Namibia has been ranked 68th out of 69 countries in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, reflecting persistent structural and economic challenges despite steady growth indicators.
According to the report, Namibia placed 67th in economic performance with a score of 21.7. The country fared worst in employment, where it ranked last at 69th, and in the domestic economy, at 68th.
International trade and investment were also weak, coming in at 58th and 62nd respectively.
However, the report noted that Namibia “showed relative strength in managing prices, ranking 8th globally in this category.”
“Namibia recorded a GDP of US$13.4 billion in 2024, with per capita GDP (PPP) of US$11,843 and real GDP growth of 3.7%. Inflation stood at 4.24%, while foreign direct investment inflows represented 18.9% of GDP,” the report stated.
Government efficiency ranked 55th with a score of 37.3. Tax policy was highlighted as a strength, placing Namibia 21st, but the report flagged weaknesses in business legislation (63rd) and the institutional framework (58th).
The societal framework was relatively stronger at 48th, though overall performance reflected ongoing inefficiencies.
In business efficiency, Namibia ranked 63rd with a score of 21.0. Productivity and efficiency were placed at 64th, while the labour market stood at 65th.
Finance, management practices, and attitudes and values also scored poorly, ranking between 58th and 59th.
Infrastructure was identified as another weak spot, with Namibia ranked 65th overall on a score of 13.9. Basic infrastructure was placed at 59th, education at 56th, and health and environment at 57th.
The country performed particularly poorly in technological and scientific infrastructure, ranked 67th and 69th respectively.
The report highlighted key national challenges, including high unemployment, especially among youth, entrenched income inequality, and limited economic diversification.
Dependence on Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenues and the risks posed by climate change to food security were also cited.
Despite these challenges, the report noted that Namibia’s steady GDP growth and controlled inflation offer “a foundation for improvement”.
It suggested that reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, modernising infrastructure, and strengthening the labour market would be critical for Namibia to improve its global competitiveness standing.
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, benchmarks 69 economies worldwide on competitiveness indicators.
