Is crypto legal in Namibia?

Crypto is regulated in Namibia rather than freely allowed, and it is not legal tender. As of October 2026 the licensed market is still opening up. The Virtual Assets Act 2023 lets the Bank of Namibia license and supervise crypto businesses. The central bank has been careful to say the law is not an endorsement of crypto.

Is bitcoin legal in Namibia?

Bitcoin is not legal tender in Namibia. The Bank of Namibia has kept that position since before the law passed. After the Act was published, a central bank spokesperson told Mariblock in August 2023 that the new approach should not be read as an endorsement of virtual assets, and that people who own or trade them do so at their own risk with no cover for losses from the bank.

According to The Brief, the central bank said in 2023 that accepting crypto for goods and services is up to each merchant and buyer.

Is crypto trading legal in Namibia?

Trading through a business is regulated. The National Assembly approved the bill on July 6, 2023, President Hage Geingob signed it on July 14, and it was published in the Government Gazette on July 21, Cointelegraph reported. Non-compliant providers could face fines of up to N$10 million and up to 10 years in prison. Licensed firms must also follow the Financial Intelligence Act of 2012.

A 2026 guide by law firm Webber Wentzel lists six licence types, including broker-dealer, marketplace, wallet service, custodian, advisory and token issuer, and says a physical presence in Namibia is required.

Licensing has been slow. On January 13, 2025, the Bank of Namibia gave provisional authorisation to Mindex Virtual Asset Exchange and Landifa Bitcoin Trade. Provisional holders could not do business in Namibia until they met conditions for a full licence. In August 2025, The Namibian reported that both had received extensions while the bank checked compliance, and described crypto trading as still not legal in the country at that point. Check the Bank of Namibia's current list of licensed providers before using a platform. For how unlicensed exchanges can look, see how to spot a fake crypto exchange.

Is bitcoin mining legal in Namibia?

The Webber Wentzel guide says Namibia's crypto law does not address mining. We found no Bank of Namibia statement that bans or licenses it. Mining would still fall under general rules on business, electricity use and tax. The broader picture is covered in is crypto mining legal.

For the region, compare is crypto legal in South Africa and crypto regulation around the world.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.