Namibia Launches Landmark Tourism Report with UN Support, Unlocking Economic Potential

Windhoek, Namibia - In a significant stride towards harnessing the economic power of tourism, the Namibian government, with substantial backing from the United Nations, unveiled the 6th edition of its Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) report on Thursday. This pivotal document, crafted with the UN World Tourism Organization's (UN WTO) methodology, shines a light on tourism's substantial direct contribution to Namibia's economy, underscoring its role as a key economic driver.

The TSA findings are compelling, revealing that tourism directly contributed 6.9% to Namibia's GDP in 2022, equating to N$14.3 billion. This sector also emerged as a significant employment powerhouse, generating 57,571 direct jobs, which translates to 7.9% of total employment, illuminating tourism's capacity as a notable employer within the Namibian economy.

Alex Shimuafeni, Namibia's Statistician-General, emphasized the report's importance, "Tourism is a notable employer in the Namibian economy, responsible for 57,571 direct jobs." This statistic not only highlights tourism's role in job creation but also its broader economic impact.

The TSA's implications extend beyond mere numbers; it serves as a foundational tool for strategic planning and policy formulation. The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, highlighted the TSA's crucial role in offering "robust data to inform investment decisions." 

Echoing this sentiment, UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo praised the launch as a "milestone" showcasing government leadership, emphasizing that the findings should "seamlessly" shape Namibia. She underscored the tourism sector's potential to impact all SDGs, particularly Goals 8, 12, and 14, illustrating the TSA report's role in aligning tourism with global sustainability goals.

This collaborative endeavor, showcasing a harmonized effort among UN agencies includingUNECA, UNESCO, and UNDP, reflects a unified commitment to fostering sustainable tourism development. The report not only marks a significant achievement in Namibia’s pursuit of economic resilience and diversification but also sets a benchmark for future tourism-related initiatives, ensuring the sector’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

As Namibia continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, the TSA report stands as a testament to the power of partnership and data-driven strategy. It lays the groundwork for leveraging tourism as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, ensuring that this vibrant sector remains at the heart of Namibia’s development agenda.

For additional information, please contact:

1. Ms. Eunice Ajambo. Economist and Development Coordination Officer, UN Namibia (ajambo@un.org)
2. Ms. Helvi Elago. National Programme Officer, UNESCO Namibia (h.elago@unesco.org)