The Christmas season has always been a time of giving, celebration, and — let’s be honest — a bit of overspending. I remember, as a young boy, writing hopeful letters to Father Christmas. Often, those dreams were answered with practical gifts like socks or school shoes instead of the toy trucks I imagined. Looking back, those gifts were what I truly needed — even if I didn’t appreciate them at the time.
This year, I’m not writing to Father Christmas, but I do have a wish list. Not for myself, but for every Namibian consumer trying to survive and thrive in an increasingly difficult economy. Here is my updated consumer Christmas wish list for 2025:
🎄 1. Friendly Customer Service – A Smile Still Costs Nothing
Too often, we are greeted at counters with disinterest or even hostility. Whether in government offices or retail stores, the phrase “The customer is king” has been forgotten. We know salaries are low and conditions are tough — but kindness goes a long way. A warm greeting, helpful attitude, and basic courtesy can turn a frustrated citizen into a loyal customer. And let’s not forget, good service drives repeat business and improves profitability, which can mean higher salaries over time.
💳 2. More Affordable and Inclusive Banking
Namibia’s banking sector continues to be dominated by four major players, with service fees among the highest in Southern Africa. A 2024 survey by the Namibia Consumer Trust found that over 40% of low-income earners remain unbanked. My wish is for innovative, low-cost banking solutions — from mobile-based micro savings tools to no-fee accounts for students and pensioners. Financial inclusion is the foundation of economic empowerment.
🇳🇦 3. Buy Namibian, Support Namibian
Namibians are waking up to the importance of local value chains. From Ongwediva-made cleaning products to Mariental-grown tomatoes, buying local keeps money circulating in the community. Supporting Namibian businesses helps them grow, employ more people, and contribute to national development. The “Buy Namibian” campaign needs not just visibility — but commitment from retailers and consumers alike.
🛒 4. Transparent Pricing – Let Me Compare Apples with Apples
Even in 2025, product pricing in shops often leaves consumers confused. Is the 750ml bottle really cheaper than the 1-litre one? Are we being tricked by branding? I wish to see unit pricing (per litre, per kg, etc.) as a legal requirement on all store shelves, as it is in South Africa. Clear, standardised price displays empower consumers to make informed choices and promote fair competition.
📜 5. A Strong Consumer Protection Law – Still Waiting
Namibia’s draft Consumer Protection Bill was first floated over a decade ago. In 2021, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade revived efforts to bring it to Parliament, but as of 2025, no law has been passed. My wish is that the bill — which aims to formalise consumer rights and establish an independent ombudsman — is tabled and enacted. Enough consultations. Time for action.
🏠 6. Affordable Housing and Inclusive Urban Planning
With Windhoek’s average house price over N$1.2 million in 2024, home ownership remains a dream for most Namibians. Meanwhile, informal settlements swell on the outskirts of towns, far from jobs and services. My Christmas wish is for integrated housing — developments that mix high, middle and low-income units within the same urban spaces. We need to rethink land availability, upgrade informal areas, and stop relying solely on the NHE. A national housing emergency deserves national urgency.
💸 7. No More January Blues
December is joyful — until the bills arrive in January. Stores are already pushing “buy now, pay later” offers. But the truth remains: if you can’t afford it now, don’t buy it. The average Namibian household debt-to-income ratio stood at 77% in 2024, and credit defaults are on the rise. My wish is for consumers to plan better, avoid debt traps, and take advantage of post-holiday sales. Spend with intention, not just impulse.
🧠 8. Old-School Wisdom for a New Age
I leave you with the same wise words my grandfather once gave me — advice I wish more people remembered today:
“Never buy food, clothes or petrol on credit. Never use now and pay later. You will not appreciate what you bought if it is old when you still have to pay for it.”
🎁 To every Namibian consumer this festive season:
May your rights be respected, your wallet be protected, and your purchases bring joy — not debt. Let’s work together for a stronger consumer culture in 2026 and beyond.
