Namibia - Limitations on Selling US Products and ServicesNamibia - Sales Limitations
The Investment Promotion Act reserves the right of the government to impose certain restrictions on foreign investors. Restrictions can relate to land, natural resource rights, government contracts (tenders), transfer of ownership of investments above a certain size, and sectors reserved for Namibian businesses, as defined by the Minister of Trade, Industrialization, and SME Development. For example, the government requires local participation before issuing licenses to exploit natural resources and has additional restrictions in the case of certain “strategic minerals”.
The Land Reform Act regulates the acquisition of agricultural land by foreign nationals. No foreign national is allowed to acquire agricultural land without the prior consent of the Minister of Land Reform.
New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework and Affirmative Action
The government actively encourages partnerships with historically disadvantaged Namibians. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare’s Equity Commission requires all firms to develop an affirmative action plan for management positions and to report annually on its implementation. The Prime Minister continues to draft the “New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework” law which aims to create conditions in which the distribution of income becomes far more equitable than it is at present. After some debate, the draft bill was withdrawn for possible revision and has not been re-introduced to Parliament. Namibia’s Affirmative Action Act strives to create equal employment opportunities, improve conditions for the historically disadvantaged, and eliminate
discrimination. The commission facilitates training programs, provides technical and other assistance, and offers expert advice, information, and guidance on implementing affirmative action in the work place.
In certain industries the government has employed techniques to increase Namibian participation. In the fishing sector, companies pay lower quota fees if they operate Namibian-flagged vessels that are based in Namibia, with crews that are predominantly Namibian. The Minister of Mining and Energy has made clear that mining companies must “indicate and show commitment to empower previously disadvantaged Namibians” in their applications for exploration and mining licenses.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
The Land Reform Act regulates the acquisition of agricultural land by foreign nationals. No foreign national is allowed to acquire agricultural land without the prior consent of the Minister of Land Reform.
New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework and Affirmative Action
The government actively encourages partnerships with historically disadvantaged Namibians. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare’s Equity Commission requires all firms to develop an affirmative action plan for management positions and to report annually on its implementation. The Prime Minister continues to draft the “New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework” law which aims to create conditions in which the distribution of income becomes far more equitable than it is at present. After some debate, the draft bill was withdrawn for possible revision and has not been re-introduced to Parliament. Namibia’s Affirmative Action Act strives to create equal employment opportunities, improve conditions for the historically disadvantaged, and eliminate
discrimination. The commission facilitates training programs, provides technical and other assistance, and offers expert advice, information, and guidance on implementing affirmative action in the work place.
In certain industries the government has employed techniques to increase Namibian participation. In the fishing sector, companies pay lower quota fees if they operate Namibian-flagged vessels that are based in Namibia, with crews that are predominantly Namibian. The Minister of Mining and Energy has made clear that mining companies must “indicate and show commitment to empower previously disadvantaged Namibians” in their applications for exploration and mining licenses.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.