The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called on Namibia to adopt the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standard to strengthen transparency and accountability in the country’s oil, gas and mining sectors.
Speaking at a recent public engagement, IPPR Executive Director Graham Hopwood said key gaps in Namibia’s current system, including limited disclosure of beneficial ownership, incomplete reporting of taxes, royalties and social expenditure, as well as insufficient public participation in decision-making, make it difficult for citizens and civil society to hold companies and government officials accountable.
IPPR noted that although previous consultants had recommended that Namibia join the EITI, these recommendations were not fully implemented.
The organisation said adopting the standard would introduce a structured and internationally recognised framework requiring companies to disclose contracts, payments, and environmental and social impacts.
“The groundwork has been laid, and Namibia has the capacity and political will to become a model for transparency in Africa. Implementing these standards will ensure that our natural resources benefit the people, rather than remaining vulnerable to corruption or mismanagement,” Hopwood said.
The call comes as Namibia moves closer to full-scale oil and gas production alongside an expanding mining sector, increasing the urgency for stronger transparency and oversight. IPPR also emphasised the importance of implementing existing legislation, including the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 and the Access to Information Act, to strengthen governance in the sector.
“Joining EITI is akin to joining a club: to remain a member, the country must meet its standards. Doing so would signal a commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible resource management. With strong political will and properly functioning institutions, Namibia could become a regional example of best practice, avoiding corruption pitfalls and ensuring its natural resources truly benefit its citizens,” he said.
