Namibia continues to record one of the lowest levels of suspected digital fraud in Africa but faces growing exposure to card-related fraud, according to TransUnion’s H2 2025 Fraud Trends Update.
The report shows that overall digital fraud attempts in Namibia remain below 2%, making the country one of the most stable and least targeted markets on the continent between 2022 and 2025.
However, TransUnion warned that vulnerabilities linked to payment card misuse are becoming a key concern.
“Namibia stands out for card-related fraud risk despite relatively low suspected digital fraud volumes,” the report stated.
By comparison, South Africa recorded 2.1%, Kenya 2.6%, and Rwanda 1.7% in suspected digital fraud rates, all showing declines attributed to strengthened fraud prevention measures.
The report found that 8% of Namibian consumers surveyed said they had been both targeted and victimised by fraud, while 57% said they had been targeted but avoided losses. Only 35% of respondents reported not being targeted at all.
The most common scam reported among Namibian consumers was money or gift card fraud, which remains widespread across Africa.
TransUnion said the results suggest that while fraud attempts are frequent, awareness and early detection are improving.
“Fraud attempts are common, but more consumers are spotting and stopping them. It’s a sign awareness efforts and security habits may be working, even as the threat environment remains intense,” the report noted.
The study also identified gaming-related transactions as among the most fraud-prone industries for Namibian consumers.
Of all transactions originating from Namibia in the first half of 2025, 5.2% in the gaming industry were flagged as suspected digital fraud, compared with 10.4% in Kenya and 1.8% in Botswana.
According to TransUnion, the trend reflects the growth of online gaming and digital entertainment, sectors often dominated by younger, digitally active users who may have weaker online security practices.
Across Africa, fraudsters are increasingly targeting the onboarding and login stages of digital platforms.
In Namibia, suspected digital fraud during account creation attempts stood at 2.8%, compared with 4.4% in Kenya, 2.6% in Botswana, and 2.2% in South Africa.
These figures remain well below the global average of 8.3%, indicating either stronger fraud controls or fewer attack attempts in Namibia.
TransUnion said that while financial transaction fraud remains low across Africa — ranging from 0.2% to 0.9% — card-based and identity-related schemes are evolving rapidly, demanding stronger, more tailored responses from banks and regulators.
“Africa is rapidly building a digital economy and must continue doing so securely. With stronger consumer fraud awareness, improved fraud controls, and tailored fraud responses, the region is showing it can increase digital participation while effectively managing fraud risk,” TransUnion said.
