Namibia’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) stock rose to US$10.995 billion in 2024, up from US$9.2 billion in 2023, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The data, published in UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, shows a marked increase from US$3.595 billion recorded in 2010, reflecting growing international investor confidence in the country.
Namibia’s outward FDI stock also posted steady growth, rising from US$768 million in 2023 to US$854 million in 2024.
In comparison, outward investment stood at US$722 million in 2010 and just US$45 million in 2000, the report stated.
UNCTAD further noted a significant uptick in greenfield investment activity. The value of greenfield FDI projects announced in Namibia reached approximately US$2.2 billion in 2024, up from US$1.2 billion in 2023 and US$576 million in 2022.
Namibia’s best year for greenfield FDI remains 2021, when projects valued at US$4.6 billion were recorded. Earlier highs included US$1.8 billion in 2008 and US$1.5 billion in 2009, according to the report.
In terms of project numbers, UNCTAD said Namibia recorded 19 greenfield FDI project announcements in 2024, the highest on record since 2017, when 23 projects were announced. This compares to 10 projects in both 2022 and 2023.
“The upward trend in investment reflects renewed interest in Namibia’s mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors,” UNCTAD said, adding that this has occurred despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.
