Their degradation accelerates global warming, reduces water availability, increases pathogen outbreaks, and weakens food systems. Unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to biodiversity loss, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. A lack of agrobiodiversity also limits the health benefits of improved food production, especially for vulnerable populations (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 2024).

Biodiversity supports human well-being by regulating climate and water cycles, providing medicine, improving mental and physical health, and reinforcing cultural identity. These “nature’s contributions to people” are irreplaceable and must be safeguarded (IPBES, 2024).

Biodiversity Finance: A Growing Opportunity Investing in biodiversity is, fundamentally, investing in our collective future. Countries like Namibia, with vast and unique ecosystems, offer a compelling example of the potential for biodiversity to drive sustainable development.

Proper investment in conservation efforts, eco-tourism, community-based natural resource management, and green jobs can transform biodiversity into an engine for inclusive growth. Moreover, integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning, agriculture, and climate strategies can help mitigate risks while enhancing socio-economic resilience (MET, 2021).

Biodiversity finance involves mobilizing capital and incentives to support conservation. It spans public and private investments, market-based instruments, and policies that redirect harmful subsidies. Despite increasing awareness, tracking biodiversity finance remains difficult due to opaque transactions and inconsistent definitions (BIOFIN, 2024). However, mobilizing the necessary financing

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requires bold partnerships between governments, private sector actors, and development institutions. Mechanisms such as biodiversity trust funds, green bonds, and payment for ecosystem services must be scaled up and supported by strong governance frameworks.

To help navigate this universe, the Biodiversity Finance (BIOFIN) Global Programme was initiated by UNDP and the EU in 2012 and currently has 133 participating countries, including Namibia. The BIOFIN workbook (2024) outlines six categories of financial instruments, which can often be combined into multiple instruments and often interact in the design of a single finance solution. These are: Grants: Non-repayable funds, often used for conservation projects.

Debt/Equity Instruments: Including green bonds and equity investments in biodiversity-positive businesses.

Risk Management Tools: Insurance schemes and guarantees for green investments.

Fiscal Instruments: Taxes on natural resource use and the removal of harmful subsidies.

Market-Based Mechanisms: Payments for ecosystem services, habitat banking, and emerging biodiversity and wildlife credit markets.

Regulatory Approaches: Stronger environmental laws, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.

The government invested more than N$ 50 billion between 2006 and 2024 across three key ministries i.e. the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism; the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and the Ministry of

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Fisheries and Marine Resources, to cover development and operational budgets. A decline of up to 3.3 percent in biodiversity expenditure was observed between 2015/16 and 2020/21, which further contributed to the pressing urgency to mobilize resources that would fill the deficit.

With Namibia having been classified as an upper middleincome country the government has understandably targeted public expenditure towards other sectors and services suggesting that biodiversity is becoming a lower priority for Namibian public funds.

Namibia: A Conservation Leader Namibia is a global example of conservation success. Since independence in 1990, nearly half of the country’s land has come under some form of conservation management, including state-protected areas, communal conservancies, community forests and private reserves. Local and indigenous communities play a pivotal role in this success.

Yet, more can be done to empower these communities to manage and benefit from natural resources.

Inequality is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Many rural communities rely on extractive livelihoods due to a lack of alternatives. Wealth must be redistributed to the stewards of nature who live closest to it. Environmental recovery depends on addressing this imbalance. Equitable wealth distribution can empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and reduce overexploitation of resources.

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The environmental movement must also overcome a growing crisis of trust. Misinformation and greenwashing undermine public confidence and limit funding for community-led initiatives. Companies need tools to trace supply chains and report environmental impacts transparently. Advances in geospatial technology offer ways to track biodiversity outcomes and direct investment in nature-positive projects.

A Call to Action Nature is our life support system, but it is under extraordinary pressure. Human activity, particularly over the last century, has driven biodiversity loss to crisis levels.

If we fail to act, we risk reinforcing global threats from climate change, pandemics, and food insecurity. The costs of inaction are mounting. But the returns of a healthy planet clean air, fertile soil, abundant water, and a stable climate are priceless.

Nature doesn’t send invoices, but it will deliver consequences. The time to act is now. By aligning financial systems, public policy, and community action with biodiversity goals, we can create a future where people and nature thrive together.

Courtesy: Getty Images

About the Author: Bernadette Shalumbu-Shivute is an environmentalist by profession with 18 years of working experience. Prior to joining UNDP she was the Manager responsible for Programming and Project Management at the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF). Prior to this, she has been employed at the Climate Change Unit within the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) as the National Designated Authority (NDA); spearheading and coordinating access to climate finance.

