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Ministry of Environment and Tourism

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Min Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment & Tourism

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) is responsible for safeguarding Namibia’s environmental resources. MET has implemented far-reaching policy and legislation reforms within the environmental sphere.

The mission of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is to promote biodiversity conservation in the Namibian environment through the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and tourism development for the maximum social and economic benefit of its citizens.

MET Top Management Minister – Hon. Pohamba Shifeta Deputy Minister – Hon. Tommy Nambahu Permanent Secretary – Dr Malan Lindeque Deputy Permanent Secretaries – Heads of Departments

• Mr Teofilus Nghitila – Deputy Permanent Secretary of Environmental Affairs/Environmental Commissioner
• Ms Seimy Shidute – Deputy Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Planning and Administration
• Ms Louisa Mupetami – Deputy Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources, Parks and Regional Services

Departments and Directorates

Department of Tourism, Planning and Administration

• Directorate of Tourism and Gaming (DTG)
• Directorate of Planning and Technical Services (DPTS)
• Directorate of Administration, Finance and Human Resources (DAFHR)

Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Regional Services

• Directorate of Regional Services and Park Management (DRSPM)
• Directorate of Scientific Services (DSS)

Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)

MET strategic areas of operation and lead agencies

• Promoting biodiversity conservation and wildlife habitats in Namibia and across landscapes and ensuring sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources (DRSPM)
• Ensuring conservation and management of wildlife is maximally effected by applying sound scientific methodologies (DNRM)
• Ensuring that Namibia’s environment, biodiversity and ecological processes are conserved, managed and sustainably utilised (DEA)
• Ensuring the tourism and gaming industry is supported, regulated and contributes to socio-economic development in Namibia (DTG)
• Ensuring effective planning, execution of programmes and development of infrastructure that contribute to sustainable environmental management and tourism development in Namibia (DPTS)
• Strengthening and enabling environment and higher performance culture (DAFHR)

Parastatals and funds under the MET

• Game Products Trust Fund : supporting programmes aimed at wildlife conservation and management and rural development
• Namibia Wildlife Resorts : managing and controlling wildlife resorts in Namibia’s protected areas
• Namibia Tourism Board : marketing Namibia internationally as a tourist destination, and regulating the tourism industry in Namibia
• Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia : directing investment into environmental protection and natural resource management activities and projects which support the sustainable economic development of Namibia

International obligations

The MET serves as national focal point to the:

• UN Convention on Biological Diversity
• UN Convention to Combat Desertification
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Convention on the Illegal Trade of Endangered Species
• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

The MET is supported by the Global Environment Facility and a number of bilateral and civil society partners implement these Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the national level.

Management of biodiversity and wildlife habitats

• 20 protected areas in place covering 17 per cent of the country
• New national parks such as Dorob, Sperrgebiet and Mangetti
• Entire coastline under national park status
• Two transfrontier conservation areas: KAZA and Ai-Ais/Richtersveld
• Improved management of almost all parks
• Assessments based on criteria including the drafting of regular work plans; research; resource management; staff training; education and awareness programmes; traditional authority involvement; economic benefits to communities; M&E; and law enforcement
• Major expansion of communal conservancies
• Generated over US$6 million for local communities in 2012
• Facilitated the creation of 6,477 jobs
• Registration of 99 enterprises on natural resources by 2013

Applying science to wildlife management

• Species management plans are in place for a number of key species including elephant and white rhino
• Increasing numbers of threatened and high value species are being recorded including elephant and black rhino
• Regular monitoring of wildlife and birds and improved understanding of behaviour
• Largest populations of free roaming black rhino and cheetah in the world
• Over 10,000 heads of wildlife have been translocated to communal conservancies and their previous ranges

Environmental management and protection

• Proclamation of the Environmental Management Act of 2007 as the legal basis for EIAs and SEAs
• Dedicated division in place to process EIAs and to monitor compliance with EMPs
• Coastal Management Policy launched in 2013
• Establishment of Sustainable Development Advisory Council in 2012
• Functional cross-sectoral committees in place for the implementation of the Rio Conventions in Namibia
• Environmental issues mainstreamed in Vision 2030 and National Development Plans
• Launch of national strategies to implement the UNFCC, CBD and UNCCD in 2014

