Namibia celebrates 36 years of independence

Is the 'Green Market' taking place this coming Saturday? Is the bank open? Questions like these are frequently heard these days in Windhoek. The reason: On Saturday, 21 March 2026, Namibia celebrates its 36th anniversary of independence.

Therefore, the answer to the second question is: No. Banks and many shops will remain closed. Supermarkets, however, will be open, and the 'Green Market' (in Klein-Windhoek) will take place as usual on Saturday mornings.

This year's Independence Day motto is "Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future." Unlike previous years, there will not be a central celebration organised on a rotating basis by one of Namibia's 14 regions. Instead, each region will host its own official celebration.

Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will receive dignitaries and the diplomatic corps at the State House in Windhoek. The celebration for Khomas Region and the capital will take place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura. The celebrations are already underway today with "NamFest@36" for young people in the city center.

Namibia tourists should therefore expect road closures and events in Windhoek. The same applies to the regional capitals such as Keetmanshoop and Mariental, Swakopmund, Gobabis and Otjiwarongo, Opuwo, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.

However, the joy of Namibia's 36th birthday is somewhat dampened this year: it falls on a Saturday. Any other day of the week would have meant a day off or even a long weekend. In Namibia, public holidays that fall on a Sunday are celebrated on Monday.

Official logo for Namibia's Independence Day 2026. Source: Namibia's Ministry of Information