Namibian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Affirmative Repositioning

The Namibian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has engaged with the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement primarily regarding a petition by AR to regulate or prohibit foreign ownership of land in Namibia.
Key Interactions and Issues
• Public Hearings: The Committee held several public hearings in 2022 to gather input from various stakeholders, including government ministries (such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform) and other organisations, on the AR's petition.
• AR's Demands: The AR movement demands legislation that would regulate or entirely prohibit foreign nationals from owning land in Namibia, arguing that this is necessary to address historical land imbalances and ensure land ownership for previously disadvantaged Namibians.
• Ministry's Stance: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform expressed that it did not fully agree with the AR's specific proposals, noting that many related issues were already being addressed in a new land bill under consideration in Parliament.
• Committee's Role: The Committee's function is to monitor, inquire into, and make recommendations to the National Assembly on matters affecting natural resources and public administration, which includes land-related issues. They have a mandate to ensure the fair distribution and sustainable utilisation of resources for all Namibians.
• Recent Developments: In late 2025, a new Land Bill was on the National Assembly's Order Paper for debate, which is likely a continuation of these ongoing discussions around land reform and ownership. The AR movement has since formalised itself as a political party to pursue its objectives within the parliamentary system.
The engagement highlights a significant and ongoing national debate about land reform, resource management, and social equity in Namibia