Tourism and gaming

• Tourism is the fastest growing economic sector and 3rd largest contributor to GDP
• It provides an estimated 81,000 jobs or 22 per cent of total employment
• Tourism sector contributed N$11.5 billion to GDP in 2010
• Number of tourist arrivals rose from just 220,000 in 1992 to over a million for the first time in 2011
• Namibia is a favoured destination for hosting international conferences, such as the World Adventure Tourism and Travel Summit and UNCCD COP 11 in 2013
• Tourism is recognised as an economic priority under NDP4, which has the goal for Namibia to become the most competitive tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa by 2017
• Tourism Growth Strategy and Tourism Investment Promotion Strategy, both launched in 2014
• Approximately N$20 million per year collected in gambling revenue
• Lotteries Bill and the establishment of a National Lottery are in process

Effective planning, execution of programmes and development of infrastructure

• Strategic planning frameworks are in place and aligned to Namibia’s National Development Planning frameworks
• Quarterly monitoring and evaluation of performance through the DPTS
• Continued increased investment in the construction and renovation of regional offices and MET staff housing, upgrading of infrastructure in protected areas, and construction and maintenance of water facilities for game
• Restructuring of MET as approved in 2011 by OPM
• Introduction of a decentralised procurement system for MET regional staff
• Dedication to capacity development of MET staff
• Introduction of a performance evaluation system
• MET HIV/AIDS policy
• Knowledge Management Strategy in place
• Employee Wellness Programme and Committee

Web:  www.met.gov.na

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UNWTO in Namibia - First Visit to African Member State Since Start of the Pandemic

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has paid a first visit to an African Member State since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three-day official visit to Namibia reaffirms UNWTO’s commitment to the continent and featured a series of high-level talks aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and looking to a sustainable, resilient future.

As the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, UNWTO has been actively guiding the sector’s recovery and restart from this unprecedented crisis. To reflect the new challenges, it has worked directly with its African Member States , including Namibia, to adapt the 2030 Agenda for Africa : Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the landmark roadmap for the responsible growth of tourism across the continent. This official visit offered a first chance to follow up on virtual meetings and advance the preparations for the restart of a sector upon which millions of African livelihoods depend.

UNWTO is committed to working closely with our African Member States to realize the potential of tourism to help societies recover from the effects of the pandemic and enjoy long-term sustainable growth

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia for talks on realizing the potential of tourism to drive sustainable development, including for youth, women and rural communities. In addition, the Secretary-General commended the head of state for his leadership, particularly with regards to the international tourism revival initiative which includes the key health and safety protocols drawn up by UNWTO. Alongside this, a meeting with Vice President H.E. Nangolo Mbumba allowed the UNWTO leadership further opportunity to express support for African Member States as they use tourism to recover and grow. Additionally, the UNWTO delegation met with Honourable Pohamba Shifeta, MP, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to identify ways of growing the country’s tourism sector, including a greater focus on gastronomy tourism, rural and community-based tourism.

 ‘UNWTO Committed to Africa’

“UNWTO is committed to working closely with our African Member States to realize the potential of tourism to help societies recover from the effects of the pandemic and enjoy long-term sustainable growth,” Secretary-General Pololikashvili said. “The UNWTO Agenda for Africa maps our collective way forward, and I pleased to see first-hand the commitment shown by the Government of Namibia to support tourism at this vital time and embrace the sector as a driver of positive change for all.”

Highlighting UNWTO’s determination to lead by example, show travel is safe and be active on the ground when conditions are right, the delegation visited several of Namibia’s leading tourist sites. These included the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is ready to welcome tourists again, and also historical Swakopmund and the up-and-coming Walvis Bay tourist destination. Secretary-General Pololikashvili met with Honourable Neville Andre, Governor of the Erongo Region of Namibia, to offer UNWTO’s strongest support for local tourism, including businesses.

Additionally, the Namibia Tourism Expo provided an opportunity for UNWTO to engage with public and private sector leaders from across the region and sent a clear message to the world that Namibia, “The Land of the Brave” is open and ready to welcome tourists again.

Related Links

• Download the press release in PDF
• UNWTO to Work with Atrevia to Boost Tourism in Africa
• UNWTO Regional Department for Africa
• New International Code to Provide Greater Legal Protection for Tourists

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Tourism and Gaming

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The mission of the Directorate of Tourism and Gaming (DTG) is to develop  a sustainable and responsible tourism industry that contributes significantly to the economic development of Namibia and the quality of life of all her people.

