The Gambling Board of Namibia has paid N$15m in dividends to the government for the 2025/26 financial year, handed over in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The board pays as a state shareholder. Environment minister Indileni Daniel and finance minister Ericah Shafudah were both present, alongside deputy executive director Colgar Sikopo, the board's acting chief executive John Erastus, and senior officials from both ministries.
What was said
Minister Daniel commended the board on its financial performance.
Board chairperson Ben Shikongo used the handover to press other state-owned bodies to share profits with government, arguing that more funding would help the state meet competing demands such as healthcare and public assistance.
He also made a point that is unusual at this kind of event. Institutions operating at a loss cannot pay dividends, he said, and those in that position should be open about their finances rather than leave the public expecting a contribution that is not coming.
Why a regulator pays a dividend
The Gambling Board carries a delegated function from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to regulate, license and monitor gambling in Namibia.
Its income comes from the industry it oversees, so a dividend of this kind is gambling revenue reaching the treasury directly, separate from gaming taxes.
The wider picture
Namibia is still building out its betting framework, having run consultation on bookmaker and totalisator licensing during 2026.
The pattern of regulators showing financial results is visible elsewhere on the continent too, from Malawi's surplus after electronic monitoring to Tanzania's rising tax take. The handover was reported by iGaming AFRIKA.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Namibia's Gambling Board pay?
N$15m in dividends to the government for the 2025/26 financial year.
Who received the payment?
The government as shareholder. The handover in Windhoek was attended by environment minister Indileni Daniel and finance minister Ericah Shafudah.
Who runs the Gambling Board of Namibia?
Ben Shikongo is board chairperson and John Erastus is acting chief executive.
Why does the board pay dividends rather than tax?
It pays as a state-owned entity distributing a surplus to its shareholder. That is separate from gaming taxes collected from operators.
Which ministry oversees gambling in Namibia?
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, which delegates regulation, licensing and monitoring to the Gambling Board.
Image: Pekondjelo Himufe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
