FX.co ★ Namibia Keeps Policy Rate Steady at 6.5%

The Bank of Namibia kept its benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.5% at its April 2026 meeting, marking a third consecutive pause. The decision aims to safeguard the Namibian dollar’s peg to the South African rand while still supporting domestic economic activity. Policymakers observed that, although inflation remains contained, the balance of risks is tilted to the upside, reflecting pressures from administered prices, exchange rate volatility, and spillovers from the protracted conflict in the Middle East. Namibia’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.1% in March, its lowest level since July 2020, down from 2.4% in February and representing a fifth straight month of deceleration. Looking ahead, inflation is expected to rise notably in Q2 2026 and to average 3.7% for the year, up from a 3.5% forecast in February, before gradually moderating to 3.4% in 2027.