The DTG was re-structured in 2011 to become a more streamlined directorate focusing on the development of tourism policy and legislation, collection of  tourism statistics and the regulation of the gaming industry.

The Vision of tourism in Namibia

'A mature, sustainable and responsible tourism industry contributing significantly to the economic development of Namibia and the quality of life of all her people, primarily through job creation and economic growth'.

Click here to View  The key functions of the Directorate of Tourism and Gaming

Click here to View the Guiding principles for the tourism industry as provided for in the national tourism policy

State Owned Enterprises

Note:  Click on the linked heading text to expand or collapse panels.

Strategic Focus

Key tourism events, community based projects, etosha national park.

Etosha National Park is the country's flagship Park and national heritage encompasses the iconic Etosha Pan, a shallow salt depression which used to be a large lake. The Park is home to various species of large and small mammals and plants specially adapted to the harsh seasonal variations in climate. Four of the Big five (Lion, Rhino, Elephant and Giraffe) can be found here.

Ai/-Ais/ Richterveldt Transfrontier Park

The area boasts the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon.

Namib Naukluft National Park

Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast is a desolate and vast area which shows the remnants of battles between man and nature over the centuries, as witnessed by a number of shipwrecks on the coast. Desert Elephant and antelope species wander the riverine landscapes of this vast area. The remoteness of the area and rich Atlantic coastline also lends itself suitable to fishing and angling. Make a booking with NWR for the best fishing experience in Namibia.

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  -departments,   directorates-,   menu item 2,   menu item 3, government feedback, latest news and press releases.

Ministry's reaction to the accident in which two tourists lost their lives

Ministry's response to petition allegations, naked tourist at big daddy dune.

Thandler Airport Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Project Named

Silicon Bench And Cornike Begin Construction Solar Facilities

Related Links

• Office of the President
• Office of the Prime Minister
• Government Portal
• Namibia Wildlife Resorts
• Namibia Tourism Board
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) in conjunction with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) with the financial and technical support from United Nations Economic for Africa (UNECA), has finalized the compilation process of the Namibia’s Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) Report 2022.

The (TSA) report measures the direct economic contribution of tourism to the economy. This report captures comprehensive statistics that will contribute to informed decision-making and strategic planning for the tourism sector.

Tourism Satellite Accounts provide an internationally recognized and standardized method of assessing the scale of tourism related production and its links across different sectors. The Namibia Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the year 2022 is a significant development in the field of tourism statistics for Namibia. This publication is the first using the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) methodology and to which Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) was fully involved, reflecting the commitment to data accuracy, transparency, and the recognition of the importance of the tourism sector in the country’s economy.

The implementation of this TSA is anchored under Strategic Intervention 4 of Namibia's Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (2022-2024), which aims to “increase tourism market intelligence through statistics and data collection." The finalisation of the 6th edition of TSA takes Namibia closer to achieving the above goals and objectives.

The maiden TSA launch is organized through a collaborative arrangement with Government of Namibia/ Ministry of Forestry, Environment and Tourism; Namibia Statistics Agency; the Namibia Resident Coordinator’s Office and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Bedson Nyoni Senior Information Management Assistant Economic Commission for Africa Office Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa (ECA-SRO-SA) Contact: +260 966 845948 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Romeo Muyunda Public Relations Officer, The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia Contact: 0811407844 Email: [email protected]

• Namibia Tourism Satellite Account

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The ministries self-declared mission is "to promote biodiversity conservation in the Namibian environment through the sustainable utilization of natural resources and tourism development for the maximum social and economic benefit of its citizens." Its mandate is derived from the Constitution of Namibia , specifically Chapter 11 "Principles of State Policy" and Article 95 "Promotion of the Welfare of the People". [2]

Namibia is the first African country that has integrated environmental conservation in the national constitution. [3]

The ministry has three Departments: [4]

• Tourism, Planning and Administration
• Natural Resources Management
• Environmental Affairs and Forestry

It further consists of seven Directorates

• Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)
• Directorate of Forestry (DoF)
• Environmental Affairs (EA)
• Planning and Technical Services
• Scientific Services
• Tourism and Gaming
• Administration, Finance and Human Resources
• List of national parks of Namibia

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Namibia is one of few countries in the world to specifically address habitat conservation and protection of natural resources in their constitution. Article 95 states, "The State shall actively promote and maintain the welfare of the people by adopting international policies aimed at the following: maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological processes, and biological diversity of Namibia, and utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future.".

