Household expenditure survey kicks off
Income trends
Unlike the nationwide Population and Housing Census, the NHIES is sample-based.
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) officially last week launched the 5th Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES), which will cover approximately 11 016 randomly selected households across the country.
NSA statistician general Alex Shimaufeni described the NHIES as significant in building a database related to Namibia's income and expenditure trends.
“This is the primary source of information on Namibia’s income and expenditure. It is instrumental in calculating poverty and inequality indicators and guiding national and regional development planning," Shimuafeni said.
The survey, which runs until 22 April 2026, is conducted every five years, Shimuafeni said and allows the NSA to understand household income and expenditure patterns and monitor conditions of poverty and inequality in Namibia.
Unlike the nationwide Population and Housing Census, the NHIES is sample-based. “Only selected households, chosen through probability sampling, will participate,” Shimuafeni said. He added that the initial start date of March was shifted to 28 April to ensure readiness and operational efficiency.
Preparations for the survey have been extensive. The NSA successfully conducted a pilot in eight regions last year to test readiness. This was followed by training of enumerators.
All enumerators signed the Oath of Secrecy, a measure that underscores the NSA’s commitment to confidentiality. “We are bound by the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2011 to keep all information strictly confidential,” said Shimuafeni. “Namibians can trust us with their data.”
From 28 April, enumerators will begin household visits, equipping selected participants with Daily Record Books (DRB) to document all income and spending for 14 days. “This includes every cent spent and every dollar earned,” he said. “Our staff will assist households to ensure accurate and clear records.”
Public awareness efforts will run alongside data collection. “We’ll engage mass media and target communities to ensure people understand what NHIES is, why it matters, and how they can contribute,” he added.
NSA statistician general Alex Shimaufeni described the NHIES as significant in building a database related to Namibia's income and expenditure trends.
“This is the primary source of information on Namibia’s income and expenditure. It is instrumental in calculating poverty and inequality indicators and guiding national and regional development planning," Shimuafeni said.
The survey, which runs until 22 April 2026, is conducted every five years, Shimuafeni said and allows the NSA to understand household income and expenditure patterns and monitor conditions of poverty and inequality in Namibia.
Unlike the nationwide Population and Housing Census, the NHIES is sample-based. “Only selected households, chosen through probability sampling, will participate,” Shimuafeni said. He added that the initial start date of March was shifted to 28 April to ensure readiness and operational efficiency.
Preparations for the survey have been extensive. The NSA successfully conducted a pilot in eight regions last year to test readiness. This was followed by training of enumerators.
All enumerators signed the Oath of Secrecy, a measure that underscores the NSA’s commitment to confidentiality. “We are bound by the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2011 to keep all information strictly confidential,” said Shimuafeni. “Namibians can trust us with their data.”
From 28 April, enumerators will begin household visits, equipping selected participants with Daily Record Books (DRB) to document all income and spending for 14 days. “This includes every cent spent and every dollar earned,” he said. “Our staff will assist households to ensure accurate and clear records.”
Public awareness efforts will run alongside data collection. “We’ll engage mass media and target communities to ensure people understand what NHIES is, why it matters, and how they can contribute,” he added.
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