The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that rising consumer prices could erode household purchasing power in Namibia, with vulnerable households and those dependent on fixed or low incomes expected to face the greatest impact.
In its August 2026 Country Brief, covering July, WFP reported that inflation increased to 4.4%, the highest monthly rate recorded so far this year.
“Rising consumer prices are expected to erode household purchasing power, with the greatest impact likely to be felt by vulnerable households and those dependent on fixed or low incomes,” the report said.
The report also highlighted climate and food security risks expected to increase in 2026, as a developing El Niño event is forecast to bring below-average rainfall across Southern Africa.
WFP said reduced rainfall could lower agricultural production and disrupt regional cereal supplies.
“Given Namibia’s 70% reliance on food imports, these disruptions could drive up food prices and increase household vulnerability. The risks emerge as many communities continue to recover from the 2023/24 drought,” the report said.
Namibia has a population of about 3 million people spread across 824,292 square kilometres. The report noted that the World Bank reclassified Namibia a year ago from an upper-middle-income to a lower-middle-income country, reflecting slower economic growth, weaker diamond sector performance and revised population estimates.
WFP said its Country Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2029 supports the Government of Namibia in strengthening emergency preparedness, social protection and food systems resilience.
During the reporting period, WFP reached more than 117,000 households with food assistance, while more than 51,000 children received meals at Early Childhood Development Centres. More than 4,700 metric tonnes of rice were distributed.
In July, the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil contributed US$120,000, approximately N$1.9 million, through WFP to support food security, nutrition, livelihoods and resilient food systems in Namibia.
The contribution will support the continued implementation of five Integrated Food Systems Projects established in 2021 across Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Kunene and Ohangwena.
The projects are based at schools and health centres and integrate horticulture, poultry production and livelihood activities.
WFP also reported that Namibia currently reaches approximately 466,860 learners, equivalent to 86% of school-age children, through its nationally owned school feeding programme.
WFP’s Country Strategic Plan has a funding requirement of US$3.90 million, of which US$2.70 million has been secured. The net funding requirement for August 2026 to January 2027 stands at US$1.20 million.