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NamParks or the Namibian National Parks Programme is a programme of the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET). It was established in 2006 and is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW. It works in Bwabwata, Khaudum, Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks in north eastern Namibia. The parks are part of a larger conservation area, the Kavango and Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area. They contain biodiversity and habitat that are not found elsewhere in Namibia. They are also important for tourism. Partners believe that investment in the north eastern parks contributes to the ecological and economic development of the KAZA TFCA.

The protected areas of Namibia include its national parks and reserves. With the 2010 declaration of Dorob National Park, Namibia became the first and only country to have its entire coastline protected through a national parks network. Protected areas are subdivided into game reserves and/or nature reserves, such as special protected area, wilderness areas, natural areas, and development areas. There are also recreation reserves. Facilities in the national parks are operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Over 19% of Namibia is protected, an area of some 130,000 square kilometres. However, the Ministry of Environment & Tourism auctions limited hunting rights within its protected areas. The Namibia Nature Foundation, an NGO, was established in 1987 to raise and administer funds for the conservation of wildlife and protected area management. Communal Wildlife Conservancies in Namibia help promote sustainable natural resource management by giving local communities rights to wildlife management and tourism.

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The Forest and Environment Research, Development and Innovation Agency , officially named Research, Development, and Innovation Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The agency nationally known as BLI , while internationally known as FORDA-MOF . The agency was a supporting unit of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The agency was responsible for performing researches on environmental sciences, climate change and its mitigation, and forestry in Indonesia.

• ↑ Government of Namibia. "Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia - About Us" . www.met.gov.na . Retrieved 2021-10-08 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: url-status ( link )
• ↑ "Namibia: Environmental Law Context Report | African Legal Information Institute" . africanlii.org . Retrieved 2021-10-08 .
• ↑ Government of Namibia. "Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia - Tourism, Planning and Administration" . www.met.gov.na . Retrieved 2021-10-08 . {{ cite web }} : CS1 maint: url-status ( link )
• Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
• Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism at the Commonwealth of Nations

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Tourism sector contributes N$14,3b to GDP

By Shania Lazarus

9 February 2024

The Namibia Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) report has shown that the tourism sector contributed N$14,3 billion in 2022 with the total national gross domestic product (GDP) standing at N$206,2 billion.

According to the report, which was launched in Windhoek yesterday, tourism’s direct gross value added stood at N$13,2 billion.

“The majority, 81,1% of the overall expenditure, came from visitors on holiday, leisure, or recreation. Overnight visitors made about 4,7 million trips, while same-day visitors made about 2,6 million trips,” he said.

The tourism sector employs about 57 571 people, as computed using the 2018 Labour Force Survey.

Domestic tourism also played a significant role, with overnight visitors spending N$2,1 billion on food and beverage-serving services.

Pohamba Shifeta, the environment minister, said the tourism sector is a driver of economic growth.

“Tourism is not just about travel and leisure; the sector is a vital economic driver of the Namibian economy.”

He said the alignment of Namibia’s TSA with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation framework and its role in increasing tourism market intelligence through statistics and data collection is being met with this report launch.

“With the launch of this report, policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers and the public at large will now have access to robust data that can guide strategic planning and policy formulation in the sector,” Shifeta said.

The launch event also featured remarks from United Nations resident coordinator Hopolang Phororo, who commended Namibia’s commitment to harnessing tourism’s potential for inclusive growth.

Phororo highlighted the TSA’s role in providing evidence-based data that supports informed decision-making and policy formulation.

“The TSA is an indispensable element in Namibia’s data and information ecosystem, serving the economy and public with data about the socio-economic and cultural contribution of the sector,” he said.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month . Invest in journalism, invest in democracy – Subscribe Now!

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Visa & Entry Requirements

All visitors to Namibia must have a valid passport for at least six months after the date of entry, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (at least three blank pages for the entry and exit stamps). All visitors must also have a valid return ticket. In addition, all visitors must have a visa, except those nationalities with which Namibia has the necessary visa exemption agreement.

