…GDP grows by N$6 billion yet daily life remains tough for many Namibians
Imelda Ambondo
The Namibia Statistics Agency last week reported that the country’s economy grew by N$6 billion in the second quarter of 2025 to reach N$64.8 billion, painting a picture of progress.
But on the streets of Windhoek, the story is very different.
For thousands of informal workers, security guards, street vendors, and small traders, survival remains a daily struggle.
Long hours, low pay, unsafe conditions, and uncertainty are their reality.
While the economy grows, many of its workers feel left behind.
GROWTH ON PAPER
According to the NSA, real economic growth in the second quarter of 2025 was 1.6%, compared to 3.3% in the same period last year. Growth was driven by tertiary industries, with wholesale and retail trade expanding by 5.2%, education by 5.6%, financial services by 5.0%, and public administration by 3.7%. Government final consumption rose by 4.2%, supported by an increase in public servants, while exports jumped 18.5% and imports declined by 1.6%.
These headline figures sound promising, but they tell only part of the story.
MONEY FLOWING ON PAPER BUT NOT INTO POCKETS
At Okuryangava stop-and-shop, before dawn, the city awakens in a different economy. Street vendors, security guards, and small traders keep the city moving without making headlines.
Among them is Philip, a 27-year-old security guard, guarding the Automated Teller Machine, whose life revolves around the rhythm of night and day.
“My salary depends on how many days I work. If I work more days, I can get around N$3 700 to N$4 000. But it’s still not enough. I can manage food, rent, and water, but life is just survival. I am not really progressing.”
His shift begins at 17:00 and ends at 05:00.
“Working at a place where there is money is not easy. You deal with different kinds of people, some come drunk, some disrespect you, some even want to fight.”
The job, Phillip says, demands patience and self-control.
“Some people insult you when you try to enforce the rules. You call the police, but they take long to come. You report to the manager, and they also take time. By the time they arrive, the problem is already done.”
Despite the difficult conditions, Philip continues to show up every night, knowing that his salary, modest as it may be, is his lifeline.
Phillip questions the Namibia Statistics Agency that says the economy grew N$6 billion. He says this does not reflect what’s on the ground.
“You can see how people are selling by the tar road. Cars over speed, and drivers who are drunk can easily cause accidents. It’s dangerous. The government should build a proper space for these vendors, where they can sell safely without being at risk.”
Just a few meters from where Philip stands guard, Reyna Dafa, who will turn 50 in November, is arranging her colorful display of spices and fruits under a sun-faded umbrella. Her stall, one of many lining the busy road, where she has a table with spices, herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Reyna’s day starts at 06:00 and leaves around 19:00 every day, sometimes even later, depending on how business is going.
But long hours don’t always mean good sales.
“There are days when customers don’t come. Like Sundays are very slow days. Even today, it’s not busy.”
When asked about how the economy is treating her, Reyna said “It’s bad,” she admits that before the coronavirus pandemic things were better.
“After Corona, many people lost jobs, and they started selling. Now the place is overcrowded. There are too many sellers, and not enough buyers,” she said.
Reyna says here monthly income can reach N$5 000 depending on the season and customer flow. But the cost of living keeps climbing, leaving little room for savings.
Her biggest wish is for the municipality to provide proper infrastructure for vendors.
“If they can put up shades, it will help us a lot. The sun is too hot, and the wind destroys our umbrellas. We need something permanent. The municipality should also help organise this area, so it doesn’t look so chaotic. And if we had security, it would be even better. Sometimes we can’t leave our things here because we are afraid they will get stolen.”
A 30-year-old vendor,who prefers to be identified as Elizabeth and sells second hand clothing says business is tough.
“We are illegal here. We don’t have a permanent space. Any time the police can come and chase us away. You just have to pick up your things and go. If the government can build a proper market for us then it would change everything.
Her earnings fluctuate.
“The economy is not easy. Things are expensive, and customers also don’t have money. But at least I can buy food and survive.”
The Institute for Public Policy Research research associate Robin Sherbourne answered the question why the economic performance has been poor since 2016.
“Because economic policy-making design and implementation has been poor with economic
considerations relegated to political and ideological ones. Two major developments on the horizon – oil and gas as well as green hydrogen – with potential to shift the economic dial,” he said.
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