Namibia: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Namibia?

17.4% of Namibians lived below the national poverty line in 2015, according to World Bank Open Data. Namibia's Gini index of income inequality was 59.1 in the same year, according to the World Bank Gini series.

No newer national poverty figure was found. The NSA has announced the start of a new Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES) for 2025/2026 on its website. A Gini index of 0 means perfect equality and 100 maximum inequality.

Official sources: World Bank API: Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines, Namibia · World Bank: Gini index, Namibia · NSA: NHIES 2025/2026 commences

How fast are food prices rising in Namibia?

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices in Namibia were 4.0% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, down from 4.9% in September 2025, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency's September 2026 consumer price index bulletin. Fruit prices rose 14.4%, vegetables 8.5% and milk, cheese and eggs 7.0%.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks make up 16.5% of the consumer basket. Bread and cereals, the largest food item at 4.8% of the basket, rose 3.0%, and meat rose 3.3%, down from 8.1% a year earlier as beef inflation slowed from 14.1% to 2.6%. Food added 0.8 percentage points to the overall inflation rate of 5.4%.

Official sources: September 2026 consumer price index bulletin

How much does petrol cost in Namibia?

Petrol cost an average of N$25.57 to N$25.76 a litre in September 2026 and diesel N$28.35 to N$28.54, depending on the price zone, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency's September 2026 consumer price index bulletin. The cost of running a vehicle, mostly fuel, was 20.1% higher than a year earlier.

Fuel prices in Namibia are set by the government each month, and the CPI records average retail prices in three zones. Prices were lowest in Zone 2 (Khomas) and highest in Zone 1. Transport as a whole, 14.3% of the consumer basket, rose 14.9% over the year, and public transport fares rose 15.0%.

Official sources: September 2026 consumer price index bulletin

How many Namibians borrow money?

49.0% of Namibian adults borrowed money in some form in 2025, up from 42.1% in 2017, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency's 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey report. 51.3% of borrowers said they borrowed to buy food, 22.1% for education and 16.4% for transport.

The survey covers people aged 15 and over and counts borrowing from banks, other lenders, family, friends and informal groups. Of the 51.0% who did not borrow, 67.5% said they feared debt. 86.0% of adults were financially included, meaning they used formal or informal financial products, and 75.6% had a bank account. Only 32.7% had any insurance, and most of those without it said they could not afford it.

Official sources: 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey report

What is Namibia's inflation rate?

3.5%: that is consumer price inflation in Namibia for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 2.2% (2020) to 9.5% (2009). It is 19th highest of 39 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 3.4%. World rank, highest first: 70th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Namibia?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Namibia was $3,656, according to the World Bank. The peak was $3,744 in 2024 and the low $1,825 in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $840; Namibia is 4th highest of 37. World rank, highest first: 68th of 124.

How many people in Namibia live on under $3 a day?

In 2015, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Namibia was 22.9%, according to the World Bank. In 2003 the figure was 47.6%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 35.8%; Namibia is 8th highest of 11. World rank, highest first: 8th of 86.

What share of Namibia lives below the poverty line?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2015, is 17.4%. In 2003 the figure was 37.7%. It is 7th highest of 8 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 35.7%. Worldwide: 32nd of 54.

How unequal are incomes in Namibia?

According to the World Bank, the Gini index in Namibia was 59.1 in 2015. It was 63.3 in 2003. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 42.4, and Namibia placed 1st highest of 11. Worldwide: 1st of 86.

How many people in Namibia face food insecurity?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 54.0%. Its high point since 2015 was 2020, at 57.9%; its low point was 2015, at 53.2%. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 60.5%; Namibia is 21st highest of 34. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 25th highest.