Windhoek: The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has addressed public concerns about the new N.dollar 1 coin, urging citizens to focus on its intended message of economic resilience and unity, rather than misinterpreting its symbolism.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the bank released a statement on Sunday responding to social media commentary and public debate surrounding the coin’s design and its unofficial nickname, the ‘Outere Dollar.’ This term, rooted in Khoekhoegowab, loosely translates to ‘give me.’ The BoN clarified that while the phrase has gained traction online, it does not reflect the bank’s original message.

The bank explained that the N.dollar 1 coin was designed to honor Namibia’s retail sector, a crucial component of the national economy that empowers local businesses, supports households, and fosters entrepreneurship. The imagery of two hands exchanging coins symbolizes trade and mutual interaction, celebrating resilience, agency, and economic inclusion.

The BoN further clarified that its prior mention of the colloquial term in public awareness campaigns was not an endorsement but an effort to acknowledge the conversation and dispel any misperceptions that the coin depicts begging or dependency. The aim was to shift the conversation toward what the coin truly represents: dignified exchange, vibrant commerce, and shared economic progress.

The bank emphasized that it had no intention of using the design or associated language in a culturally offensive or divisive manner.