Namibia’s population is projected to grow by more than 2.2 million people over the next 30 years.
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) projects that the population will rise from about 3 million people in 2023 to 5.2 million by 2053 under its medium-growth scenario.
This means Namibia would add about 2.29 million people over three decades, despite an expected decline in the number of children women have on average.
NSA statistician general and chief executive Alex Shimuafeni says population projections are important because they help the country prepare for future demands.
“Since population growth and distribution contribute to many of the major development challenges, population projections are required to show the future magnitude of those challenges,” he says.
MORE PEOPLE, SLOWER GROWTH
The population is expected to continue increasing throughout the projection period, but at a slower pace.
According to the NSA, the population is projected to reach 3 472 879 by 2030 before increasing to 5 018 893 by 2050 and 5 264 514 by 2053.
The agency expects the annual population growth rate to decline from 2.3% in 2023 to 1.6% by 2053.
The slowdown is largely linked to declining fertility.
The total fertility rate is projected to fall from 3.9 children per woman in 2023 to 3.0 children per woman by 2053.
However, fewer births will not immediately translate into a shrinking population.
“Due to high fertility and population momentum, Namibia’s population is likely to continue growing,” the report states.
