Namibia’s visa-on-arrival system has generated more than N$490 million for the state since its rollout, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said during the State of the Nation Address in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The President said nearly 344,000 visas have been issued since the system became operational on 1 April 2025, reflecting strong uptake as Namibia positions itself as a more accessible destination for tourism and investment.
“Since the visa-on-arrival system became operational on 1 April 2025, close to 344,000 visas were issued, generating over N$490 million for the state coffers,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She added that government is building on this momentum by introducing an investment visa and addressing bottlenecks in immigration services to improve efficiency.
Tourism continues to play a central role in Namibia’s economic strategy, with the President highlighting revenue generated through conservation and tourism-related activities.
National parks generated N$183 million in entrance and conservation fees, while conservancies earned N$109 million in 2025 through joint ventures, concessions and conservation hunting.
“Our national parks brought in a total of N$183 million from entrance and conservation fees, while conservancies earned N$109 million through joint ventures, concessions and conservation hunting,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted that government has prioritised infrastructure upgrades at key tourism sites to support sector growth and sustainability.
Renovations have been completed at Hardap Game Park, Namutoni, Keetmanshoop and Daan Viljoen Game Park at a cost of N$4.4 million, while 183 kilometres of roads in Etosha National Park have been upgraded, alongside additional fencing to strengthen conservation efforts.
“This is aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, conservation efforts and wildlife management, while reducing human-wildlife conflict and promoting biodiversity conservation,” she said.
The President said the developments form part of a broader national strategy anchored on seven priority areas and eight critical economic enablers aimed at driving socio-economic transformation.
“We have continued to focus on the key priority areas and critical economic enablers that drive the socio-economic transformation we pledged to deliver for our people,” she said.
Earlier government data shows the visa-on-arrival system had generated N$413.3 million from 289,510 visas issued by 31 January 2026, indicating steady growth in uptake and revenue collection.
This article was first published here in partnership with The Brief