Incentives for manufacturers and exporters

Namibia has a highly competitive incentive and fiscal regime which adds to its attractions for foreign investors, as well as creating an ideal business environment. The corner stones of this regime are the Foreign Investment Act and its provision for a Certificate of Status Investment, the Special Incentives for Manufactures and Exporters and the Export Processing Zone Incentives.

The Foreign Investment Act led to the creation of the Namibian Investment Center within the country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, designed to facilitate the process off investment. The Act provides for:

SUMMARY OF SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR MANUFACTURERS, EXPORTERS AND EPZ ENTERPRISES

 

Registered Manufacturers

Exporters of Manufactured Goods

Export Processing

Eligibility and Registration 

Enterprises engaged in manufacturing.
Application to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and approval by the Ministry of Finance.

Enterprises that export manufactured goods whether produced in Namibia or not.
Application and approval by the Ministry of Finance.

Enterprises engaged in manufacturing, assembly, packaging or break-bulk and exporting mainly to outside of SACU markets.
Application to the EPZ Committee through the ODC or EPZMC.

Corporate Tax

Set at a rate of 18% for a period of 10 years, where after it will revert to the general prevailing rate.

80% allowance on income derived from exporting manufactured goods.

Exempt

VAT

Exemption on purchase and import of manufacturing machinery and equipment.

Normal treatment

Exempt

Stamp and Transfer Duty

Normal Treatment

Normal treatment

Exempt

Establishment Tax Package

Negotiable rates and terms by special tax package.

Not eligible

Not eligible

Special Building Allowance

Factory buildings written off at 20% in first year and balance at 8% for 10 years

Not eligible

Not eligible

Transportation Allowance

Allowance for land-based transportation by road or rail of 25% deduction from total cost.

Not eligible

Not eligible

Export Promotion Allowance

Additional deduction from taxable income of 25%

Not eligible

Not eligible

Incentive for training

Additional deduction from taxable income of between 25% and 75%

Not eligible

Substantial, issued by Government on implementation of approved training program.

Industrial Studies  

Available at 50% of cost

Not eligible

Not eligible

Cash Grants

50% of direct cost of approved export promotion activities.

Not eligible

Not eligible

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