Bernadette spent a significant amount of her professional career (10 years) in the non-governmental (NGO) sector providing project management services to projects within the environmental sector at the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN).

She holds a master’s degree in environmental management from the University of the Free State, an Honours degree from the University of Pretoria and an undergraduate degree in natural resources from the University of Namibia.

She is currently the project lead for BIOFIN Namibia.

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InFocus NAMIBIA

SADC conservation areas under mounting threats contributed by:

presented by:

AUTHOR: Jemima Beukes

Courtesy: simoneemanphotos

"The international ban under CITES on ivory sales remains in place, limiting revenue for conservation and fueling debate on sustainable use."

D

espite 25 years of progress in establishing Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs), the SADC region is now facing serious threats that

could undermine decades of conservation efforts.

These include escalating human-wildlife conflict, persistent poaching, illegal logging, and unstable funding are putting pressure on the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

Speaking at the SADC TFCA Conference on 19 May 2025, Domingos Gove, Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the SADC Secretariat, acknowledged these pressing challenges.

He highlighted how TFCAs have grown from just one in 1999 to 13 today, now covering over 914,000 km².

Namibia, a leading partner in the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) TFCA, continues to benefit from cross-border cooperation, but also faces the difficult task of balancing wildlife conservation with the protection of rural livelihoods.

InFocus NAMIBIA AN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW

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Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) is the second-largest nature and landscape conservation area in the world.

“KAZA TFCA alone harbors over 220,000 elephants, that is more than half of Africa’s remaining savanna elephants. This population has remained stable for quite a number of years, while in the other areas of the continent, the numbers have decreased significantly. On the other hand, this increase in numbers, coupled with increase in the number of human populations, results in increased Human- Wildlife Conflicts.”

Gove added, that there is a need to ensure that the carrying capacity of the region’s TFCAs is maintained to avoid ecological imbalances.

“So that the biodiversity gains are not done at the expense of human lives and their livelihoods - tens of people are killed by wildlife every year in several SADC Member States, partly due to biodiversity gains - and ecosystem balance,” Gove stressed.

He advocated for integrated solutions including investment in water, energy, roads, healthcare, education, and spatial planning to support both people and nature.

Poaching remains a major concern, and according to Gove,

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in the past decade alone, at least 8,000 African rhinos have been killed – one nearly every day.

A related policy issue is the management of growing ivory stockpiles. SADC states such as Zimbabwe argue that their elephant populations are increasing by 5 to 8 percent annually – a rate that exceeds available habitat.

Gove also highlighted that, Zimbabwe alone holds about 130 tonnes of ivory, worth an estimated US$600 million.

“However, the international ban under CITES on ivory sales remains in place, limiting revenue for conservation and fueling debate on sustainable use. The region should continue to advocate at CITES for decisions that recognize its successful elephant management, using its CITES Engagement Strategy,” he said.

This contributes about 31 percent of Africa’s total deforestation, driven by rural poverty, small-scale agriculture, shifting cultivation, fuelwood use, illegal logging, and infrastructure development.

Itai Chibaya, Country Director of WWF Zimbabwe, pointed out that as it is important to celebrate the gains the region has made in conservation, the hard truths must be faced.

“Climate change is drying rivers, shifting wildlife movement, and compounding human-wildlife conflict. Expanding infrastructure such mining and land-use change important to economic development continue to fragment critical corridors. Uncertainty with funding sources, under-resourced conservation efforts, and insufficient community benefitsharing threaten the long-term viability of this shared vision,” he noted.

Southern Africa is also experiencing one of the highest deforestation rates on the continent, losing 0.6 percent of its forest cover annually.

Courtesy: SADC SECRETARIAT

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Tenders

Namibia Airports Company Description: Design, Supply, Delivery, Installation and Commissioning of Apron Floodlights Closing date: 04 Jun 2025 https://www.airports.com.na/procurement/design-supply-delivery-installation-and-commissioning-of-apron-floodlights/277/ NamPower Description: Consultancy Services for the Provision of Meteorological Resource, Ambient Air Quality, and Noise Level Data for the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station, near Tsumeb.

Closing date: 13 Jun 2025 at 10h00 Namibian Time https://www.nampower.com.na/Bid.aspx?id=272175 Ministry of Works and Transport Description: Advert of Supply of 48kg Rails and Turnouts (Lot 2).

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Press Releases

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