Namibia’s economy is not growing at a fast enough pace to address the high unemployment rate and inequality. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says economic growth remains too weak to make a meaningful dent in unemployment, inequality and poverty. In its 2026 Article IV consultation, the IMF says Namibia’s economy grew by just 1.7% in 2025, with growth continuing to depend heavily on the mineral sector. “Economic growth remains insufficient to meaningfully reduce unemployment, inequality, and poverty, which are key government objectives,” the IMF says in its staff appraisal. GROWTH TO STAY SUBDUEDThe IMF expects Namibia’s economy to grow by 2.1% in 2026, although it warns that the outlook remains weak and risks are tilted to the downside.