Namibia: 380,000 Namibians Rely On Govt Grants to Survive

What the report says

Namibia is facing heavy reliance on state support, according to a report from The Namibian carried by AllAfrica. The article says the 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey found that about 20.8% of the country’s eligible adult population, or roughly 378,000 people, depend primarily on government social transfers to cover basic needs. The support includes old-age pensions, child grants and disability grants.

The report breaks down the dependence by grant type: old-age pensions account for the largest share, followed by child grants and disability grants. It also notes the current monthly values of the main grants and says most recipients spend their income first on food and groceries, with water, utilities and other household expenses also taking priority. A large share of respondents said they rarely or never make their money last until the next payment cycle.

Economists quoted in the story said the figures reflect wider pressures in the economy, including unemployment, low household incomes and inequality. One expert argued that grants are often supporting entire households, not just the intended beneficiaries, while another said the numbers also point to a large dependent population and potential strain on public finances if revenue weakens. The article adds that, in the longer term, stronger job creation and economic growth would be needed to reduce reliance on grants.