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Namibia has secured the right to host the prestigious Egmont Group Plenary in July 2027, after Cabinet granted approval for the country’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to organize the global event.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, during a Cabinet briefing in Windhoek. According to her, the hosting rights represent a major diplomatic and economic achievement for Namibia, as the Egmont Group plays a key role in the global fight against financial crimes.
Theofelus explained that the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) is a multilateral international organisation that brings together financial intelligence bodies from across the world. The group focuses on cooperation and the sharing of intelligence to investigate and prevent crimes such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and the illegal funding of weapons proliferation.
Namibia’s Financial Intelligence Centre became a full member of the Egmont Group on 4 June 2014, joining other FIUs in efforts to promote international collaboration against financial crime. With the membership, the FIC has been able to access a wider network of intelligence partners, making it easier for Namibia to trace illicit financial flows that cross borders.
The upcoming plenary in 2027 is expected to attract delegates from more than 160 member FIUs, international observers, and representatives of global financial institutions. Experts say the gathering will give Namibia an opportunity to showcase its growing role in global financial governance and intelligence cooperation.
Minister Theofelus also highlighted the potential economic benefits of hosting the event. She explained that the inflow of delegates and international organisations will translate into direct financial support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially in the hospitality, logistics, and services sectors.
She said, “Hosting the event will provide financial injection to micro, small and medium enterprises and the tourism sector, while promoting Namibia as a preferred destination globally; in line with the goals set out under Pillar 1 of the 6th National Development Plan (NDP 6).”
According to her, Namibia’s 6th National Development Plan places special emphasis on economic competitiveness, job creation, and boosting tourism. Bringing a high-profile international event such as the Egmont Group Plenary aligns directly with those objectives.
Analysts note that Namibia has been positioning itself as a safe and attractive venue for international meetings. Hosting the Egmont Plenary will not only provide short-term financial benefits but also boost the country’s reputation in financial transparency and international cooperation.
Financial crime has remained a concern across Southern Africa, with money laundering and illicit financial flows affecting government revenues and economic growth. Experts say strengthening institutions such as the FIC is essential to prevent the abuse of the financial system for criminal purposes. By hosting the plenary, Namibia will be able to showcase its own progress in tackling these issues, while also learning from international best practices.
The Egmont Group, established in 1995, has grown into a powerful network for intelligence sharing. Its annual plenaries provide member countries with an opportunity to adopt new standards, share case studies, and strengthen ties with law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
For Namibia, the 2027 plenary could also serve as a platform to push for stronger African representation in global financial governance. The continent remains vulnerable to illicit outflows of billions of dollars annually, often linked to corruption, tax evasion, and transnational organised crime.
Tourism stakeholders have also welcomed the announcement. They believe that bringing hundreds of international delegates to Namibia will not only provide immediate business opportunities but also improve the country’s visibility as a travel destination. Many expect that after attending the conference, some delegates will return for leisure, bringing additional long-term benefits to the tourism sector.
With Cabinet’s approval now in place, the FIC will begin preparations to ensure Namibia successfully delivers the plenary. Logistics, security, and hospitality planning will be a key part of the process, as the event is expected to draw senior officials from across the globe.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, Namibia now joins a small list of African countries trusted to host such a sensitive and strategic global event. For government and businesses alike, the plenary represents both a challenge and an opportunity — to prove that Namibia can deliver on the international stage, while also reaping the economic and reputational rewards.
