Windhoek: The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has said its 2025 Consumer Protection Month campaign went beyond raising awareness to inspiring behavioural change among Namibian consumers. Speaking to Nampa in a recent interview, Namfisa consumer education specialist, Junias Erasmus, said this year's campaign took place in October under the theme 'Know Your Rights, Secure Your Future.' He said the campaign has delivered tangible results, with more consumers now applying sound financial practices in their daily lives.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during regional visits, Namfisa observed that people are now reading and questioning contract terms before signing, verifying the legitimacy of service providers, and avoiding the sharing of their ATM cards or PINs. Erasmus stated that these are clear signs that the campaign's lessons are translating into responsible financial behaviour. Namfisa also focused on specific groups, including members of the Namibian Defence Force, to address issues such as unregulated lending and high-interest borrowing.
Erasmus added that engaging uniformed personnel provided a platform for open discussions on debt management, responsible borrowing, and the prevention of financial fraud. During regional and workplace visits, consumers raised concerns about misleading advertising, hidden fees, and delays in complaint resolution. This feedback will guide Namfisa in refining future outreach and strengthening its consumer protection strategies.
To combat unethical practices, Namfisa continues to monitor regulated entities and issue guidance to promote transparency and fair treatment of consumers. The authority also highlighted the success of its local-language radio programmes, which have proven effective in reaching rural audiences. 'Listeners appreciated learning in their own languages and actively participated through call-ins and questions,' Erasmus explained.
He added that Namfisa's website now includes a vernacular section offering financial education materials in local languages, with plans to expand to more dialects and cover topics such as digital payments and insurance awareness. Erasmus revealed that consumer engagement has grown significantly, with more people lodging complaints and demanding fair treatment from financial service providers.
Looking ahead, Namfisa plans to intensify regional outreach, strengthen collaborations with community leaders, and expand its digital initiatives to address emerging issues, including cyber safety, online fraud, and responsible borrowing.