In 2025, Namibia is standing at a critical juncture in its fight against corruption. While the country has long enjoyed a reputation for relatively clean governance in Sub-Saharan Africa, recent years have brought mounting public frustration, high-profile investigations, and an ambitious new push to restore trust in public institutions.
A Renewed National Effort
At the heart of Namibia’s latest anti-corruption push is the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Project, launched in early 2025. Backed by $1.2 million in EU funding and implemented by UNDP Namibia, the initiative supports the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and key state institutions. The project aims to boost implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy & Action Plan (NACSAP), and foster inter-sectoral collaboration across government, civil society, and the private sector.
The initiative was designed to strengthen Namibia’s anti-corruption efforts by enhancing the investigative and prosecutorial capacities of Anti-Corruption Commission, whistleblower protection system by creation of digital anonymous platform reporting, and necessary legislative changes in the Parliament. The Office of the Prime Minister continues to lead national efforts in improving transparency, ethics, and integrity in public service. Still, the road ahead is far from smooth.
What the Numbers Say
Namibia’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score holds steady at 49/100, ranking 59th out of 180 countries – above the regional average of 33, but trailing regional leaders like Botswana and Rwanda (57). Despite this, public opinion paints a bleaker picture: 65% of Namibians believe corruption is worsening, and 76% feel the government is handling it poorly. Alarmingly, 60% fear retaliation for reporting corruption, highlighting weak whistleblower protections. The stagnant CPI score suggests reforms have yet to build real public trust or impact systemic corruption.
The ACC opened 142 new cases in 2023 but investigated only 66, with many referred or declined. Budget constraints and low salaries have led to the loss of over 20 investigators, severely weakening the ACC’s capacity. Yet, the Commission is now handling a high-profile $4.6 million case in the Ministry of Health – a critical test of its credibility.
Until now, the Good Governance project, established the Steering Committee in May, and since then, provided support to the ACC and OPM for strategic planning (2025-30) and training, involved several ministries in creation of digital platform for corruption reporting, developed monitoring tools, and supported several multi-day, national events or forums organized by the government institutions on the issues of misconduct, fighting corruption, or unethical behavior in public service.
As EU Ambassador to Namibia, Mrs. Ana-Beatriz Martins recently stated: “The EU and UN have taken a strong, proactive stance on joining forces with all partners to tackle corruption head on.”
Looking Ahead
Namibia’s future anti-corruption success depends on whether political will, enforcement, and international support can translate into visible outcomes. The UNDP project, grounded in system-thinking and digital transformation, combined with rising public demand for accountability, offers an impetus. For example, during the four-day forum in Rundu, the provincial capital in northern Namibia, which brought together more than 150 public servants from across the country, it was concluded that corruption is equivalent to treason against the Namibian national interest. In addressing shared digital barriers, good governance must extend from a whole-of-government to a whole-of-society approach. To restore trust, Namibia must deliver not just plans, but tangible results – through successful prosecutions, stronger protections, and institutional reform.
With renewed commitment, growing public awareness, and woth support from UNDP, Namibia has the tools to turn the tide – and set a regional example in the process. The path ahead won’t be easy, but with momentum building and reform within reach, Namibia has a real chance to turn progress into a lasting change.
