Namibia’s government has rolled out a sweeping procurement reform designed to prioritise local manufacturers and accelerate industrial growth, in a move expected to reshape the country’s supply chain landscape. The Ministry of Works and Transport is driving the initiative through government stores, placing domestically produced goods at the centre of public sector purchasing.
The reform follows Cabinet directives issued in July 2025 and aligns directly with targets set under the sixth National Development Plan. Authorities aim to strengthen manufacturing capacity while creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country. As a result, all government institutions will increasingly source standard items locally.
Under the new framework, ministries, agencies, state-owned enterprises, regional councils and local authorities must procure selected goods through government stores. More importantly, a growing percentage of these goods will come from registered Namibian manufacturers. This approach is expected to stimulate local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Officials began implementing the process in December with an expression of interest that invited manufacturers to join a national eligibility list. According to deputy director of centralised services Connie Campbell, the ministry is actively building a structured procurement pipeline that favours local industry participation.
She explained that government stores requested companies to register for consideration under a preferential procurement model using restrictive bidding. This system allows only approved local manufacturers to compete for specific tenders, thereby improving their chances of securing contracts.
In addition, the eligibility list will serve as a central database of Namibia’s manufacturing capacity. Authorities plan to use this data to better align procurement demand with domestic production capabilities. Consequently, policymakers can identify gaps and support sectors with growth potential.
Manufacturers must submit detailed documentation during registration, including company profiles, compliance certificates, operational records and proof of past contracts. They are also required to provide product catalogues and evidence of production facilities. However, registration alone does not guarantee approval.
Inspection teams will verify each applicant’s operational capacity before granting eligibility status. Campbell emphasised that only manufacturers who meet strict requirements will qualify for the programme. This ensures that quality standards remain consistent across all government supplies.
The introduction of restrictive bidding marks a significant shift in Namibia’s procurement system. Previously, many local manufacturers struggled to compete with larger or foreign suppliers. Now, the government aims to create a more balanced and competitive environment within the domestic market.
Despite the strong focus on local sourcing, officials acknowledged certain limitations. Some specialised goods cannot be produced within Namibia, meaning open national bidding will still apply in such cases. This ensures that critical supplies remain accessible without compromising quality or efficiency.
Control administrative officer Agnes Shoopala confirmed that non-local items will continue to follow standard procurement procedures. She added that even registered manufacturers must undergo full evaluation processes, including product testing, before contracts are awarded.
Currently, government stores manage over 11,000 items distributed across six warehouses nationwide. These include furniture, uniforms, cleaning supplies, hardware and educational materials. With the new reform, a larger share of these goods is expected to come from local producers.
Furthermore, the registration process remains open-ended, allowing more manufacturers to join over time. Authorities are encouraging young entrepreneurs and small business owners to tap into funding opportunities and enter the manufacturing sector.
This procurement overhaul signals a decisive push towards economic self-reliance. By strengthening local industries, Namibia positions itself for long-term growth while empowering businesses to compete within and beyond its borders.