Visitors from the following countries do not require visas:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Malawi, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visitors from the following countries can apply for a visa upon arrival in Namibia:

Argentina, Belarus,  Cambodia,  Chile,  Equatorial Guinea,  Benin,  Cape Verde, Croatia,  Eritrea,  Bulgaria,  Cameroon, Comoros,  Cote d’ Ivoire, Gabon,  Burkina Faso, Burundi,  Central African Republic, Chad,  Czech Republic ,  Djibouti, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Gambia,  Guinea,  Guinea Bissau, Mexico,  Romania,  Slovakia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania,  Moldova,  Rwanda,  South Korea, Liberia ,  São Tomé and Principe, Thailand,  Madagascar, Nicaragua,  Niger,  Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkey,  Mauritania, Paraguay, Peru,  Poland ,  Tunisia,  Uganda,  Ukraine,  United Arab Emirates, Uruguay,  Venezuela, Vetican/Holy See,  Vietnam and  Western Sahara Republic.

It is recommended that travellers planning on visiting Namibia always confirm whether or not a VISA is required. This is because the above lists may change from time to time.

Holidaymakers and tourists are welcome to remain in the country for 90 days. Business visas are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Travellers can obtain visas from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, and Namibian missions abroad. Please note that a visa on arrival is only issued at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, Walvis Bay Harbour, Trans-Kalahari border post, Impalila Island border post, Katima Mulilo border post, Oshikango border post, Mohembo border post, Ariamsvlei border post, Orangemund border post, Noordoewer border post and Ngoma border post for selected countries and it is meant for tourist purposes only. Any other traveller with a different entry purpose must submit their application with all relevant documentation to the appropriate office.

Visas are valid up to three months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months from entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

Temporary Residence Permit:

Apply to the High Commission or Embassy; see Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s website.

Information pertaining to applicable fees are available on the  Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ‘s  website.

Communication:

Travellers to Namibia can travel with mobile equipment and access the GSM network at all towns and on most portions of the national highway. International roaming agreements are in place with 146 countries through 334 network partners.

Most accommodation establishments in Namibia offer Wi-Fi to their guests. For self-drive travellers who plan to travel into remote areas, it is recommended that they rent a satellite phone. When dialling internationally from Namibia via mobile devices, a + followed by the relevant country code, area code and number is dialled. For example, when dialling internationally to Namibia, the country code is 264, followed by the area code and number.

MTC and TN Mobile are Namibia’s leading cell phone operators. Travellers can purchase a starter pack and data if they want to communicate with other Namibian cell phones. Additional data can be bought easily across Namibia.

If visitors to Namibia have a tourist/holiday visa, they cannot engage in any employment while in the country. Should they wish to do so, they should apply for an employment permit in their country of residence before entry. The same applies to study permits.

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In 1993, WWF was invited to Namibia to implement the USAID-funded Living In A Finite Environment (LIFE) Project.  We’ve never looked back.    Since then, WWF has worked with dedicated Namibian conservationists and the country’s new, independent government to spearhead conservation efforts that empowered the local communities that live with the wildlife to gain rights and responsibilities over their natural resources through the creation of communal conservancies. The first communal conservancy was established in 1998.  As of May 2023, there are 86 communal conservancies, and more than 20 countries from around the world have studied its application.  WWF Namibia has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism.  We continue to support CBNRM and we have also expanded our reach to include providing support to large landscape conservation, species protection and socio-economic initiatives that impact Namibians from all walks of life. 

WWF Namibia’s vision is that Africa’s wildlife and wild places are valued, conserved, rehabilitated, and drive economic development, empower local communities, reduce inequities, and increase resilience to climate change and systemic shocks in Namibia and beyond.  We are working with Namibians to recover from the devastating impacts of Covid-19 and a 7-year drought in the northwest of the country to strengthen community conservation as well as to expand our efforts beyond communal areas to include freehold farms and national parks.  We will continue to amplify our work to ensure that both wildlife and wild places accelerate positive change as “engines of sustainable economic development” in Namibia, neighbouring countries and beyond.  By 2026, our goal is that the green economy in Namibia and KAZA is generating significant social, cultural, and economic returns by securing healthy wildlife population and wild places.