Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has been named the fourth safest country in Africa by Altezza Travel, a destination management company headquartered in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
“Altezza Travel has highlighted Namibia as one of the most peaceful and safest countries to visit in Africa, and it has long been one of the most politically stable countries, with infrastructure that is generally good and a well-developed tourism industry. Namibia was ranked fourth, after Mauritius in first place, Ghana in second, and Zambia in third place,” said the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s Public Relations Officer, Romeo Muyunda.
Muyunda explained that the rankings were based on a review of major global studies from recent years, incorporating official statistics and citizens’ perceptions of personal safety. He emphasised that the ranking highlights Namibia’s peaceful character and acknowledges the collective efforts made to uphold peace and stability. He also noted that safety is a key factor in the travel and tourism sectors, and this recognition will boost Namibia’s global profile, encouraging more travellers to visit.
“Even though Namibia is ranked fourth, we believe that the country has the potential to be the safest country in Africa. The rankings come against the backdrop of the ongoing tourism safety campaign being spearheaded by the ministry in collaboration with the Namibian Police, tour operators, and selected regional councils, among others,” Muyunda said.
He encouraged the public to prioritise peace, stability, and the protection of natural resources, highlighting their importance in attracting tourists and investors to drive economic growth.
“Namibia has a very stable political environment, which is complemented by enabling laws and policies. We have seen a seamless and peaceful transition of power through three Presidents, contributing to the rankings. We would like to encourage the country’s citizens to work together to ensure the protection of our natural resources and make Namibia a safer place for both our local and international visitors. With such dedication, we may strive to rank in first place in the near future,” Muyunda added.
