Namibia’s gaming industry generated N$49.5 million in 2025, as government allocated N$26.8 million to digitalise the sector and strengthen revenue collection and oversight.
Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni N. Daniel said the funding will support the rollout of systems aimed at improving regulation and data management across the tourism and gaming sectors.
“The programme will digitalise the tourism and gaming sectors to improve data collection, revenue collection and regulatory oversight,” she said.
The ministry said digital transformation and regulatory reforms are expected to enhance revenue performance and improve monitoring across both sectors.
The Gambling Board recorded revenue of N$49,507,347 in 2025, while the Lotteries Board generated N$189,200 in the 2025/26 financial year.
The sector has also expanded its regulatory footprint, with 134 licences issued since the establishment of the Gambling Board.
Daniel said future revenue growth is expected to be supported by the planned introduction of a state lottery.
“Once the State Lottery is established, it is expected to contribute close to N$100 million to the Social Development Trust Fund within the first year of operations,” she said.
Government is also advancing policy and legislative reforms, including the development of a Tourism Bill and a National Gaming Policy and Regulations to strengthen governance in the sector.
The ministry has finalised the National Tourism Spatial Development Masterplan for 2025 to 2035, with implementation set to begin in the 2026/27 financial year.
Daniel said the plan will guide investment and support regional tourism development, alongside initiatives such as feasibility studies for cultural and eco-tourism villages.
“The implementation of the masterplan will guide investment and position Namibia as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination,” she said.
This article was first published here in partnership with The Brief