Windhoek: The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has emphasized the need for Namibia to deepen its capital markets to effectively channel savings into productive investments, infrastructure, and wealth creation.According to Namibia Press Agency, Namfisa stated in a media release that while Namibia's financial environment has been traditionally dominated by banking, the role of capital markets is becoming increasingly significant for economic growth, infrastructure financing, and wealth creation. The pressing challenge for the country lies not in a shortage of capital but in the creation of domestic investment opportunities to absorb the available savings.Namfisa highlighted that deep and liquid capital markets could reduce Namibia's reliance on foreign borrowing, support infrastructure financing, enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and growing businesses to access capital, and promote financial inclusion and citizen participation in wealth creation. Furthermore, these ma rkets could enhance economic resilience through diversification.The broader capital market ecosystem in Namibia is valued at approximately N$338.2 billion, while the non-bank financial sector has grown to over N$552.8 billion in assets. By the end of 2025, collective investment schemes managed around N$123.4 billion in assets, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year, with 56.5% of those assets invested domestically.Namfisa pointed out that capital markets serve as a crucial bridge between savers and entities, including businesses and governments, seeking long-term funding through equities, bonds, collective investment schemes, unit trusts, and other investments. Recent reforms, such as the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA) and the Financial Sector Transformation Strategy 2025-2035, aim to modernize the financial sector and bolster investor confidence.An important milestone identified by Namfisa is the anticipated approval of Namibia's Central Securities Depository in 2024, which is e xpected to improve settlement efficiency and liquidity. To unlock the next phase of capital market growth, Namfisa outlined four priorities: increasing the supply of investable assets, expanding investor education, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening financial inclusion.Namfisa also suggested that more companies should consider listing on the Namibia Securities Exchange. Additionally, the government and state-owned enterprises could leverage bond markets to finance infrastructure projects and provide funding for SMEs and start-ups. Capital markets, Namfisa asserted, are not just financial infrastructure but also national development infrastructure.The authority concluded by suggesting that digital market infrastructure could enhance access to investing and financial literacy for the broader Namibian economy.