Namibia’s first state lottery nears launch
The proposed lottery is an initiative under National Development Plan 6 (NPD6), the country’s medium-term development strategy set to cover the period from 2025 to 2031.
Namibia.- The Lotteries Board of Namibia has confirmed that the country’s first state lottery is in its final planning stages of preparation and is expected to launch within the next one to two years.
In a recent interview, John Shimaneni, the Board’s CEO, explained that work is underway to finalise legal, operational and procurement frameworks, while internal policies and regulatory systems are being developed to enable a phased rollout.
Shimaneni said: “The plans to launch the state lottery are at an advanced preparatory stage. We are currently procuring Transactional Advisory Services to assist with the appointment of a licensed lottery operator, in line with the Lotteries Act.”
Proceeds from the lottery will be channelled into the State Lottery Trust Fund and directed toward priority areas, including youth empowerment, education, healthcare and community development.
Shimaeni added: “To ensure transparency and accountability, a grant funding framework is being developed, along with independent audits and strict reporting requirements.”
The Board is also planning to introduce a responsible gaming strategy that combines public-awareness initiatives, age limits and support services with strict compliance requirements and ethical standards for licensed operators.
The proposed lottery is an initiative under National Development Plan 6 (NPD6), the country’s medium-term development strategy set to cover the period from 2025 to 2031, and address pressing challenges like economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development. The lottery is projected to generate more than N$100 million (€4.8m) in revenue by 2030.
In addition to the domestic revenue boost, Shimaneni believes that the project will stimulate economic activity, create new job opportunities and contribute to the country’s overall growth and development. Furthermore, he expects the lottery to have a positive impact on Namibia’s fiscal stability, enabling the government to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects.
