Namibia Voice and Accountability

Namibia’s Voice and Accountability score, as measured by the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, reached 0.62 in 2025, marking its highest level since records began in 1996 and placing it 67th globally. This represents a notable recovery from its all-time low of 0.19 in 2003, a period marked by constrained civic space and press freedoms. Over the 26 years of available data, the country has shown gradual improvement, with the latest value surpassing its initial score of 0.50 in 1996. Namibia’s 2025 score closely aligns with that of peer nations such as Vanuatu (0.61) and is comparable to more established democracies like Poland (0.58), though it remains below Trinidad and Tobago and Israel, both at 0.66. The upward trajectory since the early 2000s suggests strengthening institutions and greater public participation in governance. Continued progress will depend on safeguarding media independence, enhancing transparency in public institutions, and deepening civic engagement, particularly among younger populations. Absent sustained reforms, however, the risk of stagnation remains.