As of 2024, the top 1% in Namibia earned 21.58% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 6.55%. Namibia’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 33.15%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Namibia in 2024
In 2024, income in Namibia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 21.58% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 6.55% of income, significantly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Namibia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 21.58% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 64.20% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 6.55% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Namibia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Namibia’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 33.15% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 11.57 percentage points to 21.58%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Namibia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 75.80% while the bottom 50% received 3.27%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 64.20% and 6.55% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 33.15% | 75.80% | 3.27% | 72.53 pp |
| 1986 | 33.15% | 75.80% | 3.27% | 72.53 pp |
| 1992 | 33.15% | 75.80% | 3.27% | 72.53 pp |
| 1998 | 30.01% | 73.68% | 4.40% | 69.28 pp |
| 2004 | 26.78% | 71.16% | 5.62% | 65.54 pp |
| 2010 | 25.51% | 68.38% | 6.15% | 62.23 pp |
| 2016 | 21.58% | 64.20% | 6.55% | 57.65 pp |
| 2022 | 21.58% | 64.20% | 6.55% | 57.65 pp |
How Namibia Compares Globally
Namibia vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Namibia’s top 1% income share of 21.58% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Namibia receives 6.55% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Namibia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Namibia ranks 33rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Namibia ranks 182nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Namibia include income distribution in Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Namibia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Namibia earned 21.58% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Namibia?
Income inequality in Namibia has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 33.15% in 1980 to 21.58% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Namibia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Namibia received 6.55% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 64.20%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.